How to organise a handball tournament

Start by fixing the tournament date and securing the sports hall before opening registration. Then build the match schedule around the number of teams, available courts and playing time, leaving room for breaks and delays. Confirm referees, judges, first-aid cover and volunteers well before match day. In the final week, publish the schedule, confirm every team, check equipment and prepare the paperwork, drinks and snacks.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Set tournament date
2 people
2
Reserve the sports hall
3
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
4
Send invitations
2 people
5
Open the registration form
6
Approach sponsors
2 people
7
Process registrations
2 people
8
Collect dietary requirements
9
Book referees
10
Assign judges
11
Arrange first aid coverage
12
Publish the match schedule
2 people
13
Send team confirmations
14
Order prizes
15
Check shirts and vests
2 people
16
Check sports equipment
2 people
17
Assign volunteers
2 people
18
Place catering order
2 people
19
Create a music playlist
20
Print the run sheet
21
Print team lists
22
Print score sheets
23
Do the shopping
3 people
24
Chill drinks
2 people
25
Prepare snacks
3 people
26
Assemble team bags
2 people
27
Prepare the prize table
2 people
28
Pick up venue keys
29
Open the sports hall
2 people
30
Check field floor
2 people
31
Check goals
2 people
32
Set up tables
4 people
33
Set out chairs
4 people
34
Set up judges' table
2 people
35
Place scoreboards
2 people
36
Tape off the field lines
2 people
37
Prepare match balls
2 people
38
Connect the PA system
2 people
39
Set up the catering table
3 people
40
Fill the drink coolers
2 people
41
Check changing rooms
2 people
42
Set up the registration desk
2 people
43
Hang up signage
2 people
44
Set out first aid supplies
45
Brief volunteers
3 people
46
Brief the referees
2 people

Event

47
Welcome the teams
3 people
48
Register teams
3 people
49
Check team documents
2 people
50
Announce the opening
51
Supervise races
4 people
52
Record scores
2 people
53
Announce the schedule
54
Keep swap fields ready
2 people
55
Refill drinks
2 people
56
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
57
Serve sandwiches
3 people
58
Refill snacks
2 people
59
Empty trash bins
2 people
60
Check toilets
61
Treat injuries
2 people
62
Lead the final
4 people
63
Present prizes
3 people
64
Deliver the closing speech
65
See off the last visitors
2 people

Aftercare

66
Gather sports equipment
4 people
67
Clear away scoreboards
2 people
68
Clear tables and chairs
5 people
69
Catering breakdown
3 people
70
Collect waste
3 people
71
Wash dishes
3 people
72
Clean the sports hall
4 people
73
Clean changing rooms
2 people
74
Inventory materials
2 people
75
Return borrowed materials
2 people
76
Check supplier invoices
77
Publish results
78
Send thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Changing room benchesqty 12
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Handballsqty 12
Training bibsqty 30
Spare goal netsqty 2
Conesqty 24
Field marking tapeqty 4
Whistlesqty 6
Competition bibsqty 16
Spare ball pumpqty 2
Clipboardsqty 6
Score sheetsqty 60
Pensqty 30
Team numbersqty 8

Equipment

Scoreboardsqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 4
PA system
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable lampsqty 4
Laptop
Printer

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Drink dispensersqty 3
Groceries

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pitchersqty 8
traysqty 6

Decorations

Team table signsqty 8
Welcome sign
Competition schedule board
Winner ribbonsqty 24
Tableclothsqty 8
Prize tablecloth

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Vacuum cleaner
Cleaning cart
First aid kitqty 2
Ice packsqty 12

Tips

Reserve the sports hall before sending invitations. Work backwards from the planned start time and allow at least 15 minutes between blocks for scorekeeping, team changes and unexpected delays.
Set a registration deadline at least 10 days before the tournament. Use the final team count to complete the match schedule, process dietary requirements and send team confirmations.
Book referees and arrange first-aid coverage no later than 3 weeks before the event. Assign judges and volunteers in writing, including who handles the scoreboards, score sheets and team lists.
Check handballs, training bibs, competition bibs, goal nets, cones, whistles and the spare ball pump at least 7 days in advance. Test the PA system, speakers, laptop, printer and extension cords before doors open.
Place the catering order several days ahead and chill drinks on the previous evening. Prepare a run sheet, printed score sheets, pens and team numbers so registration and court changes do not depend on one laptop.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a handball tournament?: Start 8 to 12 weeks before the tournament. Secure the sports hall first, then open registration; book referees and first-aid cover at least 3 weeks before match day.
How do I make a handball tournament schedule?: List the teams, courts and available hours, then add each match, changeover and break. Finish the first version at least 10 days before the event, and publish the confirmed schedule after registrations close.
When should handball tournament registration close?: Close registration about 10 days before the tournament. That gives you time to process entries, check dietary requirements, complete the draw and send team confirmations.
What should I check the day before a handball tournament?: Check the sports equipment, scoreboards, stopwatches, printed paperwork and power connections the day before. Chill drinks, prepare snacks and print spare score sheets so the first match can start on time.

Start this plan in Lizzt

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