How to organise a korfball tournament

Start by fixing the tournament date and reserving a suitable sports venue, then build the format around the number of teams and available courts. Open registration early enough to confirm teams, dietary needs and practical requirements before creating the schedule. The final week is about assigning referees and volunteers, checking equipment, ordering food and printing match documents. On the day, allow time to set up the courts, cool drinks and brief everyone before the first whistle.

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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 venue
3
Set up playing fields
4
Determine the tournament setup
2 people
5
Invite teams
2 people
6
Publish registration form
7
Process registrations
2 people
8
Collect dietary requirements
9
Check participant list
2 people
10
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
11
Assign referees
2 people
12
Assign volunteers
2 people
13
Send parking information
14
Send tournament information
15
Order prizes
16
Order groceries
17
Check material stock
2 people
18
Print competition forms
19
Print team assignments
20
Pick up groceries
2 people
21
Chill drinks
2 people
22
Prepare snacks
3 people
23
Assemble team bags
2 people
24
Wrap the prizes
25
Check the weather forecast

Event

26
Inspect the grounds
2 people
27
Arrange keys and access
28
Mark out fields
4 people
29
Set up korfball posts
4 people
30
Set up competition table
2 people
31
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
32
Set up the tent and shade areas
4 people
33
Hang up the information board
2 people
34
Test audio and microphone
2 people
35
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
36
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
37
Set up the reception table
2 people
38
Brief the referees
2 people
39
Brief volunteers
2 people
40
Welcome the teams
3 people
41
Register attendance
2 people
42
Hand out team bags
2 people
43
Announce the opening
44
Supervise races
4 people
45
Keep track of match scores
2 people
46
Hand out whistles and balls
47
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
48
Serve snacks
2 people
49
Refill drinks
2 people
50
Empty trash bins
2 people
51
Keep the rest area tidy
52
Announce finalists
53
Lead the final
3 people
54
Present prizes
2 people
55
See off guests and manage departure
3 people

Aftercare

56
Gather sports equipment
4 people
57
Dismantle korfball posts
4 people
58
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
59
Clean up the buffet and kitchen
3 people
60
Wash dishes
2 people
61
Collect waste
3 people
62
Clean changing rooms
2 people
63
Clean the restrooms
2 people
64
Leave the site clean
3 people
65
Return borrowed materials
2 people
66
Store leftover stock
2 people
67
Publish match results

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Korfball postsqty 4
Korfball hoopsqty 4
Korfballsqty 12
Training bibsqty 24
Marker discsqty 40
Conesqty 30
Referee whistlesqty 6
Ball bagsqty 4
Spare pumpsqty 2
Ball needlesqty 10
Cool bagsqty 2
Scoreboardsqty 4
Game clocksqty 4
Captain's armbandsqty 8
Spare shoelacesqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Cold packs setsqty 4
Athletic tapeqty 8
Elastic bandagesqty 8
Safety pinsqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Sound system
Wireless microphone
Megaphonesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Charging cablesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12
Food warmersqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Glovesqty 4
Ice packsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
Prize cupsqty 3
Medalsqty 24
Trophy
Gift vouchersqty 3

Decorations

Team table numbersqty 8
Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 10
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 8

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Work glovesqty 8
Pedal binsqty 6

Lighting

Battery lanternsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24

Tips

Set the tournament format before inviting teams. Decide how many pools, matches and courts you can run, then use those limits in the registration form so the schedule does not exceed the available time.
Close team registration at least 10 to 14 days before the tournament. Use the final list to check player details, dietary needs, team groupings and the number of referees and volunteers required.
Create the match schedule only after registrations are confirmed. Print one master schedule, team sheets and match forms, and keep digital copies on the laptop in case a paper is lost or a fixture changes.
Check all sports equipment during the week before the event, not on the morning itself. Count the korfball posts, baskets, balls, bibs, cones and marker discs, and test reserve pumps and ball needles before packing them.
Send parking and tournament information at least 5 days in advance. Include arrival time, venue access, court layout, what teams need to bring and who to contact if they are delayed.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a korfball tournament?: Fix the date and reserve the sports venue at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Open team registration soon after, and aim to confirm the final field and volunteer plan 10 to 14 days before the tournament.
How many referees and volunteers do I need for a korfball tournament?: Plan one referee for every match running at the same time, plus at least 2 people for registration, results and general coordination. Add one floating volunteer if you are using several courts or changing fixtures during the day.
When should I make the korfball tournament schedule?: Prepare a draft once registrations begin, but publish the final schedule only after registration closes. Send it to teams and officials 5 to 7 days before the tournament, then print spare copies for the venue.
How much food and drink should I prepare for a korfball tournament?: For the first hour, allow roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person, then plan about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Order snacks and lunch from the confirmed participant count, adding around 10% for officials, volunteers and last-minute arrivals.

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