How to organise a korfball tournament from start to finish

A korfball tournament runs smoothly when the competition format, facilities and people are arranged in the right order. Start by confirming the date and venue, then secure teams, officials and the equipment needed for every court. Once entries are in, build the schedule around realistic match and changeover times. The details people often leave too late are parking information, dietary requirements, first aid cover, power access and keeping drinks cold.

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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
Confirm tournament date
2
Reserve the sports venue
3
Check permits
4
Invite teams
2 people
5
Send registration form
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Check contact details
9
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
10
Assign referees
2 people
11
Set competition rules
2 people
12
Make locker room reservations
13
Check power reservation
14
Calculate catering quantities
2 people
15
Make a shopping list
2 people
16
Recruit volunteers
2 people
17
Assign volunteers
2 people
18
Record emergency contact
19
Check the weather forecast
20
Send participant information
21
Send parking information
22
Order prizes
23
Check tournament materials
2 people
24
Do the shopping
3 people
25
Chill drinks
2 people
26
Pump up balls
2 people
27
Print competition forms
28
Prepare the volunteers briefing
29
Prepare the weather plan
2 people

Event

30
Open venue
2 people
31
Inspect the grounds
3 people
32
Mark out fields
4 people
33
Set up korfball posts
4 people
34
Prepare match balls
2 people
35
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
36
Set up party tents
4 people
37
Set up registration desk
2 people
38
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
39
Make coffee and tea
2 people
40
Test the PA system
2 people
41
Put up route signs
2 people
42
Brief the referees
2 people
43
Welcome the teams
4 people
44
Register teams
3 people
45
Open tournament
46
Supervise races
6 people
47
Record results
2 people
48
Announce the match schedule
49
Refill drinks
3 people
50
Serve snacks and sandwiches
3 people
51
Empty trash bins
2 people
52
Check changing rooms
2 people
53
Check final standings
2 people
54
Lead the final
4 people
55
Present prizes
2 people
56
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

57
Gather sports equipment
4 people
58
Take down korfball posts
4 people
59
Clear up the fields
4 people
60
Take down party tents
4 people
61
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
62
Wash dishes
3 people
63
Clean up catering
3 people
64
Clean the venue
4 people
65
Dispose of waste
2 people
66
Return borrowed items
2 people
67
Collect lost property
68
Publish results
69
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Korfball postsqty 8
Korfball hoopsqty 8
Korfballsqty 12
Ball pumpqty 2
Spare ballsqty 4
Field markingqty 2
Conesqty 40
Training bibsqty 40
Whistlesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 8
Spare polesqty 2

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Beer table setsqty 4
Changing room benchesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 4
Crowd control barriersqty 12

Equipment

Portable sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Scissorsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Team name signsqty 8
Directional signsqty 10
Information boardsqty 4

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Water jugsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cooler cratesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Trophiesqty 3
Medalsqty 40
Price listsqty 2
Cash register
Payment terminal
Cash box
Receipt rollsqty 3
Ice packsqty 20
Groceries

Tips

Confirm the venue before inviting teams, and check whether the booking includes changing rooms, power, parking and permission to use sound equipment. These practical limits can affect how many teams you accept.
Set an entry deadline at least two to three weeks before the tournament. Use the final list to check contact details, collect dietary requirements and create a schedule that includes court changes and short breaks.
Arrange referees and volunteers before publishing the fixture list. Give each volunteer a specific shift, such as registration, scoring, catering or equipment, rather than asking for general help on the day.
Check every court kit at least one week beforehand: posts, baskets, balls, a pump, reserve balls, cones, line marking, stopwatches and scoreboards. Inflate and label reserve balls so a damaged ball does not stop a match.
Send participants the schedule, arrival time, parking details and what to bring several days before the event. On the day, cool drinks early, test the microphones and sound system, and keep first-aid contact details at the registration table.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a korfball tournament?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Confirm the date and venue first, invite teams next, and set the final entry deadline around 2 to 3 weeks before the tournament.
How many referees do I need for a korfball tournament?: Plan for one referee per match running at the same time, plus at least 1 or 2 reserves for breaks, delays or absence. Add a named timekeeper or scorer for every active court.
When should I create the korfball tournament schedule?: Create a draft as soon as you know the likely number of teams, then finalise it 7 to 10 days before the event. Leave time for team withdrawals and include realistic changeover breaks between matches.
What should I check the day before a korfball tournament?: Check the weather, venue access, power, changing rooms, court equipment, first-aid arrangements and volunteer contacts the day before. Chill drinks and prepare registration materials early enough that setup is not competing with team arrival.

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