How to organise a korfball tournament from start to finish

A successful korfball tournament depends on fixing the practical details in the right order. Start by securing the tournament date, sports ground and changing rooms, then confirm referees and recruit enough volunteers. Once registrations close, build a realistic match schedule, confirm every team and publish clear participant information. The final week is for checking equipment, printing match paperwork, arranging catering and preparing prizes—rather than solving avoidable gaps on the day.

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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 field
3
Reserve changing rooms
4
Book referees
2 people
5
Recruit volunteers
2 people
6
Draw up tournament rules
2 people
7
Create the match schedule
2 people
8
Send invitations
2 people
9
Open registrations
10
Post promotion on social media
11
Process registrations
2 people
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Confirm teams
2 people
14
Publish the match schedule
15
Order catering
2 people
16
Order prizes
17
Check the weather forecast
18
Send participant information
2 people
19
Check the shopping list
2 people
20
Do the shopping
3 people
21
Collect prizes and medals
22
Check sports equipment
2 people
23
Print competition forms
24
Print team assignments
25
Prepare catering
3 people
26
Chill drinks
2 people
27
Set up the coffee and tea station
2 people
28
Inspect the sports field
2 people
29
Check the field lines
2 people
30
Set up korfball posts
4 people
31
Attach korfball baskets
4 people
32
Prepare match balls
2 people
33
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
34
Set up tent and shade areas
4 people
35
Set up the registration table
2 people
36
Set up score tables
3 people
37
Test sound system
2 people
38
Hang up signage
2 people
39
Display prizes
2 people
40
Prepare first aid supplies
41
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

42
Welcome the teams
4 people
43
Register teams
3 people
44
Hand out balls and shirts
2 people
45
Give the opening briefing
2 people
46
Supervise races
8 people
47
Record scores
3 people
48
Announce match times
49
Serve drinks
3 people
50
Refill drinks
2 people
51
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
52
Restock snacks and sandwiches
2 people
53
Empty trash bins
2 people
54
Check changing rooms
55
Update results
2 people
56
Announce finalists
57
Lead the final
4 people
58
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
59
Give farewell speech and thanks

Aftercare

60
Gather competition materials
4 people
61
Dismantle korfball posts
4 people
62
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
63
Take down tent and signage
4 people
64
Wash dishes
3 people
65
Empty and clean coolers
2 people
66
Clean the grounds
4 people
67
Leave the changing rooms clean
2 people
68
Dispose of waste
2 people
69
Pack up the sound system
2 people
70
Return borrowed materials
2 people
71
Store leftover stock
2 people
72
Register lost and found items
73
Send results to teams

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Korfball postsqty 8
Korfball hoopsqty 8
Korfballsqty 12
Spare ballsqty 4
Conesqty 40
Marker discsqty 30
Whistlesqty 10
Scoreboardsqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Team bibsqty 48
Ball netsqty 4
Pumpqty 2
Needles for pumpqty 10
Measuring tapeqty 2
Field marking chalkqty 4

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 6
Coat racksqty 2
Changing room benchesqty 8

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Rechargeable lampsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Handheld megaphone
First aid kitsqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Clipboardsqty 6
Pen setsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving spoonsqty 8
Small bowlsqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Ice packsqty 24
Cutting matsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Team name signsqty 16
Route arrowsqty 12
Stage ribbon

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Trash grabbersqty 4
Broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Paper towel dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the sports ground and changing rooms before opening registrations, and confirm how many pitches and changing areas are available for your expected teams.
Set a firm registration deadline and publish the tournament rules with the invitation. After registrations close, confirm teams, collect dietary requirements and only then finalise the match schedule.
Build the schedule around real changeover time, referee availability and breaks. Publish the final schedule several days before the tournament so teams can plan their arrival.
Check every piece of sports equipment at least one day beforehand, including balls, reserve balls, pumps with spare needles, scoreboards, stopwatches and whistles. Do not assume the venue supplies them.
Prepare a weather decision and send participant information before the event. On the final day, keep printed team lists and match forms at the registration desk, with volunteers assigned to scoring, catering and announcements.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a korfball tournament?: Book the date, sports ground and changing rooms at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Confirm referees and start team registrations soon after, leaving the final 2 weeks for scheduling and logistics.
How do I make a korfball tournament schedule?: First confirm the number of teams, available pitches, match length and breaks. Create the schedule after registrations close, then publish it at least 3 to 5 days before the tournament.
How many volunteers do I need for a korfball tournament?: Plan for at least 1 coordinator, 1 person at registration, 1 scorer or timekeeper per active pitch and separate help for catering and equipment. Add extra volunteers when several matches run at the same time.
What should I check the day before a korfball tournament?: Check the weather, sports equipment, pitch markings, sound system, tables and catering supplies. Print team lists and match forms, collect prizes and confirm volunteer and referee arrival times by the previous evening.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.