How to organise a lacrosse tournament

A lacrosse tournament runs smoothly when the competition format, field plan and match schedule are fixed before teams arrive. Start by choosing the date and field, then invite teams, collect registrations and confirm referees. In the final week, publish parking details, check dietary requirements and print the schedule. On the day, allow time for field markings, goals, registration, the score table, catering and a test of the PA system before the first match.

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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 and field
2
Determine the competition setup
2 people
3
Invite teams
2 people
4
Publish registration form
5
Process registrations
2 people
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Confirm referees
8
Record emergency contact
9
Send parking information
10
Create the match schedule
2 people
11
Confirm team schedule
12
Print the match schedule
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Chill drinks
2 people
15
Check the first aid kit
16
Check the field and locker rooms
2 people
17
Check the field lines
2 people
18
Set up goals
4 people
19
Mark out the competition field
3 people
20
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
21
Set up registration desk
2 people
22
Set up catering point
3 people
23
Set up the score table
2 people
24
Test PA and music
2 people

Event

25
Register teams
3 people
26
Explain the opening and rules
2 people
27
Supervise races
6 people
28
Track scores and standings
2 people
29
Refill drinks
2 people
30
Serve snacks and meals
3 people
31
Provide coffee and tea
2 people
32
Record injuries
33
Lead the final
4 people
34
Handle prize ceremony
3 people

Aftercare

35
Collect waste
4 people
36
Gather sports equipment
4 people
37
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
38
Clean dishes and kitchen
3 people
39
Clean the field and locker rooms
4 people
40
Clear away scoring and registration materials
2 people
41
Inventory remaining stock
2 people
42
Return borrowed materials
2 people

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Lacrosse sticksqty 24
Spare lacrosse sticksqty 6
Lacrosse ballsqty 60
Lacrosse goalsqty 2
Training bibsqty 30
Conesqty 30
Field marking tapeqty 4
Whistlesqty 6
Game clocksqty 2
Scoreboardsqty 2
Reserve netsqty 2
Ball bucketsqty 4
Cool Bags for Iceqty 2
Training laddersqty 2
Sports bagsqty 4

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Portable sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 60

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Tournament bannersqty 6
Directional signsqty 8

Office

Clipboardsqty 8
Pensqty 30
Printer paperqty 2
Name stickersqty 120
Wristbandsqty 200
Prizes and medalsqty 30

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Safety vestsqty 8

Cleaning

Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the competition format before opening registration. Decide how many teams can enter, how matches progress and how much time you need between games; otherwise the schedule will keep changing after teams register.
Confirm referees and emergency contacts before publishing the final schedule. A missing referee or incomplete contact record is much harder to solve once teams are travelling to the field.
Build the match schedule around realistic changeover time. Include time for teams to leave the field, reset goals and balls, record the score and get the next game started rather than scheduling matches back-to-back.
Do the shopping and chill drinks before tournament morning. The catering point also needs its tables, reusable cups, plates, cutlery, coffee machines and kettles ready before registration becomes busy.
Inspect the field and equipment in a fixed order on the morning itself: check lines, mark the competition area, set up goals, test the score table and check the first aid kit before registering teams.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a lacrosse tournament?: Set the date and field several months ahead, then open registration early enough to give teams a clear deadline. Confirm referees, dietary requirements and emergency contacts no later than the final week.
How do you make a lacrosse tournament schedule?: Start with the competition format, number of teams and available fields. Add the match length, changeover time and any breaks, then send the finished schedule to teams before printing copies for the score table and registration desk.
What should I check on the lacrosse field before the tournament?: Allow at least 60 minutes before the first match to check the field, locker rooms and field lines. Mark the competition field, set up both goals and keep spare nets, balls, cones and sticks accessible.
When should teams register on tournament day?: Open the registration desk at least 45 minutes before the first match. Use that time to confirm team details, answer schedule questions and direct players to parking, changing areas and the field.

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