How to organise a padel tournament

A padel tournament runs smoothly when the competition format, court capacity and player numbers are fixed before registration opens. Start by booking the courts, setting the rules and building a registration process that records payments and dietary requirements. Then prepare the draw, volunteers, referees, prizes and catering around the final participant list. This plan covers the practical details that are easy to leave until the last week, including printed schedules, scoreboards, power access and a first-aid contact.

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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
Reserve padel courts
3
Determine the tournament format
2 people
4
Secure prize money
2 people
5
Create a registration form
6
Send invitations
2 people
7
Distribute promotional poster
2 people
8
Process registrations
9
Collect dietary requirements
10
Check payments
11
Update participant list
12
Compile the waiting list
13
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
14
Confirm the course layout
15
Draw up the competition rules
2 people
16
Print game rules
17
Print the match schedule
18
Order prizes
19
Assign volunteers
2 people
20
Assign referees
2 people
21
Arrange first aid contact
22
Calculate catering quantities
2 people
23
Check the shopping list
2 people
24
Do the shopping
3 people
25
Collect prizes
26
Chill drinks
2 people
27
Confirm participants again
28
Check the weather forecast
29
Prepare bad weather plan
2 people

Event

30
Open venue
2 people
31
Check balls and rackets
2 people
32
Set up tournament desk
3 people
33
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
34
Build party tents
4 people
35
Set up the buffet
3 people
36
Set up the drinks station
2 people
37
Hang decorations
2 people
38
Place lane markers
2 people
39
Set out play balls for each lane
2 people
40
Test the registration desk
2 people
41
Test music and microphone
2 people
42
Prepare snacks
3 people
43
Register participants
3 people
44
Register the deposit and loan rackets
45
Give the opening briefing
2 people
46
Supervise the first matches
4 people
47
Record race results
2 people
48
Announce the new rounds
49
Refill drinks
2 people
50
Serve snacks
2 people
51
Empty trash bins
2 people
52
Replace balls
2 people
53
Record injuries and incidents
54
Restock break snacks
2 people
55
Announce finalists
56
Lead the final
3 people
57
Announce the winners
2 people
58
Present prizes
2 people
59
Handle loaner rackets and deposits
2 people
60
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

61
Store leftovers safely
2 people
62
Tear down the buffet
3 people
63
Dismantle the drink station
2 people
64
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
65
Take down party tents
4 people
66
Collect waste
3 people
67
Wash dishes
2 people
68
Clean the venue
3 people
69
Collect track equipment
2 people
70
Register lost and found items
71
Return materials
2 people
72
Empty and clean coolers
2 people
73
Count inventory
74
Publish results
75
Thank participants
76
Pay out prize money

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 48
Bar tableqty 2
Tableclothqty 8
Clothing rack

Sports equipment

Padel racketsqty 16
Padel ballsqty 48
Ball basketsqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 8
Training bibsqty 16
Conesqty 20
Athletic tapeqty 6
Towelsqty 24

Equipment

Laptop
Tabletqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Power banksqty 4
Charging cablesqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Handheld megaphone

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Water jugsqty 8

Decorations

Course signsqty 8
Match schedulesqty 8
Welcome sign
Balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 4
Name stickersqty 80
Markersqty 12

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Bread basketsqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the padel courts before sending invitations, then choose a format that fits the available court time. Leave a buffer between rounds for changeovers, delays and explaining the rules.
Close registration with enough time to check payments, dietary requirements and withdrawals. Keep a waiting list and publish the final participant list before drawing the match schedule.
Print the rules and match schedule as well as keeping digital copies on a laptop or tablet. Prepare at least one visible scoreboard per playing area so players do not have to find an organiser after every match.
Assign volunteers and referees by duty and time slot, rather than giving everyone a general role. Name one first-aid contact and make sure the tournament team knows how to reach them before the first match.
Calculate catering from the confirmed number of players and helpers, then check the shopping list before buying. Charge the speaker, microphone, tablet and power banks, and bring extension cords and power strips for the registration and announcements area.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book padel courts for a tournament?: Book the courts as soon as you have a target date and estimated player count, preferably at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. You need the confirmed court hours before choosing the tournament format and opening registration.
How many players do I need for a padel tournament?: There is no single required number, but plan around multiples of four when players compete in pairs. Set the registration limit from the number of courts and available hours, then keep a waiting list for cancellations.
When should I create the padel tournament schedule?: Prepare a draft schedule after registration closes and payments are checked, usually 7 to 10 days before the event. Finalise it once withdrawals are resolved, then print copies for organisers and players.
What should I prepare the day before a padel tournament?: Collect the prizes, check rackets, balls, scoreboards and printed rules, and charge all electronic equipment the day before. Also confirm volunteers, referees, catering quantities and the first-aid contact at that point.

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.