How to organise a squash tournament

A squash tournament runs smoothly when you settle the competition format before inviting players. Start by booking enough courts and a cafeteria, then collect registrations, dietary requirements and payments in one place. Once entries close, create the draw, schedule matches and assign referees and volunteers. In the final week, check rackets, balls, goggles and scoreboards, order prizes, and prepare printed schedules. On the day, a staffed reception desk and clearly posted match times prevent most delays.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve squash courts
2
Reserve the cafeteria
3
Determine the tournament setup
2 people
4
Create a registration form
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Confirm participants and payment
9
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
10
Send the competition rules
11
Assign referees
12
Assign volunteers
13
Order prizes and medals
14
Check sports equipment
2 people
15
Do the shopping
2 people
16
Collect prizes and medals
17
Print schedules and forms
18
Set out balls and rackets
2 people
19
Charge tablets and phones
20
Prepare name badges
2 people

Event

21
Open venue
2 people
22
Check lanes and changing rooms
2 people
23
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
24
Set up the reception desk
2 people
25
Hang up match schedules
26
Place scoreboards
2 people
27
Chill drinks
2 people
28
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
29
Register participants
3 people
30
Check Entry Fees and Forms
31
Explain the game rules
32
Lead a short warm-up
33
Manage preliminary rounds
4 people
34
Process results
2 people
35
Announce matches
36
Refill drinks
2 people
37
Serve snacks and lunch
3 people
38
Collect used dishes
2 people
39
Guide the semifinals
4 people
40
Serve soup and bread
3 people
41
Lead the final
3 people
42
Hold the awards ceremony
2 people
43
Take group photo
44
Collect lost property
45
Collect sports equipment
2 people
46
Close the cafeteria
2 people

Aftercare

47
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
48
Clean the Tracks and Changing Rooms
3 people
49
Collect and take away waste
2 people
50
Wash dishes
3 people
51
Return venue keys
52
Return rented materials
2 people
53
Publish results
54
Thank participants
55
Share tournament photos

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Serving traysqty 6
Soup ladlesqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Soup kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 4

Sports equipment

Squash racketsqty 8
Squash ballsqty 40
Safety gogglesqty 20
Training bibsqty 32
Scoreboardsqty 6
Spare gripsqty 12

Equipment

Laptop
Tabletqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Office

Clipboardsqty 8
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Markersqty 6
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3
Name badgesqty 50

Decorations

Tournament bannerqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Safety

First aid kit
Cool packsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Choose the tournament format before opening registration. State the number of players, match format, start time and expected finish time so you can estimate court capacity and avoid overbooking.
Close registrations early enough to make the draw properly. Allow at least 3–5 days between the registration deadline and the tournament for payment checks, dietary information and the final match schedule.
Build recovery time into the schedule. Leave around 10–15 minutes between matches for players to leave the court, update the scoreboard and call the next players.
Check equipment before the venue opens, not when the first match starts. Count the squash balls, rackets, safety goggles and scoreboards, and keep spare grips available for damaged handles.
Prepare the cafeteria alongside the sports areas. Set up tables, chairs, cups and serving equipment before play begins, and charge the laptop, tablet and phones used for reception and results.

Frequently asked questions

How many squash courts do I need for a tournament?: That depends on the number of matches and the match length. As a starting point, schedule one court for each match running at a time and allow 10–15 minutes between matches for changeover and scoring.
When should I close registration for a squash tournament?: Close registration at least 3–5 days before the event. This gives you time to confirm payments, collect dietary requirements, make the draw and send the final competition rules.
How far in advance should I book squash courts?: Book the courts and cafeteria as soon as you know the likely player count, preferably several weeks before the tournament. Confirm the booking again 7 days before the event, including access time and changing-room availability.
How do I make a squash tournament schedule?: First list the confirmed participants and determine the tournament format. Then assign each match to a court, add 10–15-minute changeover periods, and publish the final schedule once referees and volunteers have been assigned.

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.