How to organise an axe-throwing tournament

An axe-throwing tournament needs more than a group booking. You need enough lanes for the format, a reliable match schedule, clear safety rules and a way to record every score. Start by confirming the venue and lane availability, then collect registrations before assigning teams. On the day, leave time to inspect targets, install safety nets, mark throwing lines and explain the rules before the first match. Food, drinks and transport details are easy to leave until the last minute, so set firm deadlines for each.

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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
Reserve venue
2
Reserve axe throwing lanes
3
Draft invitation
4
Send invitations
5
Process registrations
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Share transport and route
8
Create final guest list
9
Create teams and the match schedule
2 people
10
Confirm the catering menu
2 people
11
Confirm reservations
12
Check the axes and targets
2 people
13
Print the competition rules
14
Prepare scorecards
15
Prepare name badges
16
Do the shopping
2 people
17
Collect materials
2 people
18
Wash fruits and vegetables
2 people
19
Prepare sandwiches and salads
3 people
20
Chill drinks
2 people
21
Pick up the venue key
22
Build axe throwing lanes
4 people
23
Install safety nets
3 people
24
Mark throwing lines
2 people
25
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
26
Set up the buffet and drinks table
3 people
27
Set up rules and scoreboards
2 people
28
Test music and lighting
2 people
29
Conduct a safety check
2 people

Event

30
Welcome guests
3 people
31
Register attendance
2 people
32
Give safety instructions
2 people
33
Assign teams
2 people
34
Lead practice rounds
4 people
35
Guide competition rounds
6 people
36
Keep track of scores
2 people
37
Serve snacks and food
3 people
38
Refill drinks
2 people
39
Collect waste
40
Lead the final
3 people
41
Announce the winner
42
Serve cake and the last round of drinks
2 people

Aftercare

43
Store axes safely
2 people
44
Dismantle competition materials
4 people
45
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
46
Wash dishes
3 people
47
Clean the venue
4 people
48
Take waste to the bins
2 people
49
Return borrowed items
2 people
50
Pay the final invoice
51
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Axesqty 12
Wooden goalsqty 6
Goal standsqty 6
Safety netsqty 2
Throw line markingqty 2
Scoreboardsqty 6
Whiteboard markersqty 12
Conesqty 12
Instruction boardsqty 6

Furniture

Buffet tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Coat rack

Tableware

Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Drinking glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Name badgesqty 30

Safety

First aid kit
Safety gogglesqty 12
Work glovesqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the venue and axe-throwing lanes before sending invitations. Confirm how many people each lane can handle and whether the venue provides axes, targets, safety equipment and an event host.
Close registrations at least 7 days before the tournament. Use the final guest list to create balanced teams and a match schedule, then share the transport route and start time with everyone.
Prepare the competition paperwork 2–3 days in advance. Print the rules, prepare scorecards, make name badges and keep spare markers available so scores are not tracked from memory.
Build and inspect the throwing area before guests arrive. Check the axes and targets, install safety nets, mark every throwing line and keep tables and chairs outside the safety zone.
Plan food around the competition rather than serving everything at once. Chill drinks before arrival, prepare sandwiches and salads ahead of time, and confirm dietary requirements before finalising the catering menu.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book an axe-throwing tournament?: Book the venue and lanes at least 4–6 weeks ahead, especially if you need several lanes at the same time. Confirm the reservation again 7 days before the event.
How many lanes do I need for an axe-throwing tournament?: The number depends on your guest count and match format, but plan the schedule around the venue’s lane capacity rather than simply dividing guests by lanes. Allow 10–15 minutes for safety instructions and practice before scoring matches begin.
When should I make the axe-throwing tournament schedule?: Create the team list and match schedule after registrations close, normally 5–7 days before the event. Print a copy for the organiser and display one near the scoreboards on the day.
What should I prepare before guests arrive?: Finish the safety setup, scorecards, name badges and seating before the first guest arrives. Allow at least 60–90 minutes for lane construction, safety-net checks, throw-line marking and a target inspection.

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