Your jeu-de-boules tournament checklist

A successful jeu-de-boules tournament depends on more than reserving the courts. You need a clear deadline for entries, a workable team and match schedule, enough measuring and scoring equipment, and a plan for food, drinks and changing weather. Use this checklist to work backwards from the tournament date. It also covers the details people often leave too late, such as printing score sheets, testing the sound system and briefing volunteers.

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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

Set tournament date and location
2 people
Reserve the pétanque courts
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Close the participant list
Create teams and the match schedule
2 people
Order prizes and medals
Check the weather forecast
Send participant information
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Print competition forms
Set out prizes and materials
2 people
Check the site and lanes
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up party tents
4 people
Set out competition equipment
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up bar and buffet
3 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Test sound system
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Handle registration and payment
2 people
Explain the tournament rules
Supervise the first round
4 people
Process results
2 people
Serve drinks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks and sandwiches
3 people
Supervise the second round
4 people
Manage breaks and lane changes
2 people
Support the third round
4 people
Assist with the finals
3 people
Check the final results
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
2 people
Serve the final drinks round
2 people

Aftercare

Collect tableware and glasses
3 people
Sort and remove waste
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Clean the lanes and grounds
3 people
Clean the kitchen and bar
3 people
Count and pack materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Store leftover stock

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Folding tableqty 6
Chairqty 60
Bar stoolqty 6
Waste binqty 6

Sports equipment

Boules setqty 12
Goal ballsqty 12
Measuring tapeqty 4
Scoreboardqty 6
Conesqty 12
Course markingqty 12
Reserve boulesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassqty 80
Coffee cupqty 50
Plateqty 80
Cutlery setqty 80
Serving platterqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettleqty 2
Cool boxqty 4
Ice cube trayqty 2
Cutting boardqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Pliersqty 6

Equipment

Portable sound system
Microphone
Extension cordqty 3
Power stripqty 3
Phone chargerqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Table runnerqty 6
Trophiesqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Dishwashing tubqty 2
Spongeqty 6
Tea towelqty 12
Soap dispenserqty 3
Broomqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Close registrations early enough to build the teams and match schedule without rushing. Send the final participant information after the list is closed, including arrival time, playing format, location and what happens if the weather changes.
Count equipment for every court, not just for the whole tournament. Have a measuring tape, target balls, scorekeeping supplies and at least one spare set of boules available so one missing item does not stop a match.
Check the weather forecast several times during the final week and again on the event morning. Set up the marquees, tables and chairs with enough time to secure them before participants arrive, rather than treating shelter as a last-minute job.
Prepare the registration table before the first guests arrive. Keep the final participant list, team assignments, printed match forms, pens and any spare boules together so volunteers can handle check-in without searching for supplies.
Chill drinks and prepare snacks before the playing schedule begins. Provide clearly marked options for collected dietary requirements, and test the portable sound system, microphone, extension leads and power strip before announcements are needed.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a jeu-de-boules tournament?: Fix the date, location and courts at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Send invitations soon after, then close entries early enough to create teams and the match schedule at least 7 days before the tournament.
How many boules sets do I need for a tournament?: Plan for one usable set per active court, plus at least 1 complete spare set for the event. Check the number and condition of the boules before the day, because replacing missing equipment on the morning is difficult.
When should I send the final tournament information?: Send it 3 to 5 days before the event, once the participant list, teams and schedule are final. Include the arrival time, court location, playing order, food information and a weather contingency.
How early should I set up a jeu-de-boules tournament?: Start the physical setup at least 2 hours before the first participants arrive. This allows time to check the courts, mark the playing areas, arrange tables and chairs, prepare registration and test the sound system.

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