Judo tournament checklist from planning to final match

A judo tournament depends on a clear sequence: secure the sports hall, define categories and rules, then build the schedule from confirmed registrations. Officials, table staff and first aid support need booking before invitations go out. In the final week, check every competitor, print starting lists and score sheets, prepare signs and brief the staff. On the day, allow enough time to lay out the mats, test scoreboards and open registration before the first match.

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

Set tournament date
2 people
Reserve the sports hall
Set the competition rules
2 people
Determine race categories
2 people
Book referees
Book table service
Arrange First Aid Staff
Send invitations
2 people
Publish registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Send transportation information
Check participant list
2 people
Create the match schedule
2 people
Assign groups
2 people
Print the starting lists
Print score sheets
Prepare route signs
Create staff briefing
Distribute staff assignments
Collect prizes
Do the shopping
2 people
Check sports equipment
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Open the sports hall
2 people
Inspect the tatami
3 people
Lay tatami mats
8 people
Set Up Competition Tables
4 people
Install scoreboards
3 people
Check power supply
2 people
Set up the grandstand
5 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up the catering table
3 people
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
Hang signs
2 people
Display prizes
Hold referee briefing
5 people
Hold a volunteer briefing
8 people

Event

Receive participants
4 people
Register participants
3 people
Check weights
3 people
Hand out competition cards
2 people
Give the opening speech
Lead the warm-up
2 people
Supervise races
8 people
Record scores
4 people
Update race schedule
2 people
Escort Participants to the Mat
2 people
Inform the audience
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill coffee and tea
2 people
Restock snacks
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check the tatami in between
2 people
Announce break
Announce finalists
Assist with the finals
6 people
Handle prize ceremony
4 people
Give a thank-you speech
See participants off
3 people
Collect lost property

Aftercare

Catering breakdown
3 people
Put furniture back
6 people
Turn off the scoreboards
2 people
Clear away tatami
8 people
Collect waste
4 people
Clean the sports hall
4 people
Check toilets
2 people
Check inventory
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Clear away leftover catering
2 people
Publish results
Inform participants about the results
Return lost property

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Judo matsqty 80
Bed edge markingqty 4
Red competition bandsqty 20
White competition bandsqty 20
Judo scoreboardsqty 4
Stopwatchqty 6
Whistlesqty 6
Competition tablesqty 4
Competition chairsqty 16
Scaleqty 2
Judo helmetsqty 2
Training bibsqty 12
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Clipboardsqty 8
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Score sheetsqty 250
Match cardsqty 150

Furniture

Registration tablesqty 2
Catering tablesqty 4
Audience chairsqty 120
Folding chairsqty 20
Clothes racksqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Mobile phoneqty 2
Megaphone
First aid kit
Coolersqty 4
Battery chargersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Tea glassesqty 40
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Drink dispensersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Ice packsqty 20
Bottle openersqty 3
Waste binsqty 8

Decorations

Bannersqty 4
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Stage signsqty 3
Medalsqty 60
Cupsqty 12
Certificatesqty 60

Cleaning

Mopqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Paper towel dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the tournament date and reserve the sports hall before publishing registration details. Confirm the available setup and opening time so the mat layout and registration area fit the schedule.
Close or review registrations early enough to assign groups and create the match schedule. Check names, categories, transport information and dietary requirements before printing starting lists.
Book referees, table service and first aid staff before sending invitations. You need coverage for every competition area and a clear replacement plan if someone cancels.
Prepare one working station per competition area with a scoreboard, stopwatch, whistle, pens, clipboards, match cards and score sheets. Print spare copies because last-minute changes are common.
Open the sports hall with enough setup time to place the judo mats, mark the bed edges, arrange tables and chairs, test the printer and connect extension cords safely. Keep route signs, barrier tape and a megaphone ready for arrivals and announcements.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a judo tournament?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before the event. Reserve the sports hall and officials first, then publish registration details once the rules, categories and competition format are fixed.
When should judo tournament registration close?: Close registration 7 to 10 days before the tournament if possible. This leaves time to verify the participant list, assign groups, create matches and print starting lists and score sheets.
How much time is needed to set up a judo tournament?: Allow at least 2 to 3 hours before the first match. The setup includes laying out the mats, checking edge marking and equipment, arranging tables, testing scoreboards and preparing registration.
What equipment is needed for a judo tournament?: Plan mats, bed edge marking, red and white competition bands, scoreboards, stopwatches, whistles, scales, score sheets and match cards. Also prepare tables, chairs, clipboards, pens, a printer, power supplies and a megaphone.

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.