What to buy for a squash tournament

A squash tournament needs more than rackets and balls. You will need equipment for scoring and timing, a clear registration setup, drinks and snacks between matches, and enough serving items for the buffet. Check what is already available at the venue before shopping, especially sports goggles, towels, extension cords and power strips. Buy or collect everything at least one day ahead, then chill drinks and prepare food before participants arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Registration desk
Buffet tablesqty 3
Dining tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 40
Clothing rack

Sports equipment

Squash racketsqty 20
Squash ballsqty 40
Sports gogglesqty 16
Scoreboardsqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Conesqty 12
Towelsqty 20
Prizesqty 3

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 2

Decorations

Tournament banner
Tableclothsqty 6
Name stickersqty 40
Wayfinding signsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Mop and bucket
Broom and dustpan
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Dishpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Sports drink - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Orange juice - 2 cartons
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Rice cakes - 3 packs
- Crackers - 3 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast spread - 500 grams
- Vegetarian spreads - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Mini wraps - 40 pieces
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Paper cups - 50 pieces

Tips

Plan one racket and at least one spare racket for every active court. Keep extra squash balls and sports goggles at the registration desk so missing equipment does not delay the first matches.
Prepare one scoreboard and one stopwatch for each court in use, plus cones for marking queues or warm-up areas. Test the stopwatches and print the tournament schedule before opening the venue.
For a two-hour tournament, allow roughly 1 to 1.5 litres of non-alcoholic drinks per participant, including water, coffee and other cold drinks. Chill them several hours before the first match and provide reusable glasses.
Buy snacks that can be eaten quickly between matches, and plan around any dietary requirements collected during registration. Put serving platters, tongs, plates, cutlery and bottle openers out before the buffet opens.
Set aside prizes, the laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips in one labeled box. Bring the prizes to the venue at least 30 minutes before registration so checking names and printing the schedule does not compete with setup.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a squash tournament?: For each court, prepare squash rackets, spare squash balls, sports goggles, a scoreboard, a stopwatch and towels. Add cones for organizing players, and keep at least one spare racket and several extra balls available for the whole tournament.
How many drinks should I buy for a squash tournament?: For a two-hour event, plan on 1 to 1.5 litres of drinks per participant, with water as the main option. Add coffee and enough reusable glasses, and chill cold drinks at least 3 hours before play starts.
What food should I buy for a squash tournament?: Choose snacks that can be served and eaten in 10 minutes between matches, such as fruit, sandwiches or other easy buffet food. Buy enough for every registered participant plus about 10% extra, and separate food for recorded dietary requirements.
When should I prepare the squash tournament supplies?: Check sports equipment, prizes and printed materials at least 1 day before the tournament. Set up tables, chairs, the registration desk and buffet supplies 60 to 90 minutes before participants arrive.

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