What to buy for a squash tournament

A squash tournament needs more than rackets and balls. You will need enough equipment for matches running in parallel, plus supplies for registration, scoring, refreshments and changing-room logistics. Check what the venue already provides before shopping, especially tables, chairs, power outlets and a printer. Buy or pack spare grips, extra balls and power banks early; these are easy to overlook and difficult to replace once matches have started.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Reception desk
Buffet tablesqty 3

Sports equipment

Squash racketsqty 12
Squash ballsqty 30
Spare gripsqty 12
Scoreboardsqty 8
Competition bibsqty 12

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Bluetooth speaker
Power bankqty 2

Refrigeration

Coolersqty 3
Ice packsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 40
Tea glassesqty 40
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Scissorsqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Tournament banner
Directional signsqty 6

Office

Clipboardsqty 8
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Markersqty 6
Notepadsqty 8
Paperqty 250
Name stickersqty 60
Table numbersqty 8

Catering

Prizesqty 3
Medalsqty 20
Drink dispensersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Safety

First aid kit
Cold packsqty 4
Bandagesqty 30

Groceries

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 tubs
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Crackers - 4 packs
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 5 loaves
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Turkey breast - 1,5 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Pasta salad - 5 kilos
- Chicken satay - 4 kilos
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Rinse aid - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Disinfectant wipes - 3 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 2 boxes
- Dressing - 3 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can

Tips

Plan for at least one playable racket and two squash balls per court, then add spare balls and grips for damaged equipment or worn handles. Check every racket and ball before the tournament day.
Prepare the reception and scoring setup with a laptop, printer, extension cords, power strips and scoreboards. Bring a power bank as backup, and print match forms before opening the venue.
For refreshments, match your cups, plates and cutlery to the final participant count, then add 10% extra. Pack serving bowls, tongs, cutting boards, bread knives and scissors so food can be portioned without searching the venue kitchen.
Keep cold food and drinks in coolers with ice packs from the moment they arrive. Put the coolers near the buffet but away from the courts, and bring reusable cups so players can label or recognise their drinks.
Do not leave prizes and competition bibs until the last shopping trip. Order prizes early enough to allow delivery and check the full quantity against the participant list at least 48 hours before the tournament.

Frequently asked questions

How many squash balls do I need for a tournament?: Start with at least two balls per court in use, plus two or three spare balls per court. For four courts, that means a minimum of 16 balls if you expect replacements during play.
How many cups and plates should I buy for a squash tournament?: Count one cup and one plate per participant, then add 10% extra. For 40 players, prepare at least 44 cups and 44 plates, along with enough cutlery for the same number of servings.
What equipment do I need at the squash tournament desk?: Pack a laptop, printer, printed match forms, scoreboards, competition bibs, extension cords, power strips and a power bank. Test the printer and charge the laptop at least one day before the event.
When should I order prizes for a squash tournament?: Order prizes at least two weeks before the tournament, or earlier if delivery times are uncertain. Check the quantities and collect the prizes no later than 48 hours before match day.

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