What to buy for a table tennis tournament

A table tennis tournament needs more than tables, nets and paddles. You also need enough balls, scoreboards, registration supplies, signs, refreshments and backup equipment to keep matches moving. Plan your shopping around the number of players, tables and tournament hours rather than buying one set for the whole event. Use this list with your match schedule so volunteers can find equipment, food and paperwork before registration opens.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Table tennis tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 3
Chairsqty 45
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Table tennis netsqty 8
Table tennis paddlesqty 24
Table tennis ballsqty 150
Field barriersqty 24
Scoreboardsqty 8
Spare net clampsqty 2

Equipment

Laptopsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Printer
Speaker

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Serving bowlsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4

Decorations

Tournament banner
Round table numbersqty 8
Participant badgesqty 40
Directional signsqty 10
Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 12

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 trays
- Spa Red - 2 trays
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Rice cakes - 3 packs
- Mini cucumbers - 3 packs
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 trays
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Mini rolls - 50 pieces
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Turkey breast - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paper napkins - 5 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow at least 3 table tennis balls per playing table, plus 10 spare balls for the tournament. Balls disappear under barriers and can split during play, so keep the spares at the registration desk.
Plan one paddle per active player, with at least 2 spare paddles for every 8 playing tables. Check handles, rubber surfaces and nets before event day instead of discovering damage during the first round.
Provide one scoreboard and one prepared match form for every playing table. Print at least 10 extra match forms and keep pens at the registration desk so a missing sheet does not delay the schedule.
For drinks, calculate 2 to 3 servings per person during the first hour, then add 1 serving per person for each additional hour. Buy or bring enough reusable cups, coolers, serving bowls and serving platters before the catering table is set up.
Prepare one participant badge and one medal ribbon for every registered player, plus 5 extra badges and ribbons. Order trophies early enough to allow at least 2 weeks for delivery, especially if they need names or event details.

Frequently asked questions

How many table tennis balls do I need for a tournament?: Start with 3 balls per playing table and add 10 spare balls for the event. For example, 8 tables require at least 34 balls, assuming the balls are checked and replaced during play.
How many paddles should I bring to a table tennis tournament?: Bring one paddle per active player, plus 2 spare paddles for every 8 tables. If players bring their own paddles, still keep at least 4 usable backups for equipment failures.
How many scoreboards and match forms are needed?: Use 1 scoreboard and 1 match form per playing table. Print 10 extra forms and keep them at the registration desk; for 8 tables, prepare at least 18 forms in total.
When should I order trophies and medal ribbons?: Order trophies and ribbons at least 2 weeks before the tournament. Add 5 spare ribbons and confirm the participant count before placing the final order.

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