What you need for a volleyball tournament

A volleyball tournament needs more than balls and a net. You’ll need enough equipment for every court, plus backups, scoring supplies, team identification, refreshments, and a reliable registration setup. Check whether the venue provides net posts, court lines, scoreboards, tables, chairs, and power before you buy or collect anything. This list helps you prepare the practical items that are easy to overlook, especially spare balls, extension cables, drink containers, and printed match paperwork.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Referee chairsqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Volleyball netsqty 4
Net polesqty 8
Volleyballsqty 12
Spare ballsqty 4
Field linesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 4
Whistlesqty 8
Referee cardsqty 8
Team bibsqty 40
Conesqty 24
Pumpsqty 2
Ball netsqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 4
Spare net fasteningqty 4
Knee padsqty 8
Towelsqty 20

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speaker
Microphone
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Batteriesqty 24
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Small bowlsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Thermos bottlesqty 4
Cooling matsqty 12

Decorations

Team table numbersqty 8
Match schedule boardsqty 4
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Medalsqty 24
Cupsqty 3
Number cardsqty 40
Name stickersqty 120
Markersqty 12
Pensqty 30
Tapeqty 6
Scissorsqty 4
Cable tiesqty 100

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 8 boxes
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 12 bags
- Multigrain rolls - 8 bags
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Boiled ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 250 pieces
- Paper plates - 150 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 250 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 6 pairs

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lampsqty 6

Tips

Plan one complete set of net equipment, court lines, a scoreboard, and referee supplies for every court in use. Add at least two spare volleyballs per court so one damaged or misplaced ball does not stop play.
Bring one pump and a needle kit for every two courts, plus a ball net or other way to carry the match balls. Check ball pressure before team registration rather than during the first match.
Prepare one registration table with a laptop, printer, extension cables, and power strips at least one day before the tournament. Print match sheets, participant badges, and spare copies before teams arrive.
For a full-day tournament, provide at least 1.5 litres of water or other non-alcoholic drinks per participant, with extra for referees and volunteers. Chill drinks in several coolers instead of relying on one large container.
Set out one waste bin near registration, each playing area, and the food service point. Count chairs and tables separately for teams, referees, registration, and catering; these are often assumed to be included but are not supplied by the venue.

Frequently asked questions

How many volleyballs do I need for a tournament?: Use at least two match-ready volleyballs per court, plus two to four spare balls for the whole tournament. For four courts, prepare 10 to 12 volleyballs and check them before the first match.
What equipment is needed for each volleyball court?: Each court needs a volleyball net, net posts, court lines, a scoreboard, a referee chair, and referee supplies such as a whistle and cards. Keep at least one spare ball and one pump available for every two courts.
How much water should I buy for a volleyball tournament?: Allow about 1.5 litres of water or other non-alcoholic drinks per participant for a full day. Add 2 to 3 litres per referee and volunteer, and buy the drinks at least one day ahead so they can be chilled.
When should I prepare the tournament shopping list?: Make the first equipment and supply check at least two weeks before the tournament, then complete shopping and collection 2 to 3 days before it. Print forms, badges, and the final team information no later than the day before.

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