What to bring to a water polo tournament

A water polo tournament needs more than goals and balls. You will also need practical equipment for scoring and officiating, serving supplies for food and drinks, and enough furniture for teams and volunteers. Plan refreshments around the tournament schedule rather than buying everything at the last minute. Check the pool layout, power access and storage space before collecting the items, especially if you are bringing a printer, sound system or coffee machines.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Benchesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Water polo goalsqty 2
Water polo netsqty 2
Water polo ballsqty 12
Water polo capsqty 100
Referee whistlesqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 2
Field markingsqty 2
Ball netsqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Mobile sound system
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 200
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pliersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Tournament bannersqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Wayfinding signsqty 10
Medalsqty 30
Cupsqty 3

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Toilet brushesqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Emergency lightsqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Non-slip matsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 30 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Sports drink - 40 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Bread rolls - 100 pieces
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast - 3 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Baby potatoes - 15 kilos
- Pasta salad - 10 kilos
- Chicken satay - 8 kilo
- Vegetarian burgers - 40 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 50 pieces
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Diet biscuits - 4 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spread - 4 packs

Tips

Pack at least one water polo ball for every match running at the same time, plus 2–3 spare balls for the full tournament. Keep them together in ball nets so they can be moved quickly between pool areas.
Bring one stopwatch and referee whistle for each active match, plus one spare set. Test the stopwatches before the first game and keep replacement batteries with the tournament equipment.
Prepare score sheets, the tournament board and the participant list before teams arrive. Bring a laptop and printer only if you have confirmed a dry, powered area; allow at least one extension cord and power strip for the setup.
For a tournament lasting several hours, plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1–2 more for each following hour. Chill the drinks before arrival and use coolers so officials and players can reach them between matches.
Count serving items for every expected participant, volunteer and official, then add 10% spare cups, plates and cutlery. Set out waste bins near the refreshments and prize table so used tableware does not collect around the pool.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a water polo tournament?: You need water polo goals, nets, balls, caps, field markings, scoreboards, stopwatches and referee whistles. Add at least 2 spare balls and one spare stopwatch and whistle set for the tournament.
How many drinks should I buy for a water polo tournament?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 drinks per person for each additional hour. Add about 10% extra for volunteers, referees and unexpected delays.
How many water polo caps and balls do I need?: Prepare one cap set for each participating team, including the required colour distinction, and bring at least 2 spare caps. Have one match ball per simultaneous match plus 2–3 spare balls for the event.
When should I prepare the shopping for a water polo tournament?: Buy non-perishable supplies and serving items 3–7 days before the tournament. Chill drinks and buy fresh snacks the day before, then check the full equipment list again on the morning of the event.

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