Organizing a Tournament

[flowow1]

Hello!

I will be organizing a tournament in the next year, and although I'm famliar with the process and have volunteered in different capacities, I've never run the whole show before.

To everyone with experience, I'm wondering what are the most difficult tasks in running a tournament? What should I really watch out for... volunteer coordination, venue issues, resources & services (trophies, food, vendors), marketing, registration, insurance & liability ... ?

Especially with registration, should I really try to maximize pre-registrations? What is the advantage of high pre-registration, and how much is that worth (how much pre-reg discount should be given?)

It will be an open tournament for all ages, various events.

Thanks in advance!

[bushido_man96]

It sounds like you have the yeoman's work cut out for you!

As for the pre-registration, in my experience, the pre-registration fee has been about $10 less than the regular fee.

I imagine insurance would be your top priority. I would focus on that first.

Line up some parents that can work the trophy table and concessions, that way you have your own students free to run around and help out in the rings.

I hope some of this helps!

[flowow1]

Thanks bushido_man96, everything helps.

[granmasterchen]

make sure you have enough black belts to be judges....that always seems to be a problem....make sure you have the people and resources and divide the time up accordingly...it's always good to have medical staff on hand too....everything else seems to happen fast, the big thing is to make sure that you have enough people to help set up, tear down and help run the show with you.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks bushido_man96, everything helps.

You are welcome!

[2007]

i agreee insurance is a priority.. , but also make sure you dont make a huge financial loss on the event, i'm not saying your in it for the money, but you don't want to put a burden on your wallet..

[Sensei Rick]

Flow of your events is important. No one waiting too long for the next event. starting and ending on time. this is a challenge. That takes lots of planning and experience. Where are you, perhaps I could help. I help run A tourney with about 450 competitors 6 times a year. I also am the MC of the event.