Planning a Raquetball Tournament

Racquetball tournaments can provide good exercise for the participants as well as raise money for causes.

Sporting events and tournaments are a great way to get exercise, meet people and even raise funds for a cause to charity. The planning of such events takes time and patience, but if done right, a racquetball tournament can be a lot of fun for everyone involved. By following the steps below, you will be on your way to a successful event.

Things You'll Need

• Racquetball courts
• Balls
• Towels
• Dust mops
• Water or sports drink
• Large cooler containers
• Tournament board with brackets
• Pens, pencils
• Rules sheet
• Entry forms
• Participants
• Prizes
• T-shirts
• Insurance (if required)

Instructions

1. Find a facility: This is probably the most important step. Racquetball courts are not as readily available as fields or courts for other sports. Check with fitness centers, recreation facilities and high schools to see what options are available. Once you find one or more suitable locations, you should compare them based on:

   -Number of courts available for number of participants expected at your event.

   -Cost to rent the facility.

   -Equipment available/included with the price.

   -Additional charges for insurance, if applicable.

   -Use of additional facilities (i.e. locker rooms, etc.).

2. Determine type of tournament: Tournaments can be set up in several ways, the most common being either double- or single-elimination with divisions for various ages or levels of experience. You will also have to determine whether games will be played on a time limit, or once a certain score has been reached.

   Racquetball can be played as singles or doubles, so determine whether you will have one type of play or both. Determine the type of divisions (level of experience, age, gender, etc.). The rules and tournament brackets should be posted and easily visible to all participants.

3. Determine the number of participants: Decide how many players you want to have or the facility can handle, and whether you will charge an entry fee, and if so, how much. An entry fee can be used toward the cost of renting the facility and/or referees or other facility personnel required on site. The entry fee can also be used toward an organizations charity or cause, if the event is being used as a fundraiser.

   Let participants know if they will be required to provide their own equipment, or if rackets and goggles will be available to them (this should be determined in Step 1). Potential players should be given a cut-off date for signing up, unless you choose to allow registration the day of the tournament.

   Participants also refers to volunteers, people who don't want to play can always volunteer to sell refreshments, referee, or whatever else may need to be done, if not already being taken care of by members of your organization.

4. Promote the event: Getting people to participate in your event is one of the most important steps. Promotion can be done through several avenues, including flyers at local businesses and on community announcement boards. Ads in the local newspaper, or on TV or radio stations will also reach many people within the community. Any ads or flyers should highlight the important information for the event (who, when, where, how much) and contact information if people have questions.

5. Acquire equipment and prizes: If equipment (rackets, balls, goggles) is not available through the facility, you will either need to require players to provide their own, or you may look into potentially purchasing or even renting equipment, if possible. Ask around at local sporting good stores, including ones that sell used equipment, for the best prices. Ensure access to cleaning supplies for during and especially after the event. If the facility charges a deposit, they may not return it you do not clean after your event. You should also be prepared to have drinks on hand, and possibly food (either for purchase or to hand-out), should the facility allow it.

   When it comes to awarding prizes, you must determine how many places you will award prizes to (winner and runner-up; first, second and third, etc). Then determine the rewards for the winners or top teams (trophies or other prizes such as money or certificates). If you plan on awards trophies or plaques for the winners, you should contact business to get quotes on how much they will charge for the trophy and engraving, so you can get the best price. Don't forget to show gratitude to all participants in some way with a consolation prize or gift (T-shirts are common).

6. Play! Encourage all players to show good sportsmanship and have a good time. Sporting events, while competitive, should always be fun for all involved.

Tips & Warnings

• Many tournaments require that participants serve as referees or scorekeepers at least once during an event. This can help cut costs.

• If you plan to sell food or refreshments (as part of a fundraising event, etc.), check with the facility as there may be rules against it.

References

• Indiana State Racquetball Association

Resources

• United States Racquetball Association