From starting a basketball team, to starting a basketball league, and customizing your own basketball jerseys, Wooter runs down some of the key points in to starting a successful basketball tournament. Why organize a basketball tournament? There are innumerable reasons, but if you believe that yours are worth the effort, then it’s more than possible to organize a very successful event as long as you’re organized properly and keep the ideas below in mind as you work out the details.

The first decision you should make is whether you’re going to organize a basketball tournament on your own or put a group together to help you. There are pros and cons to both sides of this proverbial coin, but if you’re going to go the group route, make sure you put together a team that offers diversity in terms of core skills. You don’t need 10 people who all know how to hire referees but who are not skilled when it comes to finding the right facility. 

Once you have that structure in place, keep reading below…

When And Where To Hold The Tournament

Select a date that's not conflicting with other schedules. Also, consider the season (outdoor versus indoor) and time of year when planning far enough in advance to hold your tournament. One recommendation suggested beginning tournament preparation at least 180 days in advance. Others may not need that much prep time however. Once those details are ironed out, you are ready to book your venue.  

Who Or What Is The Tournament For? 

Before getting too far along, the person (or people) organizing the tournament should be clear on who the event is for (youth team, recreational league, etc.) and how many teams will participate. Keep in mind that having too many teams involved could complicate the tournament more than make for a successful outing. Tournaments can also be the perfect stage to organize a fundraiser for a local charity, non-profit, or to support a common cause.  

Is There a Sponsor or Sponsors?

If you decide to organize a basketball tournament, then you likely already have at least a general idea that there will be costs involved. Not only will you be paying referees to oversee your games, but you’ll need to make sure you have the facilities, insurance and many other things secured before you can begin to play or perhaps even to promote your tournament.

Sponsors are a fantastic way to help cover the costs that are ultimately the responsibility of the person or people who want to organize a basketball tournament and see it through. There are a lot of organizations out there that would be happy to affix their name to something that’s inherently “good,” which is usually the case with this type of event, particularly if the tournament is set up to benefit a worthy cause. 

What Kind Of Tournament? 

Before crowning a tournament winner, the decision needs to be made on the kind of tournament that will be played: single elimination, creating a bracket and ranking, double-elimination, round-robin tournament or a 3-on-3 tournament 

Easy Registration

To help with an effortless sign-up period, make your tournament registration available for enough in advance for both individuals or teams to register for the event. Player name, team name, contact information, open dates and closed registration dates all factor into an easy registration. Adding a waiver and payment options should also be included. 

Hiring Officials  

Wooter has you covered by hiring referees for your tournament games with Wooter Refs. Along with partnering with referee organizations, referee assigners, and officials from all over the United States, securing referees for your basketball tournament is achieved in three easy steps: request a ref, connect and speak with a Wooter Refs representative, and sit back as Wooter helps hire the right official and officiating crew for your basketball tournament. 

Sports And Recreation Insurance

More and more, programs have been set in place by Insurance companies offering sports and liability insurance for teams, leagues, and tournaments within youth and adult basketball (and other sports) to cover players, coaches, staff members, and volunteers among others. 

The Tournament Schedule  

Once you know who is competing and the teams who have competed their registration, it's safe to set your tournament schedule. The schedule really sets the tone for your entire game day and allows you to plan out your overall timing (from warm-ups to actual game time, halftime, and postgame) of the event.  

Staying Updated

Communication is key. That's why Wooter put an emphasis on direct messaging and group messaging with the Wooter App. Weeks and days prior to the tournament, players, coaches, staff members, volunteers (the more helpful hands, the better) and those attending the tournament will need to be updated on the details, particularly if you are promoting and marketing your tournament.   

Eat, Drink, Basketball, Repeat

Don't get caught without having food and beverages available and managed by a staff member or volunteer. Come prepared with options for eating and drinking, regardless if you're planning to have a healthy food selection on hand or just snacks for purchase.  

Get Your Wooter Apparel Gear

This is where Wooter stands out. Part of the tournament experience is being able to represent your team with customized basketball jerseys, tee-shirts, shooting shirts, hoodies and accessories commemorating the event. Bulk and rush orders are available and the quality of Wooter Apparel gear truly helps set your tournament apart from the others. Wooter has your back.