Host a junior tournament or festival checklist: before, on the day and after

Book the date on your own grounds or hall so nothing else clashes.
Get the landowner’s permission in writing.
Ask the council whether you need a permit.The rules
Read the food-safety rules for fundraising sales and plan safe handling.The rules
Prepare a formal health and safety plan for the council or landowner.The rules
Arrange a first aider and a stocked first aid kit.
Arrange public liability insurance (venues and councils often ask for it).
Pick a date that does not clash with regional fixtures; long weekends (Labour Weekend) and school holidays draw travelling teams.
Get the tournament sanctioned by your regional body and confirm insurance cover.
Book grounds, courts and toilets; confirm referee supply and rates with the referees' association.
Set entry fees from a simple budget: (ground + referees + first aid + trophies + 20% buffer) divided by expected teams, plus your profit target.

Brief the helpers: who does what, when, and where the cash box and first aid kit are.
First aider on site, and everyone knows where the kit is.
Open entries online with payment, a closing date and a clear weather and refund policy.
Draw up the competition draw with breaks for field changeovers and a finals schedule.
Run the canteen, BBQ and merchandise table with tap-to-pay and a cash float.

Roster volunteers for gate, canteen, BBQ, field marshals, results table and clean-up; brief everyone the night before.
Book first aid (St John or a qualified club member) and set up a first-aid station and incident log.
Publish results quickly, send thanks to teams and sponsors, and reconcile accounts within a week.
Count the takings in pairs and bank them within a day or two.

Host a junior tournament or festival: checklist