Director Checklist
Once you are directing backgammon tournaments regularly, you'll have your routine down. You can just have all your stuff in one or more bags that you can just grab and go. But for special bigger tournaments or when you're just getting started, here is a handy check list of things to do and bring.
Pre-tournament
- Verify location - if you are on a weekly schedule somewhere, then you probably don't need to call every time. But if it's a special date, or you play less frequently, or you hold special tournaments at a different location than your normal location, then it doesn't hurt to double check sometime soon before the tournament date that the venue is expecting you. Another possibility is that they may have accidentally double booked and you many need time to figure out how to adjust.
- Email a reminder to all potential players - even if the tournament is on your calendar, it may not be on everyone's. Sending a reminder a day or two ahead can definitely improve attendance. Especially if you're holding a special tournament on a different day than normal.
- Pick up trophies - if it's a bigger tournament and you're getting trophies, don't forget to pick them up from the trophy shop when they are open! If you are having any engraving done on them, it is better to have the trophies completed one week before the tournament in case you notice any misspellings and they have to re-order supplies to re-do the trophies. This gives you enough time to have them completed properly and alleviate any unwanted stress the day before the tournament.
Bring to the tournament
- Brackets - bring your copies of 8-person, 16-person, and 32-person (or more!) brackets. If it's a big tournament, you may want to use large poster or foam board for people to view easily. Draw one of each bracket ahead of time and pick the one you need when you're there.
- Poster stand - if you are using foam board, then you may want a tripod or something to place it on. Or you may want some tape or pins to put it on the wall if its paper.
- Felt-tip markers - again, if you're using poster board for brackets.
- Clocks - backgammon/chess clocks, if your club uses them.
- Copy of the rules - In case any disputes arise, you should have a copy of the rules handy. Even though final rulings are up to the director, people will feel more fairly treated if you can show them the written rule.
- Trophies and/or prizes
- Prize sheet - If you have a lot of prizes, then people want to know what they can win. It's nice to type it or write it up nicely and post it so that everyone doesn't need to ask you.
- Extra backgammon boards - you can find small backgammon boards at drug stores for $10. Or a little less on Amazon.
- Score sheets
- Pencils and pens
- Snacks - If your location doesn't mind, people always like small pieces of candy or something else small to eat during the course of the tournament
That's about it. If you've got another one to add, let us know!