Planning a pickleball tournament can be an exciting endeavor, and incorporating awards adds an extra layer of motivation and recognition for participants. Here's a guide on how to set up a pickleball tournament with a focus on awards.
1. Define Tournament Details - You first will need to determine your tournament format (i.e. - single, doubles, mixed doubles.) Next, you need to decide on a date, time, and location. Be sure to establish your registration process including how to recruit participants, eligibility and fees.
2. Select your Award Categories - Here you will need to identify the categories for awards, such as place (1st, 2nd, 3rd,) male/female, single, doubles, etc. Communicate these award categories to all participants during the registration process to create buzz and excitement.
3. Budget - Allocate a budget for your awards, and consider donations and sponsorship opportunities. Invite sponsors and local community to attend. Offer advertising opportunities to those who donate or sponsor.
4. Advertise - Advertise your tournament through local newspaper, newsletters, email, flyers, radio, websites, social media, local bulletin boards, etc.
5. Design Customized Medals and Trophies - Work with a reputable awards company such as JustAwardMedals.com to design your medals and/or trophy awards. JustAwardMedals.com has graphic designers on staff ready to assist in designing your custom award medals, or select from more inexpensive stock medal designs. Custom acrylic trophies are also a popular choice, and can incorporate pickleball themes and elements in your final design. Do not procrastinate, and be sure to order your awards well in advance to assure timely delivery and avoid any rush fees.
6. Schedule - Create a detailed and complete itinerary and schedule of the tournament to include the time for set-up and pre-register, warm up, post social time, competitions, presentations, and award ceremony.
7. Awards Ceremony Organization - Plan a detailed awards ceremony so that winners are celebrated. Clearly communicate awards categories and places to attendees. Invite winners to come up to accept their awards, and create a special podium or winners area if desired. Be sure to hire a photographer or select someone to take pictures of the winners for future social media posting, newsletters, etc.
By using these tips, your next pickleball tournament will be a professional, organized and inspirational for all who attend. Best of all, through the use of high quality thoughtful awards, your winners and participants will feel warmly celebrated and recognized.
