MODULE TWO- WEEK FIVE
TYPES OF TOURNAMENTS
i) ladder, pyramid, funnel, (challenge tournaments)
ii) round robin, Lombard Round Robin
iii) single elimination, consolation elimination, true double elimination
iv) combination tournaments
Running a Tournament
Now it is your turn! This can be a lot of work, but the fruits of your labour may just result in the most memorable moments of the school year!
Running a successful tournament includes:
- Pick a game or sport. Pick a popular game or sport that your peers will play respectfully and that can easily be fit into a bracketed tournament (either by small teams or individuals.)
- Choose your tournament style. Determine what kind of competition you can handle. If elimination is too challenging, set up a round robin for everyone to enjoy and cheer each other on during the games.
- Schedule the event. Begin planning in advance.
- Staff your tournament. Get enough helpers to assist you in the management and refereeing of the games. Ask teachers and other school staff who don't typically make it to these sorts of things to come help out.
- Gather equipment. When running a tournament, you may need more equipment. If you are going to need Phys-Ed equipment you MUST ensure it will all come back in one piece in the correct locations for the next teacher! Gather everything you need for boundaries, game play, scorekeeping, signage, promotions and clean-up.
- Promote your tournament. To drum up excitement, create promotional material. Hang posters throughout the school, making announcements and adding to the school twitter page.
- Get students signed up. Announce the tournament to students and give them several days to sign up. Message the deadline loudly and clearly. Once you have made these announcements, you may notice more students playing the tournament game at lunch.
- Create your bracket. Whether you've chosen to do an elimination-style bracket or round robin, be sure to give every student the opportunity to play. Once you've created the bracket with game days, put it on display at lunch and in the halls so students know when they will play.
- Get ready, set, play! Just before the day of the tournament, review final details on rules, scheduling and game space with your team. On tournament day, make a final announcement so students are ready to play. When play beings, don't forget to have fun! Running a big event can get stressful, but remember that all that matters is you and the students have a great time. Keep that at the forefront your mind and you will be rewarded by a school full of good sports!
- Archive. Make sure you get someone to take pictures of the event for your website and future games. Post the Finalist and the Champions. Maybe have a prize for the winners or the most sportsmanlike team, person etc.