Running a judo tournament is a significant undertaking. Between competitor registration, venue logistics, referee coordination, and scoring, there are dozens of moving parts that need to come together on the day. This checklist will help you stay on top of all of them.
3-6 Months Before: Planning
Book your venue. You need enough mat space for the number of competition areas you plan to run, plus warm-up space, spectator seating, and a registration/weigh-in area. Check for adequate parking, changing facilities, and first aid provisions.
Set your date, being careful to avoid clashes with other tournaments, school holidays, or major sporting events. Check with your national federation's competition calendar.
Decide on your competition format: weight categories, age groups, gender divisions, and whether you will run pools, single elimination, or double elimination brackets.
Open registration. Collect competitor details, weight category, grade, and club affiliation. Confirm entry fees and payment. IpponBoard's Tournament Management handles all of this in one system.
1-2 Months Before: Logistics
Recruit referees and table officials. You need at least one qualified referee per mat and two table officials (one for scoring, one for timing). Brief them on any tournament-specific rules.
Arrange first aid cover. Most federations require qualified first aiders on site for sanctioned events.
Order medals, certificates, or trophies. Source any branded materials (banners, programmes, T-shirts) well in advance.
Set up your scoring equipment. The IpponBoard Scoreboard runs on iPad, Mac, or Windows — one device per mat, no internet required. Download and test it before the day.
1-2 Weeks Before: Final Preparation
Close registration and finalise your entries. Review competitor lists by weight category and grade. Check for eligibility issues — expired memberships, incorrect grades, missing documentation.
Create your brackets and match schedules. Allow realistic time estimates for each category — beginners' matches are shorter, senior matches may go to golden score.
Running a tournament?
IpponBoard's Tournament Management handles competitor registration, weight categories, and eligibility — with free scoreboard scoring on every mat.
Join the WaitlistEmail all competitors with logistics: arrival time, weigh-in schedule, venue directions, what to bring, and any last-minute updates. IpponBoard's communication tools make this a one-click job.
Day Before: Setup
Lay your mats and mark out competition areas. Set up scoring tables, timing equipment, and the scoreboard on each mat. Test everything.
Prepare your registration desk with printed competitor lists, spare entry forms, and a laptop for last-minute changes. Set up the weigh-in area with calibrated scales.
Brief your volunteer team on the day's schedule, their roles, and the chain of command. Print a simple role sheet for each station.
Tournament Day: Execution
Run weigh-ins at the scheduled time. Be strict about weight limits — it is fairer and avoids complaints. Record weights digitally or on paper against each competitor.
Start on time. Delays cascade through the entire day. If categories finish early, bring the next one forward.
Keep the information desk staffed throughout. Parents and spectators will have questions about schedules, results, and where to find things.
Announce results promptly. Run medal ceremonies between categories rather than leaving them all to the end — it keeps energy up and lets families leave when their child is finished.
After the Tournament
Send results to all clubs and your federation within a week. Thank referees, volunteers, and host venue promptly.
Collect feedback from coaches and officials. What worked well? What needs improving? Document everything while it is fresh — your future self will thank you when you run the next one.
This article is part of the Complete Guide to Running a Judo Club — a step-by-step resource for judo instructors and club managers.