Parents guide to prepare for travel tournaments
Tournament weekend is here. Your player is ready to compete. But are YOU ready as a parent?
The difference between a smooth tournament experience and a stressful disaster comes down to preparation. Most parents wing it and regret it later. Smart parents follow a system.
Here's your complete tournament prep guide that takes just minutes to implement but saves hours of headaches.
The 48-Hour Equipment Check
Start your tournament prep two days early. Not the night before.
Essential gear checklist:
Primary stick and backup stick
Complete uniform including socks
All protective equipment (goggles, mouthguards, cleats and turf cleats if you play on turf)
Mouth guard and backup mouth guard
Pre-wrap and athletic tape
Weather backup items:
Rain jacket and pants
Extra pair of cleats for wet conditions
Warm layers for early morning games
Sunscreen and hat for sunny days
Pro tip: Pack everything in clear bags. You can see what's missing at a glance.
Maintenance supplies to bring:
Stick tape
Spare mesh or strings
Small screwdriver for lacrosse head adjustments
Scissors
Don't wait until game day to discover broken equipment. Check everything now.
Nutrition Strategy That Actually Works
Tournament days are long. Your player needs fuel that lasts.
Pre-tournament meal (night before):
Complex carbs like pasta or rice
Lean protein
Vegetables
Plenty of water
Game day breakfast:
Oatmeal with fruit
Whole grain toast
Banana
Water, not sugary drinks
Between-games fuel:
Fresh fruit (bananas, apples, grapes)
Granola bars or energy bars
String cheese or yogurt
Trail mix without chocolate (melts in heat)
Hydration rules:
Start hydrating 24 hours before the tournament
Bring more water than you think you need
Add electrolyte tablets for hot weather
Avoid energy drinks and soda
What NOT to bring:
Candy or sugary snacks
Heavy, greasy foods
Anything your player has never eaten before
Schedule Management Made Simple
Tournament schedules change constantly. Be ready.
Download these apps now:
Tournament management app (if available)
Weather app with hourly forecasts
GPS app with offline maps
Create a schedule buffer:
Plan to arrive at least one hour before listed game time for set up time and warmups
Build in extra drive time for traffic
Have backup plans for weather delays
Check the schedule every day for at least three days prior to tournament date and 30 minutes during tournament day. Games run early, late, or get moved to different fields with little notice.
Keep these numbers handy:
Tournament director
Coach's cell phone
Other parents for carpooling backup
Weather Preparation Checklist
Weather ruins more tournament days than poor play does.
For hot weather:
Tent or umbrella for shade
Cooling towels
Ice packs in cooler
Extra water
Electrolyte supplements
For rain and cold:
Waterproof gear for sideline sitting
Warm blankets
Hot drinks in thermos
Hand warmers
Extra socks and shoes
For wind:
Heavy tent stakes
Weighted chair anchors
Closed containers for all loose items
Check weather 12 hours before departure. Forecasts change rapidly.
Sideline Survival Kit
You'll be at the field for 6-12 hours. Prepare accordingly.
Seating essentials:
Portable chairs with cup holders
Stadium cushions for bleacher seats
Pop-up canopy for shade
Entertainment for non-playing siblings:
Tablets with downloaded movies
Coloring books and crayons
Quiet toys and games
Headphones (required, not optional)
Comfort items:
Sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
Bug spray
Tissues and wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
First aid kit with basics
Power and connectivity:
Portable phone chargers
Extra charging cables
Car charger backup
Game Day Execution Protocol
Morning of tournament, follow this exact sequence:
Two hours before departure:
Final weather check
Final schedule check
Load car with all gear
Confirm carpool arrangements
One hour before departure:
Player eats breakfast
Final equipment check
Fill water bottles
Grab cash for emergencies
At the tournament:
Find parking and field locations immediately
Set up your base camp away from foot traffic
Locate restrooms, concessions, and first aid
Check in with coach and get any updates
Between games:
Keep player hydrated and fueled
Help with equipment maintenance
Stay positive regardless of game outcomes
Monitor schedule for changes
The Lightning-Fast Packing System
Pack smart, not hard. Use this proven system:
Gear bag organization:
All equipment in one large bag
Separate laundry bag for dirty uniforms
Small bag for maintenance supplies
Cooler setup:
Ice packs on bottom
Drinks in middle
Food on top
Separate section for any medications
Sideline bag:
Chair, canopy, and comfort items
Entertainment for other kids
All charging cables and power banks
Emergency cash envelope:
Tournament fees (some require cash)
Concession stand money
Parking fees
Emergency food/drink money
Common Tournament Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from other parents' errors:
DON'T:
Wait until morning to check the schedule
Forget to bring cash
Pack only one set of everything
Ignore weather forecasts
Bring excessive, heavy equipment
DO:
Arrive early for parking and setup
Stay flexible with timing
Keep your player calm between games
Network with other parents for future tournaments
Take photos but don't interfere with coaching
Post-Tournament Recovery Plan
The tournament isn't over when the last game ends.
Immediate priorities:
Pack all gear while you remember where everything is
Dispose of trash properly
Load tired players safely in vehicles
Plan for extra drive time (everyone's leaving)
Within 24 hours:
Wash all uniforms and gear
Restock your tournament supplies
Review what worked and what didn't
Schedule any needed equipment repairs
Ready for Next Time
Want to improve your player's tournament performance? Consider our player evaluations to identify areas for improvement between tournaments.
Tournament prep doesn't have to be overwhelming. Follow this system once and you'll use it every tournament weekend.
Your player trains hard. Your preparation should be just as disciplined.
Contact us if you need guidance on tournament-level training programs that prepare players for competitive play.
