The Ultimate Pre-Tourney Checklist (That’s Not Just for Organizers)
I’ve been to a lot of bike polo tournaments — as a player, organizer, and sometimes just a tired person with a chair and a backpack full of bananas. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the people who pack well make the whole weekend easier for everyone.
The people who show up ready — for themselves and for the community.
Packing might not seem like a big deal, but it’s one of the first chances you have to be helpful before a tournament even starts. It can prevent last-minute stress, reduce the load on organizers, and make you the person people are genuinely glad to see roll up to the court.
Here’s what to bring, what to share, and how to pack with the whole crew in mind.
🧳 1. Pack for Yourself First
Packing is about making sure you’re ready to play and enjoy the weekend without stress. Tournaments are long days (that often extend into the evening), so bringing what you need and a little extra can go a long way.
Start with the essentials for yourself:
Your bike (obviously)
Your mallet (maybe a backup too)
Helmet (required for play!)
Gloves, pads, or other personal protection (if you wear them)
Team jersey (ideally, two sets in contrasting colors)
Flat-soled shoes or whatever you play in
A ball for warming up and practicing
Water bottle and snacks (and a cooler)
A small first aid kit and personal meds
Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, and a hat
A towel and at least one change of clothes
A folding chair, picnic blanket, or anything else that makes you comfy between games
Why it matters:
Showing up ready means you’re not searching for a rotor guard, succumbing to thirst, hunger, or heat stress, or asking organizers for tape at the last minute. It keeps the whole event moving more smoothly.
🎒 2. Pack to Contribute
Once you’ve got yourself covered, think about what extras you can bring to help the group. These don’t have to be big things — just whatever makes sense based on how you’re traveling.
Good extras to pack (if you can):
Hockey tape, zip ties, Sharpies
Extra balls, mallets, or helmets to loan
Portable speaker for court-side vibes
Bulk snacks (bananas, granola bars, chips)
Water jugs and reusable cups
Backup chargers or extension cords
A drill, scissors, and bike tools
Pop-up tent, shade umbrella, or extra chairs
Trash bags and hand sanitizer
These little things often save the day.
✈️ 3. Traveling Light? Here’s How to Still Contribute
Not everyone is driving in with a car full of gear — and that’s okay.
If you’re local or driving, it’s easier to bring bulky items like tents, chairs, extra mallets, or water jugs, and extra things like snacks, drinks, or tools. If that’s you, bring what you can. Those extras make a huge difference.
But if you’re flying or packing light? Don’t stress. Lean on your community — and look for other ways to show up.
Here’s how you can still contribute:
Pick something up once you arrive. Grab snacks, a case of water, or a few supplies on the way to the court.
Ask around. Post in the group chat: “Anyone need anything from the store?”
Chip in financially. Some clubs accept donations to help cover costs like ice, printing, first aid supplies, or court materials.
Check in with organizers. A quick “What do you still need for the weekend?” can go a long way — they might need a last-minute run to the hardware store or a bag of fruit.
Bottom line: You don’t need a full trunk to be helpful. Just bring the mindset of: What can I offer the group?
🧠 4. Pack with Intention
Packing well isn’t just about remembering your sunscreen or snacks — it’s about tuning in to the bigger picture. At its best, bike polo runs on mutual aid: people looking out for one another, stepping in where help is needed, and building a culture where no one has to do it all alone.
When you pack thoughtfully, you're participating in that spirit — not just checking a box.
Packing with intention means:
Thinking about what might help someone else, not just what you need
Bringing what you can without expecting credit
Offering up your extras freely — tape, ibuprofen, a spare ball
Sharing your shade or snacks with whoever’s nearby
Trusting that what you give will come back around when you need it
You don’t have to be the most organized person in the world or show up with a wagon full of supplies. It’s about the attitude — I’m here to play, and I’m here to support my community.
This is how we make tournaments more fun, more welcoming, and more sustainable — not just for organizers, but for all of us.
Final Thoughts
Packing is one of the first ways you show up for your club, your teammates, and the host city. If everyone comes prepared, it means more time on site enjoying the game, and a whole lot less stress for organizers.
So bring what you can. Share what you’ve got. And don’t underestimate the power of a well-packed bag.
🧡 Want to Keep Helping?
Supporting a bike polo tournament doesn’t stop here. This post is part of our series on what really keeps tournaments running — and how you can pitch in.
Next up: How to Be a Good Guest at a Tournament You’re Not Organizing → Tips for visiting players and guests to support the host club, respect the space, and keep the weekend running smoothly.
📖 Read the next post here.
Or start from the beginning with So You Want to Help? Here’s What Makes a Bike Polo Tournament Happen
