How to plan a basketball tournament fundraiser

How To... Organize a Basketball Tournament

The success of any tournament depends on the quality of planning that occurs before the event. The following information is provided to the host tournament committee to aid them with the different steps required to successfully organize a basketball tournament at any level. The following checklists and tips will act as a reference point to properly plan your event from start to finish!

6 Weeks Before…

• Build a Tournament Committee to assist with the planning and operation of the event.  One person shouldn’t take all of the following tasks on themselves!  A committee should be comprised of; Tournament Committee Chair – oversees all aspects of the event; Treasurer – prepares budgets, collects fees – registration and admission; Publicity - advertises an event, media contact, secures sponsors, etc.; Scheduling - prepares and circulates the tournament schedule and results; Facility Manager – secures gym, sets up facility including gate; Hospitality – coordinates a canteen and hospitality room for coaches and referees; Equipment Manager - manages different equipment needs including balls, score clocks, scoresheets, etc; Technical – communicates with referees and scorekeepers
• Reserve gymnasium space.   Get the permit booked in writing to avoid any miscommunications or problems.  See School Division contact list.
• Prepare a budget that will address all possible revenues and expenses.  Prepare for some cost overruns.
• Make a list of the equipment required to stage such an event (basketballs, scoresheets, banners, signage, etc).  You may need to add some items to your budget planning.
• Contact an appropriate Referee Assignor to ensure their availability and knowledge of the event (date, time, location, age level, etc).
• Design and print tournament flyer and registration form.
• Promote the even to the teams you are targeting.  Ask the WMBA office for a list of coaches at that age level(s).  
• Register the tournament with the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association if your tournament is at the High School level.
• If the tournament is NOT a school-based one, register it with Basketball Manitoba by completing our Online Tournament Sanction Form (coming soon).   All tournaments involving Basketball Manitoba teams require sanctioning prior to the event.  You must use MABO-certified referees at the event for the sanctioning to be approved.
• Plan the tournament format.  Most tournaments run with 8 teams.  You can run your tournament with as many teams as you wish, but we suggest going with at least 4.  See our collection of Schedule Samples for assistance. 
• Order awards for the tournament.  You will need to account for this in the tournament budget.  Ideas range from individual medals, trophies or certificates to team trophies and banners.  Contact an area trophy store to view some samples. Ensure that you get your order in on time to avoid last-minute rushes!
• Develop a sponsorship request letter and circulate to area businesses and groups asking for support.  Different levels of support can include financial or products.  Focus on the items you need for the event to run and try to get them covered off by a sponsor such as awards or equipment.   This can also offset your tournament entry fee to make the event more attractive to join!
• Meet with your Tournament Committee to ensure all their duties and responsibilities are on schedule.

4 Weeks Before…

• Process registrations collected from teams.  Use a basic spreadsheet program (Excel) to properly track and register teams.  Provide a written confirmation of being accepted into the event (email will do).
• Design and print publicity posters and tickets for admission
• Contact qualified first aid personnel to be in attendance at the event.  Ensure they have proper first aid equipment.
• If you are inviting teams from out of town, compile a list of accommodation options in your area.  A good start can be the Manitoba Hotel Association.
• Meet with your Tournament Committee to ensure all their duties and responsibilities are on schedule.

3 Weeks Before…

• Secure all the equipment required for the tournament and check their condition.
• Draw up final tournament schedule.  Plan for possible last-minute cancellations. Create a waiting list of teams if you have an excess number of teams.
• Send information package to participating teams (include tournament draw, dates, times locations, and specific details on the event such as changing room facilities, warm-up balls provided, etc).
• Provide tournament schedule to the Referee Assignor you spoke with 2 weeks ago.
• Follow-up with any secured sponsors to ensure support is still there.
• Circulate posters and flyers to areas schools and merchants
• Consider developing a tournament program.  Ask teams to submit rosters and produce copies for sell – can add to your revenue stream.  Use program as an option for sponsors to advertise in.
• Meet with your Tournament Committee to ensure all their duties and responsibilities are on schedule.

1 Week Before…

• Secure all awards
• Obtain a schedule of referee assignments
• Complete the program and get it printed.
• Obtain products from sponsors
• Ensure the referees are aware of any tournament rule modifications to be used at the tournament.  It’s best to provide this in writing to the Referee's Assignor and have copies for the teams and on-site at the tournament.
• Prepare and circulate a media release announcing the tournament and arrange for game results to be included in their reports.
  Prepare a first-aid kit to be on-site at the tournament. 
• Make final equipment check (including clocks, scoresheets, tables, chairs, team benches, etc)
• Print a number of large ‘master’ draws to be placed in the gym area.  Update them throughout the event to ensure teams are aware of the schedule.
• If charging admission or running a canteen, ensure you are well stocked with food and drink and have change ready for sales.
• Consider hosting a ‘hospitality room’ for coaches, referees and volunteers.  Stock it with food, drink.  Most hospitality rooms are held in a classroom near the gym.   It allows for those involved in the event to take a break from their duties. 
  Meet with your Tournament Committee to ensure all their duties and responsibilities are on schedule.

During the event...

• Plan on being there at least 1 hour prior to the first game starting.
• Meet with your Tournament Committee to ensure all their duties and responsibilities are on schedule.

Follow-up…

• Complete all payments of expenses such as referees, awards, gym rental and other administrative costs.
• Send thank-you letters to those who were instrumental in helping with the event (teams, volunteers, sponsors, referees, etc).
• Review your budget and make notes for your next event.
• Make a list of what went well and what needs improvement for your next event.

Other Information
Tournament Information Package to teams
The following items can be included in your Team Package.

• Introductory letter
• Accommodation price lists and locations (for out of town teams)
• Tournament schedule and sites 
• Restaurant lists and locations (for out of town teams)
• Specific rule modifications 
• City map

Referees
It is important to communicate with the head referee assignor as to the exact schedule of games and any specific game modifications pertaining to the tournament.  It is also wise to tape down a copy of the rules to the score table for quick reference through the event.

Equipment

• 2 game balls (ensure you have the correct size ball for the level of play)
• Scoresheets & pens
• Access to the school’s Scoreclock
• 1 score table with 2 chairs
• 2 team benches

GOOD LUCK!!

16 Basketball Fundraising Ideas for Your Team or Program

Money is a requirement for many basketball teams.

Funds are required for things like:

• Tournament participation
• Accomodation (hotels)
• Transportation (buses, flights)
• Extra travel expenses
• Training equipment
• Jerseys / Clothing

That's why so many teams, clubs, and associations are always looking for basketball fundraising ideas to ensure their team keeps participating.

To help you, I've put together a list of ideas.

Here are a bunch of practical ways your basketball team can raise funds:

1. 

A common way to raise funds is to sell your own products or merchandise.

Print the team logo on products and sell them during games, school fairs, online, or anywhere else you think will work.

These can include products like:

• T-shirts
• Jackets / Hoodies
• Caps
• Socks
• Stickers
• Coffee cups
• Bags
• etc

Use online platforms such as SpreadShop and Printful to create your custom designs and get all your merchandise delivered.

2.

Auctions can be an exciting way to raise money.

Request items to auction off from local businesses (if possible), and then include some of your own items to give to the highest bidder.

Signed memorabilia is always a big hit at these events.

You can do these auctions online or create an offline event.

I recommend offline since you'll be able to raise extra money by selling food and drinks, and because it's a great way to gather everyone in the one place for a fun evening.

3.

Hold a basketball camp during the off-season.

Get a few members of the team to help out while you teach young children the game of basketball for a fixed per-person fee.

For coaches, it’s a chance to connect with kids who they might coach in the future, as well as their parents.

It’s also a great opportunity for players to revisit their understanding of the fundamentals of the game, especially those who have been playing basketball for several years.

This can be a regular off-season event.

4.

Invite members of the community, as well as those from nearby areas, to participate in a basketball tournament.

There are a number of formats you can consider:

• 5-on-5 full-court
• 3-on-3 half-court
• 1-on-1

You can run these tournaments over one weekend or create a tournament that runs for several Saturdays in a row.

Have brackets for all age groups to boost numbers, and charge teams or individuals to participate in the tournament.

There are costs to this fundraising model (court fees, referees, etc), but your team can raise a healthy sum of money if done correctly.

5.

Write personalized letters to local businesses and larger corporations asking if they'll sponsor your team / club.

In exchange, include them in all team-related media (team website, game-day booklet, their logo on warm-up gear, etc).

You'll likely get many businesses who say no, but finding just a few who say yes can make a big difference for your team.

If any of your player's parents own a business, start with them!

For those who do say yes, provide them with certificates that can be displayed in their shop.

6.

During seasons with decent weather, organize a fun run or walkathon.

Have a number of categories or distances (3km, 5km, 10km).

Charge a lower price to participate for those who register early, and a higher amount for those who wait and register closer to the event.

You'll even have the opportunity to create merchandise for this event.

Create shirts / singlets that participants can purchase.

To keep everyone's interest if you plan to make this a regular feature, organize a theme for each run or walkathon.

7.

Host a trivia night one evening where parents, players, and coaches can come together and enjoy some healthy competition.

Charge individually or per table to participate.

All you need to do is put together a bunch of questions, create cards for tables to write down their answer, and then find a host for the event.

These are great events for large groups of people, and you can make extra money by selling food and drinks throughout the night.

(Just make sure no one cheats by using Google on their phone!)

8.

Do you know a few clutter-collectors looking to unload some of their possessions? Maybe you have some of your own?

Hold a yard or garage sale.

Put up posters in your local gym, around town, and on social media letting everyone know that you'll be holding a yard sale.

You’d be surprised what people would be interested in buying.

As they say...

"One man's trash is another man's treasure."

Don’t think you have enough items for a yard sale?

Contact local businesses and other community members to see they wish to donate some of their items to your sale.

9.

Put those grills to good use.

Early in the summer, have members of the team (depending on their age) working the grill for the rest of the town.

Stock up on barbecue basics like burgers and ribs, along with some other more specific items like chicken and veggie patties.

Include refreshing beverages as well.

Invite the whole community and charge a fee for entry or per food item.

10.

Perhaps you'd rather take the proactive approach and seek out customers instead of waiting for them to come to you.

Get started knocking on every door in your neighborhood.

If you have merchandise for sale (hoodies, t-shirts, socks, coffee mugs, etc), door-to-door sales might work for your team.

This is usually more successful when you have a tight-knit community.

Be sure to remind prospective buyers of the good cause they're contributing to by being a customer.

And don't allow rejection to get you down.

Just move onto the next door!

11.

Invite the whole town to the school hall / gym for a night of bingo.

Charge for entry or a specific price for a set number of games, and then make sure to set aside funds for the prizes of winners.

This is another opportunity to make money serving snacks and refreshments.

If your budget won’t allow you to serve food, inform participants of potluck and BYOB (bring your own bottle) policies.

12.

Do you have a local fair coming up?

Apply to set up a booth.

Set up a basketball hoop, grab a couple of basketballs, and then mark out a few lines where fair-goers can take a shot from.

Free-throw distance and three-point distance seem reasonable.

Then charge fair-goers a specific amount for every shot attempt or for every set of three shots.

Make sure you've got a bunch of cool prizes for the winners!

13.

Set up concession stands at home games.

This will allow you to sell hotdogs, popcorn, candy, beverages, or anything else you can think of.

These stands are often successful because you can purchase food and drink in bulk, and then sell them individually for a profit.

People who attend home games are also likely to have an interest in the team, so don't forget to set up some team merchandise at the stand too.

14.

Ask one of the parents with a decent camera to take pictures of each player during live games and practices.

Compile them all together and create a pockets, desk, or wall calendar.

(You'll need each parent's permission for this)

You can design calendars easily using platforms such as Canva.

This basketball fundraising idea works best at the start of the year or at the end of the year - that's when people are looking for calendars!

15.

Go around town securing donations from local establishments.

The donations can be in the form of gift certificates, discounts, or products from their store.

They can even be services such as a free massage at the local spa, free haircut at the town’s favorite barbershop, or dinner for two at the local Italian restaurant.

Get players to sell raffle tickets to people in the community.

Then use the donations as prizes for the raffle!

16.

This is one of my favorites...

Find a large jar and fill it with candy.

Set up a table at the entrace to the gym on game days and ask people if they would like to guess how many lollies are in the jar.

Charge $1 for each guess and present a prize to the individual who guesses closest to the correct number.

Conclusion

Each of the basketball fundraising ideas listed above have their own advantages and disadvantages.

It's up to you to decide which ones best fit your team / program.

Also, don’t limit yourself to one idea.

By using a number of fundraisers throughout the year, you'll have more opportunities to raise funds for your team and you'll find out what works best for your team's specific situation.

2024 | Basketball: Olympic Qualification Rules

The basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics promises to be full of surprises. The US women's team has been unbeaten in gold medals since the Atlanta Games, and the men's team since Beijing 2008, but the level of other teams has grown significantly in recent years. Will we have new Olympic champions?

We will know the answer to this question only in the summer of 2024, but it will be possible to form an opinion about the capabilities of the teams during the international competitions and Olympic qualification tournaments that will be held in the next two years. The first of these will be FIBA ​​Women's World Basketball Championship starting on September 22.

Answering basic questions about basketball qualification for the Paris Olympics.

How many basketball players will go to Paris 2024?

A total of 288 players (24 teams) will compete in the basketball tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The number of players is the same for men and women - 144 athletes of each gender . Each tournament will feature 12 commands .

France reserves one quota for each gender as the host country . However, the final decision on these quotas will be made by the central bureau of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on June 30, 2023. If the Central Bureau decides not to directly award the quota to the host country, then the number of teams that can qualify in the normal way will be increased.

Team USA will come to Paris as the favorite. They have become champions of the last four Olympic Games, including Tokyo 2020 where they defeated France in the final. Led by San Antonio Spurs legend Greg Popovich , the Stars and Stripes won the title with a constellation of NBA stars including Kevin Durant, Zach Lavin, Draymond Green and Jason Tatum .

Women's tournament dominance 9Team USA 0005 is even more absolute - they won gold at the last seven Olympics. Since women's basketball was included in the 90,005 Montreal 1976 Games, 90,006 American women have won the title 9 out of 12 times.

At the Tokyo 2020 tournament, WNBA stars Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi won their fifth Olympic title and beat another legend, Teresa Edwards , became the only basketball players who managed to do so.

Bird will retire at the end of the 2022 WNBA season, but Taurasi may well go to Paris. Most recently, she became the first player over 40 in the WNBA to score 30 points in a single game. In the NBA, only Michael Jordan and Dirk Nowitzki managed to do this.

While Team USA remains the favorite to win for the eighth consecutive time, Team France is among the contenders for the podium. New York Liberty shooting guard likely to feature at home games Marine Joannes and young center Iliana Ruper .

The Belgian team, which has grown significantly in recent years thanks to the likes of Emma Misseman , may also come in as a surprise. In Tokyo 2020, the Belgians reached the quarterfinals, where they lost to hosts Japan 86-85.

The Japanese team is also worth keeping an eye on in Paris 2024 - they play some pretty attractive basketball. In major tournaments, 9 also usually performs well.0005 Australian team .

Basketball in Paris 2024. Key dates

• September 22 - October 1, 2022: FIBA ​​World Basketball Championship among women - 2022, Australia

• June 2023: European Basketball Championship - 2023 9000 9000

  ,0005 August August August : FIBA ​​Men's Olympic Pre-Qualifiers

• August 25 - September 10, 2023: FIBA ​​World Basketball Championship among men-2023, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia

• November 2023: Olympic Fiba Pre-Application tournaments among women

• 9000,0005 November 30, 2023: Noki confirm Fiba use by Fiba use by Fiba use by Fiba use by Fiba use by Fibaba use Fiba. competitions for men and women

• February 2024 : FIBA ​​Women's Olympic Qualifiers

• Date to be announced: 66 Olympic qualification tournaments FIBA ​​among men 2024

• July 8, 2024: Dyaline for applications for games

• 26 - August 11, 2024 2024 in Paris