Tournament Checklist
It seems that the offseason is filled with weekend traveling; out of state, or to the furthest possible point in your state if you’re “lucky” enough to be in a local tournament. Regardless of how far you’re going, there’s essentials you’ll need for every tournament, and we’re here to help you figure out exactly what this list includes:
WHAT TO BRING:
- COOLER and DRINKS: This is the most important item. You’re going to want to bring a cooler loaded with water bottles and ice. You may also want to bring some sports drinks to replenish your electrolytes in-between games. The sodium in sports drinks also helps retain water and keep you hydrated in a short term setting, which is good for a few back to back lacrosse games.
- BACKUP STICK: Sticks break all the time. Don’t get caught in another state or at a tournament without your backup because you could potentially miss out on scouting exposure, or just reps to improve your game if your primary stick breaks.
- COOLER TOWELS (Seasonal): This may seem weird. But there’s no better feeling in-between a game than taking an ice-water soaked towel and wrapping it around your neck/draping it over your head after you just sprinted up and down a field for 60 minutes. The cooler towel will help rejuvenate you and make you feel refreshed, especially in the warmer seasons.
- HANDWARMERS/Latex Gloves (Seasonal): When you’re playing in the cold, it’s hard to maintain comfort, and sometimes even feeling in your extremities. Handwarmers can be not only a comfort savior, but also a performance savior. Shove these bad boys in your gloves to avoid losing feeling in your hands and helping maintain grip ability. Latex gloves also work great to wear under your gloves in order to retain warmth in your hands. Parents, these will also help you stay warm as you watch from the sidelines.
- HEALTHY SNACKS: Sometimes, you’ll have 3-4 games on a given day during a tournament. There are concession stands set up most-of the time, but these will be selling burgers, hot dogs, fries and your basic snacks like chips and candy. These aren’t good snacks to have in-between games and can cause you to cramp up. We’d recommend bringing some sliced up fruit, possibly some granola or nuts, or even a bagel (with very minimal cream cheese or butter). You want something light and composed of simple carbs for quick recovery and bursts of energy.
- HEADPHONES: Headphones are a great way to maintain your focus on a long drive, and to keep you in a competitive zone between games. Set up a playlist or find something to listen to that gets you in the mindset to perform at your best out on the field.
- A CHANGE OF CLOTHES: Oftentimes the weather will unexpectedly change and it can start down pouring, and even if it doesn’t, you’ll most likely be running for an extended period of time and sweat through your clothes and equipment. It’s good to bring a change of clothes for the end of the day, just as a means of practical comfort and not stinking up the car on your way home. Changing your socks can also prevent athlete’s foot.
- OUT OF STATE NEEDS: These are your basics. Imagine you’re going to a weekend sleepover or something. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and whatever personal things you may need on a normal day-to-day basis. This will prevent additional costs as you travel, so it’s always good to make your own checklist for what you use on a daily basis and need to bring outside of the sport.
- ICE: You’ll most likely want to buy your cooler ice when you get to your destination, because if you travel with it, it will melt by the time you get there and you’ll just end up having to buy more.
- SUNSCREEN: You’re going to be spending hours in the sun. It’s best to stay protected from sunburn. Get those SPFs on so the only thing your burning is your opponents on the field.
- CAMERA: It’s a good idea to bring a camera to film your kid while they play. Every play is an opportunity for a highlight, and if the goal is to take your game to the next level, you’re going to want as much highlight tape material as possible for scouting purposes.
- CHAIR: Bring a chair. If you don’t bring a chair you’re going to be doing a lot of standing throughout the entirety of the day – even in-between games. And hey, maybe standing is your thing, we won’t judge, but we recommend taking a load off and bringing a chair to sit as you watch.
