Travel Tournament Packing Checklist

The team that arrives organized has already won the first battle.

👕 Uniforms & Apparel

• [ ] Game jersey (home AND away if applicable)
• [ ] Practice/training gear (1 set per practice day)
• [ ] Warm-up jacket and pants
• [ ] Sport-specific footwear (game + practice if different)
• [ ] Extra socks (at least 2 pairs per game day)
• [ ] Rain gear if outdoor event
• [ ] Team spirit wear / travel uniform

⚽ Equipment

• [ ] Personal equipment bag fully packed
• [ ] Sport-specific gear (pads, gloves, bat, stick, etc.)
• [ ] Water bottle (large, insulated — one per player)
• [ ] Snack bag (enough for 2 days minimum)
• [ ] Recovery items: foam roller, resistance bands, lacrosse ball

🩺 Medical & Personal

• [ ] Prescription medications with extra supply (+3 days)
• [ ] Personal first aid kit: band-aids, ibuprofen, antacid, allergy meds
• [ ] Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• [ ] Bug spray
• [ ] Athletic tape, blister bandages
• [ ] Ice packs (reusable)
• [ ] Extra contact lenses / glasses

💼 Administrative (Coach/Manager)

• [ ] Signed medical release forms for all players (physical copies)
• [ ] Emergency contact list (printed, not just on phone)
• [ ] Player ID cards or proof of age (if age-banded tournament)
• [ ] Roster documents (certified if required)
• [ ] Insurance documentation
• [ ] Hotel confirmation numbers
• [ ] Tournament schedule and field maps
• [ ] Cash for tips, emergencies
• [ ] Team credit card or petty cash fund

🏨 Hotel & Accommodation

• [ ] Book rooms with tournament hotel block (often discounted)
• [ ] Confirm check-in time aligns with arrival
• [ ] Request rooms on same floor for easy supervision
• [ ] Confirm hotel breakfast hours vs. game start times
• [ ] Team rules meeting upon arrival (quiet hours, visitor policy)

🚗 Travel Day Logistics

• [ ] Pre-plan gas stops if driving
• [ ] 2-hour buffer before first game (traffic, registration)
• [ ] Carpool coordination sheet sent to parents
• [ ] Emergency meeting point established if groups get separated

✨ Parent Communication Before Departure

Send parents this information at least 1 week before travel:

• Departure time and meeting location
• Hotel name and address
• Tournament schedule and field locations
• Expected return time
• Parent supervision expectations for overnight trips