How to Run a Fastpitch Tournament

A step-by-step playbook for new tournament directors — from planning to championship banner, built around the tools in this app.

Start 8–12 weeks out. The earlier you lock the basics, the smoother everything else runs.

Pick your dates and check them against local school calendars, holidays, and competing area tournaments.
Secure fields and permits: plan 2–4 fields so a rain delay does not sink the schedule. Confirm lighting for evening games.
Choose your format: single elimination (fast, one bad game ends a run) or double elimination (more games, better for travel teams). Pool play into a bracket is the standard fastpitch weekend.
Set age divisions (10U–18U) and entry fee. Sanction your event with a governing body (e.g., USA Softball or PGF) if teams need insurance coverage.
Decide time limits per game — 1:10, 1:15, 1:20 or 1:30.

New here?

Open the sample tournament — a full setup with six teams, two pools, and a scheduled Saturday slate you can copy for your own event.