Tournaments

If you plan to attend a tournament

• Sign-up. If you know about tournament, then you should know how much it costs to enter. Sign-up early, pay the entry fee, and pre-order a t-shirt, if desired. Other costs may include transportation, lodging, and meals. At the tournament, you will need cash for snacks or memorabilia.
• Show-up. Get there at least 30 minutes before you are scheduled. Plan for travel delays. The earlier you arrive, the more time you will have to change, stretch, familiarize yourself with the layout of the venue, and check out your potential competition. If you are a black belt or an instructor, ensure you are on time for the officials meeting.
• Listen-up. Pay attention to the public address system to track the flow of the tournament so you will know when your division will be called. Listen-up for any other instructions that may pertain to you. Follow instructions of officials, ask questions if not clear about something.
• Line-up. When directed to a staging area or a ring, go there, and stay there. Be ready to compete when you get there. If you are a judge, get to your assigned ring in plenty o time to receive instructions.
• Shut-up. No complaining, griping, crying, temper tantrums, or whining! Compete, have fun, and keep your mouth shut. If you have a legitimate complaint, see your instructor. If you have to talk, root for your teammates.