Prizes and Awards for a Table Tennis Tournament: What to Give and How to Budget
Prizes are a small part of the budget and a large part of how the day is remembered. The goal is a prize for everyone who earned one, ordered early enough to arrive, and presented while the room is still full.
Who gets a prize
The usual minimum is first, second and third place in every category. If your format includes a third-place match, there is no argument about who is third. Many organizers also reward:
- Consolation bracket winners, so first-round losers have something to play for.
- Doubles and side-event winners.
- One or two spirit awards: best sportsmanship, best newcomer, longest rally, or most improved. These cost almost nothing and are often the most talked about.
Types of prize
| Prize | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medals | Every category, every level | Cheapest per winner and easy to store. Order gold, silver and bronze in the number you need, plus a few spares. |
| Trophies | Main winners and club championships | Allow time for engraving. Perpetual trophies need a record of past winners and someone to look after them. |
| Certificates | Every entrant, juniors, school events | Print from a template. They cost a few cents each and parents keep them. |
| Equipment | Prizes for any placing | Rubber sheets, balls, towels and bags are useful to players. A local retailer may donate or discount them in return for a mention. |
| Vouchers and gift cards | Raffles and spirit awards | Easy to store and carry. |
| Cash | Higher-level events | See the notes below. |
How many to order
Count categories and places, then add the side events and a margin. A tournament with three singles categories, three places each, one consolation winner per category and a doubles event needs 9 + 3 + 3 = 15 medals before spares. Order two extra of each color for mistakes and late additions, and check spelling on any engraving twice. Order at least three weeks ahead; engraved items take longest.
Cash prizes
Cash prizes change the character of an event. They can attract stronger players, and they bring tax, reporting and legal questions that vary by country and state. In some places, awarding cash or prize drawings can also touch gambling or raffle rules. If you plan any cash prize, a raffle, or entry fees that are paid out as prizes, check local law and your governing body’s rules first. When in doubt, use equipment and vouchers.
Whatever you decide, put the amounts in your budget and write the prize structure on the entry page, so players know what the entry fee funds.
Prize rules to publish
- How placings are decided, including the third-place match, or shared bronze if you do not play one.
- What happens to a prize if the winner has left: hold it, mail it, or pass it to the next player.
- Whether a player can win in more than one category.
- Any eligibility rules, such as rating limits, age bands, or club membership.
Presenting them
Hold the ceremony straight after the last final, while spectators and finalists are still in the hall. Announce categories in order, from the lowest level to the highest, so the biggest final is last. Have the medals in labeled bags by category, a clear order of names, and someone with a camera. Thank the sponsors, the volunteers and the venue by name before you start; it takes thirty seconds and builds goodwill for next time.