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Become a Tournament Director

Events are the lifeblood of New Zealand Disc Golf. Whether it’s a local club day or a National Tour event, it all starts with a TD.

Where to Run an Event

 

Choosing a Venue Great events start with a suitable course. You don't need a championship-level facility to run a successful event, but you do need to consider the basics:

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  • Capacity: Can the course handle the number of players you want? A typical 18-hole shotgun start maxes out at 72 players (4 per card).

  • Permissions: Most courses are on public land. You must contact your local Council or landowners to book the space. This ensures you have exclusive use (if applicable) and avoids clashes with other park events.

  • Safety: The safety of players and the public is the TD's responsibility. Ensure the course layout minimises conflict with walking paths and roads.

The "How-To" Roadmap

 

1. Check the Calendar Before you lock in a date, check the NZDG Event Calendar. Avoid clashing with existing Tour events or major tournaments in nearby regions to ensure you get the best turnout.

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2. Sanctioning Your Event Sanctioning provides insurance, legitimacy, and allows players to earn tour points.

  • NZDG Sanctioning: Required for events to be part of the National Tour.

  • PDGA Sanctioning: Allows players to earn ratings. This is highly recommended for all competitive events.

  • Link: PDGA Event Sanctioning Agreement

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3. Registration & Finance Most NZ events use Disc Golf Scene for registration. It handles entry fees, waitlists, and payouts seamlessly. As a TD, you should have a clear budget. Know your fixed costs (sanctioning fees, park fees) and your variable costs (player packs, prizes).

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4. Running the Day On tournament day, your main job is communication and flow.

  • Player Meeting: Brief players on out-of-bounds (OB) rules, safety hazards, and scoring.

  • Scoring: The industry standard is PDGA Live Scoring. It is paperless, instant, and allows fans to follow along at home.

Resources & Downloads

 

Tools for TDs We have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process, from Health & Safety plans to caddy book templates.

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First time TD? You don't have to do it alone. Contact the NZDG Board, and we can put you in touch with an experienced mentor in your region.

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