How to Organize Top-Notch Pickleball Events: In a recent PB360 podcast episode, host Omar and co-founder Ramin engaged in a detailed discussion with Bobby Horn, an experienced tournament director in pickleball with a background in racquetball. Known for his hands-on approach and deep expertise, Horn looked into the variations of organizing successful pickleball events.
Horn’s transition into pickleball management was a natural extension of his racquetball experience. “My roots in organizing pickleball tournaments are deeply tied to my time in racquetball,” Horn shared. His experience on the tour and in organizing racquetball events made the switch to pickleball seamless and logical.
Currently overseeing various events at Bay Club Pleasanton, Horn is involved in leagues and one-day shootout tournaments. He described his innovative strategies, saying, “I’m testing quick, one-day formats to maximize court usage and keep participants engaged.”
Horn prefers a round-robin format with playoffs, which he finds efficient and participant-friendly. “This format keeps the tournament on schedule and is easy for players to understand,” Horn explained. He also praised the flexibility of the Kings and Queens League, where players can register without a partner.
Effective promotion is crucial for tournament success, according to Horn. He uses community engagement and word-of-mouth, stating,
“For local tournaments, I utilize our club’s communication channels and connect directly with players. For larger events, personal outreach and online platforms significantly boost participation.”
Horn emphasized the importance of thorough planning on the event day.
“Preparation is key. Having a clear schedule and being present early helps manage expectations and keeps everything on track.” – (Horn)
Creating a fun and social atmosphere is also a priority for Horn.
“Keeping the mood light and enjoyable is essential. Encouraging players to relax and have fun contributes greatly to the event’s success.” – (Horn)
Looking back on his experiences, Horn offered practical advice to newcomers in the field.
“Understanding your community and learning from experienced organizers is invaluable. It’s much easier to navigate challenges with guidance from those who’ve been there.” – (Horn)
As the episode concluded, Horn expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share his insights, saying,
“I’m thankful for the platform to discuss my experiences and excited to continue improving our events.” – (Horn)
News in Brief: How to Organize Top-Notch Pickleball Events
In a recent PB360 podcast, Bobby Horn, a seasoned pickleball tournament director with a racquetball background, shared his expertise in organizing successful events. Horn, now managing tournaments at Bay Club Pleasanton, detailed his innovative one-day formats and preferred round-robin structure.
He emphasized the importance of effective promotion, thorough planning, and creating a fun atmosphere. Horn’s transition from racquetball to pickleball was smooth, using his experience to enhance event management. His advice for newcomers includes community understanding and learning from seasoned organizers.
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