Heading to a lacrosse tournament? The short version: bring your full kit (stick, protective gear, cleats, and both uniform looks), plan for the weather, and pack a team setup that keeps players fed, hydrated, and in the shade between games. Below is the complete checklist for players, parents, and coaches so nothing gets left in the garage on game day.
The essential player gear checklist
Every player should pack: their lacrosse stick (plus a backup shaft or head if you have one), helmet, gloves, shoulder pads and arm pads, a mouthguard (bring a spare), cleats plus turf shoes, and athletic socks. Goalies add their chest protector, throat guard, and goalie stick. Tape, an extra mouthguard, and a spare pair of gloves save the day more often than you’d think.
Uniforms: pack both looks
Tournaments run multiple games a day and you won’t always be the home team, so bring both your light and dark tops. This is exactly why reversible jerseys are so popular for tournament teams — one jersey covers both sides and there’s less to forget. Pack an extra base layer and a warm layer for early mornings, plus a clean shirt for between games. If your program still needs gear, our Design Studio and free mockups make it easy to get custom uniforms built before the season.
Beat the heat: hydration and sun
Florida tournaments are hot, and back-to-back games add up fast. Send each player with a large refillable water bottle, electrolyte drinks, and sunscreen, and reapply between games. A hat and sunglasses for the sideline help, and coaches should build in shade and water breaks. Hydration that starts the night before beats trying to catch up at the field.
What parents and coaches should pack for the team
The team setup makes a long tournament day bearable: folding chairs, a cooler with water and snacks, a first-aid kit, extra tape and mouthguards, phone chargers or a battery pack, and trash bags. The single biggest upgrade is shade — a team canopy or tent gives players somewhere to recover out of the sun between games and doubles as your team’s home base (a custom-branded one looks sharp at team photos, too).
Game-day logistics
Arrive early, know your schedule and field assignments, and check in with the tournament table before your first game. Have your roster and any required paperwork ready, confirm start times (pool-play schedules can shift), and give players time to warm up. A little planning up front keeps the whole day calm.
Find a tournament to play in
Looking for competitive lacrosse events in Florida? Sunshine Events Group runs youth and high-school tournaments across the state — a great place to get your team on the schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What should my player bring to a lacrosse tournament?
Their stick, helmet, gloves, shoulder and arm pads, a mouthguard (plus a spare), cleats and turf shoes, both uniform tops (or a reversible), water, electrolytes, and sunscreen. Goalies also need their chest protector and throat guard.
Why are reversible jerseys good for tournaments?
Tournaments mean multiple games a day and you won’t always be the home team. A reversible jersey covers both light and dark looks in one piece, so there’s less to pack and less to forget.
How do I keep players cool during a hot tournament day?
Bring plenty of water and electrolytes, apply and reapply sunscreen, and set up shade with a team tent or canopy so players can recover out of the sun between games. Build in regular water breaks.
Where can I find lacrosse tournaments in Florida?
Sunshine Events Group organizes youth and high-school lacrosse tournaments throughout Florida — check their site for the current schedule and registration.