Interview Questions for Experience in Tournament Management and Operations

Managing tournament budgets requires a meticulous approach, combining strategic planning with real-time monitoring. It starts with a comprehensive budget proposal that outlines all anticipated expenses, from venue rental and equipment costs to staffing, marketing, and contingency funds. I typically categorize expenses into distinct groups for better tracking and analysis. For instance, I might have categories like ‘Venue & Logistics,’ ‘Personnel & Staffing,’ ‘Marketing & Promotion,’ ‘Prizes & Awards,’ and ‘Contingency.’

Before the tournament, I negotiate favorable rates with vendors and secure sponsorships to offset costs. During the tournament, I closely track actual spending against the budget, using spreadsheets or dedicated budget management software. For example, I might use a spreadsheet to log all invoices and payments, comparing them to the projected costs in each category. Any significant deviations from the budget are immediately investigated and addressed. Post-tournament, a thorough reconciliation is performed, comparing actual spending to the budget and analyzing any variances. This analysis informs future budget planning, ensuring greater accuracy and efficiency in subsequent events.

In one particular tournament, we were able to secure a significant sponsorship deal that covered a large portion of the venue rental, allowing us to allocate more funds towards prize money and enhancing the participant experience. This proactive approach resulted in a successful and financially sound tournament.

Scheduling tournament events and matches is a complex process, demanding a combination of logistical planning and fair play considerations. I typically begin with defining the tournament format (e.g., round-robin, single-elimination, etc.) and the number of participants. This dictates the overall structure of the schedule. I then utilize scheduling software or create a customized spreadsheet, carefully considering factors like venue availability, player availability (taking into account potential conflicts), and desired match durations.

For instance, for a round-robin tournament, the software can automatically generate a schedule that ensures every player faces each other once. For a single-elimination bracket, I’d carefully manage the seeding process and ensure sufficient time between rounds. Breaks for meals and rest are crucial, especially for longer events. Time zones must also be considered in international events. The schedule is then reviewed and finalized, with contingency plans in place for unexpected delays or cancellations.

In a past tournament, we encountered a situation where a player had to withdraw last minute. This necessitated a rescheduling of multiple matches to maintain the fairness and integrity of the competition. Our pre-prepared contingency plan allowed us to quickly adjust the schedule with minimal disruption to the tournament’s flow.

Handling unexpected issues during a tournament requires a proactive, calm, and decisive approach. I advocate for a well-defined emergency response plan, outlining procedures for common problems like injuries, equipment malfunctions, power outages, or severe weather. This plan should include clearly designated roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and readily available contact information for emergency services and relevant personnel.

My approach is based on the principle of ‘preparedness meets adaptability.’ For example, I always have a backup plan for power outages, including generators or alternative lighting solutions. If a player is injured, I have a first-aid station and access to medical professionals. Clear communication channels are crucial, ensuring updates are promptly disseminated to participants, volunteers, and officials. A calm demeanor is important to ensure a sense of composure and control. Open and honest communication minimizes panic and enhances trust.

Once, during a tournament, a severe thunderstorm caused a power outage. Thanks to our emergency plan, we quickly switched to backup generators and communicated the situation effectively to all participants. The tournament experienced minimal disruption thanks to our efficient response.

Ensuring fair play and rule adherence involves establishing a robust framework from the outset. This begins with clearly defined rules and regulations distributed to all participants well in advance of the tournament. Clear communication is key. Then, consistent officiating is critical. Trained and impartial referees or judges are essential to enforce the rules uniformly. This requires proper training and clear guidelines for judging or officiating.

We implement a system for reporting rule violations and a clear process for handling disputes. This could involve a designated appeals process or a panel of judges to review controversial decisions. Furthermore, we actively promote sportsmanship and ethical conduct throughout the tournament. This could involve pre-tournament workshops, public announcements, or even incorporating points into the overall scoring for sportsmanlike behavior.

Transparency in decision-making is paramount. In a past tournament, a close match resulted in a contentious decision. Our clear appeals process allowed the participants to voice their concerns, which were carefully reviewed, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution that maintained trust and integrity in the tournament.

Efficient tournament registration and participant management are foundational to a smooth event. I utilize online registration systems that automate the process, minimizing manual input and errors. These systems allow for easy participant tracking, communication, and management of payments and waivers. Data collected includes player information, contact details, emergency contacts, and any necessary waivers or medical information.

The system often generates personalized communication—confirmation emails, updates, schedules, and results. This improves communication efficiency and minimizes confusion. Detailed records are kept throughout the entire process, streamlining communication and conflict resolution. I also use the data for post-tournament analysis, improving future events. The data can help us understand areas of success and areas for improvement.

For a recent tournament, using online registration and communication tools, reduced the time taken for registration by 60% while also reducing administrative errors significantly.

Managing volunteers effectively is crucial for a successful tournament. This involves a multi-stage approach, beginning with a clear volunteer recruitment strategy. This includes publicizing volunteer opportunities through various channels, emphasizing the benefits of volunteering (e.g., contributing to the community, gaining experience). I develop a detailed volunteer job description specifying the tasks, required skills, and time commitment for each role.

Once recruited, volunteers undergo training sessions that cover relevant procedures, rules, emergency protocols, and communication strategies. A well-structured scheduling system ensures volunteers are assigned to shifts that align with their availability and skills. This system uses scheduling software or spreadsheets to effectively manage volunteer assignments. Regular check-ins and communication throughout the tournament keeps volunteers informed and addresses concerns promptly. Post-tournament feedback mechanisms allow for evaluating their experience and improving future volunteer management practices.

In a previous tournament, we implemented a system where volunteers could sign up for shifts online, choosing their preferred roles and times. This increased volunteer satisfaction and participation rates.

Throughout my career, I have utilized various software and technologies for tournament management. These range from simple spreadsheet programs (like Excel or Google Sheets) for smaller events to sophisticated tournament management software packages for larger, more complex tournaments. I’ve used tools like Tournament Scheduler, TeamSnap, and RunSignup. Each software has its strengths and weaknesses, making the choice dependent on the specific needs of the tournament.

Spreadsheet software excels at basic scheduling, budget tracking, and participant registration, particularly for smaller events with limited functionalities. More advanced software packages often include features such as automated scheduling, online registration portals, live score updates, and integrated communication tools. Cloud-based platforms enable real-time collaboration and data accessibility from multiple locations. Choosing the right technology depends on factors like budget, tournament size, complexity, and desired functionality. The key is to select a platform that aligns with the tournament’s specific requirements and effectively supports efficient management.

For example, using Tournament Scheduler for a large-scale competition allowed for automatic generation of complex schedules, drastically reducing manual effort and the risk of human error.

Tracking and reporting tournament results and statistics is crucial for transparency, analysis, and future planning. My approach involves a multi-faceted system, combining technology with manual processes to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

• Real-time Data Capture: I utilize tournament management software (like Challonge, Smash.gg, or custom-built solutions depending on the scale and complexity of the tournament) to input scores and match results in real-time. This allows for immediate updates on leaderboards and eliminates manual data entry errors. For example, in a recent chess tournament, we used Chess.com’s integrated tournament features to automatically populate our results database.

• Data Validation: A key aspect is data validation. This involves verifying the accuracy of entered results, cross-referencing with official match records and potentially conducting manual checks to prevent inconsistencies or fraudulent entries.

• Statistical Analysis: Once the data is verified, I use the software’s built-in analytical tools or export data to spreadsheet software (like Excel or Google Sheets) to generate comprehensive statistics. This can include win/loss records, average game scores, player rankings, and head-to-head matchups. These insights are invaluable for identifying top performers, trends, and potential improvements for future tournaments.

• Reporting: Finally, I prepare detailed reports, which can be customized depending on the audience. For sponsors, the focus might be on viewership and engagement metrics. For participants, it may include individual performance statistics and rankings. Public reports often showcase tournament highlights and overall results.

Marketing and promoting a tournament requires a strategic approach, targeting different segments of the audience using multiple channels. It’s about creating buzz and ensuring maximum participation and spectator engagement.

• Pre-Tournament Buzz: I start by creating a strong online presence through a dedicated tournament website and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.). High-quality promotional materials, including eye-catching graphics and videos, are essential.

• Targeted Advertising: Depending on the target audience and budget, I might utilize paid advertising on social media platforms or relevant gaming websites. For example, if it’s an esports tournament, targeting ads towards specific gaming communities on Twitch or Discord is highly effective.

• Public Relations: Building relationships with relevant media outlets (gaming publications, local news channels) and creating press releases about the tournament helps increase visibility and reach a wider audience.

• Influencer Marketing: Collaborating with influential streamers or gamers within the community can significantly boost visibility and generate excitement.

• Community Engagement: Actively engaging with the gaming community through forums, social media, and online discussions is crucial to build a sense of community and generate anticipation for the event. A successful tournament often fosters a sense of anticipation leading up to the event.

Securing sponsorships involves understanding the needs of potential sponsors and demonstrating the value proposition of the tournament. This is a process that often starts months, or even a year, in advance.

• Sponsor Prospecting: Identifying potential sponsors is the first step. This requires thorough research to find companies whose brand aligns with the tournament and its target audience. I create a comprehensive sponsor package outlining the various benefits of sponsorship – increased brand visibility, access to a target demographic, potential marketing opportunities, etc.

• Negotiating Agreements: Once potential sponsors are identified, negotiations begin. This involves discussing sponsorship levels, benefits, deliverables, and payment terms. I always make sure to have clearly defined deliverables and deadlines to avoid any misunderstandings.

• Contract Management: Once an agreement is reached, a detailed contract is drafted outlining all the terms and conditions. This protects both parties’ interests and ensures compliance. A contract should include clauses covering payment schedules, logo usage, and reporting requirements.

• Post-Tournament Reporting: Providing sponsors with post-tournament reports that demonstrate the value delivered on the sponsorship commitment is essential for maintaining strong relationships and securing future sponsorships. These reports often include key metrics like audience reach and engagement numbers.

Managing tournament logistics, particularly travel and accommodation, is a critical component of successful tournament management. It requires meticulous planning and attention to detail to ensure a smooth experience for all participants.

• Travel Arrangements: I work with travel agents or online booking platforms to secure competitive rates for flights and other transportation needs. This often involves negotiating group discounts and organizing shared transportation to minimize costs and maximize efficiency. For international events, I account for visa requirements and travel insurance.

• Accommodation Booking: Similar to travel, I secure accommodation based on budget, location, and participant needs. This can involve negotiating group rates at hotels or arranging for alternative accommodations such as shared apartments or dormitories depending on the budget and scale of the tournament.

• On-site Support: During the tournament, I ensure a smooth on-site experience with readily available support for any travel or accommodation issues that may arise. This might include assistance with transportation, resolving accommodation problems, or providing information about local services.

• Contingency Planning: It is crucial to have contingency plans in place for unforeseen circumstances, such as flight cancellations or accommodation issues. This could involve having backup accommodation options or alternative transportation plans.

Handling disputes or complaints requires a fair, consistent, and transparent approach. My strategy focuses on proactive communication and conflict resolution.

• Clear Rules and Regulations: Having a well-defined set of rules and regulations is the first step in preventing disputes. These should be clearly communicated to all participants beforehand.

• Escalation Process: Establishing a clear escalation process for handling complaints, starting with informal resolution attempts and progressing to formal appeals if necessary, ensures fairness and consistency.

• Neutral Third Party: For complex disputes, involving a neutral third party (a judge, referee, or designated tournament official) can be crucial for impartiality and a fair resolution.

• Documentation: Thorough documentation of all complaints and their resolution is vital. This helps track trends, identify potential rule ambiguities, and improve future tournament processes.

• Communication: Throughout the process, maintaining clear and consistent communication with the participants is essential to ensure transparency and build trust.

Measuring the success of a tournament involves assessing various aspects, from financial performance to participant satisfaction and overall impact.

• Financial Metrics: Profitability, sponsorship revenue, ticket sales, and merchandise sales are key indicators of financial success.

• Participant Satisfaction: Collecting feedback through surveys or online forms helps gauge participant satisfaction with various aspects of the tournament, such as the organization, facilities, and overall experience.

• Engagement Metrics: For online tournaments, metrics like viewership numbers, social media engagement, and online interactions are essential indicators of success.

• Media Coverage: The amount of media coverage received can be a measure of the tournament’s reach and impact.

• Reach and Attendance: Number of participants and spectators provides a clear measure of the tournament’s success in attracting interest and participation.

Ensuring the safety and security of participants and equipment is paramount. My approach involves a multi-layered strategy combining preventative measures with proactive response mechanisms.

• Venue Security: Selecting a secure venue with adequate security personnel is the first step. This might involve conducting a risk assessment of the venue and implementing appropriate security measures.

• Emergency Procedures: Developing and communicating clear emergency procedures (including evacuation plans, first aid protocols, and contact information for emergency services) is crucial.

• Equipment Security: Implementing measures to protect equipment from theft or damage, such as assigning responsible individuals for equipment management and utilizing security systems where appropriate.

• Participant Safety: Clear guidelines on acceptable conduct, promoting a positive and respectful environment, and having protocols for addressing harassment or bullying incidents are vital for ensuring participant safety.

• Communication Plan: Establishing a clear communication plan to alert participants of potential risks and ensure prompt response to any incidents. This could include text alerts, email notifications, or a dedicated communication channel.

Post-tournament analysis is crucial for identifying areas of success and improvement. It involves a systematic review of all aspects of the tournament, from participant feedback and operational efficiency to financial performance and marketing impact. My approach involves several key steps:

• Data Collection: Gathering data from various sources – registration numbers, match results, volunteer feedback surveys, financial statements, social media engagement.
• Performance Metrics: Defining key performance indicators (KPIs) beforehand, such as on-time schedule adherence, participant satisfaction scores, revenue generated, and social media reach. This allows for objective measurement of success.
• Qualitative Analysis: Analyzing qualitative data, like participant and volunteer feedback, to understand the overall experience and identify areas needing attention. This often involves thematic analysis of open-ended responses.
• Report Generation: Creating a comprehensive report that summarizes the findings, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement. This report includes actionable recommendations for future tournaments.
• Dissemination and Action Planning: Sharing the report with stakeholders and developing a plan to implement the recommendations. This might include changes to the tournament format, vendor selection, volunteer training, or marketing strategies.

For example, in a recent cycling tournament, post-tournament analysis revealed that while participation was high, online registration was cumbersome. This led to improvements in the registration platform for the next year, resulting in a smoother process and higher participant satisfaction.

Creating and enforcing tournament rules is fundamental to ensuring fairness and a positive experience for all participants. My approach involves:

• Rule Development: Collaborating with stakeholders (participants, governing bodies, sponsors) to develop clear, concise, and comprehensive rules that are both fair and achievable. Rules should address all aspects of the competition, from eligibility criteria to dispute resolution procedures.
• Rule Dissemination: Making the rules readily accessible to all participants, either through a dedicated website, rulebook, or pre-tournament briefing. Using clear and simple language is crucial.
• Enforcement: Establishing a clear process for enforcing rules, including procedures for handling infractions and appeals. Consistency in application is key to maintaining fairness.
• Flexibility: While rules need to be firm, understanding that unexpected situations can arise. Having a process for addressing unforeseen circumstances while maintaining the spirit of the rules is vital. This might involve a rules committee or a designated authority.

For instance, in a chess tournament, a specific rule might state that mobile phones are prohibited during matches. This rule was clearly communicated, and any violation resulted in a warning, then a penalty if repeated, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors.

Adaptability is key in tournament management. Unexpected circumstances are inevitable, and my approach centers around proactive planning and flexible response.

• Contingency Planning: Developing a comprehensive contingency plan that anticipates potential problems (weather delays, participant withdrawals, equipment malfunctions) and outlines alternative solutions.
• Communication: Maintaining open communication with all stakeholders (participants, volunteers, officials, sponsors) to ensure everyone is informed of any changes or delays. This could involve email blasts, text alerts, or on-site announcements.
• Resourcefulness: Being resourceful in finding solutions to unexpected problems. This might involve finding alternative venues, rescheduling matches, or adjusting schedules.
• Decision-Making: Making timely and decisive decisions in the face of uncertainty. This often requires a balanced approach that considers the needs of all stakeholders while upholding the integrity of the competition.

For example, during a marathon, a sudden downpour led to a course alteration. By swiftly communicating the changes and adjusting the timeline, we ensured runner safety and successfully completed the event.

Managing a team during a tournament requires strong leadership and effective communication. My approach involves:

• Team Selection: Selecting individuals with the appropriate skills and experience, ensuring a balance of competencies within the team.
• Delegation: Clearly defining roles and responsibilities and delegating tasks effectively to team members, empowering them to take ownership.
• Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication with the team, ensuring everyone is informed and aligned on goals and objectives.
• Motivation: Creating a positive and supportive team environment that fosters collaboration and motivates team members to perform at their best.
• Conflict Resolution: Having a process for addressing conflicts within the team promptly and fairly.

In a large-scale sporting event, I oversaw a team of 15 people, each responsible for different aspects – registration, logistics, scoring, etc. Clear communication and well-defined roles ensured seamless coordination and successful execution.

Selecting and managing vendors or contractors requires a structured approach to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

• Needs Assessment: Clearly defining the tournament’s needs and identifying the specific services required from vendors or contractors.
• Vendor Selection: Developing a selection process that considers factors such as experience, reputation, cost, and compliance with relevant regulations. This often involves obtaining quotes and references.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiating contracts that clearly define the scope of work, payment terms, and liability clauses.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitoring the performance of vendors or contractors throughout the tournament to ensure they meet expectations. This involves regular communication and performance reviews.
• Payment Processing: Establishing a clear and efficient payment process to ensure timely payment to vendors or contractors.

For example, in securing catering services, we developed a detailed RFP (Request for Proposal) specifying our requirements, compared bids from several caterers, and ultimately chose a vendor based on a combination of price, menu options, and experience.

I’m familiar with a wide range of tournament formats and structures, including:

• Round Robin: Each participant plays every other participant.
• Single Elimination: Participants are eliminated after a single loss.
• Double Elimination: Participants have a second chance after one loss.
• Swiss System: Participants are paired based on their current score.
• League Play: Teams or individuals are grouped into leagues, playing each other within their league.

My experience extends to adapting these formats to different sports and adapting them for various participant numbers and time constraints. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each format allows for optimal selection based on tournament goals.

Handling conflicts between participants or teams requires a fair, consistent, and timely approach.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open communication between the conflicting parties to try and resolve the issue amicably. This often involves mediating the discussion.
• Fair Hearing: Providing a fair hearing to all parties involved, listening to their perspectives, and gathering evidence.
• Rule Application: Applying relevant rules consistently and impartially. If the conflict is rule-related, the rules should guide the decision.
• Escalation Procedure: Having a clear escalation procedure if the conflict cannot be resolved at the initial level. This might involve referring the matter to a higher authority or an appeals committee.
• Documentation: Keeping detailed records of the conflict, including communication, evidence, and the decision made. This is crucial for transparency and accountability.

For example, during a debate tournament, a dispute arose over the interpretation of a rule. By carefully reviewing the rulebook and providing both teams an opportunity to present their arguments, we reached a fair resolution that both teams accepted.

Risk assessment in tournament planning is crucial for a successful event. It involves identifying potential problems – from weather disruptions and participant injuries to logistical glitches and security breaches – and determining their likelihood and impact. My approach is methodical. First, I brainstorm potential risks using a checklist covering all aspects of the tournament, from registration to the closing ceremony. This checklist typically includes categories like venue, security, participants, logistics, weather, and medical. Then, for each identified risk, I assess the likelihood of occurrence and the potential severity. This is often represented in a risk matrix, allowing for prioritization. Finally, I develop mitigation strategies – concrete steps to reduce the likelihood or impact of each risk. For example, if the risk is inclement weather, mitigation strategies could include securing a backup indoor venue, purchasing weather insurance, or having a flexible schedule to adjust for delays. I’ve used this process successfully in several tournaments, preventing major disruptions and ensuring a smooth experience for all participants.

For instance, in a recent outdoor cycling tournament, we identified the risk of extreme heat. Our mitigation strategies included providing ample water stations, implementing a mandatory break period during the hottest part of the day, having medical personnel readily available, and proactively communicating the heat guidelines to participants beforehand. This significantly reduced heatstroke incidents and maintained the tournament’s safety.

Technology plays a vital role in streamlining tournament operations. I have extensive experience leveraging various technologies to enhance efficiency. For example, we’ve used registration platforms to automate participant sign-ups, payment processing, and communication. This not only reduces administrative overhead but also provides participants with a user-friendly experience. Scheduling software helps create and manage the competition schedule, accommodating multiple events and venues with ease. Live scoring systems enable real-time updates to participants, spectators, and media, increasing transparency and engagement. Furthermore, I’ve integrated communication platforms to centralize updates and announcements, ensuring everyone remains informed. This helps to keep things running smoothly and improve communication drastically.

In one specific tournament, we used a custom-built app to manage participant check-in, score updates, and real-time communication. This reduced manual data entry significantly and improved our overall operational efficiency. The app allowed participants to easily access their schedules, results, and other important information, leading to a more satisfying experience.

Compliance is paramount. Ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations and laws is an integral part of my tournament planning process. This starts with a thorough understanding of applicable laws related to sports, event management, safety, and data privacy. Specific requirements vary depending on the type of tournament, location, and governing bodies involved. For example, we need to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) for participant data management. We also comply with health and safety guidelines, especially related to emergency medical preparedness. I create detailed compliance checklists for each tournament to ensure we cover all aspects. We also engage with relevant authorities and obtain necessary permits and licenses well in advance.

One example is obtaining necessary permits for public use of the venue, ensuring that our event adheres to local noise ordinances, and confirming we have appropriate insurance coverage, including liability insurance and cancellation insurance. We also create a detailed protocol for handling any potential incidents that might violate regulations.

Efficient participant check-in and verification are critical for a smooth tournament start. I utilize a combination of methods to streamline this process. Pre-registration through online platforms allows for data collection and verification beforehand. This minimizes on-site paperwork and queues. On-site, we use barcode scanners or QR code readers to quickly verify participants against the registration database. This automated process minimizes human error and speeds up the check-in process considerably. We also have a dedicated team to handle any discrepancies or issues that arise during the check-in process, such as missing documentation or registration conflicts. We further use clearly marked check-in areas and signs to guide participants, and employ staff trained to handle any questions or concerns.

In a recent large-scale tournament, we successfully processed over 500 participants in under two hours using this combination of pre-registration and on-site technology. This allowed the tournament to start on time, minimizing any delays or frustration.

Smooth tournament operations hinge on meticulous planning and execution. Best practices encompass several key areas. First, detailed planning starts with a comprehensive timeline with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each team member. A thorough risk assessment and mitigation plan (as discussed earlier) is also vital. Effective communication is key; this involves regular updates and clear communication channels among staff, volunteers, participants, and sponsors. On-site logistics should be carefully planned – this includes venue setup, equipment management, and efficient crowd control if applicable. Regular quality control checks help maintain operational standards throughout the event. Finally, post-tournament debriefings allow for valuable lessons learned and improvements for future tournaments.

For instance, we prioritize clear signage, well-defined participant flow, and readily available support staff to prevent congestion or confusion. A pre-tournament simulation or rehearsal helps identify and resolve potential issues beforehand.

Managing media relations and public communication is crucial for a tournament’s success and image. I typically develop a comprehensive communication plan outlining key messages, target audiences, and communication channels. This includes establishing a media contact person, creating press releases, and scheduling media interviews. We also utilize social media platforms to share updates, photos, and videos to engage a wider audience. During the tournament, we maintain open communication channels with the media, ensuring timely updates and addressing any inquiries promptly. We also designate a media area for interviews and photography, optimizing media coverage and ensuring smooth operations.

In one tournament, we proactively engaged with local media outlets and bloggers, resulting in extensive positive coverage that helped boost attendance and participant engagement significantly.

In a large-scale international tournament, a significant storm threatened to disrupt the event on its final day. The forecast predicted heavy rain and strong winds, posing safety risks for participants and spectators. I had to decide whether to postpone the final events, potentially impacting sponsors and participants who had made travel arrangements, or proceed despite the risks. After evaluating the situation, considering weather forecasts, assessing potential safety risks, consulting with security personnel, and communicating with key stakeholders including the participants and sponsors, I decided to postpone the final events for 24 hours. This decision was not easy, as it involved rearranging the schedule and communicating extensively with all participants and sponsors. However, prioritizing safety proved to be the right decision, as the storm caused significant disruption in the area and the postponement prevented any serious incidents. Postponing allowed for a successful completion of the event, preserving the reputation of the tournament and upholding safety standards.