The first step is sorting out with Blake whether you can start planning.
Once he has agreed, you must find out if there is interest in the community for the event.
If there is little to no interest then there is no point wasting our time. If there is interest, then move on to the next step.
Create a thread in the 'Committee Only' forum. Include the map and format in the title. In the thread give the information regarding the community interest as well as the date you wish to use.
Wait four days to allow members to give feedback.
After that waiting period Blake will make the final decision on whether to allow the event to go ahead. If there are no issues, then continue to the next step.
In that same thread, you can create your own tournament team. Assign team members to advertise in different places. Type out the draft of the announcement, if you have not already done so. When the draft is checked for errors you can then post it in Tournament Announcements.
Hosting a Tournament
Make sure that you have someone hosting a room in the Custom Scenario lobby containing the following information: The link to the VCOM Lounge (http://www.voobly.com/games/lobby/221), the time when sign ups open and the link to the announcement thread.
Have somebody posting regular advertisements in the custom scenario lobby during the day.
Organise for a broadcast to be sent out at least 15 minutes in advance of the sign ups. It can take a while for them to be sent so you want some breathing room. Receiving a message about a tournament that has already started is useless to you!
Near the opening of sign ups, you should create a thread in the Tournament Results area for the map type you are hosting. Eg.. Custom Scenario -> Bloods.
In the first post of the thread, add the signed up player names. Add team names if necessary. When the tournament has started you should also include the brackets link. Don't forget to get people to post their match links in the thread. This is only really necessary for bigger events. For small events you can use the tournament ladder to check.
When taking sign ups, it is useful to have an assistant PM you the names of people signing up so you can edit the brackets without missing people.
Be strict with the sign-up deadline. If there are people in the game room in the process of signing up then you can make an exception. However you should have it locked at the deadline.
Do not rush the brackets, make sure they are balanced and that good players are kept apart until the later stages. Only give the link out when you are 100% ready.
When you are giving out the brackets link, add a reminder to use the CS - Tournament Ladder to record the match link.
Be clear on how many matches there are in each round. Its a common problem that people aren't aware if its bo1 or bo3.
If there are disputes during the tournament, use your assistants to help make decisions. Don't make the mistake I once made and open it to public consultation.
At the end of the tournament, edit the first post in the results thread to add the winners.
If a tournament cannot be finished due to players leaving, you must get agreement from all teams to delay the final matches. If you want to avoid this situation, include a rule that all final games must be played within two weeks, if they cannot be completed on the day.
Planning a Tournament
Hosting a Tournament
Useful Images