IMO, There are some areas that will pertain to every type of event or tournament. There will also be differences depending on team goals, division of play and the age of the teams.
For me the main areas were:
1.
Honesty from TD along with timely accurate communication. It is sad when TDs advertise a team list without committed teams with a specific format for it then when you get there the event format changes, number of teams drops or the level of play from those teams is not competitive.
2.
Proper playing fields and this goes for the 10U and under as well. I hate to see the game played on baseball fields or mens slowpitch without 200' fencing. I seen fields with pitching mounds directly behind the circle or 3 pitching plates along with the super wide infield and outfield for A and above baseball and it changes the game....This includes a safe and adequate area for teams to warm up....
3.
An opportunity to play 7 innings or at least 90 min and finish an inning. The 60/70 finish the inning and 80/90 min drop dead games struggle to get 6 innings in most cases.
4.
Qualified umpires. They do not need to be the best of the best but at least have some hustle and know the rules.
5.
Clean and adequate restrooms for players and fans..
6..
Fair scheduling. We had many events where the schedule was so out of whack. causing teams to be at a park for 10/12 hours to play 3 games or back to back to back. We even played in a Fall State one year with 5 straight games at 16u because they wanted to get it done in one day because of a Sunday mens event. lucky for us we had 14 players.
7. Area for teams to set up grills pop ups etc.
8. Value...Does the tournament provide the bang for the buck...
Some areas that differ:
1. Schedule...There is a big difference in adult 18+ and girls play under 18. It is amazing how many TDs want to run and adult event along with a girls event and struggle to understand the difference in the level / speed of play, and that these ladies are generally supporting the play themselves so dragging out the event for three days to play 4/5 games actually discurrages teams from coming out. I also never liked teams 12 and under playing pass 9
m then having scheduled games in the early am.
2. College showcase events...: Way too many of these IMO and most are really nothing more than a fundraiser with little to no college coach interest. Put on quality showcases playing real games in front of College coaches...
3. Qualifiers... do not bunch up A/B teams in the same qualifying event. Place teams where they belong and offer A/B opportunities.
I am sure I missed several areas.