How to run a GBHL event

What are the benefits?

One of the most notable benefits of being a GBHL event is the exposure your event can get. We will support you with any marketing tools at our disposal, and you will have access to the largest gathering of Middle earth SBG enthusiasts in the world.

With a large collection of experienced event organisers already in the league, a wealth of advice and support is at your disposal. From simple tips to terrain and board support, you can find help with anything you need to run an event.

As a final little bonus, once you are an event organiser, you will have input into how the league works, including electing the management committee.

Click here for event request form

What GBHL events can I run?

There are three types of GBHL Events you can run, which are aimed at catering to different kinds of players, formats and 'vibes':

GBHL80 events award 80 league points to the winner, and are intended to be small fun events savouring the theme and hobby aspects of MESBG. They often have custom scenarios, thematic twists or unusual quirks!
GBH90 events award 90 league points to the winner, and are intended as smaller friendly competitive events. These are often catering towards the best players in a local area.
GBHL100 events award 100 points to the winner. These are the largest, or most well established, events and attract a mix of the best players in the league and those wanting to experience the scale of the MESBG scene.

What are the rules?

We try to leave the event organiser as much freedom to run their events as they wish. However, to ensure the quality of GBHL events and keep it fair for all participants in the league, we do have league rules that event organisers must comply with. You can see below for an overview of the rules:

General Rules

These rules apply to all GBHL events; exceptions can be made when is deemed appropriate by the management committee:

- No illegal activities may take place on-site during an event.

- Aggressive or abusive behaviour from any event staff towards anyone or inflicting damage on the property is strictly prohibited.

- Events must be held on a public site.

- Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have a written letter of consent to attend.

- At least 1 nominated host must join the TO committee Facebook page; this is so you can find out important information and the management team can contact you.

- Rules packs must be submitted to the League secretary 6 weeks before an event, who will advise on complying with league standards and offer advice. Additionally, tickets must not go on sale until the league secretary has approved the rules pack.

- 7 Days notice of tickets going on sale must be given before tickets can be sold.

- Results should be submitted to the Rankings Officer within 7 days of an event's conclusion using the result submission sheet.

More rules!

The above rules will get you started in the league but if you're keen to host more competitive events (GBHL90 or GBHL100 tournaments) then you can find out more, and download a full document here.

League contribution

The GBHL is a non-profit organisation, and all those on the committee are volunteers and do not make financial gain from their positions. However, to run the league and fund prize support (usually replica Middle Earth weapons!), we require event organisers to contribute toward this. Any money raised is put straight back into the league. We have aimed to keep the contribution as manageable as possible for hosts and believe this to be the fairest system that enables the league to function. For the sake of transparency, the GBHL publishes its financial reports for Tournament Organisers regularly (at a minimum, annually).

The contribution amount differs by tournament type:

GBHL 80 = £10

GBHL 90 = £15

GBHL 100 = £20

The GBHL has a regional league system too, with separate prizes for: Scotland, ROI & NI; Northern England, Central, South East and South West.