Agility competition checklist: what to arrange and when

An agility competition depends on more than jumps and tunnels. You need the venue, permit, judge, rules and entry process confirmed before you can build a reliable start list. In the final week, check every course item, print race numbers and competition papers, brief volunteers and test sound and power. This checklist also helps with details that are easy to leave too late, such as parking directions, dietary requirements, chilled drinks and access to the venue.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve competition venue
Check competition permit
Assign judge
Set competition rules
2 people
Arrange the prize table
Publish registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Approach sponsors
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Compile start list
2 people
Check catalog details
2 people
Assign volunteers
2 people
Make a parking plan
Send directions
Order prizes and medals
Check the shopping list
2 people
Check stock of competition materials
2 people
Test sound and power
2 people
Print race numbers
2 people
Print competition papers
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Pick up venue keys
Inspect the site
2 people
Put up parking signs
2 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Mark off the competition field
3 people
Build the agility course
6 people
Have the course approved
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up catering point
3 people
Set up sound
2 people
Set up the prize table
2 people
Give volunteer briefing
2 people

Event

Receive the inspector
Check registrations
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Inform dogs and participants
2 people
Explain the course
Open the match
Announce starting order
Record the start and finish
2 people
Process competition results
2 people
Restore the course
3 people
Refer participants
2 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check toilets
Check prize winners
2 people
Present prizes
3 people
Close the competition
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

Dismantle the course
6 people
Take down tents and furniture
5 people
Pack competition materials
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Clean the restrooms
2 people
Publish results
Reorder prizes
Return materials
2 people
Return venue keys
Send a thank-you gift to participants
Archive invoices and receipts

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Agility jumpsqty 12
Weavepolesqty 12
Agility tunnelsqty 3
A-frame sign
Cat walk
Seesaw
Band
Tables for dogsqty 2
Start and finish postsqty 4
Competition ribbonqty 4
Barrier conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Water bowls for dogsqty 8
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 4
Dog waste bag holdersqty 8
Spare parts for the course
Measuring tapeqty 2
Spirit levelsqty 2
Rubber malletsqty 4
Wrench setsqty 2

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Registration tablesqty 3
Buffet tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 6
Prize table
Storage cratesqty 12
Changing room screensqty 2

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Stopwatchesqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Calculatorsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Pouring jugsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice bucket traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 8
Bottle openersqty 4
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Cooling mats for dogsqty 6

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Directional signsqty 12
Bib holdersqty 4
Tableclothsqty 10
Balloonsqty 100
Stage signsqty 3

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Mops and bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 8
Paper towel dispensersqty 4

First aid

First aid kitsqty 2
Cold packs setsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the competition venue and confirm the permit before publishing the entry form. Set a clear closing date for registrations so you have time to process entries, check catalogue details and compile the start list.
Book the judge and agree the competition rules early. Send the rules and directions with the invitations, rather than waiting until the final week when competitors are already asking for practical details.
Inspect the complete course at least 7 days before the competition. Count the jumps, weave poles, tunnels, contact equipment and start and finish posts, then check measuring tools, spare parts and repair tools.
Assign volunteers to registration, course support, parking, refreshments and waste collection before race day. Prepare printed race numbers and competition papers in advance, with the laptop and printer tested before opening.
Plan arrival and hospitality separately from the ring. Mark parking with cones and an A-frame sign, provide water bowls and waste-bag points, and chill drinks and prepare snacks on the day before or early that morning.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an agility competition?: Start venue, permit and judge arrangements at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Publish entries only after the basic rules, date and location are confirmed.
When should agility competition entries close?: Close entries around 10 to 14 days before race day. That gives you time to process registrations, collect dietary requirements, check catalogue details and compile the start list.
What agility equipment should I check before competition day?: Check every jump, weave-pole set, tunnel, A-frame, dog walk, seesaw, tyre, table and start or finish post at least 7 days beforehand. Also test the measuring equipment and keep spare course parts and tools available.
How many volunteers are needed for an agility competition?: Plan separate cover for registration, the ring, course changes, parking, refreshments and waste collection; for a small competition, allow at least 6 to 10 volunteers. Confirm the rota no later than 3 to 5 days before the event.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.