Agility competition checklist

An agility competition runs smoothly when entries, course equipment and volunteers are organised well before dogs arrive. Start with the venue, match rules and judge, then open registration and keep participant details up to date. In the final week, publish the starting order, confirm the volunteer rota, check every obstacle and prepare the secretariat. This checklist also covers practical details that are easy to miss, including dog water, printed materials, power, weather and prize collection.

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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 the venue
Set the match rules
2 people
Assign judge
Set up the competition secretariat
2 people
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Publish registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Register entry fees
2 people
Keep track of the participant list
2 people
Check dog details
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Order prizes and ribbons
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
Publish the starting order
Create volunteer schedule
2 people
Check the shopping list
2 people
Collect prizes
Check competition equipment
3 people
Prepare print materials
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Set out nonperishable food
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Inspect the site
3 people
Set out the parking route
2 people
Mark off the competition area
4 people
Build the agility course
6 people
Set up the start and finish line
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Build the catering point
3 people
Cordoning off the spectator area
2 people
Mark the dog walking route
2 people
Sort bib numbers
2 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Check dogs
2 people
Give the route briefing
2 people
Brief volunteers
3 people
Welcoming the audience
2 people
Announce the start list
Keep the course clear
2 people
Guide the starting order
2 people
Carry out timekeeping
2 people
Record points
2 people
Monitor the obstacles
4 people
Restore the course
3 people
Serve drinks
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Refill snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check toilets
Print the results
2 people
Set out prizes
2 people
Announce the winners
2 people
Present prizes
3 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Remove dog waste
3 people
Take down the agility course
6 people
Remove the barriers
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the catering area
2 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Inventory competition supplies
2 people
Publish results
Thank participants
Return materials
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Beer tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Jump obstaclesqty 12
Cat tunnelqty 2
Slalom polesqty 12
Flat tire
Seesaw
Cupboard
A-frame
Gangway
Start line mat
Finish mat
Training linesqty 20
Conesqty 30
Bollardsqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 8
Dog water bowlsqty 10
Water jerry cansqty 6
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 6

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Handheld microphone
Portable speaker
Stopwatchesqty 4
Megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Batteriesqty 24
Calculatorsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Pliersqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Food containersqty 8

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 100
Route signsqty 12
Information boardsqty 8
Name badgesqty 40
Tableclothsqty 10
Trophiesqty 12
Medal ribbonsqty 40
Rosettesqty 40

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Toilet brushesqty 2
Hand sanitizerqty 4
Pick up dog wasteqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the registration deadline early enough to check every dog’s details and dietary requirement before you draw up the match schedule. Keep the participant list current as fees arrive, rather than waiting until the final week.
Plan the competition secretariat around a laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips. Test the printer and microphone before the event, and prepare printed schedules, entry information and results sheets in advance.
Inspect the complete course before competition day, including jump obstacles, the tunnel, slalom poles, seesaw, A-frame, start and finish mats. Check that cones, bollards and barrier tape are ready for marking the course and restricted areas.
Assign volunteers to specific time slots and jobs, including course support, registration, food and site checks. Publish the rota with the starting order so people know where to report instead of trying to organise everyone on the morning.
Check the weather forecast and inspect the site shortly before the competition. Set up tents, tables and chairs early, place dog water bowls and waste-bag dispensers where handlers can find them, and chill drinks while nonperishable food is laid out.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan an agility competition?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Reserve the venue, set the rules, appoint the judge and recruit volunteers first; registration, prizes and the final schedule follow after that.
When should agility competition registration close?: Close registration 7 to 14 days before the event. That gives you time to verify dog details, record entry fees, confirm dietary requirements and publish the starting order without last-minute changes.
What equipment do I need for an agility competition?: Allow time to check the full obstacle course, including jumps, tunnel, slalom poles, seesaw, A-frame, mats and training lines. You also need timing equipment, course markers, dog water supplies, waste-bag dispensers and secretariat equipment such as a laptop and printer.
When should volunteers receive their schedule?: Send the volunteer schedule together with the starting order, ideally 5 to 7 days before the competition. Include arrival times, assigned areas and the person responsible for each handover so the morning setup is covered.

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.