BMX freestyle competition checklist

A BMX freestyle competition needs more than ramps and riders. You need a confirmed venue, clear judging rules, a safe course, working bikes and tools, and accurate information for every participant. Start with permits, format and safety arrangements before opening registration. In the final week, focus on the start list, schedule, prize money, weather, equipment checks and directions so riders and spectators know exactly what to expect.

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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

Set competition format
2 people
Reserve venue
Check permits
Draw up competition rules
2 people
Assign judges
Book speaker
Arrange first aid station
Book photographer
Publish registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Post social promotion
Collect sponsorship materials
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Prepare the start list
2 people
Check the prize money
Check BMX bikes
2 people
Inspect obstacles
2 people
Publish the match schedule
Send directions
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect materials
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Send participant information
Prepare competition folders
2 people
Open venue
2 people
Inspect the competition area
3 people
Set up barriers safely
4 people
Lay crash mats
3 people
Set up crowd barriers
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Build party tents
4 people
Place information signs
2 people
Connect sound
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up the catering table
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Check helmets and protective gear
2 people
Give riders’ briefing
2 people
Welcome the audience
3 people
Guide qualifying rounds
5 people
Record scores
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Answer audience questions
2 people
Check the site in between
2 people
Announce finalists
2 people
Support the final rounds
5 people
Provide music and announcements
Publish live results
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
Carry out award ceremony
3 people
Photograph the winners
2 people
Safely escort the audience out
3 people
Do the final trash round
2 people

Aftercare

Turn off the sound
2 people
Dismantle obstacles
4 people
Clear away fences and mats
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return materials
2 people
Clean up leftovers
2 people
Publish results
Thank participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Bar stoolsqty 6

Sports equipment

BMX bikesqty 30
Bib numbersqty 40
Bib holdersqty 40
Adjustable rampsqty 4
Quarterpipesqty 2
Fun box
Grind railsqty 3
Crash matsqty 10
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bicycle toolsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Spare pedalsqty 8
Spare chainsqty 6
Crowd control barriersqty 40
Conesqty 30
Warning tapeqty 4
Ground protection matsqty 12

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Handheld megaphone
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Megaphone bag
Cable traysqty 12
Rain umbrellasqty 12
Storage cratesqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Decorations

BMX flagsqty 12
Sponsor bannersqty 10
Directional signsqty 12
Stage backdrop
Prize boxesqty 3

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Emergency lightingqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Tips

Set the competition format and judging rules before publishing registration. Riders should know the number of runs, time per run, scoring criteria and tie-break method before they sign up.
Inspect every ramp, rail, quarterpipe and landing area at least 48 hours before the event, then repeat the check on the morning itself. Keep crash mats, cones, warning tape and ground protection ready for changes.
Prepare a bike-service point with pumps, bicycle tools, spare inner tubes, pedals and chains. Check these supplies before doors open rather than waiting for the first mechanical problem.
Publish the start list and match schedule no later than 24 hours before the competition. Send participant information with arrival time, directions, registration details and any equipment requirements.
Test the speaker system, wireless microphones, mixer, laptop, printer and all extension cords before the first rider arrives. Bring charged power banks and keep a printed schedule available if the electronics fail.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a BMX freestyle competition?: Start venue booking, permits and sponsorship arrangements at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Open rider registration only after the format, rules, safety plan and event date are confirmed.
What equipment do I need for a BMX freestyle competition?: Plan for the course obstacles, BMX bikes, bib numbers, crash mats, barriers, cones, warning tape, bike tools, pumps and spare parts. You also need judging furniture, tables and chairs, a sound system, microphones, power supplies and a printer.
When should I publish the BMX competition schedule?: Publish the start list and match schedule at least 24 hours before the event. Send the same information directly to participants, including directions and their expected arrival time.
How do I prepare the BMX course for rider safety?: Inspect ramps, rails, landing zones and the surrounding floor 48 hours before the event and again on event morning. Keep crash mats, barriers, cones and warning tape available so unsafe areas can be isolated immediately.

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.