Diving competition checklist: what to arrange and when

A diving competition depends on more than a booked pool and a start time. You need the springboards, officials, jury instructions, participant data and match schedule ready before competitors arrive. This checklist puts the work in a practical order, from confirming the date and rules to printing forms and checking prizes. It also covers the details that are easy to leave too late, such as dietary requirements, permissions, volunteer shifts and the registration desk setup.

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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

Confirm competition date
Reserve pool
Reserve springboards
Set the match rules
2 people
Approach jury members
Confirm officials
Send invitations
2 people
Open registration form
Register participants
Collect dietary requirements
Recruit volunteers
Update participant list
Assign starter groups
2 people
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
Prepare jury instructions
Send program to attendees
Order prizes and medals
Book catering
Inform the photographer
Create a music playlist
Check participant details
2 people
Check permissions
Print competition forms
Make badges and wristbands
2 people
Checking prizes
Collect materials
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Prepare match folders
2 people

Event

Open venue
2 people
Check pool safety
2 people
Check the springboards
2 people
Set up jury table
2 people
Set up the registration desk
2 people
Set up audience tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Put up barriers
2 people
Hang up signage
2 people
Test sound and music
2 people
Lay out jury supplies
Prepare participant badges
Build the catering buffet
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Hold the jury briefing
4 people
Brief volunteers
2 people
Register participants
3 people
Confirm the starting order
2 people
Welcome the audience
3 people
Release the warming area
2 people
Give the opening speech
Run the competition round
5 people
Record scores
2 people
Call participants
2 people
Guide photo moments
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Check intermediate standings
2 people
Announce break
Guide the final round
5 people
Check final scores
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
See participants off
2 people
Guide the audience to the exit
2 people
Chill leftover food
2 people

Aftercare

Archive contest forms
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Clear away sports equipment
3 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the catering area
2 people
Clean the audience area
3 people
Check changing rooms
2 people
Collect lost and found items
Hand over the venue
2 people
Charge equipment
Return borrowed items
2 people
Publish results
Share participant photos
Send the certificates afterward

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Springboardqty 2
Diving board
Starting blocksqty 2
Competition lane ropesqty 4
Badminton conesqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Non-slip matsqty 8
Pool thermometersqty 2
Towelsqty 30
Bathrobesqty 10

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Jury tablesqty 3
Registration desk
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Projector
Screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 5
Charging stationsqty 2
Stopwatchqty 4
Megaphone

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving jugsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving utensilsqty 10

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Pliersqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Decorations

Competition postersqty 6
Directional signsqty 10
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 30
Stage ribbon

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Cleaning cartsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the pool, springboards and diving boards before opening registration. Check that the equipment is available for the full competition period, including warm-up time and any required setup.
Set the match rules before sending invitations, then give jury members and officials the same written instructions. A short, consistent briefing before the first round prevents scoring and timing questions later.
Close registration early enough to check participant details, permissions and dietary requirements. Use the final list to assign starter groups and draw up the match schedule rather than making groups at the desk.
Plan the venue flow before competition day: place the registration desk near the entrance, keep non-slip mats and barrier tape around wet areas, and reserve tables for the jury and officials.
Order medals and prizes before the final participant numbers are known, and check every item when it arrives. Send the program to attendees in advance so they know arrival time, starter group and schedule changes.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a diving competition?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Confirm the date, pool, springboards, officials and match rules first, then allow several weeks for registration and volunteer planning.
When should registration close for a diving competition?: Close registration about 10 to 14 days before the event. This leaves time to verify participant details and permissions, assign starter groups, create the schedule and print competition forms.
How many officials and volunteers do I need for a diving competition?: The number depends on the rules and number of groups, but plan separate coverage for the jury, registration desk, starting area, poolside safety and general coordination. Finalize the roster at least 2 weeks before the event and give each person a shift and task.
What should I prepare on the day of a diving competition?: Set up the registration desk, jury tables, seating, signage, non-slip mats, barrier tape and technical equipment before competitors arrive. Allow at least 90 minutes for setup, equipment checks, microphone testing and a briefing for officials and volunteers.

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.