Diving competition checklist

A diving competition needs more than a pool, judges and a starting list. You need clear match rules, a safety plan, reliable timing and a controlled competition area before the first diver enters the water. This checklist takes you from reserving the location and opening registration to briefing volunteers, checking equipment and setting up on the day. Use it to keep participant details, judging materials, rescue equipment and practical guest arrangements from becoming last-minute problems.

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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 diving location
Set the match rules
2 people
Approach jury members
Prepare safety plan
2 people
Define competition elements
2 people
Create registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Confirm participants
Collect dietary requirements
Schedule volunteers
2 people
Prepare jury briefing
Create the starting lineup
2 people
Publish starting lineup
Check participant details
2 people
Order prizes and medals
Print match forms
Do the shopping
2 people
Check diving equipment
3 people
Charge batteries
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up the registration desk
2 people
Set up audience tables
3 people
Set up party tents
4 people
Block off the competition area
3 people
Set up ropes and lines
4 people
Place the scoreboard
2 people
Test sound and walkie-talkies
2 people
Set out first aid supplies
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Have the diving equipment checked
3 people
Give participant briefing
3 people
Give the jury briefing
2 people
Host the opening round
5 people
Supervise competition events
6 people
Record times and scores
3 people
Help participants get out safely
4 people
Serve snacks and sandwiches
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Check competition results
3 people
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
Support awards ceremony
4 people
Give a thank-you speech

Aftercare

Dismantle competition equipment
4 people
Remove buoys and lines
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Store materials dry
3 people
Return rented items
2 people
Send results to participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Competition buoysqty 12
Marking linesqty 250
Anchor weightsqty 12
Diving flagsqty 4
Spare glassesqty 6
Spare finsqty 6
Life ringsqty 4
Rescue linesqty 4
Bib numbersqty 80
Medal ribbonsqty 12
Waterproof clipboardsqty 8
Waterproof scorecardsqty 100

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 8
Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Portable speaker
Scoreboard
Waterproof cameraqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Charging stationsqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Respirator masksqty 4
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Nitrile glovesqty 2

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee potsqty 4
Water jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Decorations

Competition postersqty 10
Directional signsqty 8
Stage ribbonsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the rules and competition elements before opening registration. Include dive categories, scoring, attempt limits, tie-break rules and the deadline for submitting participant details so the jury can prepare consistently.
Build the safety plan around the actual site, not a generic template. Mark the competition area with buoys and lines, position life rings and rescue lines where they can be reached immediately, and brief every volunteer on the emergency procedure.
Confirm participants several days before the event and check names, categories, bib numbers and dietary requirements together. A final starting lineup is easier to publish once withdrawals and missing details have been resolved.
Prepare a separate jury briefing and event-day pack. Print match forms, test stopwatches, check the scoreboard and provide waterproof walkie-talkies so judges, the announcer and safety team can communicate without leaving their posts.
Finish the physical setup before competitors arrive. Block off the competition area, set up the judges’ table and registration desk, test charging stations and extension cords, and place audience tables, chairs, tents and waste bins where they will not obstruct officials or rescue access.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a diving competition?: Start planning at least 6–8 weeks before the event. Reserve the diving location first, then allow time for rules, jury recruitment, registration, equipment checks and volunteer scheduling.
What safety equipment do I need for a diving competition?: Have life rings, rescue lines, first aid kits, emergency blankets, respirator masks and nitrile gloves ready. Put rescue equipment at the water’s edge before setup is complete and assign named volunteers to respond during every competition session.
When should I publish the diving competition starting lineup?: Publish the lineup after registrations are processed and participant details are checked, ideally 2–3 days before the event. Keep a printed copy at the registration desk and give the jury the same final version.
How many volunteers are needed for a diving competition?: Plan separate coverage for registration, judging, announcements, equipment and water safety rather than giving one person several critical roles. For a small competition, schedule at least 5–6 volunteers and add more for a large field or multiple competition areas.

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.