What you need for a diving competition

A diving competition needs more than boards and a pool. You also need clearly marked areas, timing equipment, judging tables, registration supplies, safety items and a reliable way to brief participants. Plan equipment around the number of divers, officials and spectators, then add a small buffer for replacements and delays. This list helps you check what to buy, borrow or bring before competition day.

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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
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Chocolate milk - 8 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee creamer - 4 bottles
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Mints - 1 box
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Small sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Mini carrots - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Nut-free snack bars - 50 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 150 pieces
- Paper straws - 150 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 10 pairs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Disposable tissues - 10 packs

Tips

Plan one registration desk with a laptop, printer, participant list, badges and wristbands. Bring at least 10% extra badges and printed forms for corrections or late changes.
Allow one jury table and chair per judging group, plus a clear view of the diving area. Set aside printed jury instructions, stopwatches and pens at least one day before the event.
Count poolside safety and marking equipment separately: non-slip mats at wet access points, barrier tape around restricted areas, and lane ropes or cones wherever competitors and spectators need clear boundaries.
Provide one towel and, where used, one bathrobe per participant, then add a 10% reserve. Keep spare dry towels available because wet competitors often need one after warm-up as well as after their dive.
Check power and presentation equipment before transporting it. Bring extension cords, power strips and charging stations, and test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and microphone together at least two hours before registration opens.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a diving competition?: You need the approved springboard or diving board setup, starting blocks where applicable, lane ropes, non-slip mats, pool thermometers and timing equipment. Add safety marking, towels and communication equipment for the poolside team.
How many towels should I buy for a diving competition?: Plan one towel per participant, plus at least 10% extra. For 50 divers, that means 55 towels; add more if competitors will have separate warm-up and competition sessions.
How many chairs and tables are needed for a diving competition?: Provide one registration table, one table for each jury group, and at least one chair per official or volunteer working at those stations. Confirm the final headcount after officials and volunteer assignments are complete, ideally one week before the event.
When should I prepare the diving competition supplies?: Check boards, mats, ropes, thermometers and timing equipment at least 48 hours before the competition. Print forms, prepare badges and charge electronics the day before, then do a full poolside test two hours before registration.

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