What to Buy for a Diving Competition

A diving competition needs more than pool access and prizes. Bring equipment for registration, judging, scoring, announcements and keeping paperwork dry, plus food and drinks for participants and volunteers. This shopping list covers the practical supplies behind the competition: from stopwatches and whistles to waterproof score folders, coolers and serving equipment. Check quantities against your participant list, volunteer team and competition schedule before you place orders.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Scoreboardsqty 2
Clipboardsqty 10
Stopwatchesqty 4
Whistlesqty 4
Bib numbersqty 70
Marker conesqty 12
Waterproof score foldersqty 10
Medalsqty 12
Certificatesqty 12
Prize boxesqty 12
Waterproof storage cratesqty 6

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 3
Waterproof phone casesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Water jugsqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Cold packsqty 8
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Non-slip matsqty 8

Decorations

Competition banner
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Bread - 12 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Bread rolls - 80 pieces
- Cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 100 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan one clipboard, score folder and pen set for each judge, plus at least two spare sets. Waterproof folders are useful because score sheets and poolside paperwork are easily splashed.
Prepare bib numbers for every registered diver and keep 5–10 spare numbers available for late changes or replacements. Store them with marker cones and the scoreboards so setup is faster.
Allow about 500–750 ml of drinking water per participant for a short competition, and more for a full-day program. Use water jugs, reusable cups and coolers rather than relying on individual bottles.
Order medals, certificates and prize boxes after the registration deadline, then add at least 5% spare certificates or presentation materials. This covers corrections, ties and last-minute entries.
Test the printer, laptop, microphone and speaker at least 24 hours before the event. Pack extension cords, power strips, power banks and waterproof phone cases separately so missing equipment is noticed before poolside setup.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a diving competition?: Plan equipment for four areas: registration, judging, scoring and communication. A practical core set includes scoreboards, clipboards, stopwatches, whistles, bib numbers, marker cones, waterproof score folders, a laptop, printer and portable speaker.
How many score sheets and clipboards do I need for a diving competition?: Prepare one score sheet set and clipboard for every judge, plus at least two spare sets. Print 10% more sheets than the expected number of dives so damaged or incorrectly filled-in forms do not interrupt the program.
How much food and drink should I buy for a diving competition?: For a half-day event, allow roughly 500–750 ml of water per participant and volunteer, plus extra for warm conditions. Buy sandwiches for the expected meal break and add about 10% spare portions for helpers, judges and unexpected attendees.
When should I order prizes and competition supplies?: Order medals, certificates and prize boxes at least 2–3 weeks before the competition. Buy or gather consumable supplies after registration closes, then check all equipment and test electronics no later than 24 hours before setup.

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