Dog Sports Competition Checklist

A dog sports competition needs more than a course and a start time. You need a clear registration process, confirmed judges and volunteers, numbered participants, safe grounds, working timing equipment and enough water for dogs. Work through the plan in order: publish the rules, open entries, confirm the venue and equipment, prepare the running documents, then set up and inspect the site. This checklist also helps you catch details that are often left until the last day, such as parking signs, dietary requirements and cable safety.

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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

Publish competition rules
Send invitations
2 people
Open registrations
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign start numbers
2 people
Print participant list
Prepare start lists
2 people
Confirm judges
Assign volunteers
2 people
Confirm venue booking
Confirm equipment reservation
Create the parking layout
Create a map of the competition grounds
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Send participant information
Order prize money and prizes
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Gather competition materials
3 people
Sort bib numbers and forms
2 people
Pack prizes
2 people
Setting up shelf-stable catering
2 people
Inspect the grounds
3 people
Put up parking signs
2 people
Build party tents
6 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set Up the Competition Ring
4 people
Set up obstacles
5 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Build the catering buffet
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Test the PA system
2 people
Display race numbers
2 people
Lay out the score sheets
2 people
Check toilets
2 people
Conduct a safety check
3 people
Brief volunteers
3 people
Hold the jury briefing
4 people

Event

Receive participants
4 people
Hand out race numbers
3 people
Register Dogs and Handlers
3 people
Give opening briefing
2 people
Supervise competition events
8 people
Announce starting order
Process score sheets
3 people
Guide participants to the ring
2 people
Serve catering
4 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill coffee and tea
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Keep the competition area clean
2 people
Refill dog water
2 people
Support awards ceremony
4 people
Announce final results
2 people
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

Dismantle competition equipment
6 people
Take down tents and furniture
6 people
Wash the dishes and kitchenware
3 people
Clean up catering leftovers
3 people
Clean the grounds
5 people
Dispose of waste
3 people
Hand over the venue
2 people
Inventory supplies
2 people
Return borrowed equipment
2 people
Store leftover groceries
2 people
Send results digitally
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 6
Judges' table
Registration deskqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Competition obstaclesqty 20
Ring barrier
Barrier tapeqty 6
Conesqty 30
Bib numbersqty 80
Dog water bowlsqty 12
Buckets of waterqty 8
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 6
Dog waste bag rollsqty 24
Scoreboardsqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Whistlesqty 4
Clipboard foldersqty 8
Conesqty 20
Reward bagsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2

Equipment

PA system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Cable reelsqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Printer
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 8
Small bowlsqty 20

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Ice packsqty 24
Food warmersqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 4
Direction signsqty 12
Directional signsqty 10

Cleaning

Broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Publish the competition rules before opening registration, including entry requirements, timings, class details and any documents participants must bring. Send the participant information after registrations close, once start numbers and start lists are ready.
Confirm judges, volunteers, the venue and reserved equipment before you commit to the final schedule. Give each volunteer a defined role and arrival time; otherwise registration, course control and scoring can all depend on the same person.
Prepare the paperwork in one working pack: participant list, start lists, bib numbers, forms, clipboards and scoreboards. Print a spare copy of every list and sort bib numbers before setup so registration does not become a queue.
Plan the grounds for both people and dogs. Mark the competition area with barriers and tape, place dog water bowls and buckets at several points, provide waste-bag dispensers, and put up parking signs before participants arrive.
Check power and weather the day before, then inspect the grounds on the morning of the competition. Keep cable reels, extension cords and power strips out of walkways, secure tents and tables, and test the PA system, wireless microphones and stopwatches before the first run.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I open registration for a dog sports competition?: Open registration early enough to process entries and produce start lists before the event. A practical minimum is 2 to 4 weeks, with a firm closing date that leaves at least 3 to 5 days for assigning numbers, checking requirements and sending participant information.
How much water do I need for a dog sports competition?: Provide several water points rather than one bowl at registration. As a working minimum, prepare 1 water bowl per activity area plus spare buckets for refilling, and arrange checks at least every 30 to 60 minutes during the event.
When should I confirm judges and volunteers?: Confirm judges and key volunteers as soon as the date and venue are fixed, preferably 4 to 6 weeks before competition day. Reconfirm roles, arrival times and contact details 3 to 7 days beforehand.
What should I check on the morning of a dog sports competition?: Allow at least 90 minutes before the first start for a full site check. Inspect the grounds, course obstacles, ring barriers, parking layout, signs, water points, waste bags, timing equipment, PA system and registration desk before participants arrive.

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Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.