Dog sports competition checklist

Organising a dog sports competition means coordinating dogs, handlers, officials, volunteers and equipment on a fixed timetable. Start with the venue, match rules, judge and competition elements, then open registration and build the start list. In the final week, confirm participants, check dog passports, publish the schedule and prepare score sheets. On the day, allow time for parking, registration, ring checks, water stations and weather changes so the competition can run without avoidable delays.

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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 competition venue
Set the match rules
2 people
Reserve judge
Define competition elements
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Open registration form
Approach sponsors
2 people
Create the parking layout
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Check dog passports
2 people
Prepare the start list
2 people
Assign volunteers
2 people
Order prizes and medals
Confirm reservations
Publish the match schedule
Check the weather forecast
Send final information to participants
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Set out prizes and materials
2 people
Print the starting lists
Print score sheets
Check the competition area
3 people
Put up parking signs
2 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set out competition rings
5 people
Build the obstacles
5 people
Put up barriers
3 people
Hang up information signs
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up the catering table
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up first aid and animal care table
2 people
Set up the jury table
2 people
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

Receive the inspector
Have participants register
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Let dogs acclimate
2 people
Give the opening briefing
Guide the first competition round
5 people
Collect score sheets
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Keep the site clean and safe
3 people
Remove dog waste immediately
2 people
Lead the second round of the competition
5 people
Process interim results
2 people
Supervise the break program
2 people
Guide the final round
5 people
Check final scores
3 people
Announce the winners
Present prizes and medals
3 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
4 people
Take down obstacles
5 people
Dismantle competition rings
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Check materials
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Publish results
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 60
Judges' table
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Competition ringsqty 2
Dog agility obstaclesqty 12
Hoopsqty 4
Slalom polesqty 12
Start and finish signsqty 2
Bib numbersqty 80
Race numbersqty 80
Water bowls for dogsqty 12
Water containersqty 6
Pick up dog wasteqty 4
Lanyardsqty 6
Training linesqty 6
Field marking conesqty 30
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Weighted bagsqty 20
Stopwatchqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Whistlesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 2
Prize table

Tableware

Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 2
Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Megaphone
Coolersqty 4
Portable lightingqty 6
Rechargeable power banksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Thermometerqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Competition postersqty 10
Tableclothsqty 10
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
First aid kit
Handwash sinksqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the competition format and rules before opening registration. Participants need to know the competition elements, entry requirements and timing before they sign up.
Close registrations early enough to process entries and prepare the start list. Allow at least 3–5 days to check dog passports, collect dietary requirements and assign volunteers.
Plan the site around the competition rings, registration desk and parking flow. Put up parking signs and crowd-control barriers before participants arrive, rather than during check-in.
Prepare one complete officials’ station for each active ring. Keep score sheets, a stopwatch, measuring tapes, whistles, bib or race numbers and visible scoreboards together so judges are not waiting for supplies.
Check the weather forecast 48 hours before the event and again on the morning itself. Have party tents, water containers, dog water bowls, waste bins and weighted bags ready for changing conditions and a busy site.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a dog sports competition?: Begin venue, judge and rules planning at least 8–12 weeks before the competition. Open registration once the format and entry requirements are fixed, then reserve the final week for confirmations and printing.
How many volunteers do I need for a dog sports competition?: Plan at least 1 volunteer for registration, 1 for parking, 1 for each active competition ring and 1 floating helper for supplies and breaks. Add another person if more than 50 teams are expected or several rings run at once.
When should I send the final information to participants?: Send the final information 3–5 days before the event, after the start list and match schedule are published. Include arrival time, parking instructions, required dog documents, ring details and what handlers should bring.
What equipment is needed on competition day?: Prepare the rings and obstacles, start and finish signs, cones, numbers, score sheets, stopwatches, whistles, measuring tapes and scoreboards. Also set out water for dogs, waste-collection supplies, barriers, tables, chairs and shelter before registration opens.

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.