Dog sports competition checklist

Organising a dog sports competition involves more than setting up jumps and tunnels. You need a clear competition format, a confirmed venue, judges and helpers, accurate participant details, and a workable running order. This checklist covers the planning sequence through to opening the site, checking the ground, setting out dog water and preparing participant folders. It also helps you catch details that are often left until the last day, such as insurance papers, refrigerated goods, power supplies and printed maps.

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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

Set the match rules
2 people
Reserve competition venue
Book judges and helpers
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Publish registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Check participant details
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign starter groups
2 people
Assign start numbers
2 people
Prepare the start list
2 people
Confirm participants
Order prizes and rosettes
Check insurance papers
Check the weather forecast
Print the schedule and map
2 people
Assemble participant folders
2 people
Lay out bib numbers
2 people
Checking prizes
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Store refrigerated goods chilled
2 people
Set out dog water
2 people
Load transport equipment
3 people

Event

Open venue
2 people
Check the site and ground surface
3 people
Mark off the competition area
4 people
Set up agility equipment
5 people
Mark the start and finish lines
2 people
Set up jury table and chairs
2 people
Connect the PA system
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Build the catering buffet
3 people
Check toilets
Set out first aid and safety equipment
2 people
Provide jury briefing
3 people
Brief ring staff
4 people
Receive participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Carry out dog control
2 people
Explain the practice course
2 people
Welcome visitors
3 people
Give the opening briefing
Supervise competition events
6 people
Record scores
2 people
Announce starting order
Check the course midway
2 people
Refill dog water
2 people
Keep drinks cold
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks and sandwiches
3 people
Check the buffet and waste
2 people
Process results
2 people
Set out prizes
2 people
Present the awards ceremony
3 people
Publish results
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

Clear the competition area
5 people
Dismantle the agility equipment
5 people
Collect furniture
4 people
Collect and sort waste
3 people
Wash dishes and supplies
3 people
Clean up catering
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Archive results and forms
2 people
Email results to participants
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 50
Judges' table
Beer tablesqty 4

Sports equipment

Agility jumpsqty 8
Agility tunnelsqty 2
Slalom polesqty 12
Agility hoopsqty 2
Gangway
Cat walk
Seesaw
Bib numbersqty 100
Ribbonqty 100
Bollardsqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Water bowls for dogsqty 10
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 6
Dog waste bag rollsqty 30
Stopwatchesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Conesqty 20
Rubber matsqty 8

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
PA system
Microphonesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Rechargeable lampsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 8
Ice packsqty 20

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 10
Direction arrowsqty 12
Information boardsqty 8
Prize tablecloth

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the rules and registration process before inviting competitors. Publish the form only after you know which participant details, dietary requirements and confirmations you need to collect.
Allow time to check every registration and assign starter groups and numbers before printing the start list. Keep a final version available on a laptop and as printed copies for the judges’ table.
Check the venue and ground surface before equipment arrives. Agility jumps, tunnels, slalom poles, hoops, the gangway, cat walk and seesaw need a safe layout, with barrier tape, bollards and cones ready to control access.
Prepare a weather plan at least 24 hours before the competition. Check party tents, rubber mats, dog water, coolers and any extension cords, power strips or PA equipment needed if conditions change.
Pack participant folders, bib numbers, schedules, maps and prizes separately from the course equipment. On arrival, open the venue first, check the site, set out water bowls and confirm that judges and helpers know where to report.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a dog sports competition?: Start the venue, judge and helper arrangements at least 8 to 12 weeks before the event. Open registrations once the rules, date, venue and required participant information are confirmed.
What should I prepare for a dog agility competition?: Prepare the listed course equipment, including jumps, tunnels, slalom poles, hoops, the gangway, cat walk and seesaw, plus measuring tapes, stopwatches, cones and safety marking. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours before the first run for unloading, layout and a full site check.
How many helpers do I need for a dog sports competition?: The number depends on the course and number of starter groups, but plan separate coverage for judging support, registration, course handling and general site duties. Confirm the rota at least 1 week beforehand so nobody is assigned to two jobs at the same time.
What do I need to check on the morning of the competition?: Check the ground surface, course layout, insurance papers, weather forecast, power connections, printed schedule and participant folders before competitors arrive. Set out dog water and waste-bag dispensers, then allow at least 30 minutes for last-minute corrections.

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.