How to organise a diving competition

A diving competition needs more than a pool, competitors and a jury. Start by securing a suitable location, defining the competition format and building a safety plan before you open registration. Once entries are confirmed, assign volunteers, brief the jury and publish the starting lineup so everyone knows where to be. On the day, keep registration, judging, rescue equipment and audience areas clearly separated, and allow time for equipment and communication checks before the first dive.

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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

1
Reserve diving location
2
Set the match rules
2 people
3
Approach jury members
4
Prepare safety plan
2 people
5
Define competition elements
2 people
6
Create registration form
7
Send invitations
2 people
8
Process registrations
2 people
9
Confirm participants
10
Collect dietary requirements
11
Schedule volunteers
2 people
12
Prepare jury briefing
13
Create the starting lineup
2 people
14
Publish starting lineup
15
Check participant details
2 people
16
Order prizes and medals
17
Print match forms
18
Do the shopping
2 people
19
Check diving equipment
3 people
20
Charge batteries
21
Chill drinks
2 people
22
Set up the registration desk
2 people
23
Set up audience tables
3 people
24
Set up party tents
4 people
25
Block off the competition area
3 people
26
Set up ropes and lines
4 people
27
Place the scoreboard
2 people
28
Test sound and walkie-talkies
2 people
29
Set out first aid supplies
2 people
30
Set up judges' table
2 people

Event

31
Receive participants
3 people
32
Hand out race numbers
2 people
33
Have the diving equipment checked
3 people
34
Give participant briefing
3 people
35
Give the jury briefing
2 people
36
Host the opening round
5 people
37
Supervise competition events
6 people
38
Record times and scores
3 people
39
Help participants get out safely
4 people
40
Serve snacks and sandwiches
3 people
41
Refill drinks
2 people
42
Check competition results
3 people
43
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
44
Support awards ceremony
4 people
45
Give a thank-you speech

Aftercare

46
Dismantle competition equipment
4 people
47
Remove buoys and lines
4 people
48
Wash dishes
2 people
49
Collect waste
3 people
50
Clean the venue
4 people
51
Store materials dry
3 people
52
Return rented items
2 people
53
Send results to participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Competition buoysqty 12
Marking linesqty 250
Anchor weightsqty 12
Diving flagsqty 4
Spare glassesqty 6
Spare finsqty 6
Life ringsqty 4
Rescue linesqty 4
Bib numbersqty 80
Medal ribbonsqty 12
Waterproof clipboardsqty 8
Waterproof scorecardsqty 100

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 8
Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Portable speaker
Scoreboard
Waterproof cameraqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Charging stationsqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Respirator masksqty 4
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Nitrile glovesqty 2

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee potsqty 4
Water jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Decorations

Competition postersqty 10
Directional signsqty 8
Stage ribbonsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the competition format before sending invitations. Define the diving elements, match rules, scoring method and tie-break procedure first, so the registration form and jury briefing use the same information.
Treat safety planning as a separate workstream. Mark the competition area, place life rings and rescue lines where they can be reached immediately, and confirm who is responsible for each emergency action before competitors arrive.
Close registration early enough to check every participant detail and build the starting lineup. A useful deadline is at least 3 days before the competition, leaving time to resolve missing information or withdrawals.
Brief the jury and volunteers before the first dive, not during registration. Give judges the match forms and scoring instructions, while volunteers receive clear assignments for check-in, equipment, crowd control and communication.
Allow a full setup and testing window on event day. Check buoys, marking lines, diving flags, stopwatches, waterproof walkie-talkies and the scoreboard before opening the registration desk; charge batteries and test power connections at the same time.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a diving competition?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Reserve the diving location first, then allow time for rules, jury recruitment, safety planning, invitations, registrations and prize orders.
When should diving competition registration close?: Close registration around 3 days before the event. That gives you time to confirm participants, collect dietary requirements, check participant details and publish the starting lineup.
How many judges and volunteers do I need for a diving competition?: The number depends on the competition format and venue, but assign every operational role before event day. At minimum, cover registration, judging, safety or rescue coordination, equipment support and audience-area supervision with named people.
What safety equipment is needed for a diving competition?: Prepare life rings, rescue lines, first aid kits, respirator masks, emergency blankets and nitrile gloves, and keep them accessible at the competition area. Test communication equipment and confirm the emergency procedure before the first dive.

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.