How to organise a dog competition

Start by fixing the competition format, judging method and venue before opening registration. Check permits and vaccination requirements early, then set clear rules, appoint judges and arrange veterinary support. Once entries are coming in, build the schedule, assign start numbers and recruit enough volunteers for check-in, course control and scoring. In the final week, confirm every participant, check the forecast and prepare the course, signage, prizes and welfare stations.

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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
Set competition format
2 people
2
Reserve competition venue
3
Check permits
4
Assign judges
2 people
5
Arrange a veterinarian
6
Draw up competition rules
2 people
7
Create registration form
8
Open registration
9
Send invitations
2 people
10
Approach sponsors
2 people
11
Order prizes and rosettes
12
Process registrations
2 people
13
Check vaccination records
2 people
14
Collect dietary requirements
15
Confirm participants
2 people
16
Assign start numbers
2 people
17
Create the match schedule
2 people
18
Recruit volunteers
2 people
19
Assign volunteers
2 people
20
Send participant information
21
Check the weather forecast
22
Do the shopping
3 people
23
Collect materials
3 people
24
Print the starting lists
25
Set out prizes
2 people
26
Check the dog course
2 people
27
Open venue
2 people
28
Inspect the site
3 people
29
Mark out the competition field
4 people
30
Set up the course
4 people
31
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
32
Set up registration desk
2 people
33
Set up judges' table
2 people
34
Set up catering
3 people
35
Chill drinks
2 people
36
Refill water stations
2 people
37
Test sound system
2 people
38
Conduct a safety check
3 people
39
Brief the registration team
3 people
40
Brief the judges
3 people
41
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

42
Receive participants
4 people
43
Register dogs
3 people
44
Hand out race numbers
2 people
45
Give the opening briefing
2 people
46
Guide the first competition round
6 people
47
Process interim results
2 people
48
Refill drinks
2 people
49
Serve snacks
3 people
50
Refill the water tubs
2 people
51
Restock poop bags
52
Lead the second round of the competition
6 people
53
Check scores
2 people
54
Lead the final
6 people
55
Check the final results
3 people
56
Handle prize ceremony
4 people
57
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

58
Dismantle competition equipment
4 people
59
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
60
Collect waste
3 people
61
Clean the grounds
4 people
62
Wash dishes
2 people
63
Empty the coolers
2 people
64
Lock up the venue
2 people
65
Return materials
2 people
66
Return borrowed items
2 people
67
Collect invoices
68
Publish results
69
Thank participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Jury folding chairsqty 6
Beer tablesqty 6

Sports equipment

Crowd control barriersqty 24
Agility jumpsqty 8
Slalom polesqty 12
Agility tunnelqty 2
Dog ramp
Competition hoopsqty 2
Marker conesqty 30
Start and finish matsqty 2
Water tubsqty 12
Dog crateqty 4
Line anglesqty 20
Dog waste bag holdersqty 6
Bib numbersqty 80
Scoreboardsqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Whistlesqty 4
Prizesqty 12
Medalsqty 30
Rosettesqty 30

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Megaphone
Power banksqty 4
Charging cablesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Pitcherqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Ice packsqty 20

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Directional signsqty 12
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Broomsqty 4
Eye-catchersqty 2
Trash bag holdersqty 6
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format and rules before sending invitations. State the classes, scoring method, run length, entry deadline and disqualification rules so participants know exactly what to expect.
Reserve the venue and check permits at least 8–12 weeks ahead. Confirm where dogs may warm up, where spectators can stand and whether there is enough power for timing, announcements and printing.
Close registration several days before the event, then allow at least one full day to process entries. Check vaccination records, collect dietary requirements and contact anyone whose information is incomplete.
Build the running order around realistic changeover time. Allow 5–10 minutes between classes for resetting jumps, slalom poles, tunnels and markers, and print a backup copy of the starting lists.
Plan welfare and weather arrangements before event day. Provide several water points, shaded or covered areas, waste-bag stations and a clear veterinary contact; secure tents and barriers before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a dog competition?: Start planning 8–12 weeks before the event. That gives you time to reserve a venue, check permits, appoint judges, arrange veterinary support, open registration and order prizes or rosettes.
How many volunteers do I need for a dog competition?: For a small competition, plan on 6–10 volunteers in addition to the judges. Cover check-in, the start area, course resetting, timing, scoring, stewarding and spectator control, with at least two people available for busy periods.
When should registration close for a dog competition?: Close registration 5–7 days before the competition if possible. Use that time to verify vaccination records, confirm participants, assign bib numbers and produce the final match schedule.
What equipment is needed for a dog agility competition?: Prepare the course equipment specified by your format, such as jumps, slalom poles, a tunnel, hoops, a ramp, cones and start and finish mats. Also allow time for scoreboards, stopwatches, measuring tapes, whistles, water tubs, barriers and backup power or printing equipment.

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.