How to organise a dog sports competition

A dog sports competition needs more than a course and a start time. Set the rules and registration process first, then build the running order around confirmed entries, judges and volunteers. In the final week, focus on participant information, equipment checks, parking and the competition-ground layout. On the day itself, water, waste points, clear signs and a reliable registration desk prevent small problems from slowing down the programme.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Publish competition rules
2
Send invitations
2 people
3
Open registrations
4
Process registrations
2 people
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Assign start numbers
2 people
7
Print participant list
8
Prepare start lists
2 people
9
Confirm judges
10
Assign volunteers
2 people
11
Confirm venue booking
12
Confirm equipment reservation
13
Create the parking layout
14
Create a map of the competition grounds
2 people
15
Check the weather forecast
16
Send participant information
17
Order prize money and prizes
18
Check the shopping list
2 people
19
Do the shopping
3 people
20
Gather competition materials
3 people
21
Sort bib numbers and forms
2 people
22
Pack prizes
2 people
23
Setting up shelf-stable catering
2 people
24
Inspect the grounds
3 people
25
Put up parking signs
2 people
26
Build party tents
6 people
27
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
28
Set Up the Competition Ring
4 people
29
Set up obstacles
5 people
30
Set up judges' table
2 people
31
Set up the registration table
2 people
32
Build the catering buffet
3 people
33
Chill drinks
2 people
34
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
35
Test the PA system
2 people
36
Display race numbers
2 people
37
Lay out the score sheets
2 people
38
Check toilets
2 people
39
Conduct a safety check
3 people
40
Brief volunteers
3 people
41
Hold the jury briefing
4 people

Event

42
Receive participants
4 people
43
Hand out race numbers
3 people
44
Register Dogs and Handlers
3 people
45
Give opening briefing
2 people
46
Supervise competition events
8 people
47
Announce starting order
48
Process score sheets
3 people
49
Guide participants to the ring
2 people
50
Serve catering
4 people
51
Refill drinks
2 people
52
Refill coffee and tea
2 people
53
Empty trash bins
2 people
54
Keep the competition area clean
2 people
55
Refill dog water
2 people
56
Support awards ceremony
4 people
57
Announce final results
2 people
58
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

59
Dismantle competition equipment
6 people
60
Take down tents and furniture
6 people
61
Wash the dishes and kitchenware
3 people
62
Clean up catering leftovers
3 people
63
Clean the grounds
5 people
64
Dispose of waste
3 people
65
Hand over the venue
2 people
66
Inventory supplies
2 people
67
Return borrowed equipment
2 people
68
Store leftover groceries
2 people
69
Send results digitally
70
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 rules before opening registration, including class details, entry requirements, timings and withdrawal arrangements. Give participants a clear deadline so you can process entries and prepare start lists without last-minute changes.
Confirm judges, volunteers and the venue before sending final participant information. Share the map, parking layout, arrival instructions and timetable at least 5–7 days before the competition.
Prepare one registration pack per participant or class with start numbers, forms and the latest start list. Keep spare bib numbers, pens and clipboard folders at the registration desk for corrections on the day.
Inspect the grounds before setting up the course. Check the competition obstacles, ring barrier, barrier tape, cones, measuring tapes and stopwatches, and keep extension cords and cable reels away from walking routes.
Place water bowls and buckets at several points around the grounds, with waste-bag dispensers near entrances and walking areas. Arrange shelf-stable catering, coolers and coffee equipment before competitors arrive so volunteers are not pulled away from the ring.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a dog sports competition?: Start at least 8–12 weeks ahead. Use the first weeks for rules, venue and equipment reservations, then open registration and leave the final 7 days for start lists, participant information and site checks.
When should registration close for a dog sports competition?: Close registration 7–14 days before the event, depending on how much time you need to process entries and assign start numbers. Send the final timetable and arrival details 5–7 days beforehand.
How much water do dogs need at a competition?: Provide water at every main activity area and refill it throughout the day. As a practical minimum, prepare one large bucket or equivalent supply for each busy area, plus extra water for hot weather and longer queues.
What should I check on the morning of the competition?: Allow at least 2 hours before the first start for a grounds inspection, course setup, registration desk, parking signs, sound system and water points. Test stopwatches, microphones and power connections before competitors enter the ring.

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.