How to organise a dog sports competition

Start by fixing the competition format, match rules and venue before opening registration. Then book judges and helpers, publish the entry form, and allow time to check every participant’s details. The final week is for grouping starters, printing documents, checking insurance and preparing equipment. On the day, inspect the ground, set out the course and keep water, shade and clear instructions available for dogs and handlers.

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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 the match rules
2 people
2
Reserve competition venue
3
Book judges and helpers
2 people
4
Send invitations
2 people
5
Publish registration form
6
Process registrations
2 people
7
Check participant details
2 people
8
Collect dietary requirements
9
Assign starter groups
2 people
10
Assign start numbers
2 people
11
Prepare the start list
2 people
12
Confirm participants
13
Order prizes and rosettes
14
Check insurance papers
15
Check the weather forecast
16
Print the schedule and map
2 people
17
Assemble participant folders
2 people
18
Lay out bib numbers
2 people
19
Checking prizes
2 people
20
Do the shopping
2 people
21
Store refrigerated goods chilled
2 people
22
Set out dog water
2 people
23
Load transport equipment
3 people

Event

24
Open venue
2 people
25
Check the site and ground surface
3 people
26
Mark off the competition area
4 people
27
Set up agility equipment
5 people
28
Mark the start and finish lines
2 people
29
Set up jury table and chairs
2 people
30
Connect the PA system
2 people
31
Set up registration desk
2 people
32
Build the catering buffet
3 people
33
Check toilets
34
Set out first aid and safety equipment
2 people
35
Provide jury briefing
3 people
36
Brief ring staff
4 people
37
Receive participants
3 people
38
Hand out race numbers
2 people
39
Carry out dog control
2 people
40
Explain the practice course
2 people
41
Welcome visitors
3 people
42
Give the opening briefing
43
Supervise competition events
6 people
44
Record scores
2 people
45
Announce starting order
46
Check the course midway
2 people
47
Refill dog water
2 people
48
Keep drinks cold
2 people
49
Refill drinks
2 people
50
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
51
Serve snacks and sandwiches
3 people
52
Check the buffet and waste
2 people
53
Process results
2 people
54
Set out prizes
2 people
55
Present the awards ceremony
3 people
56
Publish results
57
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

58
Clear the competition area
5 people
59
Dismantle the agility equipment
5 people
60
Collect furniture
4 people
61
Collect and sort waste
3 people
62
Wash dishes and supplies
3 people
63
Clean up catering
3 people
64
Clean the venue
4 people
65
Archive results and forms
2 people
66
Email results to participants
67
Return borrowed materials
2 people
68
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 course format before sending invitations. Include start classes, scoring, timings and any equipment limits so entrants know what they are signing up for.
Close registrations early enough to check names, classes and dog details. Reserve at least 2–3 days for corrections before assigning starter groups and start numbers.
Prepare a timed running order rather than relying on the entry list. Print the schedule, site map and participant folders, and keep a digital copy on the laptop in case a page is lost.
Inspect the venue and ground surface before unloading the agility equipment. Mark boundaries with cones or barrier tape, secure the course, and keep cables from extension cords away from dog and handler routes.
Plan welfare checks throughout the day, not just at arrival. Put water bowls in several visible places, provide shade with party tents, and keep refrigerated goods chilled until needed.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a dog sports competition?: Start venue and judge arrangements at least 8–12 weeks ahead. Open registration only after the rules, date, venue and basic running format are confirmed.
How many judges and helpers do I need for a dog sports competition?: The number depends on the course and entry size, but book the judge team and event-day helpers before registration opens. Add at least 2–3 people for check-in, course changes, timing and results so one absence does not stop the event.
When should I publish the start list?: Publish a provisional start list 3–5 days before the competition, after checking participant details and assigning groups. Confirm final changes before printing bib numbers, folders and the event schedule.
What should I check on the morning of the competition?: Allow at least 90 minutes before the first start to open the venue, inspect the ground, assemble the course, test the PA system and place dog water. Check prizes, numbers, stopwatches and registration materials before participants arrive.

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.