How to organise a platform diving competition
A platform diving competition needs more than a platform and a pool. Start by securing a suitable venue and basin, then define the competition format, categories, judging process and safety controls before opening registration. Once entries are in, build the start order, prepare jury forms and send clear directions to participants. The details most often missed are permits, insurance, weather checks, power for scoring equipment and enough time to brief officials before the first dive.
The plan, step by step
Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.
Preparations
- 1
Reserve competition venue
- 2
Secure the platform and basin
- 3
Draw up competition rules
2 people
- 4
Determine race categories
2 people
- 5
Assign judges and officials
- 6
Develop safety plan
2 people
- 7
Check permits
- 8
Check insurance
- 9
Send invitations
2 people
- 10
Publish registration form
- 11
Process registrations
2 people
- 12
Collect dietary requirements
- 13
Check participant list
2 people
- 14
Set up the starting order
2 people
- 15
Assign start numbers
- 16
Print the match schedule
- 17
Prepare jury forms
2 people
- 18
Send directions
- 19
Order catering
- 20
Do the shopping
2 people
- 21
Chill drinks
2 people
- 22
Prepare snacks
3 people
- 23
Check prizes and medals
- 24
Check the weather forecast
- 25
Open venue
2 people
- 26
Inspect the platform technically
2 people
- 27
Check the basin and water quality
2 people
- 28
Set out safety equipment
2 people
- 29
Cordon off the audience area
3 people
- 30
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
- 31
Set up judges' table
2 people
- 32
Set up registration desk
2 people
- 33
Set up the sound system
2 people
- 34
Test the competition software
2 people
- 35
Prepare score sheets
- 36
Hang up signage
2 people
- 37
Hang decorations
2 people
- 38
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
- 39
Prepare participant registration
2 people
- 40
Brief volunteers
2 people
- 41
Provide jury briefing
2 people
Event
- 42
Receive participants
4 people
- 43
Hand out race numbers
2 people
- 44
Check medical certificates
2 people
- 45
Welcome the audience
3 people
- 46
Deliver the opening presentation
2 people
- 47
Give safety instructions
3 people
- 48
Assist with the swim-in
3 people
- 49
Run the competition round
6 people
- 50
Record scores
2 people
- 51
Present the public program
- 52
Refill drinks
2 people
- 53
Serve snacks
3 people
- 54
Collect judging forms
2 people
- 55
Announce the interim standings
- 56
Call the finalists
2 people
- 57
Lead the final
6 people
- 58
Check final scores
3 people
- 59
Prepare awards ceremony
3 people
- 60
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
- 61
Photograph the winners
2 people
- 62
See the audience out
3 people
Aftercare
- 63
Gather competition materials
4 people
- 64
Clean up catering
3 people
- 65
Sort and remove waste
3 people
- 66
Turn off the sound system
2 people
- 67
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
- 68
Clean the venue
4 people
- 69
Check the platform and basin
2 people
- 70
Archive results
- 71
Thank participants
- 72
Publish photos and results
- 73
Return borrowed materials
2 people
- 74
Store leftover stock
2 people
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Tablesqty 8
- Chairsqty 80
- Judges' table
- Registration desk
- Party tentsqty 3
Sports equipment
- Diving platform
- Starting blocksqty 2
- Competition swimsuitsqty 4
- Swim capsqty 20
- Swimming gogglesqty 10
- Swim boardsqty 6
- Buoysqty 8
- Competition whistlesqty 6
- Stopwatchesqty 6
- Measuring tape
- Scoreboardsqty 2
- Bib numbersqty 40
- Medalsqty 30
- Cupsqty 6
- Prize ribbonsqty 30
Equipment
- Laptopqty 2
- Tabletsqty 6
- Printersqty 2
- Extension cordsqty 6
- Power stripsqty 6
- Sound system
- Wireless microphonesqty 2
- Speakersqty 2
- Mobile phonesqty 6
- Power banksqty 4
Safety
- First aid kitsqty 2
- Life ringsqty 4
- Rescue linesqty 4
- Safety vestsqty 10
- Non-slip matsqty 12
- Crowd control barriersqty 12
- Barrier tapeqty 4
- Flashlightsqty 6
Lighting
- LED lampsqty 8
- String lightsqty 6
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 120
- Platesqty 100
- Cutlery setsqty 100
- Coffee cupsqty 60
- Serving plattersqty 12
- Serving utensilsqty 12
Kitchen
- Coolersqty 6
- Thermos flasksqty 6
- Kettlesqty 3
- Cutting boardsqty 4
- Kitchen knivesqty 4
- Pliersqty 6
- Bottle openersqty 4
Decorations
- Buntingqty 8
- Balloonsqty 100
- Competition postersqty 10
- Name badgesqty 100
- Badge holdersqty 100
- Pensqty 30
- Clipboardsqty 12
- Directional signsqty 12
Cleaning
- Bucketsqty 4
- Mopsqty 6
- Broom setsqty 3
- Vacuum cleaner
- Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Catering
- Groceries
Tips
- Confirm the platform, basin and spectator areas before publishing the registration form. Check access, water conditions, changing facilities and emergency arrangements at least 4–6 weeks before competition day.
- Write the rules before assigning categories or start numbers. State the allowed dives, scoring method, tie-break procedure, warm-up access and what happens if weather or water conditions make diving unsafe.
- Set a firm registration deadline, ideally 10–14 days before the event. After it closes, check every participant, collect dietary requirements and create the start order before printing schedules and bib numbers.
- Plan the officials’ work as carefully as the athletes’ work. Give judges and timekeepers their roles, prepare jury forms, and test stopwatches, scoreboards, tablets, printers and the sound system at least 1 hour before opening.
- Do not leave practical supplies until event morning. Chill drinks, prepare snacks, check medals and prizes, charge phones and power banks, and keep extension cords and power strips away from wet areas.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I organise a platform diving competition?
- Start venue, safety and permit checks at least 6–8 weeks ahead. Open registration only after the platform, basin, insurance arrangements and competition rules are confirmed.
- How many judges do I need for a platform diving competition?
- Set the judging panel according to your rules and the number of categories, then appoint at least one separate official for timing or administration. Confirm every role no later than 1 week before the event.
- When should registration close for a diving competition?
- Close registration 10–14 days before competition day. This gives you time to verify the participant list, assign start numbers, create the start order and print the match schedule.
- What should I check on the morning of the competition?
- Arrive at least 2 hours before the first dive to inspect the platform and basin, set up registration and judging tables, test scoring and audio equipment, and brief officials. Check the weather again before opening the venue.
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