How to organise a shooting sports competition

A shooting sports competition needs a clear sequence: secure the venue, confirm the rules and permits, then build the field and participant plan. Safety checks come before decoration or catering, especially when inspecting weapons, targets and bullet traps. Registrations, dietary requirements and starter groups should be settled before you publish the start lists. On competition day, separate registration, equipment checks, briefings and scoring so officials can work without interruptions.

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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 competition venue
2
Set the competition rules
2 people
3
Check the safety protocol
2 people
4
Check permits
5
Confirm race official
6
Assign track officials
2 people
7
Send invitations
2 people
8
Process registrations
2 people
9
Collect dietary requirements
10
Assign starter groups
2 people
11
Publish start lists
12
Confirm participants
2 people
13
Order competition ammunition
14
Order prizes and medals
15
Inspect course equipment
2 people
16
Check sport weapons
2 people
17
Prepare scorecards
2 people
18
Assemble participant folders
2 people
19
Do the shopping
2 people
20
Chill drinks
2 people
21
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
22
Set up registration desk
2 people
23
Mark lane sections
3 people
24
Hang up targets
3 people
25
Check the bullet traps
2 people
26
Mark off the safety zone
3 people
27
Set up first aid and emergency equipment
2 people
28
Build the catering buffet
3 people
29
Brief officials
4 people

Event

30
Open registration
3 people
31
Issue weapons and equipment
2 people
32
Give the opening briefing
2 people
33
Conduct a safety check
4 people
34
Guide the first competition round
6 people
35
Collect scorecards
2 people
36
Serve lunch buffet
3 people
37
Refill drinks
2 people
38
Lead the second round of the competition
6 people
39
Replace targets
3 people
40
Check scores
3 people
41
Guide the final round
6 people
42
Process final scores
3 people
43
Present prizes
3 people
44
Collect weapons
2 people
45
Close the track safely
4 people

Aftercare

46
Collect waste
3 people
47
Wash dishes
3 people
48
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
49
Clean the course
4 people
50
Remove targets and casings
3 people
51
Inventory materials
2 people
52
Return borrowed materials
2 people
53
Publish results
54
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Beer tablesqty 4
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Sporting Weaponsqty 8
Gun racksqty 4
Targetsqty 250
Disc holdersqty 12
Bullet Trapsqty 8
Competition ammunitionqty 5000
Shooting glassesqty 20
Ear defendersqty 30
Shooting matsqty 8
Course markingsqty 16
Safety tapeqty 4
Conesqty 20
Scorecardsqty 120
Scoreboard
Writing boardsqty 4
Pensqty 40
Stopwatchesqty 4
Safety flagsqty 12
Cleaning kitsqty 8
Weapon casesqty 8

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Soup kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 80
Drinking glassesqty 100
Soup bowlsqty 70
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Hand broomsqty 4
First aid kit
Fire extinguisherqty 2

Catering

Prizes and medalsqty 12
Groceries

Tips

Set the rules and safety protocol before inviting participants. Confirm the required permits and the race official early, ideally several weeks before competition day, because these decisions affect the venue layout and staffing.
Close registrations before assigning starter groups. Use the final participant list to prepare folders, scorecards and start lists, then send the confirmed schedule early enough for competitors to plan their arrival.
Inspect the course in a fixed order: lane sections, targets, disc holders and bullet traps. Check safety tape, cones and safety flags at the same time, rather than discovering missing or damaged equipment during setup.
Keep competition ammunition, sporting weapons and weapon cases under controlled access. Check shooting glasses, ear defenders, cleaning kits and gun racks before participants arrive, and assign one person to oversee equipment handling.
Set up registration and scoring separately from the shooting area. Prepare the laptop, printer, writing boards, pens, stopwatch and scoreboard before the briefing, and keep extension cords and power strips secured away from walkways.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a shooting sports competition?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Reserve the venue, check permits and confirm the race official first; registrations, ammunition and prizes can then be ordered against a realistic participant count.
How do I plan the start groups for a shooting competition?: Close registration before making the groups, usually 1 to 2 weeks before the event. Allow time to check participant confirmations, publish the start lists and prepare a folder and scorecards for every starter.
What safety checks are needed before a shooting competition?: Complete a documented course and equipment check before opening registration on the day. Inspect targets, bullet traps, lane markings, safety tape, safety flags, weapons, ammunition and protective equipment, then brief all officials before the first group starts.
What should I prepare at the registration desk?: Set up the desk at least 60 minutes before the first starter is due. Have the participant list, folders, scorecards, pens and any dietary information ready, with a laptop and printer available for last-minute corrections.

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.