How to organise a shooting sports competition

Start by securing the shooting range and confirming permits and insurance before opening registration. Then set the competition format, write rules that cover safety and scoring, and assign people to run the line and record results. Give participants one clear information pack, including start groups, required equipment and arrival time. In the final week, inspect the venue, prepare targets and score sheets, and check that every safety and communication item is ready.

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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 shooting range
2
Check permits
3
Check insurance coverage
4
Set competition format
2 people
5
Draw up competition rules
2 people
6
Assign the race director
7
Assign line judges
8
Send invitations
2 people
9
Open registration form
10
Process registrations
2 people
11
Collect dietary requirements
12
Assign starter groups
2 people
13
Send participant information
14
Book catering
15
Order prizes and medals
16
Inventory track materials
2 people
17
Prepare safety briefing
2 people
18
Prepare score sheets
2 people
19
Print the starting lists
20
Do the shopping
2 people
21
Chill drinks
2 people
22
Transport materials
3 people
23
Inspect the track and venue
3 people
24
Lay out shooting cards and targets
3 people
25
Set up the targets stands
3 people
26
Number the track sections
2 people
27
Place safety markers
3 people
28
Cordon off the audience area
2 people
29
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
30
Set up the registration desk
2 people
31
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
32
Test lighting and walkie-talkies
2 people
33
Prepare first aid supplies
34
Give staff a safety briefing
5 people

Event

35
Register participants
3 people
36
Hand out race numbers
2 people
37
Check weapons and ammunition
3 people
38
Give the safety briefing
2 people
39
Announce the lane layout
40
Run the competition round
6 people
41
Collect score sheets
2 people
42
Switch shooting groups
4 people
43
Resume the competition round
6 people
44
Refill drinks
2 people
45
Serving food
3 people
46
Empty trash bins
2 people
47
Check scores
3 people
48
Announce the results
2 people
49
Present prizes
3 people
50
Ensure participants leave safely
3 people

Aftercare

51
Close off the competition venue
3 people
52
Check weapons and leftover ammunition
3 people
53
Take down the goals and track equipment
4 people
54
Clear away furniture
4 people
55
Wash dishes
3 people
56
Clean the venue
4 people
57
Dispose of waste
2 people
58
Inventory materials
2 people
59
Return rented materials
2 people
60
Publish results
61
Settle up with vendors

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Party tentsqty 2
Folding counter
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Goal postsqty 20
Paper targetsqty 300
Back catchersqty 20
Shooting targetsqty 100
Bib numbersqty 80
Scoreboardsqty 6
Safety gogglesqty 80
Ear defendersqty 80
Course flagsqty 20
Traffic conesqty 20
Bollardsqty 20

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphonesqty 2
LED work lightsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Printer
Stopwatchesqty 4
Coolersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 6
Information boardsqty 8
Directional signsqty 10

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format before inviting competitors. Decide the number of rounds, target layout, scoring method and group size early enough to publish rules and build fair starting groups.
Treat safety as a separate workstream, not a briefing written at the last minute. Prepare the safety briefing, check back catchers and target stands, and confirm the range layout before competition day.
Close registration early enough to process entries and dietary requirements. Send starting groups and participant information at least 3 days before the event so questions do not arrive during setup.
Prepare scoring for the busiest moment. Print starting lists and score sheets, test the printer and laptops, and assign enough line judges and scorekeepers for every active firing line.
Inspect and set up the venue in sequence on the day. Mark boundaries with flags, cones or bollards, lay out shooting cards and targets, test walkie-talkies and the megaphone, then chill drinks and set up catering.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a shooting range?: Book the range as soon as you have a likely date, preferably at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. This leaves time to check permits, insurance coverage and the range’s safety requirements before registration opens.
How long before the competition should registration close?: Close registration at least 7 days before the event if you need to assign starting groups and print lists. Keep the final 3 days for correcting participant details and sending the information pack.
What should be included in the safety briefing?: Cover range boundaries, handling and storage rules, commands, protective equipment, misfires, emergency procedures and who participants should contact. Allow at least 10 minutes before the first group starts, with extra time for newcomers.
How many line judges do I need for a shooting competition?: Plan for at least one line judge per active firing line, plus one race director or chief official. Add a reserve official if the competition runs longer than 3 hours or uses multiple waves.

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.