How to organise a skate competition

A skate competition runs smoothly when the format, venue and safety plan are settled before you open registration. Start by choosing the competition structure, checking permits and insurance, and confirming that the venue can fit the ramps, rails, barriers and audience flow. Then recruit judges and volunteers, publish clear rules, and prepare start lists and match cards. The final week is for confirming skaters, checking the forecast, collecting equipment and testing the sound system—not solving basic planning decisions.

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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
Define the competition format
3 people
3
Check permits
4
Check insurance
5
Assign judges
6
Draw up competition rules
2 people
7
Record emergency contact
8
Recruit volunteers
2 people
9
Create registration form
10
Design promotional materials
2 people
11
Send invitations
2 people
12
Publish the competition online
13
Process registrations
2 people
14
Collect dietary requirements
15
Order prizes and cups
16
Reserve sound and microphone
17
Reserve building materials
18
Assign volunteers
2 people
19
Create start lists
2 people
20
Print the run sheet
21
Print match cards
22
Confirm participants
2 people
23
Check the weather forecast
24
Do the shopping
3 people
25
Collect materials
3 people
26
Chill drinks
2 people
27
Inspect the competition area
3 people
28
Sweep the grounds
3 people
29
Check obstacles
3 people
30
Mark off the competition area
4 people
31
Set up jury table
2 people
32
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
33
Set up the registration desk
2 people
34
Build the catering point
3 people
35
Connect sound
2 people
36
Set up lighting
3 people
37
Hang up signage
2 people
38
Hold the jury briefing
5 people
39
Hold a volunteer briefing
8 people

Event

40
Register participants
4 people
41
Hand out race numbers
2 people
42
Check the guards
2 people
43
Welcome the audience
3 people
44
Give the opening briefing
45
Lead the warm-up
2 people
46
Guide the preliminary round
5 people
47
Serve drinks
3 people
48
Refill drinks
2 people
49
Serve snacks
3 people
50
Collect jury cards
2 people
51
Process interim results
2 people
52
Guide the semifinals
5 people
53
Announce finalists
54
Lead the final
5 people
55
Inform the audience
56
Monitor Safety Around the Track
3 people
57
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
58
Photograph the winners
59
Farewell for participants
2 people
60
See the audience out
3 people

Aftercare

61
Clean up catering
3 people
62
Turn off the sound
2 people
63
Dismantle competition equipment
5 people
64
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
65
Collect waste
4 people
66
Clean the grounds
4 people
67
Hand over the venue
2 people
68
Publish results
69
Thank participants
2 people
70
Share photos
71
Check materials
2 people
72
Return borrowed materials
2 people
73
Store leftover stock
2 people
74
Collect reimbursements

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Beer tablesqty 4
Party tentsqty 3
Waste binsqty 8
Changing room tentsqty 2

Sports equipment

Skateboardsqty 6
Skate rampsqty 2
Grind railsqty 3
Fun box
Quarter pipe
Protective helmetsqty 12
Knee padsqty 12
Elbow padsqty 12
Wrist guardsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 80
Judging cardsqty 100
Stopwatchesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Stage sectionsqty 3

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Cold packsqty 12
Warning signsqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
Cable matsqty 6

Decorations

Competition postersqty 20
Directional signsqty 12
Sponsor bannersqty 8
Stage curtain

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Coffee potsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Storage boxesqty 8

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Choose the competition format before creating the registration form. State the age or skill categories, number of runs, scoring method and how ties are settled so skaters know exactly what they are entering.
Inspect the venue with the full course layout in mind. Mark space for skate ramps, grind rails and the fun box, then leave clear routes for spectators, volunteers and first-aid access before ordering barriers or tents.
Set a registration deadline several days before the competition. Use the final list to create bib numbers, start lists and match cards; late changes are much easier before these are printed.
Assign named people to judging, check-in, first aid, course control and sound. One volunteer should not be expected to manage registrations, stopwatches and microphone announcements at the same time.
Test the sound setup before skaters arrive. Check speakers, microphones, the mixer, extension cords and power strips at least one hour before the first run, and keep cold packs and first-aid kits accessible throughout the event.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a skate competition?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the event. Venue availability, permits, insurance, judges and prizes can take longer than expected, while registration and promotion need several weeks to reach participants.
How many volunteers do I need for a skate competition?: Plan for at least 1 volunteer for every 10 to 15 participants, plus separate judges and a first-aid contact. A small competition commonly needs people for check-in, course control, announcements, results and spectator safety.
When should I close registration for a skate competition?: Close registration 5 to 7 days before competition day. That gives you time to confirm participants, prepare bib numbers and print start lists, judging cards and the run sheet.
How early should the skate competition setup begin?: Allow at least 3 hours for setup when ramps, rails, barriers, tents and sound equipment are involved. Finish the course and safety check at least 60 minutes before the first run so you still have time to handle missing equipment or last-minute changes.

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.