How to organise a skate competition at a skate park

Start by securing the skate park and checking whether you need an event permit or additional insurance. Then decide the competition format, write rules that fit the available space and appoint judges before opening registration. Allow time to collect parental consent, prepare score sheets and confirm every participant. On the day, separate the registration, judging and spectator areas so check-in and competition flow do not interfere with each other.

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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 the skate park
2
Apply for event permit
3
Set the competition format
2 people
4
Assign judges
5
Recruit volunteers
2 people
6
Write out the competition rules
2 people
7
Create registration form
8
Send invitations
2 people
9
Distribute promotional poster
2 people
10
Process registrations
11
Collect parental consent
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Update participant list
14
Order prizes and medals
15
Check insurance
16
Check power supply
17
Check the weather forecast
18
Final confirmation of participants
19
Do the shopping
2 people
20
Collect materials
2 people
21
Prepare race numbers
22
Print score sheets
23
Wrap the prizes
24
Store food chilled
2 people
25
Check the venue and route
2 people
26
Check the venue for safety
3 people
27
Set up tents and tables
4 people
28
Set up barriers
3 people
29
Hang up information signs
2 people
30
Mark the competition lanes
2 people
31
Set up registration desk
2 people
32
Set up judges' table
2 people
33
Test sound equipment
2 people
34
Chill drinks
2 people
35
Prepare snacks and sandwiches
3 people
36
Set out first aid supplies
37
Brief the judges
2 people
38
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

39
Register participants
3 people
40
Hand out race numbers
2 people
41
Give the opening briefing
42
Guide the preliminary round
4 people
43
Process scores
2 people
44
Refill drinks
2 people
45
Serve snacks and sandwiches
3 people
46
Empty trash bins
2 people
47
Announce finalists
48
Lead the final
4 people
49
Inform the audience
50
Check final scores
2 people
51
Support awards ceremony
3 people
52
Take a crowd photo
53
Serve the final drinks round
2 people
54
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

55
Dismantle competition equipment
4 people
56
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
57
Remove barricades
3 people
58
Collect waste
3 people
59
Clean the venue
4 people
60
Wash dishes
2 people
61
Return materials
2 people
62
Return rented materials
2 people
63
Publish results
64
Thank participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Tableclothsqty 8

Sports equipment

Crowd control barriersqty 12
Marker conesqty 20
Floor marking tapeqty 4
Skateboards for demonstrationqty 3
Helmets for participantsqty 10
Knee padsqty 10
Elbow padsqty 10
Water weightsqty 8
Transport cart
Bib numbersqty 60
Wristbandsqty 100
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 3

Equipment

Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Stopwatchqty 3
Megaphone
Coolersqty 4
Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30
Calculatorsqty 3
Power banksqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Coolersqty 2

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 3
Directional signsqty 8
Table décorqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Rubber glovesqty 6
First aid kit
Ice packsqty 12

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format before sending invitations: define age groups, run length, number of attempts and judging criteria, then publish the rules with the registration form. Changing these details after registrations open creates avoidable disputes.
Close registration at least 7 days before the competition. Use the final participant list to prepare race numbers, score sheets, dietary information and a running order instead of trying to organise them during check-in.
Assign judges and volunteers at least 2 weeks in advance. You need one clear person for registration, one for announcing runs and enough support to keep spectators behind barriers and competitors moving to the start area.
Check power, weather and the venue layout the day before. Test the speaker, microphone, extension cords and power strips, secure tents with water weights and keep coolers in a shaded or chilled area.
Prepare the judges' table before competitors arrive. Put the stopwatch, printed score sheets, pens and competition rules there, while prizes and medals remain wrapped and stored safely until the results are confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a skate competition?: Start booking the skate park and checking permits at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Open registration only after the format, rules, judges and safety arrangements are confirmed.
How many judges do I need for a skate competition?: Use at least 3 judges for a small competition so one unusually high or low score does not decide the result. Add a head judge or event coordinator to settle rule questions and keep scoring consistent.
When should skate competition registration close?: Close registration about 7 days before the event. That gives you time to collect parental consent, update the participant list, assign race numbers and print the correct number of score sheets.
What should I check the day before a skate competition?: Check the weather forecast, park and route, power supply, barriers, tents and communication equipment 24 hours before opening. Keep chilled food and drinks cold, and confirm the final participant list with volunteers and judges.

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