How to organise a skate competition from start to finish

Organising a skate competition starts with the format, venue and rules—not with promotion. Set the date only after checking the space, permits, insurance and safety requirements. Then build the judging panel, registration process and event-day crew around the competition format. The final week is about confirming riders, preparing the running order, briefing judges and checking every piece of equipment, from scoreboards and microphones to protective gear and spare parts.

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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
Define the competition concept
2 people
2
Check competition venue
2 people
3
Confirm competition date
2 people
4
Check permits
2 people
5
Check insurance coverage
6
Draw up competition rules
3 people
7
Record the judging criteria
3 people
8
Secure prize money
2 people
9
Invite the judges
10
Arrange a host
11
Arrange the music controls
12
Arrange first aid staff
13
Recruit volunteers
2 people
14
Send invitations
2 people
15
Post promotion online
16
Publish registration form
17
Process registrations
2 people
18
Confirm participants
19
Collect dietary requirements
20
Create the starting lineup
2 people
21
Prepare jury briefing
2 people
22
Print the run sheet
23
Print participant list
24
Collect prizes and medals
2 people
25
Do the shopping
3 people
26
Chill drinks
2 people
27
Gather competition materials
3 people
28
Check the weather forecast

Event

29
Open venue
2 people
30
Inspect the site
3 people
31
Sweep the competition area
3 people
32
Set up tables
3 people
33
Set up tents
4 people
34
Lay power and cables
2 people
35
Set up sound system
2 people
36
Set up registration desk
2 people
37
Set up judges' table
2 people
38
Set up the first aid area
2 people
39
Mark off competition areas
3 people
40
Set up signage
2 people
41
Receive participants
3 people
42
Hand out race numbers
2 people
43
Brief volunteers
3 people
44
Brief the judges
4 people
45
Welcome the audience
3 people
46
Give the opening briefing
47
Guide qualifying rounds
8 people
48
Record scores
2 people
49
Announce the break program
50
Serve snacks
3 people
51
Refill drinks
2 people
52
Announce finalists
53
Support the final rounds
8 people
54
Check the winners
3 people
55
Handle prize ceremony
4 people
56
Announce the closing
57
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

58
Turn off the sound system
2 people
59
Collect materials
4 people
60
Sort waste
3 people
61
Clean the grounds
4 people
62
Take down tents
4 people
63
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
64
Return borrowed items
2 people
65
Publish results
66
Thank participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Bar stoolsqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Skateboardsqty 4
Spare wheelsqty 12
Spare bearingsqty 12
Skate toolsqty 6
Waxqty 6
Bib numbersqty 60
Scoreboardsqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Whistlesqty 6
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 20
Rubber matsqty 6
Helmetsqty 12
Knee padsqty 12
Elbow padsqty 12
Wrist guardsqty 12
Stage blocksqty 3
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 6
Prize money envelopesqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Charging cablesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Cable reelsqty 3
Flashlightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Stage curtain

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 6
Litter pickersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Define the competition format and judging criteria before opening registration. Riders need to know the disciplines, run length, scoring method, eligibility rules and tie-break procedure before they sign up.
Check the venue at least 6–8 weeks ahead, including access, skating surfaces, power, spectator flow and weather cover. Confirm permits and insurance before publishing the date or accepting registrations.
Set a registration deadline 7–10 days before the event. Use the final list to confirm participants, collect dietary requirements, assign bib numbers and create the starting lineup without last-minute reshuffling.
Brief judges, the host, music operator, first-aid staff and volunteers at least 60 minutes before the first run. Give judges the written criteria and prepare a printed run sheet so announcements and scoring stay aligned.
Inspect boards, wheels, bearings, tools, wax and protective equipment the day before. Set up barriers, cones, mats, scoreboards, microphones and speakers early enough to test the sound before riders arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a skate competition?: Start planning at least 8–12 weeks before the competition. Use the first 2 weeks for the concept, venue, date, permits and insurance, then allow time for promotion, registration and crew coordination.
When should registration close for a skate competition?: Close registration 7–10 days before the event. That gives you enough time to confirm riders, prepare the participant list, collect requirements and create the starting lineup.
How many judges do I need for a skate competition?: For a small competition, plan for at least 3 judges so scores can be compared consistently. Add a separate host and a music operator if the schedule includes live announcements and timed runs.
What should I prepare the day before a skate competition?: Prepare the printed run sheet and participant list, collect prizes and medals, and check all safety and skate equipment the day before. Reserve at least 2–3 hours for setup checks, equipment inspection and sound testing.

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.