How to organise a skate competition

Start by fixing the venue, competition format and safety requirements before opening registration. Then set rules that riders and judges can follow quickly, build a realistic running order and arrange the course, sound system and registration area. The details that cause delays are usually handled too late: participant numbers, printed score sheets, prize deliveries, cable safety and protective equipment. Work backwards from the event date so every delivery, confirmation and briefing is completed before riders arrive.

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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 competition format
2 people
3
Draw up competition rules
2 people
4
Assign judges
5
Book host
6
Assemble the music playlist
7
Create a registration form
8
Open registration
9
Send invitations
2 people
10
Post promotion online
11
Process registrations
2 people
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Confirm participants
14
Create the starting lineup
2 people
15
Print jury criteria
16
Print score sheets
17
Make participant numbers
18
Order prizes and medals
19
Check deliveries
2 people
20
Check the shopping list
21
Do the shopping
2 people
22
Sort materials
2 people
23
Assemble Race Packets
2 people
24
Print the run sheet
25
Chill drinks
2 people
26
Prepare snacks
3 people
27
Inspect the competition area
3 people
28
Check obstacles and ramps
3 people
29
Mark off the competition area
4 people
30
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
31
Set up registration desk
2 people
32
Set up judges' table
2 people
33
Set up sound equipment
2 people
34
Secure power and cables
2 people
35
Place signs and direction arrows
2 people
36
Set up the first aid station
2 people
37
Brief volunteers
3 people

Event

38
Register participants
3 people
39
Hand out participant numbers
2 people
40
Give safety instructions
2 people
41
Lead the warm-up
2 people
42
Open the match
2 people
43
Guide qualifying rounds
6 people
44
Process scores
3 people
45
Serve drinks
3 people
46
Serve snacks
3 people
47
Refill drinks
2 people
48
Empty trash bins
2 people
49
Guide the semifinals
5 people
50
Announce finalists
2 people
51
Lead the final
5 people
52
Check final scores
3 people
53
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
54
Photograph the winners
2 people
55
See visitors out
3 people

Aftercare

56
Gather competition materials
4 people
57
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
58
Disconnect sound equipment
2 people
59
Collect waste
3 people
60
Clean the grounds
4 people
61
Check toilets
2 people
62
Handle the deposit and keys
63
Chill leftover food
2 people
64
Return materials
2 people
65
Publish results
66
Share participant photos
67
Handle lost property

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Skate rampsqty 4
Skate boxesqty 3
Grind railsqty 3
Traffic conesqty 24
Spare skateboardsqty 4
Helmetsqty 12
Knee padsqty 12
Elbow padsqty 12
Wrist guardsqty 12
Non-slip matsqty 8

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 6
Drink tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 8
Crowd barriersqty 20
Changing benchesqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Music player
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Cable matsqty 12
Megaphonesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 3
Printer
Power banksqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Work glovesqty 8
High-visibility vestsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 6
Sandbagsqty 20

Signage

Direction signsqty 12
Information boardsqty 8
Competition postersqty 20
Participant numbersqty 120
Queue conesqty 16

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Ice packsqty 24
Kettlesqty 2
Hand spraysqty 6

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 4
Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Prize tableclothqty 2

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Choose the format and rules before you publish registration. State the number of runs, judging criteria, time limits and what happens in a tie, then print the same criteria for every judge.
Plan the venue layout around three separate areas: the skate course, rider registration and spectator movement. Use barriers and cones to keep people away from ramps, boxes and grind rails, and cover cables with cable mats.
Close registration early enough to process entries and create the starting lineup. Print participant numbers, race packets, the run sheet and spare score sheets instead of relying on phones or a single laptop.
Check safety equipment before setup is finished. Count helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, non-slip mats and spare skateboards, and decide who checks protective gear before each rider starts.
Test the sound and power setup before the first participant arrives. Check the mixer, speakers, microphones, music player, extension cords and power strips together, then keep a megaphone available for announcements if the system fails.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a skate competition?: Start planning at least 6 to 8 weeks before the event. Reserve the venue first, then allow time for rules, judge and host bookings, registration, equipment deliveries and participant confirmations.
How do you create a running order for a skate competition?: Process registrations before publishing the starting lineup, then group riders according to your chosen format and allow time between heats or runs. Print the final run sheet on the event day and keep one spare copy at registration and one with the host.
What safety equipment do I need for a skate competition?: Provide helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and non-slip mats, and inspect ramps, boxes and rails before riders enter the course. Keep spare skateboards and a clear equipment-check point ready before the first run.
When should prizes and medals be ordered for a skate competition?: Order them as soon as registration opens, rather than waiting for the final participant count. Check the delivery at least several days before the competition so missing medals or incorrect quantities can still be replaced.

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.