How to organise a skate competition from start to finish

Start by fixing the venue and competition format, then work backwards from the event date. Decide the categories, rules and safety measures before opening registration, because these details determine your schedule, staffing and equipment. Give yourself time to check permits, insurance and music permissions rather than leaving them until the final week. On the day, keep registration, judging, announcements and crowd control as separate jobs so the competition can run without avoidable delays.

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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
Confirm the competition venue
2 people
2
Define the competition format
2 people
3
Set competition categories
2 people
4
Draw up the competition rules
2 people
5
Develop safety plan
2 people
6
Check permits
7
Check insurance
8
Arrange music permissions
9
Assign judges
2 people
10
Appoint the competition leader
11
Record emergency contact
12
Recruit volunteers
2 people
13
Send invitations
2 people
14
Open the registration form
15
Process registrations
2 people
16
Collect dietary requirements
17
Update participant list
18
Create the starting lineup
2 people
19
Make jury forms
20
Print the run sheet
21
Design signage
22
Order prizes
23
Reserve materials
24
Check the shopping list
2 people
25
Do the shopping
2 people
26
Check prizes and medals
27
Collect materials
2 people
28
Check the weather forecast
29
Send the volunteer briefing
30
Inspect the competition area
3 people
31
Sweep the site
4 people
32
Place barriers
4 people
33
Set up obstacles
4 people
34
Mark the start and finish lines
2 people
35
Set up jury table
2 people
36
Set up the registration desk
2 people
37
Mark audience sections
3 people
38
Set up party tents
4 people
39
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
40
Connect the sound system
2 people
41
Test microphone
2 people
42
Equip the jury table with forms
2 people
43
Prepare registration materials
2 people
44
Chill drinks
3 people
45
Prepare food
4 people
46
Display prizes
2 people
47
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

48
Register participants
4 people
49
Hand out race numbers
2 people
50
Guide vehicle entry
3 people
51
Give the opening briefing
52
Supervise the competition event
6 people
53
Collect jury scores
3 people
54
Inform the audience
55
Refill drinks
2 people
56
Serving food
3 people
57
Empty trash bins
2 people
58
Process qualification results
2 people
59
Announce finalists
60
Lead the final
6 people
61
Check final scores
3 people
62
Announce the winners
2 people
63
Present prizes
3 people
64
Ensure the audience leaves safely
4 people
65
Close off the grounds
3 people

Aftercare

66
Take down obstacles
4 people
67
Remove barriers
4 people
68
Take down tents
4 people
69
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
70
Turn off the sound system
2 people
71
Collect waste
4 people
72
Clean the grounds
4 people
73
Wash dishes
3 people
74
Pack up materials
3 people
75
Return borrowed materials
2 people
76
Store leftovers
2 people
77
Publish results
78
Thank participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Judges' table
Registration desk
Folding barsqty 2

Sports equipment

Skateboard obstaclesqty 6
Bib numbersqty 100
Race bib strapsqty 100
Competition bibsqty 12
Conesqty 40
Crowd control barriersqty 24
Barrier tapeqty 8
Rubber matsqty 8
Broomqty 4
Leaf Blower
First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 12
Work glovesqty 8

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable batteriesqty 12
Power banksqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 4
Megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Laptop
Printer
Mobile payment terminal
Coolersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable platesqty 180
Reusable cutleryqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Ice packsqty 20
Water jugsqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Food warmersqty 4

Decorations

Contest banner
Directional signsqty 10
Information boardsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10
Buntingqty 8
Prize table sign

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand broomsqty 4
Mop setsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Hand sanitizerqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format, categories and judging rules before you open registration. State the run length, number of attempts, scoring method and tie-break procedure so every participant receives the same information.
Create the safety plan during the venue check. Mark the skating area with barriers or barrier tape, place rubber mats where needed, and schedule a surface check and sweep before the first run.
Build the event schedule around registration and judging, not just skating time. Allow at least 30 minutes for check-in before the first category and keep the starting lineup, run sheet and jury forms together at the judges’ table.
Confirm operational roles before invitations go out. You need a competition leader, assigned judges, registration support and volunteers for announcements, crowd control and participant flow; record an emergency contact where the whole team can find it.
Test the sound and power setup before competition day. Check the sound system, wireless microphones, extension cords, power strips and rechargeable batteries, and keep a backup way to make announcements if the microphone fails.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a skate competition?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before the event. Use the first two weeks to confirm the venue, format, categories, rules, permits, insurance and music permissions before opening registration.
How long should registration take at a skate competition?: Allow at least 30 minutes before the first run, and longer if you expect more than 50 participants. Prepare the participant list and bib numbers in advance so check-in only requires confirming details and handing out the correct bib.
How many judges do I need for a skate competition?: Use at least 3 judges for a scored competition, with one competition leader coordinating the schedule and decisions. Add a separate volunteer for registration and another for crowd control so judges can focus on scoring.
What equipment should I test before a skate competition?: Test the obstacles, cones, barriers, rubber mats, sound system, microphones, stopwatches and power setup at least one day before the event. On the morning itself, inspect the skating surface, sweep it and check every cable and battery before participants arrive.

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.