How to organise a skateboard competition

A skateboard competition needs more than ramps and riders. Start by securing the venue, permit and insurance, then set clear participant rules and a safety plan before opening registration. In the weeks before the event, confirm riders, assign judges, prepare the starting lineup and test the sound system. On the day, inspect every obstacle, check protective equipment and keep first aid staff, barriers and clear signage in place before the first run.

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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
Apply for competition permit
3
Check insurance
4
Assign judges
5
Book host
6
Arrange first aid staff
7
Draw up participant rules
2 people
8
Prepare safety plan
2 people
9
Create a registration form
10
Send invitations
2 people
11
Distribute promotional poster
2 people
12
Process registrations
2 people
13
Collect dietary requirements
14
Confirm participants
15
Create the starting lineup
2 people
16
Print the jury forms
17
Prepare race numbers
2 people
18
Order prizes
19
Check skateboards
2 people
20
Check obstacles
2 people
21
Test sound equipment
2 people
22
Do the shopping
2 people
23
Collect materials
3 people
24
Chill drinks
2 people
25
Inspect the competition area
2 people
26
Set up obstacles
4 people
27
Set up crowd-control barriers
3 people
28
Build party tents
4 people
29
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
30
Connect the sound system
2 people
31
Secure power cables
2 people
32
Set up registration desk
2 people
33
Set up judges' table
2 people
34
Set up catering stand
3 people
35
Prepare safety equipment
2 people
36
Lay out bib numbers
37
Give the jury briefing
3 people
38
Brief volunteers
4 people

Event

39
Register participants
3 people
40
Check helmets
2 people
41
Explain the competition rules
2 people
42
Present the opening round
2 people
43
Lead the warm-up
3 people
44
Guide the preliminary round
5 people
45
Collect judging forms
2 people
46
Process interim results
2 people
47
Serve drinks
3 people
48
Refill drinks
2 people
49
Serve snacks
3 people
50
Empty trash bins
2 people
51
Check the audience area
2 people
52
Check obstacles in between
2 people
53
Guide the semifinals
5 people
54
Process semifinal results
2 people
55
Present the break program
2 people
56
Announce finalists
2 people
57
Lead the final
5 people
58
Check final scores
3 people
59
Present the awards ceremony
3 people
60
Photograph the winners
2 people
61
Ensure the audience leaves safely
3 people

Aftercare

62
Turn off the sound system
2 people
63
Take down obstacles
4 people
64
Remove barriers
3 people
65
Take down tents
4 people
66
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
67
Clean up catering
3 people
68
Collect waste
3 people
69
Sweep the grounds
2 people
70
Check sanitary facilities
71
Inventory materials
2 people
72
Return borrowed materials
2 people
73
Return venue keys
74
Leave the event grounds clean
2 people
75
Share photos with participants
76
Thank participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Crowd barriersqty 20
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Skateboard rampsqty 3
Grind railsqty 2
Skateboardsqty 12
Skate helmetsqty 20
Knee padsqty 20
Elbow padsqty 20
Wrist guardsqty 20
Traffic conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Chalkqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 3

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Laptop
Tabletsqty 3
Printer
Camera
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
Cable traysqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Cool packs for injuriesqty 6
Safety vestsqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 4
Buntingqty 6
Bib numbersqty 40
Wristbandsqty 100
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 3
Vouchersqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Paper platesqty 150
Reusable cutleryqty 150
Serving plattersqty 8
Coffee potsqty 3

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 4
Storage binsqty 8

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Secure the venue, competition permit and insurance before promoting the event. Allow at least 4–6 weeks for approvals, and confirm in writing that the space supports ramps, rails, spectators and your planned schedule.
Publish participant rules with the registration form, including age limits, protective equipment requirements, judging criteria and run format. Close registration at least 7 days before the competition so you can confirm riders and create the starting lineup.
Inspect ramps, grind rails, skateboards and protective gear on site before riders arrive. Leave at least 2 hours for setup and repairs, and keep spare cones, barrier tape and first aid kits available at the competition area.
Assign judges, a host and first aid staff before event day, not during check-in. Print jury forms, prepare race numbers and brief the team for 30 minutes on scoring, run order, incident reporting and who makes final decisions.
Test speakers, the mixer, wireless microphones, laptop, tablets and printer before the first rider checks in. Route extension cords through cable trays, keep walkways clear and prepare a paper backup for registrations and scores if the equipment fails.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to organise a skateboard competition?: Allow 6–8 weeks for a small competition and longer if you need a permit or a public venue. Book the venue, check insurance and start the permit process first; registration should open only after those basics are confirmed.
How many judges do you need for a skateboard competition?: Use at least 3 judges for a small competition so each run is scored consistently and one judge can cover a short absence. Add a head judge to settle scoring questions and brief everyone for 30 minutes before the first run.
When should skateboard competition registration close?: Close registration 7 days before the event. That gives you time to confirm participants, collect dietary requirements, assign race numbers, print jury forms and create the starting lineup without last-minute changes.
What safety equipment is needed for a skateboard competition?: Prepare helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards, plus crowd barriers, barrier tape, traffic cones and first aid kits. Inspect the competition area at least 2 hours before opening and keep first aid staff present throughout the event.

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