How to organise a sport climbing competition
Start by fixing the competition format and schedule before booking the venue or opening registration. The format determines how many routes, judges, starter groups, score sheets and volunteers you need. Next, lock in route builders, judges and the emergency procedure, then publish clear rules and registration details. In the final week, confirm participants, print starting lists, inspect climbing equipment and prepare route maps, signs and catering. This order prevents late changes from affecting safety and scoring.
The plan, step by step
Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.
Preparations
- 1
Set competition format
2 people
- 2
Reserve venue
- 3
Check the competition schedule
- 4
Draw up competition rules
2 people
- 5
Finalize route builders
- 6
Assign judges
- 7
Check competition insurance
- 8
Send invitations
2 people
- 9
Open registration form
- 10
Keep track of the participant list
- 11
Collect dietary requirements
- 12
Create volunteer schedule
2 people
- 13
Confirm participants
- 14
Assign starter groups
2 people
- 15
Develop route designs
3 people
- 16
Coordinate Emergency Procedure
3 people
- 17
Order catering
- 18
Order prizes and medals
- 19
Print the starting lists
- 20
Print score sheets
- 21
Check Route-Building Materials
2 people
- 22
Inspecting climbing equipment
2 people
- 23
Do the shopping
2 people
- 24
Store catering chilled
2 people
- 25
Prepare match information
2 people
- 26
Open venue
2 people
- 27
Clear the climbing walls
3 people
- 28
Build competition routes
4 people
- 29
Number routes
2 people
- 30
Have routes checked
3 people
- 31
Set up the registration desk
2 people
- 32
Set up the waiting area
2 people
- 33
Set up judges' table
2 people
- 34
Set up crowd barriers
3 people
- 35
Build the catering buffet
2 people
- 36
Chill drinks
2 people
- 37
Prepare number bibs
2 people
- 38
Prepare score materials
2 people
- 39
Prepare first aid supplies
- 40
Test the sound and lighting
2 people
- 41
Brief volunteers
3 people
Event
- 42
Register participants
4 people
- 43
Hand out start bibs
2 people
- 44
Give participant briefing
3 people
- 45
Welcome the audience
2 people
- 46
Check climbing safety
3 people
- 47
Run the competition round
8 people
- 48
Record scores
3 people
- 49
Handle jury questions
2 people
- 50
Refill drinks
2 people
- 51
Serve snacks
2 people
- 52
Check climbing equipment during the event
2 people
- 53
Announce finalists
2 people
- 54
Prepare the final
4 people
- 55
Lead the final
8 people
- 56
Check final scores
3 people
- 57
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
- 58
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
- 59
See the audience out
2 people
Aftercare
- 60
Close catering
2 people
- 61
Dismantle climbing routes
4 people
- 62
Sort climbing gear
3 people
- 63
Archive scoring materials
2 people
- 64
Dismantle furniture
3 people
- 65
Collect waste
3 people
- 66
Wash dishes
2 people
- 67
Clean the venue
4 people
- 68
Return borrowed materials
2 people
- 69
Publish results
- 70
Inform participants
- 71
Store leftovers
2 people
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Tablesqty 8
- Chairsqty 40
- High tablesqty 4
- Clothes racksqty 2
- Bollardsqty 20
Sports equipment
- Climbing ropesqty 12
- Climbing harnessesqty 12
- Helmetsqty 12
- Safety Devicesqty 12
- Carabinersqty 24
- Safety ropesqty 12
- Climbing ropes for routesqty 12
- Crash padsqty 8
- Climbing bagsqty 12
- Climbing brushesqty 12
- Climbing holdsqty 120
- Hold-down boltsqty 160
- Route mapsqty 30
- Directional signsqty 30
- Matsqty 12
- Toolboxesqty 3
- Allen keysqty 12
- Master keysqty 3
- Safety helmets for route constructionqty 4
- Dust gogglesqty 4
Equipment
- Laptopqty 2
- Tabletsqty 4
- Printer
- Extension cordsqty 6
- Power stripsqty 6
- Walkie-talkiesqty 8
- Megaphonesqty 2
- Power banksqty 6
- Charging cablesqty 10
Lighting
- LED work lightsqty 6
- Battery lampsqty 6
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 150
- Platesqty 100
- Cutlery setsqty 100
- Coffee cupsqty 80
- Serving plattersqty 10
- Pouring jugsqty 6
Kitchen
- Coolersqty 4
- Cutting boardsqty 3
- Bread knivesqty 3
- Storage binsqty 12
- Serving tongsqty 6
- Thermos flasksqty 4
- Ice packsqty 20
Decorations
- Race bibsqty 100
- Name badgesqty 100
- Competition postersqty 10
- Direction arrowsqty 20
- Stage signsqty 3
- Medalsqty 12
- Prizesqty 12
Cleaning
- Bucketsqty 4
- Mopsqty 4
- Broom setsqty 3
- Dustpan and brushqty 3
- Waste binsqty 8
Catering
- Groceries
Tips
- Set the format and timetable before registration opens. Include registration, route inspection, climbing rounds, scoring breaks and awards so participants know exactly when they are expected.
- Confirm route builders early and give them a fixed deadline for route designs. Check climbing holds, hold-down bolts, tools, ropes and safety equipment before route construction begins, not on competition morning.
- Assign judges and starter groups only after you have a reliable participant list. Print the starting lists and score sheets as soon as entries are confirmed, with spare copies for changes or damaged pages.
- Write the emergency procedure in a form volunteers can follow quickly. Make sure judges, route builders and the person coordinating safety know where the safety ropes, helmets, crash pads and first-response equipment are kept.
- Treat power and paperwork as part of the venue setup. Test the laptop, tablets, printer, extension cords and power strips before the event, and place directional signs before participants arrive.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I organise a sport climbing competition?
- Start at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Use the first weeks to reserve the venue, set the format, appoint route builders and judges, and open registration; leave the final 7 days for confirmations, printing and equipment checks.
- How many judges do I need for a sport climbing competition?
- Plan at least one judge for each active climbing area or scoring station, plus one coordinator for the overall results. The exact number depends on the format and how many competitors climb at the same time, so assign judges after the schedule and starter groups are set.
- When should I open registration for a climbing competition?
- Open registration once the format, date, venue, rules and basic schedule are fixed, usually 6 to 8 weeks before the event. Close it early enough to confirm participants, dietary requirements and starter groups at least 5 to 7 days beforehand.
- What should I check the day before a sport climbing competition?
- Check every route, hold and bolt, inspect ropes, harnesses, helmets, carabiners, safety devices, mats and crash pads, and test the scoring equipment. Also chill the catering, place signs and prepare the printed starting lists and score sheets before the venue opens.
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.
Organize this event for free with LizztOrganize for free and invite your contacts!