How to organise a strongman competition

Start by fixing the competition format, venue and safety requirements before opening registration. Strongman events need more than barbells and plates: define judging standards, event order, loading limits, floor protection and weather contingencies early. Then build the operational team around those decisions, including judges, timekeepers, first aid and volunteers. Registration, catering, medals and audience information should follow once the schedule and competitor numbers are clear.

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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
Draw up competition rules
2 people
5
Assign judges
6
Arrange the first aid team
7
Book host
8
Assign timekeepers
9
Recruit volunteers
2 people
10
Create registration form
11
Send invitations
2 people
12
Publish the competition online
13
Process registrations
2 people
14
Collect dietary requirements
15
Publish start list
16
Send audience information
17
Order catering
18
Order prizes and medals
19
Reserve materials
20
Check the weather forecast
21
Do the shopping
3 people
22
Sort bib numbers
2 people
23
Print competition forms
24
Prepare music and announcements
25
Prepare volunteer instructions
2 people
26
Cordon off the area
4 people
27
Lay the sports floor
6 people
28
Set up competition stations
8 people
29
Place crash mats
4 people
30
Set up audience sections
4 people
31
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
32
Set up tent and shade areas
4 people
33
Connect the sound system
2 people
34
Secure power and cables
2 people
35
Set up the registration table
2 people
36
Set up catering point
3 people
37
Set up the first aid station
2 people
38
Set up judges' table
2 people
39
Check competition materials
3 people
40
Conduct a safety check
3 people

Event

41
Register participants
3 people
42
Weigh participants
2 people
43
Hold the jury briefing
4 people
44
Brief volunteers
3 people
45
Welcome the audience
3 people
46
Open the match
2 people
47
Introduce the athletes
2 people
48
Supervise competition events
10 people
49
Record scores
3 people
50
Adjusting weights and equipment
6 people
51
Provide athletes with water and rest
2 people
52
Refill drinks
2 people
53
Serve snacks and meals
3 people
54
Inform the audience
55
Empty trash bins
2 people
56
Lead the final
8 people
57
Check final standings
3 people
58
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
59
See the audience out
3 people

Aftercare

60
Dismantle competition equipment
8 people
61
Dismantling tents and barriers
5 people
62
Wash dishes and kitchen equipment
3 people
63
Collect waste
4 people
64
Clean the grounds
5 people
65
Disconnect the sound system
2 people
66
Hand over the venue
2 people
67
Return rental equipment
2 people
68
Clean up leftovers
2 people
69
Publish match results
70
Send photos and results

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Olympic barbellsqty 4
Weight platesqty 40
Kettlebellsqty 8
Dumbbellsqty 6
Atlas stonesqty 6
Carrying yoke
Carry bagsqty 2
Pull cordqty 2
Barrelqty 2
Wooden beam
Crash matsqty 12
Magnesium blocksqty 20
Bib numbersqty 40
Measuring tapesqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 6
Scale
Bollardsqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 300
Conesqty 30
Chalk powderqty 2

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Clothes racksqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop
Printer

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the event order before publishing registration, including time limits, rest periods and how athletes move between stations. This determines how many judges, stopwatches, score sheets and volunteers you need.
Inspect every implement and surface before competition day. Check the Olympic barbells, plates, kettlebells, dumbbells, atlas stones, yoke, barrel and wooden beam, and place crash mats where failed lifts or drops are possible.
Do not leave judging and timing until the final week. Assign a judge and timekeeper to each active area, then print duplicate competition forms so scores can still be recorded if one sheet is lost or damaged.
Prepare for outdoor conditions at least 24 hours before the event. Recheck the forecast, secure party tents, protect the laptop and printer from rain, and keep extension cords and power strips away from wet areas.
Give athletes and spectators a precise schedule rather than only a start time. Send the start list, parking or arrival instructions, dietary information deadlines and rules for each event several days before competition day.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to organise a strongman competition?: Allow at least 8 to 12 weeks for a small competition. That gives you time to reserve the venue, check insurance and permits, publish rules, open registration, recruit officials and order medals or prizes.
How many judges and volunteers do I need for a strongman competition?: For one active competition area, plan on at least 1 judge, 1 timekeeper and 2 general volunteers. Add another judge and timekeeper for every area running simultaneously, plus a separate first aid team.
When should strongman competition registration close?: Close registration 10 to 14 days before the event if you need a reliable start list and catering numbers. Use the remaining time to check dietary requirements, print bib numbers and send the final athlete information.
What equipment is needed for a strongman competition?: Prepare the implements for every event plus measuring tapes, stopwatches, a scale, magnesium, bib numbers and crash mats. Check all equipment at least 7 days beforehand and repeat the safety inspection on the morning of the competition.

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