How to organise an agility competition

An agility competition runs smoothly when decisions are made in the right order. Start with the venue, competition rules and judge, then open registration early enough to process entries and check dog details. In the final weeks, build the running order, assign volunteers and confirm equipment. On the day, the secretariat, course setup, water points and weather plan need to work together so handlers know where to go and the judge can start on time.

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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 the venue
2
Set the match rules
2 people
3
Assign judge
4
Set up the competition secretariat
2 people
5
Recruit volunteers
2 people
6
Publish registration form
7
Send invitations
2 people
8
Process registrations
2 people
9
Register entry fees
2 people
10
Keep track of the participant list
2 people
11
Check dog details
2 people
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Order prizes and ribbons
14
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
15
Publish the starting order
16
Create volunteer schedule
2 people
17
Check the shopping list
2 people
18
Collect prizes
19
Check competition equipment
3 people
20
Prepare print materials
2 people
21
Do the shopping
2 people
22
Set out nonperishable food
2 people
23
Chill drinks
2 people
24
Check the weather forecast
25
Inspect the site
3 people
26
Set out the parking route
2 people
27
Mark off the competition area
4 people
28
Build the agility course
6 people
29
Set up the start and finish line
2 people
30
Set up judges' table
2 people
31
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
32
Set up registration desk
2 people
33
Build the catering point
3 people
34
Cordoning off the spectator area
2 people
35
Mark the dog walking route
2 people
36
Sort bib numbers
2 people

Event

37
Register participants
3 people
38
Hand out race numbers
2 people
39
Check dogs
2 people
40
Give the route briefing
2 people
41
Brief volunteers
3 people
42
Welcoming the audience
2 people
43
Announce the start list
44
Keep the course clear
2 people
45
Guide the starting order
2 people
46
Carry out timekeeping
2 people
47
Record points
2 people
48
Monitor the obstacles
4 people
49
Restore the course
3 people
50
Serve drinks
2 people
51
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
52
Refill snacks
2 people
53
Refill drinks
2 people
54
Empty trash bins
2 people
55
Check toilets
56
Print the results
2 people
57
Set out prizes
2 people
58
Announce the winners
2 people
59
Present prizes
3 people
60
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

61
Remove dog waste
3 people
62
Take down the agility course
6 people
63
Remove the barriers
3 people
64
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
65
Wash dishes
2 people
66
Clean the catering area
2 people
67
Clean the grounds
4 people
68
Dispose of waste
2 people
69
Inventory competition supplies
2 people
70
Publish results
71
Thank participants
72
Return materials
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Beer tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Jump obstaclesqty 12
Cat tunnelqty 2
Slalom polesqty 12
Flat tire
Seesaw
Cupboard
A-frame
Gangway
Start line mat
Finish mat
Training linesqty 20
Conesqty 30
Bollardsqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 8
Dog water bowlsqty 10
Water jerry cansqty 6
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 6

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Handheld microphone
Portable speaker
Stopwatchesqty 4
Megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Batteriesqty 24
Calculatorsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Pliersqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Food containersqty 8

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 100
Route signsqty 12
Information boardsqty 8
Name badgesqty 40
Tableclothsqty 10
Trophiesqty 12
Medal ribbonsqty 40
Rosettesqty 40

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Toilet brushesqty 2
Hand sanitizerqty 4
Pick up dog wasteqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the venue, rules and judge before opening registration. Publish the registration form only when you can state the classes, entry requirements, closing date and payment method clearly.
Allow at least 7–10 days after registration closes to check dog details, record entry fees, resolve missing information and create the participant list before publishing the starting order.
Build the volunteer schedule around the timetable, not just the number of people available. Cover the secretariat, course changes, ring access, timing and refreshments for every competition block.
Check the course equipment at least one day before the event. Count and inspect the jumps, tunnel, weave poles, seesaw, A-frame, mats and barriers instead of discovering a missing or damaged item during setup.
Prepare for waiting dogs and changing weather as part of the site inspection. Place water bowls and jerry cans, waste-bag dispensers, tents, tables and power supplies before competitors arrive, and keep printed materials available if the laptop or printer fails.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an agility competition?: Start planning at least 8–12 weeks before the competition. Reserve the venue, appoint the judge and define the rules first; registration and volunteer planning can then follow from those decisions.
When should agility competition registration close?: Close registration at least 10–14 days before the event. This leaves time to check dog details, confirm payments, handle dietary requirements and prepare the participant list and starting order.
How many volunteers are needed for an agility competition?: For a small competition, plan for at least 6–8 volunteers in addition to the judge and secretariat lead. Schedule separate cover for registration, timing, ring support, course changes and refreshments so no role is left unattended.
When should I set up the agility course and equipment?: Inspect and count the equipment the day before, then set up the course and ring markings at least 2–3 hours before the first start. Keep time for a judge’s safety check and for placing water, waste bags, tables and power cables.

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.