How to organise an archery competition

An archery competition runs smoothly when safety, timing and equipment are settled before competitors arrive. Start by booking a suitable shooting location, choosing the competition format and writing clear range rules. Then manage registrations, group competitors and order medals early enough to avoid last-minute substitutions. On the day, inspect the field, mark shooting lines, place targets and safety nets, and prepare scoring and check-in tables before the first group is called.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve the shooting location
2
Set competition format
2 people
3
Draw up safety rules
2 people
4
Send invitations
5
Process registrations
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Check participant list
8
Assign teams and start groups
2 people
9
Order prizes and medals
10
Check the weather forecast
11
Do the shopping
2 people
12
Check competition materials
2 people
13
Charge batteries
14
Chill drinks
2 people
15
Prepare snacks
3 people
16
Inspect venue
2 people
17
Mark out the shooting range
3 people
18
Set up goals
3 people
19
Install safety nets
3 people
20
Mark shooting lines
2 people
21
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
22
Set up the registration table
2 people
23
Set up the catering table
2 people
24
Lay out scorecards
25
Set out bow materials by group
3 people

Event

26
Receive participants
3 people
27
Register participants
2 people
28
Hand out arch materials
3 people
29
Give safety instructions
2 people
30
Guide the practice round
4 people
31
Guide First Competition Round
4 people
32
Process round one scores
2 people
33
Serve drinks and snacks
3 people
34
Refill drinks
2 people
35
Guide round two of the competition
4 people
36
Process round two scores
2 people
37
Restock the buffet
2 people
38
Announce finalists
39
Lead the final
4 people
40
Check final scores
2 people
41
Present prizes
2 people
42
Serve the last drinks round
2 people
43
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

44
Collect archery equipment
3 people
45
Take down goals and nets
3 people
46
Dismantle furniture
3 people
47
Collect waste
3 people
48
Clean dishes and equipment
3 people
49
Leave venue clean
3 people
50
Return borrowed items
2 people
51
Store leftover stock
52
Send results to participants

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Recurve bowsqty 12
Spare bowsqty 2
Competition arrowsqty 72
Spare arrowsqty 24
Arrow quiversqty 12
Armguardsqty 12
Finger protectorsqty 12
Bow standsqty 12
Shooting targetsqty 6
Target facesqty 12
Goal standsqty 6
Safety netsqty 4
Arrow pullerqty 2
Scoreboardsqty 6
Starting bell
Bollardsqty 16
Barrier tapeqty 4

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Party tentqty 2
High tablesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Portetalkiesqty 4
Megaphonesqty 2
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 30
Calculatorsqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 6
Prize ribbonsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the shooting location before opening registration. Confirm the available shooting distance, target positions, shelter and space for spectators, then allow at least 90 minutes before the start for field setup and inspection.
Set the competition format and timing before sending invitations. Include the number of rounds, arrows per round, scoring method and expected finish time so competitors know what they are signing up for.
Prepare equipment by group rather than in one pile. Give each group bows, reserve bows, arrows, quivers, armguards and finger protectors, and keep spare arrows and a bow stand nearby.
Use a written safety briefing and a visible range layout. Mark the shooting lines, place safety nets and barriers, and make sure everyone knows when they may approach the targets or retrieve arrows.
Finish the event logistics before competition morning. Check the participant list, assign start groups, charge batteries, chill drinks and prepare scorecards at least one day ahead; leave only setup and the weather check for the final morning.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an archery competition?: Start planning at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Book the shooting location first, then open registration, order prizes and confirm the final participant list about 7 days before the event.
How long does an archery competition take to set up?: Allow 90 to 120 minutes for setup and a further 30 minutes for the safety inspection. Targets, goal stands, safety nets, shooting lines, tables and scoring materials should be ready before competitors check in.
How many spare arrows and bows do I need for an archery competition?: Keep at least 10% spare arrows and one reserve bow for every 8 to 10 competitors, adjusted for your equipment and group size. Check all competition and reserve equipment before the event, not when a round has started.
When should I assign archery competition groups?: Assign start groups 3 to 5 days before the competition, once registrations and requirements are checked. Publish the groups with check-in instructions so competitors can arrive at least 30 minutes before their start time.

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.