How to organise an ice skating competition

Organising an ice skating competition starts with a clear format, not with the equipment. Decide how heats, rounds, judging and timing will work, then publish rules and open registration. After entries close, group skaters, confirm judges and print the starting lists and schedule. On the day, the registration desk, judges’ table, PA system and timing equipment should be tested before the first skater arrives.

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
Set competition format
2 people
2
Send invitations
2 people
3
Open the registration form
4
Publish the competition rules
5
Process registrations
2 people
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Assign starter groups
2 people
8
Send participant confirmations
9
Confirm judges
10
Make reservations
11
Prepare music and announcements
12
Print the match schedule
13
Print the starting lists
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Gather competition materials
2 people
16
Check prizes and medals
17
Chill drinks
2 people
18
Sort bib numbers
2 people
19
Check the course layout
3 people
20
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
21
Set up registration desk
2 people
22
Set up judges' table
2 people
23
Set up the catering table
2 people
24
Test the PA system
2 people
25
Test stopwatches and counters
2 people
26
Lay out bib numbers
2 people

Event

27
Give the jury briefing
3 people
28
Receive participants
3 people
29
Hand out race numbers
2 people
30
Lead the warm-up
2 people
31
Hold opening briefing
2 people
32
Call up the start groups
2 people
33
Guide rides
4 people
34
Record times
3 people
35
Update the rankings
2 people
36
Serve drinks
2 people
37
Refill drinks
2 people
38
Serve snacks
2 people
39
Inform the audience
2 people
40
Incident reporting
41
Announce the finals
42
Present prizes
3 people
43
Publish results
2 people
44
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

45
Sort materials
3 people
46
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
47
Wash dishes
2 people
48
Collect waste
2 people
49
Clean the venue
3 people
50
Send results to participants
51
Return borrowed materials
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Clothes racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 100
Conesqty 20
Marker discsqty 30
Starting horn
Stopwatchesqty 6
Round countersqty 4
Whistlesqty 4
Judging vestsqty 8
Starting blocksqty 4

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos cupsqty 20
Ice packsqty 12
Groceries

Decorations

Directional signsqty 12
Competition postersqty 6
Stage ribbonqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Office

Clipboardsqty 12
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Markersqty 12
Paperqty 2
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Staplerqty 2

Safety

First aid kit
Ice picksqty 2
Reflective vestsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Tips

Set the competition format before sending invitations. State the disciplines, number of rounds, scoring method, age or skill groups and any registration deadline so entrants know exactly what they are signing up for.
Close registration early enough to process entries and dietary requirements before assigning starter groups. Send participant confirmations only after the groups, schedule and practical arrival information are final.
Prepare separate printed copies of the match schedule and starting lists. Keep one set at the registration desk and another at the judges’ table; last-minute changes are easier to manage on paper than through a single laptop.
Test the PA system, wireless microphone, starting horn, stopwatches and round counters before the event begins. Keep extension cords, power strips and power banks ready, because a dead battery or missing connection can delay the first heat.
Set up the course and workstations in a fixed order: check the layout, place cones and marker discs, then arrange the registration, judges’ and catering tables. Chill drinks ahead of time and label bib numbers before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an ice skating competition?: Start at least 6 to 8 weeks before the competition. Use the first 2 weeks to set the format, confirm reservations and judges, then allow several weeks for invitations, registration and group allocation.
When should registration close for an ice skating competition?: Close registration at least 7 days before the event. That gives you time to process entries, collect dietary requirements, assign starter groups and send confirmations without changing the schedule on the final day.
How many judges do I need for an ice skating competition?: The number depends on the disciplines and judging system, but confirm every judge at least 2 weeks in advance. Also appoint someone to handle timing, starting calls and results so judges are not covering several roles at once.
What should I test on the morning of the competition?: Allow at least 60 minutes before the first start to check the course layout, PA system, microphone, starting horn, stopwatches and counters. Use that time to put out bib numbers and verify that the printed starting lists match the final groups.

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.