How to organise an obedience contest from start to finish

An obedience contest runs smoothly when the decisions that affect competitors are made before registration opens. Start with the venue, match rules and ring layout, then assign judges and publish one reliable set of participant information. Allow time to process entries, collect dietary requirements and order prizes. On the day, inspect the grounds before marking out the rings, set up the judges’ table and registration desk, and check every competition material before the first dog arrives.

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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
Set the match rules
2 people
3
Assign judges
4
Create the ring layout
2 people
5
Open registration form
6
Send invitations
7
Process registrations
2 people
8
Collect dietary requirements
9
Assign start numbers
2 people
10
Send participant information
11
Order prizes and rosettes
12
Order catering
13
Check competition materials
2 people
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Print score sheets
16
Print the starting lists
17
Prepare catering
3 people
18
Chill drinks
2 people
19
Prepare materials
3 people

Event

20
Open venue
2 people
21
Inspect the grounds
3 people
22
Mark out the rings
4 people
23
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
24
Set up judges' table
2 people
25
Set up registration desk
2 people
26
Set up signage
2 people
27
Refill dog water stations
2 people
28
Prepare starter packs
2 people
29
Setting up the coffee station
2 people
30
Hold the jury briefing
4 people
31
Brief volunteers
3 people
32
Register participants
3 people
33
Hand out race numbers
2 people
34
Let dogs acclimate
3 people
35
Give the opening briefing
2 people
36
Supervise obedience trials
8 people
37
Collect score sheets
2 people
38
Process scores
2 people
39
Serve drinks
2 people
40
Refill drinks
2 people
41
Refill snacks
2 people
42
Refill dog water
2 people
43
Guard the grounds and waiting area
3 people
44
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
45
Support awards ceremony
3 people
46
Hand out certificates
2 people
47
Host informal after-event gathering
3 people
48
See off the last participants
2 people

Aftercare

49
Gather competition materials
4 people
50
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
51
Wash dishes
3 people
52
Collect waste
3 people
53
Clean the venue
4 people
54
Archive score administration
55
Publish results
56
Register lost and found items
57
Return materials
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 60
Party tentsqty 3
Judges' tableqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Barrier postsqty 32
Barrier tapeqty 400
Traffic conesqty 24
Hoopsqty 4
Retrieve blocksqty 6
Hurdlesqty 4
Marker discsqty 20
Measuring tapesqty 2
Dog Matsqty 8
Water tubsqty 12
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 4
Dog waste bag rollsqty 40

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Calculatorsqty 3

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 3

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 10
Pitchersqty 6

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Start number signsqty 50
Name badgesqty 80
Directional signsqty 12
Prize tableclothqty 2

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the competition rules before opening registration. Include the judging format, ring arrangements and anything participants must bring, so you do not have to correct conflicting information later.
Create the ring layout before sending invitations. Measure the available grounds and use barrier posts, barrier tape, marker discs and traffic cones to make entrances and boundaries clear.
Close registration early enough to process entries and assign start numbers. Send the starting lists and participant information before competition day rather than relying on announcements at the registration desk.
Order prizes, rosettes and catering after you have a reliable participant count. Keep dietary requirements with the registration records and prepare a separate serving plan for the catering team.
Open the venue with enough time for a full grounds inspection and setup. Check power, extension cords, the printer, score sheets, water tubs and dog waste bag dispensers before judging begins.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an obedience contest?: Set the venue, rules and judges before registration opens, then allow at least two weeks for entries, start numbers and participant information. Order prizes and catering as soon as the expected numbers are stable.
When should registration close for an obedience contest?: Close registration early enough to process every entry and publish the starting lists before the event. A practical deadline is 7 to 10 days before the contest, leaving time to resolve missing details.
How early should I arrive to set up an obedience contest?: Open the venue at least 2 to 3 hours before the first scheduled start. Use that time to inspect the grounds, mark the rings, set up tables and chairs, prepare the registration desk and test the printer and power supply.
What should I check on the morning of an obedience contest?: Check the ring boundaries, competition materials, judges’ table, score sheets, starting lists and water tubs before competitors arrive. Also confirm that waste bags, catering supplies and communication equipment are in place.

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Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.