How to organize a cliff diving competition

Start with the venue, water conditions and emergency response—not with registration or promotion. A cliff diving competition needs written go/no-go criteria, qualified rescue support and a clear route for athletes, judges and spectators. Once permits, medical cover and the safety plan are confirmed, set the competition format, invite divers and prepare judging and communications. The final checks should focus on water depth, weather, access, deliveries and every emergency scenario you have written down.

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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 permits
2 people
3
Request water quality report
4
Set weather and water criteria
2 people
5
Prepare a risk analysis
3 people
6
Develop safety plan
3 people
7
Write out emergency scenarios
3 people
8
Arrange medical support
9
Reserve lifeboat
10
Book the dive team
11
Assign judges
12
Book host
13
Book a photographer and videographer
14
Draw up participant rules
2 people
15
Publish registration form
16
Send invitations
2 people
17
Post promotion online
18
Process registrations
2 people
19
Confirm participants
2 people
20
Collect dietary requirements
21
Set the starting order
2 people
22
Prepare jury forms
2 people
23
Set the audience route
2 people
24
Create parking and traffic plan
2 people
25
Confirm deliveries
26
Check stock
2 people
27
Do the shopping
2 people
28
Fill coolers
2 people
29
Set up match equipment
3 people
30
Check safety equipment
3 people
31
Inspect the water area
4 people
32
Inspect jump platform
3 people
33
Clear the evacuation route
3 people
34
Set up fences and barrier tape
4 people
35
Set up tents and tables
5 people
36
Place audience signs
2 people
37
Set up the sound system
3 people
38
Install lighting
3 people
39
Set up registration desk
2 people
40
Set up judges' table
2 people
41
Set up catering
3 people

Event

42
Register participants
3 people
43
Hand out race numbers
2 people
44
Give participant briefing
4 people
45
Give the jury briefing
2 people
46
Give the safety briefing
4 people
47
Admit the audience
4 people
48
Test music and microphone
2 people
49
Deliver the opening presentation
2 people
50
Guide qualifying rounds
8 people
51
Record scores
3 people
52
Monitor water safety
6 people
53
Guide participants to the start area
2 people
54
Serve drinks
3 people
55
Serve snacks
3 people
56
Refill drinks
2 people
57
Empty trash bins
2 people
58
Announce finalists
2 people
59
Guide the final round
8 people
60
Provide the break program
2 people
61
Check final scores
3 people
62
Handle prize ceremony
4 people
63
See the audience out
4 people
64
Collect participant materials
2 people

Aftercare

65
Dismantle the sound system
3 people
66
Turn off lights
2 people
67
Take down tents and furniture
5 people
68
Remove the barriers
4 people
69
Clean sports equipment
3 people
70
Wash dishes
2 people
71
Empty and clean coolers
2 people
72
Collect waste
4 people
73
Clean the venue
5 people
74
Collect lost and found items
2 people
75
Remove permit signs
2 people
76
Return equipment
3 people
77
Return rescue equipment
2 people
78
Check invoices and deposit
79
Thank participants
80
Publish results
81
Archive photos and videos
2 people

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 40
Competition bibsqty 40
Scoreboardsqty 6
Jury formsqty 250
Water depth meter
Measuring tapeqty 2
Life ringsqty 8
Throw linesqty 8
Rescue boardsqty 2
Dive masksqty 6
Snorkelsqty 6
Wetsuitsqty 8
Life jacketsqty 12
Water-resistant walkie-talkiesqty 10
Whistlesqty 12
Waterproof flashlightsqty 8
Spare swim gogglesqty 6
Towelsqty 40

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
AED
Neck bracesqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Eye wash bottlesqty 4
Safety helmetsqty 10
Safety vestsqty 20
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 8
Traffic conesqty 20
Warning signsqty 12

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Registration desk
Flagpolesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 120
Reusable cutleryqty 150

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Hot traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving bowlsqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speaker standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Cable traysqty 12

Communication

Program boardsqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Two-way radio chargersqty 4

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Bannersqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Waste binsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the venue and safety limits first. Record the minimum water depth, acceptable weather and water conditions, and the exact point at which the competition is postponed or cancelled.
Build the rescue plan around the actual site. Confirm the dive team, lifeboat and medical support, then check that rescue boards, life rings, throw lines, water-resistant walkie-talkies and first-aid equipment are positioned and tested before the first dive.
Finish permits and water checks before public promotion. Request the water quality report and allow enough time for authorities to review the site, access arrangements and crowd-control plan.
Close registration with time to verify every participant. Confirm the final list, collect dietary requirements, publish the starting order and prepare bibs, jury forms and scoreboards before competition day.
Separate movement routes for divers, officials and spectators. Mark parking, traffic and audience areas with barriers, cones and warning signs, and confirm all deliveries before the site opens.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a cliff diving competition?: Start at least 12 weeks before the event. Use the first weeks for venue approval, permits, water quality information, risk analysis and safety planning; open registration only after those foundations are in place.
What safety checks are needed before a cliff diving competition?: Check water depth, weather, water quality, access and rescue coverage before opening the site. Set written go/no-go criteria and complete a site briefing at least 2 hours before the first dive.
How many rescue staff do I need for a cliff diving competition?: The number depends on the site, dive height and local requirements, so confirm it with the competent safety authority and medical provider. Do not start until the booked dive team, lifeboat and medical support are physically present and briefed.
When should registration close?: Close registration at least 7 days before the competition if possible. That gives you time to confirm participants, collect dietary requirements, assign the starting order and print bibs and jury forms.

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.