How to organize a diving competition

A diving competition runs smoothly when the venue, rules and people are confirmed before entries open. Start by reserving the pool and springboards, then agree the competition format and appoint the officials who will apply it. Once registrations are in, check participant details, group divers and build a realistic schedule. Leave time for jury instructions, safety checks, registration materials and a clear briefing for volunteers before the first dive.

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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
Confirm competition date
2
Reserve pool
3
Reserve springboards
4
Set the match rules
2 people
5
Approach jury members
6
Confirm officials
7
Send invitations
2 people
8
Open registration form
9
Register participants
10
Collect dietary requirements
11
Recruit volunteers
12
Update participant list
13
Assign starter groups
2 people
14
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
15
Prepare jury instructions
16
Send program to attendees
17
Order prizes and medals
18
Book catering
19
Inform the photographer
20
Create a music playlist
21
Check participant details
2 people
22
Check permissions
23
Print competition forms
24
Make badges and wristbands
2 people
25
Checking prizes
26
Collect materials
2 people
27
Do the shopping
2 people
28
Fill coolers
2 people
29
Prepare match folders
2 people

Event

30
Open venue
2 people
31
Check pool safety
2 people
32
Check the springboards
2 people
33
Set up jury table
2 people
34
Set up the registration desk
2 people
35
Set up audience tables
3 people
36
Set up chairs
3 people
37
Put up barriers
2 people
38
Hang up signage
2 people
39
Test sound and music
2 people
40
Lay out jury supplies
41
Prepare participant badges
42
Build the catering buffet
3 people
43
Chill drinks
2 people
44
Prepare snacks
3 people
45
Hold the jury briefing
4 people
46
Brief volunteers
2 people
47
Register participants
3 people
48
Confirm the starting order
2 people
49
Welcome the audience
3 people
50
Release the warming area
2 people
51
Give the opening speech
52
Run the competition round
5 people
53
Record scores
2 people
54
Call participants
2 people
55
Guide photo moments
56
Refill drinks
2 people
57
Serve snacks
2 people
58
Check intermediate standings
2 people
59
Announce break
60
Guide the final round
5 people
61
Check final scores
3 people
62
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
63
See participants off
2 people
64
Guide the audience to the exit
2 people
65
Chill leftover food
2 people

Aftercare

66
Archive contest forms
2 people
67
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
68
Clear away sports equipment
3 people
69
Remove decorations
2 people
70
Collect waste
3 people
71
Wash dishes
3 people
72
Clean the catering area
2 people
73
Clean the audience area
3 people
74
Check changing rooms
2 people
75
Collect lost and found items
76
Hand over the venue
2 people
77
Charge equipment
78
Return borrowed items
2 people
79
Publish results
80
Share participant photos
81
Send the certificates afterward

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Springboardqty 2
Diving board
Starting blocksqty 2
Competition lane ropesqty 4
Badminton conesqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Non-slip matsqty 8
Pool thermometersqty 2
Towelsqty 30
Bathrobesqty 10

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Jury tablesqty 3
Registration desk
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Projector
Screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 5
Charging stationsqty 2
Stopwatchqty 4
Megaphone

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving jugsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving utensilsqty 10

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Pliersqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Decorations

Competition postersqty 6
Directional signsqty 10
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 30
Stage ribbon

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Cleaning cartsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the pool and springboards before announcing the date. Confirm access time, warm-up availability, water temperature checks and when equipment can be inspected.
Set the match rules before opening registration. Include the scoring method, dive order, age or skill groups, judging procedure and what happens if a diver withdraws.
Close registration early enough to check every participant detail and permission. Use the final list to assign starter groups and allow time to print forms, badges and wristbands.
Build the schedule around real transitions, not just dive time. Include registration, warm-up, jury briefings, group changes, scoring and the prize presentation so delays do not affect every round.
Brief officials and volunteers before competition day and prepare a backup for key roles. Keep the jury tables, registration desk, microphone, stopwatch, non-slip mats and power supplies ready before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a pool for a diving competition?: Book the pool and springboards as soon as you have a target date, preferably at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. This gives you time to confirm access, warm-up periods, equipment checks and any venue permissions before invitations go out.
How many officials do I need for a diving competition?: The number depends on your rules and the number of judging positions, but confirm every jury member and official before registration closes. Create the final duty roster at least 1 week before the event and name a replacement for each essential role.
When should registration close for a diving competition?: Close registration at least 7 to 10 days before competition day if you need to verify details, collect permissions, assign starter groups and print forms. Earlier closing is safer when there are several age or skill categories.
How much time should I allow between diving competition rounds?: Allow at least 10 to 15 minutes between groups for scoring, changing divers, resetting the area and giving instructions. Add a longer break for catering, jury review or a prize presentation instead of trying to recover time later.

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.