How to organize a diving competition

A diving competition runs smoothly when the sporting decisions are made before registration opens. Start by booking the pool, setting the match rules, and confirming judges and volunteers. Then build the program around registered participants, prepare the start order, and brief the jury before competition day. The details people often leave too late are waterproof score materials, reliable timing equipment, access checks, and clear instructions for everyone involved.

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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 pool
2
Set the match rules
2 people
3
Send invitations
2 people
4
Open the registration form
5
Process registrations
2 people
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Confirm judges
8
Assign volunteers
2 people
9
Plan competition segments
2 people
10
Order prizes
11
Publish the program
12
Check participant list
2 people
13
Create the start order
2 people
14
Prepare jury briefing
15
Print score sheets
16
Inform participants
17
Do the shopping
2 people
18
Prepare sandwiches
3 people
19
Chill drinks
2 people
20
Gather competition materials
3 people
21
Pack materials for mailing
2 people
22
Check location and access
2 people
23
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
24
Set up registration desk
2 people
25
Set up the jury tables
3 people
26
Place scoreboards
2 people
27
Check competition materials
3 people
28
Test sound system
2 people
29
Place safety materials
2 people
30
Set up catering
3 people

Event

31
Hand out race numbers
3 people
32
Register participants
3 people
33
Brief the judges
2 people
34
Give the opening briefing
2 people
35
Lead the warm-up round
4 people
36
Supervise dive rounds
8 people
37
Enter scores
3 people
38
Check scores
2 people
39
Serve sandwiches
3 people
40
Refill drinks
2 people
41
Collect judging forms
2 people
42
Check the final standings
3 people
43
Handle prize ceremony
4 people
44
Announce the results
45
Check out participants
2 people

Aftercare

46
Collect used dishes
3 people
47
Clear away competition equipment
4 people
48
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
49
Collect waste
2 people
50
Wash dishes
3 people
51
Clean the venue
4 people
52
Return borrowed items
2 people
53
Send results digitally
54
Inform the winners

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Scoreboardsqty 2
Clipboardsqty 10
Stopwatchesqty 4
Whistlesqty 4
Bib numbersqty 70
Marker conesqty 12
Waterproof score foldersqty 10
Medalsqty 12
Certificatesqty 12
Prize boxesqty 12
Waterproof storage cratesqty 6

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 3
Waterproof phone casesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Water jugsqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Cold packsqty 8
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Non-slip matsqty 8

Decorations

Competition banner
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the pool before announcing the event, then confirm access times, changing facilities, tables, chairs, and the space needed for registration and jury tables. A late access check can delay the entire first segment.
Set the rules and competition segments before opening registration. Include the scoring method, reporting time, deadlines, and any requirements participants need to know when they sign up.
Close registrations early enough to process the list, collect dietary requirements, confirm the program, and create the start order. Send the final schedule to participants rather than expecting them to find changes on the day.
Prepare a waterproof scoring system: print score sheets, place them in waterproof score folders, and give each judge a clipboard. Test stopwatches, whistles, the scoreboard, printer, microphone, and speaker before setup is complete.
Plan food and drinks by service time, not just headcount. Prepare sandwiches in advance, chill drinks before the event, and keep water available at registration and near the competition area.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a diving competition?: Start at least 8 weeks ahead if you need to reserve a pool, confirm judges, invite participants, and order prizes. Finalize the program and start order during the last 7 days.
When should registration close for a diving competition?: Close registration at least 7 days before the competition. That gives you time to process entries, check the participant list, collect dietary requirements, and create the start order.
How many judges and volunteers do I need for a diving competition?: The number depends on your rules and number of competition areas, but confirm every judge before publishing the program and assign volunteers at least 1 week in advance. Keep separate coverage for registration, timing, participant guidance, and scoring support.
What should I prepare the day before a diving competition?: Print score sheets and certificates, pack the competition materials, chill drinks, check the equipment, and confirm access with the pool. Finish these checks at least 24 hours before the first participant arrives.

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.