How to organize a dog sports competition

A dog sports competition runs smoothly when the course, schedule and people are organized in the right order. Start by securing the venue and judge, then define the competition elements and rules before opening registration. In the final weeks, process entries, check dog passports, assign volunteers and publish the timetable. On the day, focus on safe rings, clear parking, fast registration and reliable scoring so handlers and dogs know where to go next.

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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
Reserve judge
4
Define competition elements
2 people
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Open registration form
7
Approach sponsors
2 people
8
Create the parking layout
2 people
9
Process registrations
2 people
10
Collect dietary requirements
11
Check dog passports
2 people
12
Prepare the start list
2 people
13
Assign volunteers
2 people
14
Order prizes and medals
15
Confirm reservations
16
Publish the match schedule
17
Check the weather forecast
18
Send final information to participants
2 people
19
Do the shopping
2 people
20
Set out prizes and materials
2 people
21
Print the starting lists
22
Print score sheets
23
Check the competition area
3 people
24
Put up parking signs
2 people
25
Build party tents
4 people
26
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
27
Set out competition rings
5 people
28
Build the obstacles
5 people
29
Put up barriers
3 people
30
Hang up information signs
2 people
31
Set up the registration table
2 people
32
Set up the catering table
3 people
33
Chill drinks
2 people
34
Set up first aid and animal care table
2 people
35
Set up the jury table
2 people
36
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

37
Receive the inspector
38
Have participants register
3 people
39
Hand out race numbers
2 people
40
Let dogs acclimate
2 people
41
Give the opening briefing
42
Guide the first competition round
5 people
43
Collect score sheets
2 people
44
Refill drinks
2 people
45
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
46
Serve snacks
2 people
47
Keep the site clean and safe
3 people
48
Remove dog waste immediately
2 people
49
Lead the second round of the competition
5 people
50
Process interim results
2 people
51
Supervise the break program
2 people
52
Guide the final round
5 people
53
Check final scores
3 people
54
Announce the winners
55
Present prizes and medals
3 people
56
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

57
Collect waste
4 people
58
Take down obstacles
5 people
59
Dismantle competition rings
4 people
60
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
61
Take down party tents
4 people
62
Wash dishes
2 people
63
Clean the venue
4 people
64
Check materials
2 people
65
Return borrowed materials
2 people
66
Publish results
67
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 60
Judges' table
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Competition ringsqty 2
Dog agility obstaclesqty 12
Hoopsqty 4
Slalom polesqty 12
Start and finish signsqty 2
Bib numbersqty 80
Race numbersqty 80
Water bowls for dogsqty 12
Water containersqty 6
Pick up dog wasteqty 4
Lanyardsqty 6
Training linesqty 6
Field marking conesqty 30
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Weighted bagsqty 20
Stopwatchqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Whistlesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 2
Prize table

Tableware

Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 2
Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Megaphone
Coolersqty 4
Portable lightingqty 6
Rechargeable power banksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Thermometerqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Competition postersqty 10
Tableclothsqty 10
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
First aid kit
Handwash sinksqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the venue and judge before opening registration. Confirm the available competition area, rings, agility obstacles and shelter space, then write rules that match the equipment and time you have.
Set a registration deadline early enough to prepare the start list. Allow at least 7 days between closing registration and the competition so you can check dog passports, dietary requirements and volunteer assignments.
Publish the schedule only after entries have been processed. Include arrival, registration, briefing, each competition element and prize presentation, and send final information to participants at least 3 days beforehand.
Prepare the site in zones: registration, judging, competition rings, waiting areas, parking and waste points. Put up start and finish signs, parking signs and barriers before participants arrive, rather than trying to direct traffic during the first runs.
Print more than one copy of the start list and score sheets, and test the stopwatch before the first class. Place water bowls and water containers where dogs can reach them, and keep dog-waste supplies visible around the competition area.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to organize a dog sports competition?: Allow 8 to 12 weeks for a small competition, especially if you need to reserve a venue, judge and sponsors. Close registration at least 7 days before the event so the start list, schedule and score sheets can be prepared.
How many volunteers do you need for a dog sports competition?: Plan for at least 1 volunteer at registration, 1 parking coordinator, 1 person supporting the judge and 1 person managing the competition area. Add 2 to 4 more people when several rings or competition elements run at the same time.
When should you send the final information to participants?: Send it at least 3 days before the competition. Include arrival time, parking instructions, the published schedule, required documents, dog-related requirements and what handlers should bring.
What should you check on the morning of a dog sports competition?: Check the competition area, ring boundaries, obstacles, signs, barriers, water points and waste stations before registration opens. Allow 60 to 90 minutes for setup and a final check of the stopwatch, score sheets and starting lists.

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