How to organize a rhythmic gymnastics competition

A rhythmic gymnastics competition runs smoothly when the sporting programme and venue logistics are planned together. Start by fixing the date, booking the sports hall and confirming the rules before opening registration. Then build the running order from entries, music files and judging availability, while assigning volunteers and first-aid cover early. In the final week, check the competition floor, apparatus, sound system, score sheets, certificates and refreshments so small omissions do not delay the first routine.

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

  • 1

    Set the match date

    2 people

  • 2

    Reserve the sports hall

  • 3

    Set the competition rules

    2 people

  • 4

    Invite the judges

    2 people

  • 5

    Invite participants

    2 people

  • 6

    Send invitations

    2 people

  • 7

    Publish registration form

  • 8

    Process registrations

    2 people

  • 9

    Collect dietary requirements

  • 10

    Gather music files

    2 people

  • 11

    Check music files

    2 people

  • 12

    Set up the starting order

    2 people

  • 13

    Publish the match schedule

  • 14

    Send parking information

  • 15

    Send the jury instructions

  • 16

    Assign volunteers

    2 people

  • 17

    Arrange first aid staffing

  • 18

    Order catering

    2 people

  • 19

    Check the shopping list

    2 people

  • 20

    Print competition numbers

    2 people

  • 21

    Print score sheets

    2 people

  • 22

    Prepare certificates

    2 people

  • 23

    Checking prizes

    2 people

  • 24

    Do the shopping

    3 people

  • 25

    Chill drinks

    2 people

  • 26

    Prepare catering

    4 people

  • 27

    Load transport equipment

    4 people

  • 28

    Gather sports equipment

    4 people

  • 29

    Open venue

    2 people

  • 30

    Check the hall floor

    3 people

  • 31

    Lay the competition floor

    6 people

  • 32

    Set up audience seating

    5 people

  • 33

    Set up tables

    4 people

  • 34

    Set up the jury tables

    3 people

  • 35

    Connect the sound system

    2 people

  • 36

    Test music playback

    2 people

  • 37

    Check the lighting

    2 people

  • 38

    Set out race numbers

    2 people

  • 39

    Set up registration desk

    2 people

  • 40

    Prepare jury sets

    2 people

  • 41

    Set out first aid supplies

  • 42

    Set up the catering buffet

    4 people

  • 43

    Put up signage

    2 people

Event

  • 44

    Receive participants

    4 people

  • 45

    Register participants

    4 people

  • 46

    Hand out race numbers

    2 people

  • 47

    Welcome the judges

    2 people

  • 48

    Provide jury briefing

    3 people

  • 49

    Guide the warm-up

    4 people

  • 50

    Welcome the audience

    4 people

  • 51

    Give the opening speech

  • 52

    Guide competition rounds

    6 people

  • 53

    Start music for each performance

  • 54

    Process scores

    3 people

  • 55

    Guide participants to the floor

    2 people

  • 56

    Refill drinks

    3 people

  • 57

    Serve coffee and tea

    3 people

  • 58

    Serve snacks

    3 people

  • 59

    Keep the audience area clean

    2 people

  • 60

    Check toilets

    2 people

  • 61

    Check results

    3 people

  • 62

    Present the awards ceremony

    2 people

  • 63

    Hand out certificates

    3 people

  • 64

    Publish results

    2 people

  • 65

    See participants off

    3 people

Aftercare

  • 66

    Clear audience chairs

    5 people

  • 67

    Remove the competition floor

    6 people

  • 68

    Load sports equipment

    4 people

  • 69

    Disconnect the sound system

    2 people

  • 70

    Wash dishes

    3 people

  • 71

    Clean up catering

    3 people

  • 72

    Collect waste

    3 people

  • 73

    Clean the room

    5 people

  • 74

    Clean the restrooms

    2 people

  • 75

    Remove decorations

    2 people

  • 76

    Collect lost and found items

  • 77

    Lock up the venue

    2 people

  • 78

    Return materials

    3 people

  • 79

    Return borrowed items

    2 people

  • 80

    Sort leftovers

    2 people

  • 81

    Sending results by email

  • 82

    Share photos with participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Audience chairsqty 150
  • Foldable tablesqty 15
  • Jury tablesqty 6
  • Bar stoolsqty 6
  • Changing room benchesqty 12
  • Clothes racksqty 6
  • Bollardsqty 12

Sports equipment

  • Competition floor
  • Training matsqty 4
  • Ribbonsqty 20
  • Ballsqty 20
  • Hoopsqty 20
  • Ropesqty 20
  • Clubsqty 20
  • Spare gymnastics equipmentqty 10
  • First aid kitqty 2
  • Ice packsqty 10
  • Athletic tapeqty 8
  • Conesqty 20
  • Barrier tapeqty 4

Equipment

  • Speakersqty 2
  • Microphoneqty 2
  • Mixer
  • Laptopqty 2
  • Laptop chargersqty 2
  • Extension cordsqty 8
  • Power stripsqty 8
  • USB sticksqty 4
  • Printer
  • Label printer
  • Wall clocksqty 3

Tableware

  • Reusable cupsqty 200
  • Coffee cupsqty 80
  • Platesqty 180
  • Cutlery setsqty 180
  • Serving plattersqty 20
  • Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Thermos flasksqty 6
  • Coolersqty 6
  • Ice cube traysqty 4
  • Cutting boardsqty 4
  • Bread knivesqty 4
  • Serving tongsqty 8
  • Washing-up bowlsqty 3

Decorations

  • Competition banner
  • Buntingqty 8
  • Tableclothsqty 15
  • Stage backdrop
  • Flower arrangementsqty 4

Lighting

  • LED table lampsqty 6
  • LED string lightsqty 4

Cleaning

  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Mopsqty 3
  • Bucketsqty 3
  • Broom setsqty 3
  • Dustpan and brushqty 3
  • Waste binsqty 8
  • Paper towel dispensersqty 4

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Set the date and reserve the sports hall before inviting judges or participants. Confirm the usable floor area, changing rooms, audience seating and access times, including how long you need for setup and removal.
  • Open registration only after the rules, categories and entry deadline are fixed. Allow at least 7 days after the deadline to process entries, collect dietary requirements and resolve missing information.
  • Treat music as a separate deadline: request files with the registration, check every file at least 3 days before the competition and keep a tested backup on a USB stick or laptop.
  • Create the starting order and publish the schedule several days in advance. Send parking details, jury instructions and volunteer roles with the schedule so people know where to report and when.
  • Run a full equipment and operations check the day before. Test the speakers, microphone, mixer, laptop, printer and wall clocks; place spare apparatus, score sheets, competition numbers, certificates and prizes where the responsible volunteer can reach them.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a rhythmic gymnastics competition?
Start at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Book the sports hall and invite judges first, then allow time for registration, music checks, volunteer assignments, catering and printing.
When should rhythmic gymnastics competition registration close?
Close registration about 3 to 4 weeks before the competition. This leaves at least 7 days to process entries, confirm dietary requirements, build the starting order and publish the schedule.
How early should music files be collected and checked?
Request music files with the registration and set the final upload deadline at least 10 days before the event. Check every file no later than 3 days beforehand and carry a backup on a USB stick.
What should I prepare the day before a gymnastics competition?
Check the competition floor, apparatus, sound equipment, power connections, printer, score sheets, certificates and prizes the day before. Keep at least 60 minutes before doors open for final setup and a sound test.

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