How to organize an obedience competition

An obedience competition depends on more than a marked ring and a list of entrants. Start by securing the venue, rules, judges and permits, then build the registration and volunteer plan around the competition schedule. In the final week, confirm the start list, prepare score sheets and bib numbers, brief the officials and check every piece of ring equipment. Keep water, shade, waste disposal and a clear rain plan ready for dogs and handlers.

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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 the competition venue
2
Set the competition rules
2 people
3
Reserve judges
4
Reserve ring stewards
5
Check permits
6
Check competition insurance
7
Create registration form
8
Send invitations
2 people
9
Open registration
10
Keep track of the participant list
11
Collect dietary requirements
12
Recruit volunteers
2 people
13
Assign volunteers
14
Order prize money and prizes
15
Make bib numbers
16
Publish start list
17
Prepare judges' briefing
18
Send directions
19
Order catering
20
Check the shopping list
21
Check the weather forecast
22
Prepare backup rain plan
2 people
23
Do the shopping
2 people
24
Collect prizes and documents
25
Check competition materials
2 people
26
Prepare catering
2 people
27
Inspect the venue and grounds
2 people
28
Make the site clean and safe
3 people
29
Set up party tents
4 people
30
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
31
Set out competition rings
4 people
32
Set up the ring barrier
3 people
33
Set up start and finish signs
2 people
34
Hang up information signs
2 people
35
Set up the registration table
2 people
36
Set up judges' table
2 people
37
Prepare score sheets
2 people
38
Lay out bib numbers
2 people
39
Test sound system
2 people
40
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
41
Chill drinks
2 people
42
Set out snacks and lunch
3 people
43
Welcome volunteers
2 people
44
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

45
Register participants
3 people
46
Hand out race numbers
2 people
47
Carry out dog control
2 people
48
Give the opening briefing
2 people
49
Announce starting order
50
Supervise competition events
4 people
51
Process scores
2 people
52
Move ring equipment
2 people
53
Serve drinks
2 people
54
Refill drinks
55
Serve snacks
2 people
56
Restock the buffet
2 people
57
Check the jury forms
2 people
58
Calculate the result
2 people
59
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
60
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
61
Give a thank-you speech
62
Collect lost property
63
See off guests and participants
2 people

Aftercare

64
Collect waste
3 people
65
Wash dishes
2 people
66
Clean up catering
2 people
67
Dismantle the competition grounds
4 people
68
Take down party tents
4 people
69
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
70
Clean the venue
3 people
71
Pack up the sound system
2 people
72
Inventory supplies
2 people
73
Return rental equipment
2 people
74
Publish results online
75
Thank participants
76
Archive jury reports

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Ring barrierqty 80
Conesqty 20
Springboardsqty 4
Retrieve blocksqty 8
Food containersqty 8
Lane markingsqty 2
Water bowls for dogsqty 8
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 4
Stopwatchqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2
Clipboardsqty 8
Pensqty 30
Score sheetsqty 100
Bib numbersqty 80
Prizes and medalsqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40

Equipment

Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Decorations

Start and finish signsqty 2
Information boardsqty 6
Directional signsqty 8
Paint markersqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop and bucketqty 2
Towelsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Fix the competition structure before opening registration. Confirm the rules, judging format and available rings first, then make the registration form ask for every detail you need, including class and dietary requirements.
Book judges and ring stewards early, and give them a written briefing before competition day. Assign enough volunteers for registration, ring changes, directions and refreshments rather than relying on one general helper.
Publish the start list as soon as registration closes, with bib numbers and arrival instructions. Send directions several days beforehand so late arrivals do not interrupt check-in or the judges’ briefing.
Set up the ring before competitors arrive: barriers, cones, lane markings, springboards, retrieve blocks, the judges’ table, clipboards, pens, stopwatches and score sheets should all be checked together.
Plan for weather and welfare, not just the timetable. Put tents, water bowls and waste-bag dispensers where they are easy to reach, and decide in advance what happens if rain affects the ring or electrical equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize an obedience competition?: Start venue, rules, insurance and judge arrangements at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Open registration only after the ring capacity, officials and competition format are confirmed.
How many volunteers do I need for an obedience competition?: For a small competition, plan for at least 1 registration volunteer, 1 ring steward per active ring and 1 person for general support. Add extra help for catering, parking or multiple rings.
When should I publish the obedience competition start list?: Publish it as soon as registration closes and you have checked the participant list, usually 3 to 7 days before the event. Include bib numbers, arrival time, directions and any check-in instructions.
What should I prepare for rain at an obedience competition?: Make the backup decision at least 24 hours before the start, based on the forecast and venue conditions. Keep party tents, protected tables, extension cords, power strips and a safe alternative ring arrangement ready.

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