Motocross competition checklist

A motocross competition needs more than a prepared track and a starting gate. You must secure the circuit, permits and insurance early, then coordinate riders, officials, medical staff, volunteers and spectators. In the final week, the focus shifts to the track inspection, safety plan, start list, bib numbers, transponders and site layout. Use this checklist to work through the 78 tasks in the right order and avoid discovering missing equipment or unclear responsibilities on race day.

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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

Set the match date
2 people
Reserve the circuit and grounds
2 people
Apply for permits
2 people
Check insurance
Set the match rules
3 people
Assign heats and rounds
3 people
Publish registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Approach sponsors
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Check rider details
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Confirm officials and judges
2 people
Confirm medical staff
2 people
Create the parking layout
2 people
Set the audience route
2 people
Perform track inspection
3 people
Check bends and obstacles
3 people
Print the safety plan
Print start list
Prepare bib numbers
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks and food
2 people
Gather motocross equipment
3 people
Check tools
2 people
Set up the register and change
2 people
Prepare a volunteer briefing
2 people
Mow and level the grounds
3 people
Set up start gate and course
5 people
Set up crowd barriers
5 people
Set up the paddock
3 people
Mark the parking area
4 people
Set up tents and tables
5 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up catering point
3 people
Set up the first aid station
2 people
Set up competition management
2 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Check power supply
2 people
Put up banners and signage
3 people

Event

Register riders
3 people
Inspect motorcycles technically
3 people
Hand out bib numbers
2 people
Welcome the audience
4 people
Direct parking
4 people
Give riders briefing
3 people
Staff volunteer stations
10 people
Host the opening round
8 people
Handle race announcements
Start and flag off races
3 people
Record intermediate results
2 people
Staff course stations
8 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Serving food
4 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check toilets
2 people
Incident reporting
Prepare awards ceremony
3 people
Carry out award ceremony
4 people
Guide the audience to the exit
4 people

Aftercare

Close the register
2 people
Clear the track and paddock
5 people
Remove barriers and ribbons
5 people
Take down tents and furniture
5 people
Turn off the sound system
2 people
Clean equipment
4 people
Clean the grounds
5 people
Dispose of waste
3 people
Check deposits and lost property
2 people
Return rented materials
3 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Archive registrations
Publish results
2 people
Record damage and incidents
2 people
Collect invoices and receipts
Hand over the site
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 8
High tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Starting gate
Competition flagsqty 20
Bib numbersqty 120
Transpondersqty 120
Transponder matsqty 2
Spare parts
Conesqty 30
Measuring tapesqty 3
Scoopsqty 6
Rakesqty 6

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 80
Barrier tapeqty 12
Course marker signsqty 20
Traffic conesqty 30
First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 6
Safety vestsqty 20
Hearing protectionqty 150
Flashlightsqty 12

Equipment

Sound system
Microphonesqty 3
Speakersqty 4
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Payment terminalqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Generator
Coolersqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 8

Lighting

Work lightsqty 8
Light Stripsqty 4
Batteriesqty 40

Catering

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolers for Cateringqty 4
Groceries

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 200
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving jugsqty 6

Decorations

Bannersqty 12
Competition postersqty 20
Signage boardsqty 18
Prize money envelopesqty 30

Office

Starting listsqty 30
Markersqty 20
Ballpoint pensqty 40
Clipboardsqty 15
Paper rollsqty 6
Staplersqty 3
Staplesqty 5
Tapeqty 8
Clipboardsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 20
Hand broomsqty 6
Dustpansqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning cartsqty 2

Tips

Set the date and reserve the circuit before opening registration. Allow at least 8–12 weeks for permits, insurance checks, sponsor contact and publishing the registration form.
Close rider registration early enough to check every rider’s details and assign heats and rounds. Aim to publish the start list and prepare bib numbers at least 3–5 days before the competition.
Treat the track inspection as a separate safety task, not a quick walk-around. Check bends, obstacles, course markers, the starting gate and spectator routes, then print the safety plan for officials and volunteers.
Create the parking and audience layouts before placing barriers and signs. Mark traffic flows with cones, barrier tape and course marker signs, and brief safety-vested volunteers on where they must stand.
Confirm the full race-day team at least one week ahead, including judges, medical staff and volunteers. Test the sound system, microphones, speakers, laptop, transponders and transponder mats before riders arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I start organising a motocross competition?: Start at least 8–12 weeks before the planned race date. That gives you time to reserve the circuit, apply for permits, check insurance, contact sponsors and open registration without rushing.
When should motocross registration close?: Close registration several days before the event, preferably 5–7 days in advance. Use that time to check rider details, assign heats and rounds, print the start list and prepare bib numbers and transponders.
What safety equipment is needed for a motocross competition?: Plan for crowd barriers, barrier tape, course marker signs, traffic cones, first aid kits, emergency blankets, fire extinguishers and safety vests. Also prepare hearing protection and flashlights where the site or schedule requires them.
When should the motocross track be inspected?: Carry out the main track inspection during the final week and repeat a practical check on event day before riders enter the course. Inspect bends, obstacles, the starting gate and spectator routes, then update and print the safety plan if anything changes.

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.