Obedience competition checklist: what to arrange and when

An obedience competition depends on more than a ring and a start list. You need the venue, rules, judges, stewards, insurance and permits confirmed before entries open, then enough volunteers and equipment to keep registration and scoring moving. This checklist follows the planning order, from setting the competition framework to preparing the site and briefing the judges. It also covers details that are easy to leave until the final week, such as bib numbers, dietary requirements, dog water, waste bags and a rain plan.

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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

Confirm the competition venue
Set the competition rules
2 people
Reserve judges
Reserve ring stewards
Check permits
Check competition insurance
Create registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Open registration
Keep track of the participant list
Collect dietary requirements
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Assign volunteers
Order prize money and prizes
Make bib numbers
Publish start list
Prepare judges' briefing
Send directions
Order catering
Check the shopping list
Check the weather forecast
Prepare backup rain plan
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect prizes and documents
Check competition materials
2 people
Prepare catering
2 people
Inspect the venue and grounds
2 people
Make the site clean and safe
3 people
Set up party tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set out competition rings
4 people
Set up the ring barrier
3 people
Set up start and finish signs
2 people
Hang up information signs
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Prepare score sheets
2 people
Lay out bib numbers
2 people
Test sound system
2 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set out snacks and lunch
3 people
Welcome volunteers
2 people
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Carry out dog control
2 people
Give the opening briefing
2 people
Announce starting order
Supervise competition events
4 people
Process scores
2 people
Move ring equipment
2 people
Serve drinks
2 people
Refill drinks
Serve snacks
2 people
Restock the buffet
2 people
Check the jury forms
2 people
Calculate the result
2 people
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Give a thank-you speech
Collect lost property
See off guests and participants
2 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean up catering
2 people
Dismantle the competition grounds
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Pack up the sound system
2 people
Inventory supplies
2 people
Return rental equipment
2 people
Publish results online
Thank participants
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

Set the rules before opening registration, including judging criteria, class structure and entry information. Participants need these details before they complete the registration form.
Confirm judges, ring stewards and volunteers early enough to assign clear roles. Prepare a judges’ briefing and a volunteer schedule before publishing the start list.
Check the ring setup against the competition requirements rather than relying on memory. Ring barriers, cones, lane markings, obstacles, score sheets, clipboards, pens and a stopwatch should be checked together.
Plan the arrival flow for people and dogs. Set up a registration desk, bib numbers, directions, water bowls and dog waste bag dispensers so competitors can find what they need without interrupting the ring team.
Treat catering and weather as operational tasks, not last-minute extras. Collect dietary requirements, check the shopping list, confirm power for coffee machines and kettles, and prepare party tents or a backup rain plan before the forecast becomes urgent.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I start planning an obedience competition?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Confirm the venue, rules, judges, permits and insurance first, then open registration once the essential information is fixed.
When should registration close for an obedience competition?: Close registration about 7 to 10 days before the event if you need time to verify the participant list, collect dietary requirements, make bib numbers and publish the start list. Set an earlier deadline if entries need qualification checks.
How many volunteers do I need for an obedience competition?: Plan separate cover for registration, ring stewarding, scoring, refreshments and general site support. For one active ring, allow at least 4 to 6 volunteers in addition to the judges, with a rota for breaks.
What should I check the day before an obedience competition?: Check the forecast, site access, ring equipment, sound system, extension cords, score sheets, prizes and catering supplies the day before. Pack a separate registration and scoring kit so missing pens, calculators or bib numbers are found before competitors arrive.

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.