Obedience contest checklist: plan it in the right order

An obedience contest runs smoothly when the competition details are settled before registration opens and the venue is ready before the first dog arrives. This checklist takes you from reserving the venue and setting the rules to assigning start numbers, preparing the rings and briefing participants. It also covers details that are easy to overlook, such as dietary requirements, printed score sheets, drinking water for dogs and a separate judges’ table. Use the sequence to keep decisions, purchasing and setup on schedule.

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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

Reserve competition venue
Set the match rules
2 people
Assign judges
Create the ring layout
2 people
Open registration form
Send invitations
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign start numbers
2 people
Send participant information
Order prizes and rosettes
Order catering
Check competition materials
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Print score sheets
Print the starting lists
Prepare catering
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare materials
3 people

Event

Open venue
2 people
Inspect the grounds
3 people
Mark out the rings
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up signage
2 people
Refill dog water stations
2 people
Prepare starter packs
2 people
Setting up the coffee station
2 people
Hold the jury briefing
4 people
Brief volunteers
3 people
Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Let dogs acclimate
3 people
Give the opening briefing
2 people
Supervise obedience trials
8 people
Collect score sheets
2 people
Process scores
2 people
Serve drinks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill snacks
2 people
Refill dog water
2 people
Guard the grounds and waiting area
3 people
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
Support awards ceremony
3 people
Hand out certificates
2 people
Host informal after-event gathering
3 people
See off the last participants
2 people

Aftercare

Gather competition materials
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Archive score administration
Publish results
Register lost and found items
Return materials
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 60
Party tentsqty 3
Judges' tableqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Barrier postsqty 32
Barrier tapeqty 400
Traffic conesqty 24
Hoopsqty 4
Retrieve blocksqty 6
Hurdlesqty 4
Marker discsqty 20
Measuring tapesqty 2
Dog Matsqty 8
Water tubsqty 12
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 4
Dog waste bag rollsqty 40

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Calculatorsqty 3

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 3

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 10
Pitchersqty 6

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Start number signsqty 50
Name badgesqty 80
Directional signsqty 12
Prize tableclothqty 2

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the rules and ring layout before opening registration. Participants need clear information about classes, judging and the order of the day before they sign up.
Give yourself at least one separate registration deadline for dietary requirements and another for final start numbers. Send participant information only after entries have been checked and processed.
Prepare one complete equipment check before venue setup. Count barrier posts, tape, cones, hoops, blocks, hurdles, marker discs and measuring tapes rather than assuming everything is in the storage area.
Plan the grounds around dogs as well as people. Place water tubs and dog-waste bag dispensers where competitors can reach them, and keep mats, waste bins and waiting areas outside the marked rings.
Print score sheets and starting lists before the event day, then pack spare copies with calculators, pens and power banks. On site, set up the registration desk and judges’ table before opening the venue.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an obedience contest?: Start reserving the venue and assigning judges several months before the contest if possible. Set the registration closing date at least 2–3 weeks before the event so you have time to process entries, collect dietary requirements and assign start numbers.
What should be ready before competitors arrive?: The rings should be marked, the grounds inspected, and the tables, chairs, registration desk and judges’ table set up before opening. Have printed starting lists and score sheets ready at least 1 hour before the first registration or briefing.
How many score sheets and starting lists should I print?: Print one score sheet for every scheduled entry, plus at least 10% extra for errors or reprints. Print at least 2 copies of the starting list: one for the registration desk and one for officials or public display.
What equipment is easy to forget at an obedience contest?: Small operational items are often missed: extension cords, power strips, printer supplies, calculators, walkie-talkies, power banks and work lights. Check them 1–2 days before the contest, along with dog water tubs, waste-bag rolls and the ring-marking equipment.

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Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.