Platform Diving Competition Checklist

A platform diving competition needs more than a platform and a start list. This checklist takes you from booking the venue and checking permits to assigning judges, publishing registration and opening the venue. Work through safety, insurance and competition rules before inviting participants. In the final week, confirm entries, start numbers, equipment, weather and catering so officials can focus on running each round safely and on time.

Use this plan

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

Reserve competition venue
Secure the platform and basin
Draw up competition rules
2 people
Determine race categories
2 people
Assign judges and officials
Develop safety plan
2 people
Check permits
Check insurance
Send invitations
2 people
Publish registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Check participant list
2 people
Set up the starting order
2 people
Assign start numbers
Print the match schedule
Prepare jury forms
2 people
Send directions
Order catering
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Check prizes and medals
Check the weather forecast
Open venue
2 people
Inspect the platform technically
2 people
Check the basin and water quality
2 people
Set out safety equipment
2 people
Cordon off the audience area
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up the sound system
2 people
Test the competition software
2 people
Prepare score sheets
Hang up signage
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
Prepare participant registration
2 people
Brief volunteers
2 people
Provide jury briefing
2 people

Event

Receive participants
4 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Check medical certificates
2 people
Welcome the audience
3 people
Deliver the opening presentation
2 people
Give safety instructions
3 people
Assist with the swim-in
3 people
Run the competition round
6 people
Record scores
2 people
Present the public program
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Collect judging forms
2 people
Announce the interim standings
Call the finalists
2 people
Lead the final
6 people
Check final scores
3 people
Prepare awards ceremony
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Photograph the winners
2 people
See the audience out
3 people

Aftercare

Gather competition materials
4 people
Clean up catering
3 people
Sort and remove waste
3 people
Turn off the sound system
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Check the platform and basin
2 people
Archive results
Thank participants
Publish photos and results
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Registration desk
Party tentsqty 3

Sports equipment

Diving platform
Starting blocksqty 2
Competition swimsuitsqty 4
Swim capsqty 20
Swimming gogglesqty 10
Swim boardsqty 6
Buoysqty 8
Competition whistlesqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 6
Measuring tape
Scoreboardsqty 2
Bib numbersqty 40
Medalsqty 30
Cupsqty 6
Prize ribbonsqty 30

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 6
Printersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Mobile phonesqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Life ringsqty 4
Rescue linesqty 4
Safety vestsqty 10
Non-slip matsqty 12
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving utensilsqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Kettlesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Bottle openersqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Competition postersqty 10
Name badgesqty 100
Badge holdersqty 100
Pensqty 30
Clipboardsqty 12
Directional signsqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 6
Broom setsqty 3
Vacuum cleaner
Hand soap dispensersqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the basin, platform and starting blocks before publishing registration. Check the usable height, water access and inspection requirements at least 6–8 weeks before competition day.
Write the safety plan and competition rules before sending invitations. Include emergency roles, stopping procedures, judging criteria and the categories you will run.
Close registration at least 7 days before the event, then check the participant list, dietary requirements and start numbers. Print the match schedule and jury forms after the order is final.
Prepare the officials’ area separately from participant registration. Set up the judges’ table with scoreboards, stopwatches, measuring tape, whistles, pens and printed forms before doors open.
Use the final 24 hours for practical checks: review the weather forecast, chill drinks, charge tablets and phones, test microphones and speakers, and confirm medals, cups and prize ribbons are on site.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I book a platform diving competition venue?: Book the venue and secure the platform and basin at least 6–8 weeks ahead. This leaves time for permits, insurance checks, safety planning and publication of the registration form.
When should registration close for a platform diving competition?: Close registration about 7 days before competition day. Use the remaining week to verify the participant list, collect missing dietary requirements, assign start numbers and print the final schedule.
What equipment is needed for a platform diving competition?: Plan for the diving platform, starting blocks, competition whistles, stopwatches, scoreboards, measuring tape and bib numbers. Also prepare tablets or a laptop, a printer, extension cords, power banks and a sound system with microphones.
How much food and drink should I arrange for the competition?: Order catering after registration closes so the quantity matches the confirmed attendance. For a half-day event, allow at least 1 litre of water or other non-alcoholic drinks per participant and official, plus snacks for the breaks.

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.