What to buy for a rhythmic gymnastics competition

A rhythmic gymnastics competition needs more than the apparatus used on the floor. You also need practical supplies for judging, registration, music, catering, changing areas and audience seating. This shopping list covers equipment such as balls, hoops, ribbons, ropes and clubs, plus the tables, cups, cables and printing supplies that are easy to overlook. Check quantities against your number of gymnasts, judges, volunteers and expected spectators before placing orders.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Audience chairsqty 150
Foldable tablesqty 15
Jury tablesqty 6
Bar stoolsqty 6
Changing room benchesqty 12
Clothes racksqty 6
Bollardsqty 12

Sports equipment

Competition floor
Training matsqty 4
Ribbonsqty 20
Ballsqty 20
Hoopsqty 20
Ropesqty 20
Clubsqty 20
Spare gymnastics equipmentqty 10
First aid kitqty 2
Ice packsqty 10
Athletic tapeqty 8
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Mixer
Laptopqty 2
Laptop chargersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
USB sticksqty 4
Printer
Label printer
Wall clocksqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Washing-up bowlsqty 3

Decorations

Competition banner
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 15
Stage backdrop
Flower arrangementsqty 4

Lighting

LED table lampsqty 6
LED string lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Waste binsqty 8
Paper towel dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 10 liter
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 20 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Mini rolls - 180 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White buns - 6 bags
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Egg salad - 1 kilogram
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mandarins - 5 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Pretzels - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 8 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Vegan toppings - 2 kilogram
- Nut-free cereal bars - 40 pieces
- Allergen labels - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 60 pieces
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 24 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 8 pairs
- Large trash bags - 80 pieces
- Small trash bags - 40 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 300 pieces
- Labels - 3 sheets
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Lighters - 4 pieces

Tips

Prepare at least one complete spare set of apparatus, including a ball, hoop, ribbon, rope and clubs, so a damaged or missing item does not stop the schedule.
Count seating, tables and changing-room benches separately. Judges need dedicated jury tables, while competitors need enough benches and clothes-rack space for each session.
Test the laptop, mixer, speakers and microphone together at least one day before the competition. Pack chargers, USB sticks, extension cords and power strips with the equipment rather than arranging them later.
Print competition numbers, score sheets and certificates before competition morning. Keep extra copies of every printed document in case registrations or results change.
Plan drinks and catering around the timetable, not just the guest count. Chill drinks in advance and check that reusable cups, coffee cups, plates and cutlery cover judges, volunteers, competitors and spectators.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a rhythmic gymnastics competition?: Plan the competition floor, training mats and the five main apparatus types: balls, hoops, ribbons, ropes and clubs. Keep at least one spare set available, then confirm whether each competitor brings their own apparatus or uses shared equipment.
How many score sheets should I print?: Print one score sheet for every judging position and routine, plus at least 10% extra for corrections or reprints. Prepare the final quantity after the registration deadline and starting order are confirmed.
When should I buy drinks and catering for the competition?: Place the catering order several days before the event, once participant and volunteer numbers are stable. Buy and chill drinks no later than the day before, so setup staff are not shopping during registration or warm-up.
What technical supplies are easy to forget at a gymnastics competition?: Pack laptop chargers, USB sticks, extension cords, power strips and a microphone cable with the laptop, mixer and speakers. Test every connection at least 24 hours before the first routine and bring one backup USB stick.

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