Shooting competition checklist: what to arrange and when

A shooting competition needs more than targets and a timetable. You must confirm the venue, check permits, define match rules and assign enough supervisors before invitations go out. On the day, the ranges, barriers, safety equipment and registration desk need to be ready before participants arrive. This checklist helps you work through the 47 planning tasks and 63 items in the right order, including details that are often left until too late.

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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 date and location
2 people
Prepare safety plan
2 people
Check permits and notifications
2 people
Reserve shooting ranges
Set the match rules
2 people
Record officiating
Schedule supervisors
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Check participant list
2 people
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Check competition equipment
2 people
Confirm participants
Open venue
2 people
Inspect shooting ranges
3 people
Put up safety barriers
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up catering
3 people
Hang up target cards
3 people
Distribute track materials
3 people
Conduct a safety check
3 people

Event

Open registration
3 people
Register participants
2 people
Give the safety briefing
3 people
Assign starter groups
2 people
Guide competition rounds
6 people
Record scores
3 people
Replace the target cards
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks and sandwiches
3 people
Announce safety breaks
2 people
Check final standings
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Carry out the final safety check
3 people
Check out participants
2 people

Aftercare

Sort reusable materials
3 people
Leave the shooting ranges safe
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Return materials
2 people
Archive score sheets
Send results to participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 3

Sports equipment

Shooting targetsqty 120
Goal holdersqty 12
Targetsqty 12
Adhesive discsqty 4
Shooting matsqty 12
Eye protectionqty 70
Hearing protectionqty 70
Safety gogglesqty 10
Earplugsqty 100
Safety flagsqty 20
Course markingsqty 20
Bollardsqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Conesqty 20
Game clocksqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4

Equipment

Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Battery lampsqty 6
Phone chargersqty 4

Safety

First aid kit
Fire extinguisherqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 4

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4

Decorations

Competition name sign
Information boardsqty 6
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Prizesqty 6

Office

Registration formsqty 80
Score sheetsqty 150
Pensqty 30
Clipboardsqty 15
Name badgesqty 80
Bindersqty 4
Staplersqty 2
Tapeqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Litter pickersqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Start with the venue, date and safety plan before opening registration. Confirm range availability, check whether permits or notifications are required, and reserve backup shooting ranges early rather than waiting for cancellations.
Set the match rules before sending invitations. Include the format, timings, equipment requirements and safety expectations so participants know what to bring and officials can apply the same rules throughout the competition.
Assign supervisors and officials with clear shifts. Build the schedule around registration, range inspections, safety briefings and scoring; one person should not have to manage the registration desk and supervise a live range at the same time.
Check safety equipment several days before the event, not during setup. Count eye and hearing protection, safety flags, barriers, cones, course markings, first-aid supplies and fire extinguishers, then replace missing or damaged items.
Prepare an event-day sequence with fixed times. Open the venue early enough to inspect the ranges, install barriers, set up tables and chairs, hang target cards, arrange catering and complete the final safety check before registration opens.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a shooting competition?: Start the venue, permit and safety checks at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Send invitations only after the date, range capacity and match rules are confirmed.
How early should the venue open on competition day?: Open the venue at least 2 hours before participant registration. This gives the team time to inspect the shooting ranges, install barriers, set up target cards and complete the safety check.
How many supervisors do I need for a shooting competition?: Plan at least 1 responsible supervisor per active shooting range, plus separate people for registration and overall coordination. Add cover for breaks so every range remains supervised throughout the match.
When should I confirm participants and dietary requirements?: Collect dietary requirements when registrations are processed and confirm the participant list 3 to 5 days before the event. Use the final count to check catering, materials and range assignments.

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.