Shooting sports competition checklist

Organising a shooting sports competition means coordinating safety, competitors, officials, equipment and timing on the same day. Start by securing the shooting range and checking permits and insurance, then set the format, rules and registration process. In the final week, prepare score sheets, starting lists, safety materials and target layouts. On event day, inspect the venue before participants arrive and keep communication clear between the race director, line judges and starter groups.

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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 shooting range
Check permits
Check insurance coverage
Set competition format
2 people
Draw up competition rules
2 people
Assign the race director
Assign line judges
Send invitations
2 people
Open registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign starter groups
2 people
Send participant information
Book catering
Order prizes and medals
Inventory track materials
2 people
Prepare safety briefing
2 people
Prepare score sheets
2 people
Print the starting lists
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Transport materials
3 people
Inspect the track and venue
3 people
Lay out shooting cards and targets
3 people
Set up the targets stands
3 people
Number the track sections
2 people
Place safety markers
3 people
Cordon off the audience area
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up the registration desk
2 people
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
Test lighting and walkie-talkies
2 people
Prepare first aid supplies
Give staff a safety briefing
5 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Check weapons and ammunition
3 people
Give the safety briefing
2 people
Announce the lane layout
Run the competition round
6 people
Collect score sheets
2 people
Switch shooting groups
4 people
Resume the competition round
6 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serving food
3 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check scores
3 people
Announce the results
2 people
Present prizes
3 people
Ensure participants leave safely
3 people

Aftercare

Close off the competition venue
3 people
Check weapons and leftover ammunition
3 people
Take down the goals and track equipment
4 people
Clear away furniture
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return rented materials
2 people
Publish results
Settle up with vendors

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Party tentsqty 2
Folding counter
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Goal postsqty 20
Paper targetsqty 300
Back catchersqty 20
Shooting targetsqty 100
Bib numbersqty 80
Scoreboardsqty 6
Safety gogglesqty 80
Ear defendersqty 80
Course flagsqty 20
Traffic conesqty 20
Bollardsqty 20

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphonesqty 2
LED work lightsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Printer
Stopwatchesqty 4
Coolersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 6
Information boardsqty 8
Directional signsqty 10

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the shooting range and confirm permits and insurance several weeks before registration opens. Ask the venue when access, setup and cleanup are allowed so transport and staffing can be scheduled accurately.
Set the competition format and rules before sending invitations. Include group assignments, equipment requirements, arrival time, scoring method and the deadline for dietary requirements in the participant information.
Prepare one complete scoring pack for each shooting position, including shooting cards, score sheets, bib numbers and a way to record results. Print the starting lists before setup and keep spare copies at the registration table.
Use the final setup window to inspect the track and venue, position back catchers and targets, and mark movement routes with course flags, cones and bollards. Test walkie-talkies, the megaphone, stopwatches and any LED work lights before competitors arrive.
Plan catering around the timetable rather than leaving it until the last day. Chill drinks in coolers, set out reusable cups, plates and cutlery, and check that tables, chairs, tents and waste bins are ready before the first briefing.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a shooting sports competition?: Start venue, permit and insurance checks at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Open registration only after the format, rules and range availability are confirmed.
What should be included in a shooting competition safety briefing?: Cover range commands, safe handling, eye and hearing protection, movement between stations, target procedures and what to do during a stoppage. Schedule the briefing before the first starter group begins, allowing at least 15 minutes.
When should I print starting lists and score sheets?: Print the starting lists and score sheets in the final 24 to 48 hours, after registrations and group assignments are complete. Bring spare copies in case of late corrections or damaged sheets.
How many officials are needed for a shooting sports competition?: Assign one race director and at least one line judge for each active shooting line or station. Add a starter and communications support when groups run on different schedules or the venue has multiple course sections.

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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.