Shooting Sports Competition Checklist

A shooting sports competition depends on a clear format, a safe range and precise coordination on the day. Start by booking the range and confirming the safety protocol, then assign officials, publish registration and prepare the lineup. In the final week, check weapons, ammunition, protective equipment, targets and scoring materials together. This checklist also helps you avoid late tasks such as communicating start times, collecting dietary requirements and getting prizes to the venue.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

Set competition format
2 people
Reserve shooting range
Draw up competition rules
2 people
Check the safety protocol
2 people
Assign the race director
Assign track officials
3 people
Assign supervisors
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Publish registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Check participant details
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Create the starting lineup
2 people
Communicate start times
Order prizes and medals
Inventory track materials
2 people
Check weapons and ammunition
2 people
Check safety equipment
2 people
Prepare score sheets
2 people
Print participant list
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect prizes
Bring materials to the venue
3 people
Open venue
2 people
Check track safety
3 people
Number the shooting ranges
2 people
Mark shooting positions
2 people
Set up arrow stands
3 people
Set up target cards
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up catering
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Hold a briefing with the organizing team
8 people

Event

Open registration
3 people
Identify participants
2 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Issue weapons and ammunition
3 people
Give the safety briefing
2 people
Supervise the trial run
4 people
Guide the competition series
8 people
Collect score sheets
2 people
Process scores
3 people
Replace target cards
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks and sandwiches
3 people
Clear away dishes
2 people
Check results
3 people
Hold the awards ceremony
3 people
Check out participants
2 people
Collect weapons and ammunition
3 people

Aftercare

Close the track safely
3 people
Clear away target cards and casings
4 people
Dismantle track equipment
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Clear the kitchen and catering area
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Return materials
3 people
Return borrowed equipment
2 people
Publish results
Thank participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Target card holdersqty 12
Competition target cardsqty 250
Practice target cardsqty 100
Ball suppliersqty 12
Shooting matsqty 12
Safety flagsqty 20
Bib numbersqty 80
Competition weaponsqty 12
Competition ammunitionqty 2500
Eye protectionqty 20
Hearing protectionqty 30
Bullet tip pensqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 24
Conesqty 12
Measuring tapesqty 3
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 6
Reserve prizesqty 3

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Megaphone operator
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 70
Drinking glassesqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitcherqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Ice packsqty 12
Storage binsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Paper goods

Score sheetsqty 150
Participant listsqty 10
Pensqty 30
Markersqty 12
Clipboardsqty 12
Name stickersqty 100
Envelopesqty 100

Decorations

Start and finish signqty 2
Seating chart
Tableclothsqty 8
Barrier tapeqty 4
Conesqty 20

Safety

First aid kit
Eye wash bottlesqty 4
Fire extinguisherqty 2
Nitrile glovesqty 4
Warning signsqty 8

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20

Tips

Book the shooting range before publishing registration, and confirm the available hours, firing points, access arrangements and range rules in writing. Leave enough time before the first start for setup and a full safety check.
Set the competition format and rules before creating the starting lineup. Communicate each participant’s start time once registrations and participant details have been checked, rather than sending provisional times.
Treat safety equipment as a separate inventory: check competition weapons, ammunition, eye protection, hearing protection, safety flags and shooting mats before transport. Do not rely on discovering missing items at the range.
Prepare the scoring system before event day by printing score sheets and the participant list, testing the laptop and printer, and packing bullet tip pens and spare batteries. Bring walkie-talkies or another reliable way for officials and supervisors to communicate.
Collect prizes and medals before loading the vehicle, and pack venue supplies in groups such as registration, targets, scoring and refreshments. At the venue, open early enough to place target card holders, target cards, cones and measuring tapes before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a shooting range for a competition?: Book the range as soon as the competition format and expected participant count are known, ideally at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Confirm the booking, permitted equipment and access time before opening registration.
When should registration close for a shooting sports competition?: Close registration 7 to 10 days before the competition so you can check participant details, collect dietary requirements and create the starting lineup. Send confirmed start times after the lineup is complete.
What should I check the day before a shooting competition?: The day before, verify weapons, ammunition, eye and hearing protection, safety flags, shooting mats, target cards and score sheets. Also test the laptop, printer, batteries and communication equipment, and confirm that prizes are ready for transport.
How early should officials arrive at the shooting range?: Have the race director, track officials and supervisors arrive at least 90 minutes before the first start. This allows time to open the venue, check track safety, set up registration and resolve equipment or lineup problems.

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.