What to buy for a short track competition

A short track competition needs more than skates and a timing system. You will need race-control supplies, clearly marked participant equipment, backup timing, catering items and practical gear for the rink. Plan separate supplies for officials, skaters, volunteers and spectators so one missing item does not interrupt a race. Order groceries only after registrations and dietary requirements are confirmed, and test electronic timing, printers, microphones and radios before the venue opens.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Information desk
Jury tablesqty 3
Buffet tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 80
Changing room benchesqty 12
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Conesqty 30
Sponsor bannersqty 12
Plastic blocksqty 60
Bib numbersqty 100
Transpondersqty 80
Spare skatesqty 4
Referee whistlesqty 6
Red flagsqty 6
Yellow flagsqty 6
Results board
Whiteboardsqty 3
Markersqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Ice bagsqty 20
Emergency blanketsqty 12
Safety vestsqty 15
Tape for sports flooringqty 12

Equipment

Electronic timing
Backup stopwatchqty 4
Laptopqty 3
Printersqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Microphoneqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Charging stationsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
USB sticksqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving plattersqty 20
Pouring jugsqty 10
Coffee spoonsqty 80
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 16

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Food warmersqty 4
Thermos cups for the juryqty 20
Cooling platesqty 8

Decorations

Bannersqty 6
Buntingqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Name card holdersqty 20
Medal traysqty 3
Table décorqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Paper towel dispensersqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Rubber glovesqty 12
Floor squeegeesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 250 pieces
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Semi-skimmed coffee milk - 6 bottles
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Sweeteners - 250 pieces
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Chocolate milk - 12 liters
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Oat bars - 150 pieces
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Mandarins - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Nut-free snack mix - 6 bags
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 150 pieces
- Wholegrain rolls - 100 pieces
- Mini croissants - 100 pieces
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Ham - 4 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Jam - 8 jars
- Peanut butter - 6 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 4 packs
- Cucumbers - 6 kilos
- Tomatoes - 6 kilos
- Peppers - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Balsamic dressing - 2 bottles
- Vegetarian wraps - 100 pieces
- Chicken wraps - 100 pieces
- Soup vegetables - 4 kilos
- Tomato soup - 12 liters
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Breadsticks - 8 packs
- Diet cookies - 6 packs
- Vegan sandwich slices - 3 kilo
- Gluten-free sandwich rolls - 30 pieces
- Lactose-free yogurt - 30 cups
- Coffee cups - 250 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Baking paper - 3 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 refills
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Tips

Prepare one complete race-control kit: bib numbers, transponders, referee whistles, red and yellow flags, cones, plastic blocks and markers. Keep a backup stopwatch available in case electronic timing fails.
Bring at least one spare laptop power setup, including extension cords, power strips and charging stations. Timing equipment, radios, printers and microphones often need charging at the same time.
Set up separate tables for the information desk, jury and buffet before skaters arrive. Add folding chairs and changing-room benches so registration and changing areas do not compete for the same furniture.
Count reusable cups and coffee cups for every expected catering user, then add a buffer of 10–15%. Put waste bins beside the buffet and entrance instead of waiting until the first break.
Pack printed race documents in waterproof folders: programs, start lists and result forms. Prepare medal-winner supplies before the first race, because results and presentations often run close together.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a short track competition?: You need electronic timing plus a backup stopwatch, a laptop, printers, radios, a microphone and speakers. Race-control supplies should include bib numbers, transponders, whistles, flags, cones and plastic blocks.
How many cups should I buy for a short track competition?: Plan one reusable cup per expected catering user, plus 10–15% spare cups for replacements and extra volunteers. Add coffee cups based on the number of officials, staff and spectators you expect to serve.
What should I prepare for race timing?: Prepare the electronic timing system, laptop, printers, extension cords, power strips and charging stations. Keep a backup stopwatch ready and test the full setup before the venue opens, not on the first race day.
When should I order groceries for a short track competition?: Order after registrations and dietary requirements are confirmed, ideally 3–5 days before the competition. Pick up chilled and perishable items on the day before or the morning of the event, depending on storage capacity.

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