Six-Event Competition Checklist: Plan It in the Right Order

A six-event competition needs more than six activities and a start time. You need fixed rules, a workable route, balanced teams, equipment for every station and a scoring system that keeps the day moving. Use this checklist to plan the program first, then handle registrations, supplies, food and site setup. The final checks cover power, weather, safety and the details that are easy to leave until the last hour.

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

  • Set the date and program

    2 people

  • Determine game components and rules

    3 people

  • Create participant list

  • Send invitations

    2 people

  • Process registrations

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Assign teams and team leaders

    2 people

  • Create the game schedule and route

    2 people

  • Reserve the venue and grounds

  • Check power supply

  • Check the weather forecast

  • Check the shopping list

    2 people

  • Do the shopping

    2 people

  • Collect game materials

    3 people

  • Prepare materials for each game

    3 people

  • Print team cards and score sheets

  • Prepare the prize table

  • Chill drinks

    2 people

  • Cut vegetables and fruit

    2 people

  • Prepare snacks

    3 people

  • Inspect the site

    2 people

  • Cordon off the area

    2 people

  • Set up tables and chairs

    4 people

  • Set up party tents

    4 people

  • Set up game stations

    6 people

  • Set up signage

    2 people

  • Set up the food and drink area

    3 people

  • Set up the registration table

    2 people

  • Brief volunteers

    2 people

Event

  • Receive participants

    3 people

  • Guide teams to starting positions

    6 people

  • Explain the rules and safety

    2 people

  • Supervise the six-event challenge

    8 people

  • Record scores per section

    6 people

  • Check water stations

    2 people

  • Refill drinks

    2 people

  • Serve snacks and fruit

    3 people

  • Clear away game materials in between

    3 people

  • Set up buffet

    4 people

  • Serve the meal

    5 people

  • Restock plates and cutlery

    2 people

  • Clear away dishes

    3 people

  • Check final scores

    3 people

  • Announce the winners

    2 people

  • Present prizes

    2 people

  • Handle the final drink round

    2 people

  • See participants off

    3 people

Aftercare

  • Collect waste

    4 people

  • Clean up game materials

    5 people

  • Clear tables and chairs

    4 people

  • Take down party tents

    4 people

  • Clean the kitchen and buffet

    3 people

  • Leave the site clean

    4 people

  • Wash tableware and equipment

    3 people

  • Check stock

  • Store materials clean and dry

    2 people

  • Return borrowed items

    2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Party tentsqty 2
  • Foldable tablesqty 8
  • Folding chairsqty 70
  • Beer table setsqty 6
  • Buffet tablesqty 3
  • Registration desk

Sports equipment

  • Marker discsqty 40
  • Conesqty 50
  • Tug of war rope
  • Relay batonsqty 12
  • Water cups for gamesqty 100
  • Bucketsqty 12
  • Spongesqty 30
  • Ballsqty 12
  • Hoopsqty 12
  • Jump sacksqty 12
  • Blindfoldsqty 12
  • Cratesqty 20
  • Plastic sheetingqty 2
  • Water hosesqty 2
  • Scoreboard
  • Stopwatchesqty 6
  • Whistlesqty 8
  • Measuring tapesqty 3
  • First aid kit
  • Ice packsqty 20
  • Water jerry cansqty 4
  • Drinking cups for water stationsqty 100

Equipment

  • Coolersqty 4
  • Extension cordsqty 4
  • Power stripsqty 3
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Microphone
  • Megaphone
  • Power banksqty 4

Lighting

  • Outdoor lightsqty 6
  • String lightsqty 4

Decorations

  • Buntingqty 8
  • Team flagsqty 8
  • Balloonsqty 100
  • Balloon pumpqty 2
  • Barrier tapeqty 4
  • Directional signsqty 12
  • Pensqty 20
  • Clipboardsqty 8
  • Score sheetsqty 100
  • Team badgesqty 80
  • Waterproof markersqty 12
  • Tapeqty 6
  • Ropeqty 2
  • Cable tiesqty 100
  • Cone labelsqty 20

Tableware

  • Reusable cupsqty 100
  • Platesqty 80
  • Cutlery setsqty 80
  • Serving jugsqty 6
  • Serving traysqty 6
  • Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

  • Cutting boardsqty 4
  • Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
  • Mixing bowlsqty 4
  • Thermos flasksqty 4
  • Tongs and spatulasqty 6
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Gas burnersqty 2
  • Gas cylindersqty 2

Catering

  • Groceries

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 8
  • Litter pickersqty 4
  • Broomsqty 4
  • Eye-catchersqty 2
  • Buckets for cleaningqty 3
  • Mopsqty 3
  • Toilet brushesqty 2

Tips

  • Set the program before inviting people. Define all six games, their rules, time limits and transition times first, then build the schedule and route around the available grounds.
  • Close registrations early enough to assign teams and team leaders. Collect dietary requirements at the same time, so food quantities and team cards are based on actual numbers rather than estimates.
  • Prepare one clearly labelled equipment set for each game. Count items such as cones, marker discs, balls, stopwatches and score sheets before loading them, not when the first team is waiting.
  • Plan the site in two passes: inspect the area and power supply before setup day, then cordon off hazards and position tents, tables and game stations on the day itself. Keep extension cords and power strips away from wet areas.
  • Finish food and refreshment preparation before competitors arrive. Chill drinks in coolers, prepare snacks, and keep a first aid kit and ice packs at the registration desk or another clearly announced location.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a six-event competition?
Set the date and reserve the venue at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead if several teams are involved. Aim to close registrations 7 to 10 days before the event so you can assign teams and print the schedule.
How long does a six-event competition take?
Allow roughly 3 to 5 hours for six events, depending on game length and travel between stations. Add 5 to 10 minutes between games for scoring, water breaks and moving teams.
How many people should be on each team?
Divide the final participant list into teams that fit the smallest game station and keep the team sizes as even as possible. Finalise the team list at least 3 days before the event so leaders can receive cards and instructions.
When should I check the weather for an outdoor competition?
Check the forecast 72 hours before the competition and again on the morning of the event. Use that timing to confirm party tents, water equipment, cordons and any changes to the route or schedule.

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