Skate competition checklist and planning guide

A skate competition needs more than a course and a group of riders. You have to lock in the venue and date, check permits and insurance, define judging rules, and build a workable event-day schedule. Registration, safety equipment, judges, music, volunteers, prizes, and first aid all need owners and deadlines. Use the full checklist to move from the competition concept to a confirmed starting lineup without leaving critical details until the final week.

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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

Define the competition concept
2 people
Check competition venue
2 people
Confirm competition date
2 people
Check permits
2 people
Check insurance coverage
Draw up competition rules
3 people
Record the judging criteria
3 people
Secure prize money
2 people
Invite the judges
Arrange a host
Arrange the music controls
Arrange first aid staff
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Post promotion online
Publish registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Confirm participants
Collect dietary requirements
Create the starting lineup
2 people
Prepare jury briefing
2 people
Print the run sheet
Print participant list
Collect prizes and medals
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Gather competition materials
3 people
Check the weather forecast

Event

Open venue
2 people
Inspect the site
3 people
Sweep the competition area
3 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up tents
4 people
Lay power and cables
2 people
Set up sound system
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up the first aid area
2 people
Mark off competition areas
3 people
Set up signage
2 people
Receive participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Brief volunteers
3 people
Brief the judges
4 people
Welcome the audience
3 people
Give the opening briefing
Guide qualifying rounds
8 people
Record scores
2 people
Announce the break program
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Announce finalists
Support the final rounds
8 people
Check the winners
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
4 people
Announce the closing
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

Turn off the sound system
2 people
Collect materials
4 people
Sort waste
3 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Take down tents
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Publish results
Thank participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Bar stoolsqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Skateboardsqty 4
Spare wheelsqty 12
Spare bearingsqty 12
Skate toolsqty 6
Waxqty 6
Bib numbersqty 60
Scoreboardsqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Whistlesqty 6
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 20
Rubber matsqty 6
Helmetsqty 12
Knee padsqty 12
Elbow padsqty 12
Wrist guardsqty 12
Stage blocksqty 3
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 6
Prize money envelopesqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Charging cablesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Cable reelsqty 3
Flashlightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Stage curtain

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 6
Litter pickersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the rules before opening registration. Write down the format, run length, age or skill categories, judging criteria, tie-break procedure, and whether helmets or other protective equipment are required.
Inspect the venue at least 2–4 weeks before the competition. Check the riding surface, spectator flow, power supply, shelter, toilets, access for first aid, and space for tables, scoreboards, barriers, and waste bins.
Give judges and the host a written briefing 3–7 days before the event. Include the scoring scale, order of runs, pronunciation of participant names, stoppage signals, and who makes the final call if scores are disputed.
Close registration early enough to create the starting lineup. A 48–72-hour buffer gives you time to confirm participants, collect dietary requirements, print the participant list and run sheet, and contact people who have not completed their details.
Pack a dedicated equipment and safety check before loading in. Count bib numbers, stopwatches, whistles, cones, barrier tape, skate tools, spare wheels and bearings, helmets, pads, rubber mats, microphones, and prize materials rather than assuming they are already available.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a skate competition?: Start planning at least 8–12 weeks before the event. Secure the venue, date, permits, insurance, judges, host, first aid staff, and prize budget first; open registration only after those basics are confirmed.
When should registration close for a skate competition?: Close registration 3–7 days before competition day, depending on the number of riders. Keep at least 48 hours to confirm participants, create the starting lineup, check dietary requirements, and print the event documents.
How many judges do I need for a skate competition?: Use at least 3 judges for a judged competition so one unusual score does not determine the result. Brief them 3–7 days in advance and give every judge the same written criteria and scoring scale.
What safety equipment is needed for a skate competition?: Prepare helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, rubber mats, cones, barrier tape, traffic cones, whistles, and a first aid team. Check the equipment 1–2 days before the event and keep spare wheels, bearings, and skate tools available for repairs.

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.