Skate competition checklist: what to arrange and when

A skate competition needs more than ramps and riders. You need a confirmed venue, a clear format, permits, insurance, judges, safety equipment and a workable event-day schedule. Start registrations early, then use participant numbers to prepare start lists, bib numbers, judging cards and volunteer shifts. This checklist also helps you avoid late jobs such as checking the forecast, confirming power for the sound system and collecting every borrowed material before the competition.

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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 competition venue
Define the competition format
3 people
Check permits
Check insurance
Assign judges
Draw up competition rules
2 people
Record emergency contact
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Create registration form
Design promotional materials
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Publish the competition online
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Order prizes and cups
Reserve sound and microphone
Reserve building materials
Assign volunteers
2 people
Create start lists
2 people
Print the run sheet
Print match cards
Confirm participants
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
3 people
Collect materials
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Inspect the competition area
3 people
Sweep the grounds
3 people
Check obstacles
3 people
Mark off the competition area
4 people
Set up jury table
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up the registration desk
2 people
Build the catering point
3 people
Connect sound
2 people
Set up lighting
3 people
Hang up signage
2 people
Hold the jury briefing
5 people
Hold a volunteer briefing
8 people

Event

Register participants
4 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Check the guards
2 people
Welcome the audience
3 people
Give the opening briefing
Lead the warm-up
2 people
Guide the preliminary round
5 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Collect jury cards
2 people
Process interim results
2 people
Guide the semifinals
5 people
Announce finalists
Lead the final
5 people
Inform the audience
Monitor Safety Around the Track
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Photograph the winners
Farewell for participants
2 people
See the audience out
3 people

Aftercare

Clean up catering
3 people
Turn off the sound
2 people
Dismantle competition equipment
5 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Collect waste
4 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Hand over the venue
2 people
Publish results
Thank participants
2 people
Share photos
Check materials
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Collect reimbursements

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Beer tablesqty 4
Party tentsqty 3
Waste binsqty 8
Changing room tentsqty 2

Sports equipment

Skateboardsqty 6
Skate rampsqty 2
Grind railsqty 3
Fun box
Quarter pipe
Protective helmetsqty 12
Knee padsqty 12
Elbow padsqty 12
Wrist guardsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 80
Judging cardsqty 100
Stopwatchesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Stage sectionsqty 3

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Cold packsqty 12
Warning signsqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
Cable matsqty 6

Decorations

Competition postersqty 20
Directional signsqty 12
Sponsor bannersqty 8
Stage curtain

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Coffee potsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Storage boxesqty 8

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the competition format before opening registration. Decide how many runs or heats each rider gets, how scoring works and when registration closes, so your rules and start lists match the available time.
Check permits, insurance and emergency arrangements several weeks before the event. Record an emergency contact and make sure first aid kits, cold packs, warning signs and crowd barriers are ready before riders arrive.
Count equipment against the course plan, not just the rider list. Confirm the ramps, rails, fun box, quarter pipe, stage sections and protective gear, then check that extension cords and power strips can safely reach the speakers and mixer.
Close registrations early enough to create start lists and print the run sheet and match cards. Confirm every participant after processing registrations, including any dietary requirements for food or refreshments.
Keep the final 24 hours for confirmation rather than planning. Check the weather forecast, confirm judges and volunteers, do the shopping and collect all reserved materials before setup begins.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a skate competition?: Start venue, permit, insurance and judge arrangements at least 6 to 8 weeks before the competition. Open registration only after the format, rules and available capacity are clear.
How many volunteers do I need for a skate competition?: Plan separate cover for registration, rider marshalling, judging support, safety checks, sound and cleanup. For a small competition, start with at least 6 to 8 volunteers and add people as rider numbers increase.
What safety equipment is needed for a skate competition?: Prepare first aid kits, cold packs, warning signs, crowd barriers and barrier tape, plus helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards where required. Complete a course and equipment check before the first run, not during registration.
When should I print the start list and judging cards?: Print the run sheet and judging cards after registrations close and participant details are confirmed, ideally 1 to 2 days before the event. Keep a small number of blank cards available for late corrections.

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.