Strongman competition checklist

A strongman competition needs more than a list of events and heavy equipment. You need time for permits, insurance, rules, athlete registration, officials, first aid and a safe competition layout. Work backwards from competition day: secure the venue first, publish registration details early, then confirm equipment, volunteers and timings. Use this checklist to keep the competition moving from initial planning through weigh-in, event setup and results.

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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
Apply for competition permit
Check insurance
Draw up competition rules
2 people
Assign judges
Arrange the first aid team
Book host
Assign timekeepers
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Create registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Publish the competition online
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Publish start list
Send audience information
Order catering
Order prizes and medals
Reserve materials
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
3 people
Sort bib numbers
2 people
Print competition forms
Prepare music and announcements
Prepare volunteer instructions
2 people
Cordon off the area
4 people
Lay the sports floor
6 people
Set up competition stations
8 people
Place crash mats
4 people
Set up audience sections
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up tent and shade areas
4 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Secure power and cables
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up catering point
3 people
Set up the first aid station
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Check competition materials
3 people
Conduct a safety check
3 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Weigh participants
2 people
Hold the jury briefing
4 people
Brief volunteers
3 people
Welcome the audience
3 people
Open the match
2 people
Introduce the athletes
2 people
Supervise competition events
10 people
Record scores
3 people
Adjusting weights and equipment
6 people
Provide athletes with water and rest
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks and meals
3 people
Inform the audience
Empty trash bins
2 people
Lead the final
8 people
Check final standings
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
See the audience out
3 people

Aftercare

Dismantle competition equipment
8 people
Dismantling tents and barriers
5 people
Wash dishes and kitchen equipment
3 people
Collect waste
4 people
Clean the grounds
5 people
Disconnect the sound system
2 people
Hand over the venue
2 people
Return rental equipment
2 people
Clean up leftovers
2 people
Publish match results
Send photos and results

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Olympic barbellsqty 4
Weight platesqty 40
Kettlebellsqty 8
Dumbbellsqty 6
Atlas stonesqty 6
Carrying yoke
Carry bagsqty 2
Pull cordqty 2
Barrelqty 2
Wooden beam
Crash matsqty 12
Magnesium blocksqty 20
Bib numbersqty 40
Measuring tapesqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 6
Scale
Bollardsqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 300
Conesqty 30
Chalk powderqty 2

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Clothes racksqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop
Printer

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the venue, permit and insurance before opening registration. Check that the site can handle Olympic barbells, plates, kettlebells, dumbbells, atlas stones, a carrying yoke and other heavy implements, with enough room for safe loading and athlete movement.
Publish the rules and registration form early, including weight classes, event order, cut-off dates and dietary requirements. Send the start list and audience information only after registrations have been checked and the final timetable is stable.
Assign more than one timekeeper and judge for a multi-event competition. Prepare printed competition forms, bib numbers, measuring tapes and stopwatches before athletes arrive, and keep a laptop and printer available for last-minute changes.
Plan the safety setup around the actual events, not just the venue entrance. Place crash mats where implements may be dropped, check pull cords and carrying paths, and have the first aid team briefed before the first lift or carry.
Do the final equipment and weather check at least 24 hours before the event. Party tents, coolers, waste bins, extension cords and power strips are easy to overlook, while outdoor weather can affect surfaces, announcements and the placement of heavy equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a strongman competition?: Start venue, permit and insurance planning at least 12 to 16 weeks before competition day. Open athlete registration once the rules, event list and key safety arrangements are confirmed.
How many judges and timekeepers do I need for a strongman competition?: Plan at least one judge and one timekeeper for each active competition area, plus a coordinator or reserve for breaks. For several simultaneous lanes, assign people before publishing the final schedule, not on the morning of the event.
When should I order strongman equipment and prizes?: Reserve competition equipment and order prizes or medals at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Recheck quantities and implement specifications 7 days before the event so missing plates, stones or awards can still be replaced.
What should I prepare the day before a strongman competition?: Complete the shopping, print forms, sort bib numbers, test the sound system and charge or check stopwatches and other devices the day before. Also review the weather forecast and mark the equipment, athlete and spectator areas before setup begins.

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.