What to Buy for a Synchronized Swimming Competition
A synchronized swimming competition needs more than swimwear and a pool. You will need a clear setup for registration, judging, music playback, changing areas, refreshments, and safe movement around the pool. Plan equipment for the number of swimmers, judges, officials, and spectators rather than buying one shared item and hoping it is enough. The list below covers the practical supplies that are easy to overlook, especially power connections, waterproof audio equipment, score sheets, and non-slip surfaces.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Tablesqty 10
- Chairsqty 180
- Judges' tableqty 2
- Registration desk
- Changing room benchesqty 12
Equipment
- Laptopqty 3
- Music laptop
- Speakersqty 2
- Mixer
- Microphoneqty 2
- Extension cordsqty 4
- Power stripsqty 4
- USB sticksqty 3
Sports equipment
- Bib numbersqty 100
- Swim capsqty 100
- Waterproof music speakersqty 2
- Game clocksqty 2
- Stopwatchqty 3
- Whistlesqty 4
- Pool barrier
- Conesqty 12
- Non-slip matsqty 8
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 220
- Coffee cupsqty 80
- Platesqty 180
- Cutlery setsqty 180
- Serving plattersqty 12
- Pitchersqty 8
Kitchen
- Coffee makerqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 6
- Coolersqty 4
- Serving spoonsqty 6
- Cutting boardsqty 3
- Bread knivesqty 3
- Serving tongsqty 6
Jury
- Score sheetsqty 400
- Jury matsqty 12
- Clipboardsqty 15
- Calculatorsqty 4
- Pensqty 40
- Markersqty 12
- Starting listsqty 20
- Program bookletsqty 200
Decorations
- Stage ribbon
- Flagsqty 8
- Competition bannersqty 3
- Tableclothsqty 10
Cleaning
- Waste binsqty 8
- Hand broomsqty 3
- Mopsqty 4
- Bucketsqty 4
- Cleaning cartsqty 2
Catering
- Groceries
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea selection - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 liters
- Cola Zero - 12 liters
- Orange soda - 8 liters
- Iced tea - 8 liters
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
Tips
- Prepare one registration pack for every 25 to 30 participants, including bib numbers, printed start lists, pens, and spare copies of participant details. Keep the registration desk separate from the judges’ table so arrivals do not interrupt scoring.
- Bring at least two USB sticks containing the final music files, plus a music laptop and a backup playback setup. Test every routine in the planned music order at least 24 hours before the competition.
- Allow one chair per judge or official, then add two spare chairs for last-minute staffing changes. A separate judges’ table should be large enough for score sheets, pens, water, and the laptop without crowding.
- Use non-slip mats at wet access points and place cones or a pool barrier where swimmers, officials, and spectators could cross paths. Check the poolside route before doors open, when the floor is likely to be wet.
- For refreshments, provide about two reusable cups per person for a short competition and add coffee cups, plates, cutlery, serving platters, and pitchers if food or hot drinks are served. Set aside extra drinks for officials and staff instead of relying on the audience supply.
Frequently asked questions
- What equipment do I need for a synchronized swimming competition?
- Plan for a registration desk, judges’ table, chairs, laptop, music laptop, speakers, mixer, microphone, USB sticks, score sheets, bib numbers, whistles, a stopwatch, pool barriers, cones, and non-slip mats. The exact quantity depends on the number of swimmers, judges, and officials.
- How many chairs do I need for a synchronized swimming competition?
- Count one chair for each judge, official, registration worker, and seated staff member, then add at least two spare chairs. Set up changing-room benches separately and do not use those as substitutes for the officials’ seating.
- How many copies of the music should I bring?
- Bring the final music on at least two USB sticks and keep a copy on the music laptop. Check the files and playback order at least 24 hours before the event, then test the speakers and mixer again on the day.
- What should I buy for refreshments at a swimming competition?
- For a short event, plan roughly two reusable cups per person, plus coffee cups if hot drinks are served. Add plates, cutlery sets, serving platters, and pitchers according to the number of swimmers, staff, officials, and spectators who will be eating or drinking.
Plans a lot like this one
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.
Organize this event for free with LizztOrganize for free and invite your contacts!