Wrestling match checklist and organising plan

A wrestling match runs smoothly when registration, weigh-ins, officials, scheduling and mat setup are handled in the right order. Start by securing the venue and competition format, then confirm clubs, referees and participant numbers before preparing the bout schedule. In the final days, check every piece of equipment, print competition paperwork and brief the team. On the day, allow time for weighing, floor checks, audience barriers and a clear referee briefing before the first bout.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

Confirm the competition venue
Define the competition format
3 people
Confirm referees
Contact participating clubs
2 people
Open registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Check weight classes
2 people
Close the participant list
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Plan referee briefing
Order prizes and medals
Confirm reservations
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect materials
3 people
Prepare competition folders
2 people
Inform participants
Chill drinks
2 people
Clean the sports floor
3 people
Lay out the wrestling mat
6 people
Check ring markers
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Mark off audience sections
3 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Test microphone
2 people
Set up the catering table
3 people
Set up the first aid station
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Hang signs
2 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Welcome the audience
4 people
Carry out weighing
3 people
Give participant briefing
2 people
Handle the opening ceremony
3 people
Supervise races
5 people
Record race results
2 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Clear away jury tables
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
4 people
See the audience out
3 people

Aftercare

Dismantle sports equipment
6 people
Dismantle furniture
4 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the catering area
2 people
Mop the sports floor
3 people
Conduct the final venue check
2 people
Return materials
3 people
Store leftovers
2 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Wrestling mat
Edge matsqty 12
Crash matsqty 8
Competition whistlesqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Scale
Bib numbersqty 40
Training bibsqty 20
Medalsqty 30
Cupsqty 6

Furniture

Chairsqty 180
Tablesqty 12
Foldable tablesqty 4
Bollardsqty 24
Barrier tapeqty 6

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop
Printer
Laminator

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Storage binsqty 12
Pliersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6

Lighting

LED lightsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 3

Cleaning

Mop setsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Vacuum cleaner
First aid kit
Fire extinguisherqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Close registration before drawing the bout schedule. Check weight classes and resolve missing or incorrect information while clubs can still respond, rather than changing matchups on the day.
Plan weigh-ins with a scale, registration records and bib numbers ready in one place. Keep a printed participant list and competition folders available in case the laptop or printer fails.
Brief referees before competition starts, including the format, bout order, whistle signals and how results are recorded. Allow at least 20 minutes for this briefing.
Set up the wrestling mat, edge mats and crash mats before arranging tables and chairs. Check ring markers, floor cleanliness and cable positions before spectators enter the hall.
Prepare refreshments and awards before the first match. Chill drinks in advance, and keep medals, cups and any presentation materials together so prize giving does not delay the schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a wrestling match?: Start venue, format and referee arrangements at least 8 weeks before the match. Open registration early enough to close the participant list 7 to 10 days before competition, leaving time to create the bout schedule.
When should wrestling match registration close?: Close registration 7 to 10 days before the event. This gives you time to check weight classes, contact clubs about errors and draw up a realistic match schedule.
What should I prepare the day before a wrestling match?: Collect and check the mat equipment, tables, chairs, barriers, sound system, paperwork and prizes the day before. Chill drinks and prepare competition folders so the venue setup on match day focuses on the floor and registration area.
How early should referees arrive for a wrestling match?: Ask referees to arrive at least 30 minutes before the first bout. Use the first 20 minutes for the referee briefing and keep another 10 minutes for questions, final checks and late changes.

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.