Running and evaluating sports events

Preparing the Event

Recognise the importance of planning in making sure the event runs smoothly.
Tasks can include booking facilities, arranging equipment, organising staff, confirming teams or participants, and ensuring all safety measures are in place.
Understand the importance of risk assessment to mitigate potential hazards, from equipment safety tests to emergency evacuation plans.
Identify the importance of having back-up plans in cases of unexpected modifications, from changing weather conditions to a key participant dropping out at the last moment.

Running the Event

Be familiar with the role of referees, judges and officials: they maintain fairness and integrity, enforce rules and regulations, and make important on-the-spot decisions.
Appreciate the critical role played by the participants, who not only compete but contribute to the event’s atmosphere and engagement with the audience.
Recognise the significance of the audience in creating the environment for a sports event. They help generate the atmosphere and are a major part of the overall experience.
Understand that problems may arise during an event and respond to them efficiently to prevent impacts on the quality of the spectacle and the participant experience.
Keep an overview of all responsibilities, from venue setup, participant registration or ticket sales, to the running and coordination of activities.

Evaluating the Event

Know the importance of feedback surveys and interviews from all involved - the audience, the participants and the staff.
See the value of a review meeting where all key staff can discuss how the event went, and address both the positives and negatives for future events.
Learn to use qualitative data, such as feedback comments, and quantitative data, such as attendance figures and timekeeping, to help provide an impartial evaluation.
Think about the aim of the sport event. Were the pre-set goals and objectives fulfilled? Use this analysis as a way to improve future events and discuss what could have been done differently.
Acknowledge the importance of lessons learnt. Each event, just like a team’s performance, presents opportunities to improve and grow in terms of organising abilities and experiences.