You always dreamed of host a CrossFit® competition in your garage, but you don't know how to do it? Below we will see a number of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to have a sporting event of this magnitude within your space.
In this article we look at some basic steps before creating and hosting a CrossFit® competition.
Index
1 - Determine your "why"
Working with many partners we have noticed that each of the manifestations has its own well-defined “why”. There are those who, like the Like Apaloosa that he wants to create a Games-style atmosphere with innovative tests; or there are boxes like CrossFit® Egadi or Ouroboro that harness the potential of making competitions on the beach.
Now I ask you: what is your why? How do you differentiate yourself from the crowd?
2- Why athletes should come to your CrossFit competition® ?
Sure… the one that attracts the most are the cash prizes, of course. But let's not forget that there is a slice of CrossFitters who love the community spirit and that competitive atmosphere.
So, the perfect mix is to combine these two goodies to get more subscribers!
3- What will the categories be?
Will your race be for individuals only? Or in teams? Or both?
Will there be different levels - Elite, Rx, Scaled, Masters?
4- How will you advertise your competition?
Social media is obviously an important element in this case. Posting regularly on Instagram and on the pages of local CrossFit® groups on Facebook is essential.
You can also contact specialized companies, like us at CrossMAG to create an ad hoc package to advertise your race!
Another good way to advertise is with flyers. Keep them short and straight to the point (date, location, breakdown of divisions, cash prizes). To maximize their value, distribute them to gyms in your area.
Another way to make yourself known is to write to athletes who love to compete inviting them to participate in your competition.
5- Determine your expenses
Cash prizes, athletes 'shirts, judges' shirts… etc. Once you have determined your expenses, you will know how much money you will need to be covered by the sponsors.
6- Identify your equipment needs
Not all gyms have a ton of equipment. Don't let this stop you.
You might contact other boxes / gyms in the area and see if collaboration is an option!
7- Sponsors
This is a great way to finance your race and cover all your expenses. Reach out to local companies and offer them the chance to financially partner with your tender in exchange for visibility.
Establish different levels of sponsorship and be strategic in regards to the companies you will be targeting for high and low level sponsorship.
8- Establish deadlines
Start on the race date and work backwards. Consider these questions:
- When do registrations start and end?
- If the registration fee increases, when does the price increase trigger?
- When do I need to have all the sponsorship details?
- How many workouts will there be and when will they be released?
- When should promotional videos be shot?
- When will the judges' meeting take place?
9- Other things to consider when hosting a CrossFit® competition
- Feel Judge Rules e Project Judges for the team of judges and leaderboards
- Who will plan the competition?
- Who will be the speaker?
- Will there be someone taking photos / videos of the day?
- Parking?
Since the competition takes place in real time, make sure you post Instagram / Facebook Stories, Posts, etc. This will involve the other participants in the event more.
After the race, post photos, statistics, etc. sporadically to maintain involvement and keep the event on top of mind throughout the year until the next race.
Finally, have fun!