Event Mock-ups

One of the best practices that can be done to help make sure your comp runs as smoothly as possible is setting up event mock-ups.

In Architecture a mock-up is done to establish the quality and finish of a given item. On any given project we might be reviewing anywhere from 8 to 20 mock-ups depending on the scope of work.

For example if I’m designing a project that has 800’ of walls the Contractor will be required to produce a 4’ or 5’ section of the wall. This is so we can agree on a reasonable level of expected quality. If there’s an issue with the finish, or how some detail is being constructed then we’ll be able to see and correct it in the mock-up instead of trying to correct it after the Contractor has just built 800’.

When it comes to competitions this is the process of setting up your workouts after you’ve programmed them. You’ll want to do this for each event and if you have different equipment being used in different divisions then you’ll want to do this for those as well.

By this point we’ve created a base sheet and have established the stations and floor configuration that we’ll be working with.

Using tape or chalk physically mark out the lanes & boundaries of the workout. Do not use cones, you want to see what the floor will look like the day of the comp. Ideally this is done for 3 stations with 2 stations being the minimum…the point being that it should not just be for one.

With the stations marked out you’ll want to setup all the equipment that will be used for each event. For the purpose of this drill any barbell movements should have weights on the bar but it does not need to be the prescribed weight, we’re just trying to get a handle on spacing and layout.

Part of what we are looking to understand is not only the flow of the workout but how it will look & feel the day of when all the teams are on the floor and next to each other. You want to make sure everyone will have enough space to do whatever movements they’re being asked to perform. 

The event mock-up process gives you as the coordinator an opportunity to make any tweaks or adjustments to the floor layout, or movement standards in a calm controlled setting before the event. It should be done early in the planning process so you have the flexibility to make any changes that you need to. 

The last thing you want is to be having to make last minute changes on the fly the day of because you didn’t realize the barbell is to close the rower and bounces into it when dropped.