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Pinewood Derby Registration Checklist

Pinewood Derbies are held annually by Cub Scout troops, which are a part of the Boy Scouts of America, across the United States. The first Pinewood Derby was held in Manhattan Beach, California, but over the years, churches and other organizations have adopted the concept. Now, Pinewood Derby events are held by many groups throughout the country each year. A Pinewood Derby gives children and adults an opportunity to exercise imagination, teamwork and competition. A helpful derby registration form provides event information, collects participant information and clearly states participation requirements.

Derby Information
- The first item that needs to be included at the top of your registration form is the date, location and time of the Pinewood Derby. Clearly note when cars will be weighed, when the judging for "Best Design" will be held and when the race will begin. List your organization's name or Cub Scout troop number and the derby chairperson's contact information at the top of the registration form where it can be clearly seen.
Gather Participant Information
- This next section of your registration form needs to gather name and contact information from derby participants. Decide how many categories you want to have judged in your derby. You may allow participants to enter cars for speed and design and award winners in both categories. Or, if you prefer, you may have only a speed category. If you are organizing a derby on a district or regional scale and plan to have multiple groups or troops participate, include fields for names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and troop number or town names. You may also want to ask for physical addresses so you can mail information to participants if necessary. Use the names you collect to generate participation awards, such as personalized certificates so that each person involved feels rewarded regardless of whether or not they win.
Present Participant Requirements
- To be complete, your registration needs to clearly present race rules and requirements to participants. This will help parents and children know what to expect upfront. Decide whether you will charge a fee; if you decide not to charge, list that clearly as well. Tell participants where they can get derby kits; the Boy Scouts of America has a kit that scouts can purchase for $3.99 each. List weight and length requirements; keep in mind that Boy Scout standards require cars to be equal to or less than five ounces in weight and seven inches in length. Finally, provide participants with a full copy of the rules at time of registration. If your registration is offered online, create a link to the rules that can be accessed from your registration form.

Soap Box Derby