Short answer...yes.

I urge you and anyone interested in competition flying ( great-fun ) to attend a scale contest, at least as a spectator and at best, someone's "caller" / co-pilot.
Doing this will answer many if not all of your questions. And you'll have alot of fun too.

More directly to your question;...as a competitor, you will be asigned to a "flightline", usually at least two and a max of four lines, at the start of the flying portion of the contest. This will begin ( usually but not always ) after all of the models have gone through static-judging. Your model must have already been flown and proven safe at some point prior to contest day. No testing, no maiden flights, no first-flight-post-crash-rebuild aloud during the contest.

Find your name on the "Flightline" list and get familar with the planes that go before you and keep an eye on who's flying on your line. You and your model must be ready to go when your name is called. If you or your model are not ready then you can request to be reassigned to the end of the list. This decission is up to the C.D. ( contest director ). At a local Scale Masters qualifier, for example, your request will usually be granted the first time. But, the second time........probably not. As in all contests, you ( the competitor ) must be ready when called. If you fly your contest model in the days or weeks prior, then you'll be ready. Just practice your routine, both in the air and on the ground and things should go smoothy on contest day.
Contest flying doesn't have to be something to fear if you're prepared. However, I do understand someone's intrepidation if they have never flown in one.

Best advice,...find the neccessary documention for the plane you want to build FIRST...and then build a perfect replica...and then pick your maneuvers ( 5 manditory and 5 optional ) ....and then.......practice, practice, practice.
Don't forget to breath and ....have fun !

Good luck.
Ken.