Diving Rules & Regulations
Official competition rules, safety regulations, and procedures
for diving meets and competitions.
Competition Rules & Procedures
Essential rules and regulations for diving competitions
Competition Formats
6-Dive Format
Standard high school and club competition format
- • One dive from each group (1-5)
- • One additional dive from any group
- • First dive voluntary with 1.8 DD limit
- • Minimum total DD requirements by division
11-Dive Format
Advanced competition format for higher levels
- • 5 voluntary dives (one from each group)
- • 6 optional dives from any groups
- • Higher DD requirements and restrictions
- • More complex group distribution rules
Preliminary/Finals
Two-session format for championship meets
- • Morning preliminary session
- • Evening finals with top qualifiers
- • Typical cut lines: Top 8, 12, or 16
- • Finals may use different dive order
Degree of Difficulty Rules
6-Dive Competition
- • First dive is voluntary, capped at 1.8 DD
- • Girls minimum total: 11.5 DD
- • Boys minimum total: 12.0 DD
- • All dives must be unique (no duplicates)
11-Dive Competition
- • First 5 voluntary dives max 9.0 DD combined
- • Girls minimum total: 11.5 DD
- • Boys minimum total: 12.0 DD
- • All dives must be unique (no duplicates)
Safety Restrictions
- • Banned dives: 104A, 304A, 402A
- • Removed from competition for safety reasons
- • Position validity must be verified for each dive
- • Only allowed positions for each dive number
Group Requirements
- • All 5 dive groups must be represented
- • Groups: Forward, Back, Reverse, Inward, Twisting
- • 11-dive: All groups in first 8 dives
- • 11-dive: Voluntaries from 5 different groups
11-Dive Competition Rules
V/O Distribution
- • First 5 dives: 2 voluntary + 3 optional
- • Next 3 dives: 2 voluntary + 1 optional
- • Last 3 dives: 1 voluntary + 2 optional
- • Required and Voluntary are the same (marked "V")
Group Diversity
- • 5 voluntary dives from 5 different groups
- • 6 optional dives with at least one from each group
- • All 5 groups in first 8 dives
- • Each voluntary group appears exactly once
Validation Rules
- • No duplicate dives allowed
- • Position validity for each dive
- • Safety restrictions enforced
- • Correct dive count required
Violations & Penalties
Balk Penalties
- • First balk: 2-point deduction from each judge
- • Second balk: Failed dive (0 points)
- • Definition: Starting but not completing takeoff
Failed Dives
- • Wrong dive performed
- • Unsafe entry (back/belly landing)
- • Loss of control during flight
- • Penalty: 0 points awarded
Equipment Violations
- • Improper swimsuit or uniform
- • Jewelry or accessories
- • Unsafe diving board conditions
- • Result: Disqualification or correction required
Procedural Violations
- • Late dive sheet submission
- • Coaching during competition
- • Unsportsmanlike conduct
- • Penalties: Warnings to disqualification
Safety Requirements
Pool Requirements
- • Minimum depth requirements by diving height
- • Clear water with proper visibility
- • Temperature within acceptable range
- • Proper lighting for visibility
Equipment Safety
- • Regular diving board inspections
- • Proper fulcrum settings and limits
- • Non-slip surfaces maintained
- • Emergency equipment accessible
Personnel Requirements
- • Certified diving referee present
- • Qualified safety personnel on deck
- • Medical personnel available
- • Trained diving coaches supervising
Diver Safety
- • Proper warm-up procedures required
- • Age-appropriate dive restrictions
- • Injury reporting procedures
- • Emergency action plans in place
Judge & Officials Rules
Standards and procedures for diving officials
Judge Requirements
Certification
Must hold current diving judge certification from recognized governing body
Positioning
Proper positioning for optimal viewing of takeoff, flight, and entry
Scoring Standards
Consistent application of scoring criteria for all competitive levels
Referee Duties
Competition Management
Oversee all aspects of competition conduct and rule enforcement
Safety Oversight
Ensure all safety protocols are followed throughout competition
Rule Interpretation
Make final decisions on rule interpretations and protests
Official Resources
Authoritative sources for diving rules, regulations, and standards
World Aquatics
Official international governing body for aquatic sports. Access rules, regulations, and competition standards.
USA Diving
National governing body for diving in the United States. Rules, safety guidelines, and competition information.
NFHS Rules
High school diving rules and regulations. Essential resource for coaches and officials.
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