Diving Rules
Official competition rules, safety regulations, and procedures for diving meets
Competition Formats
6-Dive Format
Standard high school format
- One dive from each group (1-5)
- One additional from any group
- First dive: 1.8 DD limit
11-Dive Format
Advanced competition format
- 5 voluntary + 6 optional dives
- Higher DD requirements
- Complex group rules
Prelims/Finals
Championship format
- Morning preliminary session
- Top qualifiers to finals
- Cut lines: Top 8, 12, or 16
Degree of Difficulty Rules
6-Dive Competition
- First dive: capped at 1.8 DD
- Girls minimum: 11.5 DD total
- Boys minimum: 12.0 DD total
- All dives must be unique
11-Dive Competition
- First 5 voluntary: max 9.0 DD combined
- Same minimum totals as 6-dive
- All dives must be unique
Safety Restrictions
- Banned: 104A, 304A, 402A
- Position validity must be verified
- Only allowed positions per dive
Group Requirements
- All 5 dive groups must be represented
- Forward, Back, Reverse, Inward, Twist
- 11-dive: All groups in first 8
Violations & Penalties
Balk Penalties
- First balk: 2-point deduction per 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
Procedural Violations
- Late dive sheet submission
- Coaching during competition
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
- Penalties: Warnings to disqualification
Safety Requirements
Pool Requirements
- Minimum depth 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
- Age-appropriate dive restrictions
- Injury reporting procedures
- Emergency action plans in place
Judge & Officials
Judge Requirements
Certification
Current diving judge certification required
Positioning
Optimal viewing of takeoff, flight, entry
Scoring Standards
Consistent application of criteria
Referee Duties
Competition Management
Oversee conduct and rule enforcement
Safety Oversight
Ensure all safety protocols followed
Rule Interpretation
Final decisions on interpretations
Official Resources
World Aquatics
International governing body for aquatic sports
Visit Site →USA Diving
National governing body for US diving
Visit Site →NFHS Rules
High school diving rules and regulations
Visit Site →Need More Information?
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