Reference
Diving rules.
Competition formats, safety regulations, and procedures — the rulebook in plain text.
01 · Formats
Three competition formats.
Standard high school
6-dive
- One dive from each group (1–5)
- One additional from any group
- First dive: 1.8 DD limit
Advanced competition
11-dive
- 5 voluntary + 6 optional
- Higher DD requirements
- Complex group rules
Championship format
Prelims / finals
- Morning preliminary session
- Top qualifiers to finals
- Cut lines: top 8, 12, or 16
02 · DD rules
Degree of difficulty.
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, Twisting
- — 11-dive: all groups in first 8
03 · Violations
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 board conditions
- — Result: disqualification or correction
Procedural violations
- — Late dive sheet submission
- — Coaching during competition
- — Unsportsmanlike conduct
- — Penalties: warnings to disqualification
04 · Safety
Safety requirements.
Pool requirements
- — Minimum depth by diving height
- — Clear water with proper visibility
- — Temperature within acceptable range
- — Proper lighting
Equipment safety
- — Regular board inspections
- — Proper fulcrum settings and limits
- — Non-slip surfaces maintained
- — Emergency equipment accessible
Personnel
- — Certified diving referee present
- — Qualified safety personnel on deck
- — Medical personnel available
- — Trained coaches supervising
Diver safety
- — Proper warm-up procedures
- — Age-appropriate dive restrictions
- — Injury reporting procedures
- — Emergency action plans in place
05 · Officials
Judges & officials.
Judge requirements
- Certification
- Current diving judge certification required.
- Positioning
- Optimal viewing of takeoff, flight, and entry.
- Scoring standards
- Consistent application of criteria across the meet.
Referee duties
- Competition management
- Oversee conduct and rule enforcement.
- Safety oversight
- Ensure all safety protocols are followed.
- Rule interpretation
- Final decisions on interpretations during the meet.
06 · Resources
Official resources.
World Aquatics
International governing body for aquatic sports.
Visit siteUSA Diving
National governing body for US diving.
Visit siteNFHS rules
High-school diving rules and regulations.
Visit siteNeed more information?
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