Reference

Diving rules.

Competition formats, safety regulations, and procedures — the rulebook in plain text.

Browse glossary

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.