Parent's Guide to Dive Sheets
Understanding your high school diver's scorecard doesn't have to be mysterious.
Learn what all those numbers, codes, and scores really mean.
Dive Sheet Basics: What You're Looking At
Your diver's scorecard contains a wealth of information. Here's how to decode it all.
Sample High School Dive Sheet
MEET INFORMATION
DIVER INFORMATION
| # | Dive # | Description | Pos | DD | Judge Scores | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J1 | J2 | J3 | ||||||
| 1 | 103C | Forward 1½ Somersault | C | 1.6 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 33.6 |
| 2 | 201B | Back Dive | B | 1.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 27.0 |
How This Score Was Calculated:
Dive 1 (103C): Judge scores were 7.0, 7.5, 6.5. We add them up: 7.0 + 7.5 + 6.5 = 21.0. Then multiply by the DD (1.6): 21.0 × 1.6 = 33.6 points
Dive Numbers
The code that describes exactly what dive your child is performing.
Degree of Difficulty
How challenging the dive is. Higher DD = more points possible.
Judge Scores
Judges rate each dive 0-10. Highest and lowest scores are dropped.
Decoding Dive Numbers: The Secret Code
Every dive has a code like "103C" or "301A". Here's how to read them like a pro.
Breaking Down "103C"
First Digit
Direction Group
Middle Digits
Somersaults/Twists
Position Letter
Body Position
Result
103C means:
Common Beginner Dives
Advanced Dives
How Scoring Really Works
Understanding the math behind your diver's scores helps you appreciate their performance.
The Magic Formula
In competitions with 5 judges, the highest and lowest scores are dropped, then the remaining 3 are added.
Step-by-Step Scoring Example
Your diver performs: 103C (Forward 1½ Somersault Tuck)
Degree of Difficulty: 1.6
The Math:
What Judges Score On
How they walk out and leave the board
Body position, control, and technique in the air
How cleanly they enter the water
Score Ranges Explained
Understanding Competition Formats
High school diving typically uses either 6-dive or 11-dive formats. Here's what each means.
6-Dive Format
The most common format for high school and beginner competitions.
Requirements:
- • One dive from each of the 5 groups (Forward, Back, Reverse, Inward, Twisting)
- • One additional dive from any group
- • Total of 6 dives
Why This Format:
- • Shorter meets (less stressful for new divers)
- • Ensures variety in dive selection
- • Good for learning all basic dive types
11-Dive Format
Advanced format used in higher-level competitions and championships.
Requirements:
- • 5 voluntary dives (one from each group)
- • 6 optional dives (from any groups)
- • More challenging DD requirements
Why This Format:
- • Allows for more specialty dives
- • Higher scoring potential
- • Tests endurance and consistency
- • Used in state championships
Common Parent Questions
We've heard these questions countless times from diving parents. Here are the answers.
"Why did my child get a lower score on an easier dive?"
Easier dives have lower Degree of Difficulty values, so even with perfect execution, they can't score as high as harder dives. A perfect 10 on a DD 1.2 dive only gives 30 points, while a good 7.0 on a DD 2.5 dive gives 52.5 points. Coaches balance this by teaching divers when to attempt harder dives.
"What does it mean when a dive is 'failed' or gets 0 points?"
A dive receives 0 points if: (1) the wrong dive is performed, (2) the diver lands unsafely (back or belly), (3) they lose control completely, or (4) they perform a dive not on their dive sheet. Safety is the top priority, so unsafe entries result in failed dives regardless of how the dive looked in the air.
"How is the dive sheet submitted, and can it be changed?"
Dive sheets must be submitted before the meet begins (usually 24-48 hours prior). Once submitted, changes are typically not allowed except in cases of injury or with referee approval. This is why coaches spend time carefully planning dive sheets with appropriate DD ranges and ensuring all competition requirements are met.
"What are 'validation errors' and why do they matter?"
Validation errors occur when dive sheets don't meet competition requirements: duplicate dives, missing dive groups, banned dives for safety, or DD limits exceeded. These tools help coaches catch problems before submission. A dive sheet with validation errors may be rejected or result in scoring penalties.
"Should my diver always attempt the highest DD dives?"
Not necessarily! A well-executed easier dive often scores better than a poorly executed difficult dive. Coaches consider the diver's skill level, consistency, and the competition format. In team scoring, consistent mid-range scores often help the team more than one high score and several low scores.
"How can I best support my diver during competitions?"
Focus on effort and improvement rather than scores or placements. Diving is as much mental as physical. Positive encouragement, understanding that progression takes time, and trusting the coaching process help divers develop confidence. Remember that every diver progresses at their own pace, and each competition is a learning experience.
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