2007 Diving Judging Manual

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Diving is an athletic aesthetic sport and must be judged on many levels:  balance, speed, height, trajectory, grace, etc.  We will try to make judging diving as objective as possible.  The dive should first be evaluated objectively and then any aesthetic value of the dive, if present, should augment the award.

 

As diving judges, or diving referee, we need to be as consistent as possible to provide the best experience possible for the divers.  To do that we need to consider what criteria should be used to evaluate each dive.  Read and understand rule 9 of National Federation of High Schools rule book (NFHS). Review the situations and rulings for diving.  The rules vary from high school diving, USA diving and NCAA so become familiar with your venue.

 

DIVE LIST

As a judge you should know the dive list and dive numbers.  Listen to the announcer and be aware of which dive the competitor is about to perform. There are five categories of dives.

--  100 or Forward dives: Forward approach and all dives and somersaults are done in the forward rotating direction (away from the board).

--  200 or Backward dives: Backward standing start position and dives are performed in the backward rotating direction (away from the board).

--  300 or Reverse dives: Forward approach and dives are performed in the backward rotating direction (rotate backward toward the board).

--  400 or Inward dives: Backward starting position and dives are performed in the forward rotating direction (rotate forward toward the board).

--  500 or Twist dives: Forward or Backward take off with a twist added to the dive rotation.  Any of the previous 4 categories of dives may be used.

 

DIVE ASPECTS

The following aspects of each dive have to be considered when scoring:

l  Starting position:

               Forward dives: The diver must stand still with good posture and the arms in a position of the diver's choice.

 

               Back dives: The diver must be balanced on the balls of their feet with good posture. The arms are straight in a position of the diver's choice.  The most common positions are at the side, 90 degrees from the shoulders, or overhead.

l  Approach:

               Forward dives: There must be a minimum of three steps plus a hurdle to the end of the board prior to the takeoff.  The three steps should be in a smooth, natural walking motion not stiff or jerky.  Standing forward dives are not permitted in high school diving.

 

               Back dives: The diver should be stationary and the board still before beginning any oscillations.  High school diving only allows four oscillations prior to arm movement or the diver is penalized for excessive oscillations.  The diver's feet should never loose contact with the board prior to the take off, or the diver should be penalized for crow hopping (or double bouncing).  Again, there should be no exaggerated or jerky movements. The diver should be well balanced throughout the movement.

 

l  Hurdle: 

               In a forward approach (there is no hurdle in back take offs) the hurdle consists of a diver lifting either leg.  The other leg pushes down on the board allowing the diver to jump to the end of the board where they should land with both feet in a balanced position. The hurdle is critical to the rest of the dive and judges must consider this element in scoring the dive.

 

l  Takeoff: 

               Forward approach:  The diver needs to land out of the hurdle in a nearly vertical position on the end of the board with the feet opposite each other (not staggered).

 

               Back approach: The diver will bring their arms upward as the board oscillates upward and then swing their arms in a backward circle to synchronize the take off with the jump. The diver's weight is balanced on the balls of their feet. Their feet may be slightly separated or together.  Maintaining balance is critical for both front and back approaches because it affects the height of the dive and the distance from the end of the board. Leaning forward or backward may diminish the height and throw the diver either too far away or too close to the board.  Leaning to either side or landing off-center on the end of the board will probably cause the diver to enter the water to the side of the board.

 

 

l  Flight: 

               The flight of the dive includes everything from take off to entry. Many aspects are important in the flight: Balance, height power, distance, quickness, and grace. The dive should have good elevation and exhibit strength with grace and control. Straight tight legs and the toe point should be maintained throughout the dive and entry for all positions. Ideally the dive should be completed above the board to allow for a good drop and entry into the water. The distance from the board should be about 2 to 4 feet.

 

l  Dive positions:

               Tuck: The hips and knees are bent and the arms pull the body as close to the legs as possible. The toes are pointed and the elbows remain close to the body. The tuck is as compact as possible for a more desirable image as well as to improve the execution of the dive and to increase the speed of the rotation for somersaults.

 

               Pike: The hips are bent, the legs are straight, and the toes are pointed. The position of the arms is at the option of the diver. The diver may choose an open or closed position. In the open pike the arms are held out to the side of the body, preferably in a 90 degree angle. In the closed pike dive the arms are straight and touch the toes on the tops of the diver's feet. In the closed pike somersault the arms are bent and the diver grabs the back of the legs or behind the knees.  Again, the elbows are kept close to the body.

 

               Straight or Layout: The diver is completely straight and generally the arms are at a 90 degree angle to the side of the body. The diver should not have an excessive arch in the back and the diver's head should be generally in line with the body.

 

               Free: Twists can have a combination of two or more positions: tuck, pike, straight. However, each position must be well defined, the body tight and the legs together with pointed toes.

 

l  Entry:

The entry should be vertical with minimal splash and ideally 2 to 4 feet from the end of the board.  The entry is characterized as over or under, or long or short, of an ideal vertical angle to the water.  The diver's body should be completely straight without evidence of any previous position during the dive. Underwater movements or ÒsavesÓ are not judged in the dive score, but can greatly aid or hinder a dive. ÒRipÓ entries are impressive and spectacular but do Ònot tell the whole storyÓ. The diver should land in front of the board and not off to one side.  Both hands must be above the shoulders for head first entries and below the shoulders for feet first entries.

 

SCORING

 (High School System)

 

9-10     Exceptional - all phases of the dive, from starting position through entry, are exceptional.

7 1/2 - 8 1/2    Excellent - approach, hurdle, takeoff, flight or entry are only slightly affected. Execution of the dive is well defined.

6 - 7     Good - approach and hurdle are unaffected; height and distance from the board are acceptable; execution is defined; entry is under control but affected.

4 1/2 - 5 1/2    Satisfactory - approach and hurdle are satisfactory; height and distance are adequate; execution is complete but the entry is long or short.

2 1/4 - 4            Deficient - approach and hurdle are affected; height and distance are inadequate; execution is affected; entry is long or short.

1/2 - 2 Unsatisfactory - approach and hurdle are affected; height and distance inadequate; execution incomplete or position is broken; entry is significantly long or short.

0            Failed dive

 

Deductions: 

1. The referee must call failed and unsatisfactory dives.  If the referee rules a dive failed, it requires a score of 0.  An unsatisfactory ruling requires the score may be no higher than

 

2.  An individual judge may score a dive as unsatisfactory or failed even if the referee does not mandate such a call.

 

Fail dive (score of 0):

1.  A diver performs a dive other than that given on the score sheet.

Note: the dive is defined by the dive number. A dive clearly done in a position other than that listed on the score sheet would be ruled unsatisfactory.

2.  The diver fails to assume a starting position.

3.  The diver falls into the water.

4.  The diver is assisted by another person.

5.  The diver fails to execute the pike before the twist for dive numbers 5111B and 5411B.

6.  The diver does not contact the water with the head or hands first on a head-first dive, or with the feet initially on a feet-first dive.

7.  The diver twists 90 degrees more or less than what is written on the score sheet when the diver's hands or feet make first contact with the water.

8.  The diver repeats a dive.

9.  The diver steps off the board after assuming a starting position.

Note: many divers attempt to adjust the fulcrum with their foot while on the board.  If the fulcrum is stiff they may have to step off the board to reposition the fulcrum.  This rule should not be interpreted so strictly that a diver is penalized with a failed dive for what might be considered an equipment malfunction.

10. The diver performs a dive requiring a forward approach from a standing position.

11. The diver omits the official description of the dive from the score sheet.

Note:  the official description of the dive is the dive number and position. The dive   number takes precedence over any written description of the dive. A diver may change the position of the dive after it is announced. If the new position has a DD higher than the dive on the score sheet the dive will be scored with the original (lower) DD. If the new position results in a lower DD than the original position then the dive is scored with the lower DD.  The referee should instruct the scoring table accordingly.

12. The diver commits two balks.

13. In a dual meet does not perform the voluntary dive first.

14. In a championship meet (or invitational meet using an 11 dive format and following   championship rules) does not perform the voluntary and optional dives in the required format.

15. The diver performs a dive not listed in the dive table.

 

Unsatisfactory Dive (maximum score of 2):

1.  The dive is clearly done in a position other than that listed on the score sheet.

2.  The diver enters the water with one or both arms above the shoulder on feet first entries or one or more arms below the should on head first entries.

3.  A diver hits the board.

4.  A diver does not attempt to come out of a pike or tuck prior to the entry.

Note: Releasing from a tuck or pike is more than just releasing the hands from the shins or legs. There must be an attempt, however slight, to straighten the body or legs.

              

Mandatory Deductions:

1.  The diving referee will deduct two points from each judge's scores for

               a. violation of the forward approach

               b. balk.

Note: For a balk the judges should be instructed to score the dive as performed, Then the referee instructs the scoring table to deduct two points from each judge's score.

2.  Each judge should deduct 1/2 to 2 points for the following:

               a. Excessive oscillation (more than four in high school rules).

               b. Crow hop: one or both feet leave the board before a back/inward take off.

               c. Spreading the knees in a tuck or pike position.

               d. Not holding the straight position until the body is horizontal to the water for flying dives (90 degrees of rotation).

e. Entering to the side of the board.

               f. Twisting manifestly from the board.

 

Deficient Dive (2 1/2 to 4):

If the diver partially alters the listed position during flight. This is based on a judge's opinion, not a referee's decision.     

 

Disqualifications:

A diver should be disqualified and perform no further dives if:

1.  They fail two dives.

2.  The diver does not make a sincere attempt to perform a dive.

3.  The diver unnecessarily delays the competition.

4.  A diver behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner.

 

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Judges Awards:

In a dual meet there are three judges. There awards are added together and multiplied by the dives degree of difficulty (DD). This is the total points that the diver earns for the completed dive.  In a championship meet there are five to seven judges.  In the case of five judges, the low and the high scores are eliminated.  The remaining three scores are added and multiplied by the DD.  For seven judges two low scores and two high scores are thrown out.

 

Dive Number:

 

Dive Category                     Dive/Somersault                         Twist

 

   1_ _ front      _ 01     dive     5_ _ 1  1/2 twist

   2_ _ back     _ 02     1 som.              5_ _ 2  1 twist

   3_ _ reverse              _ 03     1 1/2 som.      5_ _ 3  1 1/2 twist

   4_ _ inward _ 04     2 som.              5_ _ 4  2 twists

   5_ _ twist     _ 05     2 1/2 som.      5_ _ 5  2 1/2 twist

               _ 1 _    fly position

              

For dives and somersaults the first number is the dive category, the middle number is a 0 except for flying dives when it is 1, and the third number is the amount of rotation for a dive or somersault.

 

For twist dives the 5 indicates the dive is a twist, the second number indicates the dive category, the third number indicates dive or number of somersaults, and the fourth number indicates the number of twists.  Note:  Whole numbers for somersaults are feet first entries, whereas 1/2 numbers are head first entries.  Whole numbers for twists are completed when the diver is facing the same direction they started from, whereas 1/2 numbers are completed when the diver is facing the opposite direction than the starting position.

 

Dive Position:

 

               A is straight or lay out

               B is pike

               C is tuck

               D is free

 

Degree of Difficulty (DD):

This is the numerical value of difficulty assigned to each dive and is listed on a dive table.  This is one category that is universal throughout all diving venues (high school, AAU, USA Diving, NCAA, and FINA).

 

JUDGING TIPS

The best way to become a good judge is to watch a lot of diving.  Try to observe high caliber diving at the club, college, or Olympic level as well as beginning divers.  Mentally throw your own scores and see how they compare to the judges on deck.  Go to local age group or high school team practices and watch the divers work out.  Get an idea of exceptional as well as poor dives.

 

In order to be good judge you have to know what dive to expect (listen to the announcer), and what an ideal dive might be in your mind.  Remember each diver is given the benefit of perfection.  In other words, we expect that each diver is capable of doing a perfect dive.  Start with a score of 10 in your mind for each dive, and see if the elements of the performed dive add up to a great score.  Then, deduct points as necessary.  Do this rather than expecting the diver will fail every dive and starting at a score of 0. 

 

Try to picture the dive before it is performed, and then compare it to what the diver actually does.  Of course, if the diver displays additional qualities such as grace and beauty this will definitely add to your score. Be as honest with your scores as you can and be quick with your decision. Usually your first impression is the most accurate.  If you ponder a decision, you may over or under emphasize qualities of the dive.

 

Remember, your score is never wrong; it is your subjective opinion of the dive.  Other judges might have valued the dive differently, or emphasized different aspects of the dive. But your interpretation is simply how you saw the dive performed. Be consistent with yourself and do not be influenced by degree of difficulty, crowd noise, or other judges scores. You may have scored the first dive higher than the other judges, but you do not want to try and compensate relative to the scores of the other judges. They may be trying to compensate because they feel that they were too high or low relative to your score!  Sometimes everyone is wrong, but with practice, one improves and it gets easier.  Everyone can make a mistake.  Simply move on from that point and continue to strive for consistency and an unbiased opinion.

 

Do not judge by the diver's reputation. Very good divers are capable of blowing a dive, and very poor divers are capable of spectacular dives. Judge each dive, not the diver, on its own merit.  Use the full range of scores, not just a median of 4 to 6.  Diving is in general a very safe sport, but if the dive is too close to the board it is not safe and points should be deducted from the score.  Do not overly reward any dive just because there is a rip entry. Rips can occur too far, or too close to the board, and may even occur at the end of a poorly performed dive.  All dive elements must be present to judge the dive high, not just a great entry.

 

Judges should flash their scores only after the announcer calls for the scores, and they should do this simultaneously. This will prevent one judge from influencing another or a judge simply copying the most ÒpopularÓ score.  Listen to the scores that are announced to be certain your score was read accurately and recorded properly. The announcer should always read the scores in the same order. Remember your score because you may need to re-flash if there was a score table error.  If you were confused by the dive, or unsure of what dive was announced, feel free to ask the announcer or referee to repeat the dive number and description. Remember, at the larger more important meets, the high and low scores are thrown out, thus creating a more average score.  So relax, have fun, and most of all, enjoy the competition and the sport.

 

THE DIVING REFEREE

The Diving Referee is the head diving judge and has full authority over other diving judges.  The Diving Referee's decision is final.

 

Before diving competition, the Diving Referee should:

 

1.  Arrive at least 30-minutes prior to the start of diving competition, if it is the first event, to examine the diving boards, diving equipment and pool conditions.

              

2.  Require diving score sheets be submitted by a designated time, allowing adequate time for review of the score sheets.

              

3.  Have a meeting with the divers and coaches to discuss the following: a) warm-up procedures before competition and stretching during competition, b) responsibility for diving sheets, c) the importance of the diver listening to each dive as it is announced and what to do if a dive is announced incorrectly, d) quieting the crowd, and, e) any special rules which will apply to competition.

4.  Meet with the other diving judges prior to competition to briefly review their responsibilities and inform them of their locations while judging diving.

              

During the diving competition, the Diving Referee should:

              

5.  Determine disqualifications based on the rule book and notify competitors or their coach.

 

6.  Determine and announce failed dives based on the rule book.

              

7.  Deduct 2 points from each judges award for a violation of the forward approach or a balk.

              

Following the diving competition, the Diving Referee should:

              

8.  Review the score sheets for accuracy and be sure the scores are announced.

              

DIVING JUDGES

While there are many aspects to be a good diving judge, knowledge of the rules is a must.  Knowing the rules regarding the aspects of diving (approach and hurdle, takeoff, flight, and entry into the water) is essential to being a diving judge.  A review of the Guidelines for Judging Diving and the Diving Silhouettes in the NFHS Swimming & Diving Rules Book is an excellent reference.

              

It is important to hear the announcer read the dive and dive description in order to develop a mental picture of the dive to be completed.  Begin judging the dive when the starting position has been established and do not stop judging the dive until the diver has passed below the surface of the water.  Once the dive is completed, select a score quickly, without consulting another diving judge.  If there is an error in the score read by the announcer bring it to the attention of the diving referee immediately.

              

Diving judges, who are also coaches, may converse with their divers between dives, but may not do so when it will distract them from the dive being performed by another diver.

              

THE DIVING ANNOUNCER

The diving announcer should:

              

1.  Be familiar with diving and review dive sheets prior to competition in order to clarify any questions.

2.  Announce each dive in the following manner: ÒName of the diver, dive description, dive number, position, and degree of difficulty.Ó  Making this announcement slowly and clearly is a must for the competitors and diving judges.

3.  Announce judges scores clearly and accurately. 

4.  Announce judges scores in the same order every time, as has been determined by the diving referee.  Prior to diving competition beginning, an announcement giving the names of the diving judges and the order in which their scores will be read is appropriate.

5.  Announce the final individual and team scores.

 

The excerpt below is from the 2007-2008 National Federation of State High School Associations' Swimming and Diving and Water Polo Rules Book, and has been reprinted with the permission of the NFHS expressly for the IGHSAU.  Further reproduction or duplication of this material is prohibited.

 

 

NFHS RULE 9:  DIVING COMPETITION

 

NFHS Rule 9-5:  Form of the Dives

 

ART. 1 . . . The forward starting position includes good posture, eyes focused on the end of the board and body with arms in a position of the diver's choice.

 

ART. 2 . . . The forward approach shall consist of at least three steps followed by a jump off one foot to a landing on both feet at the end of the board.  The forward takeoff shall be from both feet simultaneously to an adequate height to perform the dive.

 

ART. 3 . . . The back/inward starting position requires an upright head and body with arms straight and in a position of the diver's choice.  The diver may move the arms to various preparatory positions provided there is no obvious attempt to start the dive.

ART. 4 . . . The back/inward takeoff is permitted only for back and inward dives.

   Divers:

a.  shall stop oscillating the board just before or after the starting position is assumed;

               b.  shall not oscillate the board more than four times before the  arms move from the starting position;

c.  shall not permit a foot or both feet to leave the board during an  oscillation prior to the final spring from the board;

d.  shall not permit an oscillation to be so large as to disrupt the tempo and smoothness of the dive.

 

ART. 5 . . . It is a balk if, in the diving referee's opinion, a diver assumes the starting position and from that position interrupts the continuous execution of the dive prior to the water entry.  The balk shall be declared before the dive is scored.  NOTE: A pause in the arm movement of some dives is a natural part of the dive and should not be interpreted as a balk.

 

ART. 6 . . . The flight shall be either in the:

a.  straight position in which the body shall not be bent either at  the knees or hips, the knees and feet together and toes pointed;

b.  pike position in which the body shall be bent at the hips, the legs straight and together and the toes pointed;

c.  tuck position in which the body shall be bent at the hips and the knees, the knees together and toes pointed;

d.  free position in which a combination of positions may be used  to perform twisting dives.

 

NOTE: Flying somersaults require the straight position be maintained from the takeoff until the body has rotated to the horizontal position.

 

ART. 7 . . . The position of the arms during flight is the choice of the diver, but they shall be kept still until just before entry into the water when they shall be brought together and extended beyond the head in a line with the body for the head-first entry or against the sides of the body with straight elbows for the feet-first entry.

 

ART. 8 . . . The entry into the water shall be as nearly vertical as possible with the body straight and toes pointed.  The dive is completed and scored when the body has passed below the surface of the water.

 

ART. 9 . . . All properly executed dives shall be performed at a safe distance from the board and pool walls.

 

NFHS Rule 9-7:  Awarding Points

 

ART. 1 . . . The areas of consideration in awarding points are the starting position, approach, takeoff, flight and positions, and entry into the water.

 

ART. 2 . . . Points shall be awarded by judges on a scale from 10-0 at 1/2 point increments according to the following:

               a)  Exceptional 9 to 10.

               b)  Excellent, 7 1/2 to 8 1/2.

               c)  Good 6 to 7.

               d)  Satisfactory 4 1/2 to 5 1/2.

               e)  Deficient 2 1/2 to 4.

               f)  Unsatisfactory 1/2 to 2.

               g)  Failed 0.  (See Judging Guide - p. 77)

 

ART. 3 . . . A dive is deficient if, in a judge's opinion,

               a)  the diver partially alters the position of the dive during flight.

               b)  a diver enters the water with one or both hands above the

shoulders on a dive requiring a feet-first entry, or with one or both hands below the shoulders on a dive requiring a head-first entry.

 

ART. 4 . . . A dive is unsatisfactory if, in the diving referee's opinion:

a)  the dive is clearly done in a position other than that described on the diving score sheet.

               b)  a diver hits the diving board.

               c)  a diver does not attempt to come out from the tuck or pike  position.

 

ART. 5 . . . A diver is failed if, in the diving referee's opinion, the diver:

               a)    executes a dive other than that given on the diving score sheet;

               b)  does not assume a starting position;

               c)  falls into the water;

               d)  is assisted by another person;

               e)  does not execute the pike before the twist when dives Nos.   5111B and 5411B;

f)  does not contact the water with the head or hands first on a head-first dive or with the feet initially on a feet-first dive;

g)  executes a twist that is greater or less by more than 90  degrees of what is written on the score sheet when the diver's  feet/hands contact the water;

               h)  repeats a dive;

               i)  steps off the board after assuming the starting position;

               j)  performs a dive requiring a forward approach from a standing

forward position;

               k)  omits the official description of the dive on the diving score sheet;

               l)  commits two balks;

               m)  in a dual meet, does not perform the voluntary dive first;

n)  in a championship meet, does not perform the voluntary and optional dives as specified;

               o)  performs a dive not listed on the diving table;

NOTE:  In championship meets, the diving  referee may consult with a designated member of the judging panel concerning a possible failed dive.

 

NFHS Rule 9-8:  Mandatory Deductions

 

ART. 1 . . .The diving referee shall deduct 2 points from each judge's award for:

               a)  a violation of the forward approach.

               b)  a balk.

ART. 2 . . . Each diving judge shall deduct 1/2 to 2 points for:

               a)  excessive oscillation;

               b)  foot/feet leaving the board prior to a back/inward take-off;

               c)  spreading the knees in the tuck position;

               d)  not holding the straight position on flying somersaults until the  body is horizontal to the surface of the water;

               e)  entering to the side of the board;

               f)  twisting manifestly from the board;

ART. 3 . . . A diver shall be disqualified and shall perform no further dives if  he/she fails two dives.  A diver shall be disqualified if in the judgment of the diving referee:

               a)  the diver did not make a sincere attempt to perform the dive;

               b)  it becomes obvious that the dives listed on the diver's score sheet are too difficult for the diver;

               c)  the diver unnecessarily delays in the performance of a dive;

               d)  the diver behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner.