Short History
Bridge and cliff diving evolved simultaneously in different parts of the world over a thousand years ago and has a recorded history in the Pacific Islands and Europe back to the 13th century.
The modern sport of diving was developed from gymnastics rather than swimming, as is commonly thought. In the beginning, divers were mostly Swedish and German gymnasts who preferred practicing while landing in water, rather than on hard floors.
The earliest recorded diving competition took place in 1871 - off the London Bridge. Diving has been an Olympic event for men since 1904. The 1908 Olympics in London included a full competition from both platform and “elastic board”. Women's “Plain Diving” was added in the 1912 Olympics and “Spring-board” in 1920. The first concrete diving tower was built at Swimming Stadium Tourelles for the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Competitive Format
The one-metre springboard events (International competitions, aside from the Olympics) consist of unlimited (degree of difficulty) dives only - in each round of competition. Five dives for women and six dives for men. After the preliminary is complete the top six divers with odd numbered ranking (1st, 3rd, ….) compete in semi-final A, and the top six even ranked divers (2nd, 4th, ……) compete in semi-final B. The top three from each semi-final advance to the final and compete in reverse order of their semifinal scores.
In the individual three-metre springboard and all platform events, dives consist of unlimited dives in the preliminary, limited (low degree of difficulty) dives in the semi-finals, and repeat their unlimited dives in the final. The top 18 from the preliminary move on to the semi-final.
Based on combined preliminary/semi-final scores, the top 12 advance to the final. Divers' semifinal scores are then carried through to the final, with final ranking determined by combined semi-final/final scores.
At National, State, interclub/pennant, school, junior, novice and intra-club competitions the above competition format will vary or be simplified to better suit the ability and experience of athletes and officials.
Types of Dives
There are six different groups of platform and springboard dives. The first four types involve rotating in different directions relative to the board and the starting position. The fifth group includes any dive with a twist, and the final group, used in platform diving, begins with an armstand.
What the Numbers Mean!
Each dive is designed a code number of 3 or 4 digits and a single letter
- First digit : direction of rotation
- 1 = Front
- 2 = Back
- 3 = Reverse
- 4 = Inward
- 5 = Twisting
- 6 = Armstand
- Second digit : initial position of flight
- 0 = Unspecified position
- 1 = Flying Dive
- Third digit : number of half somersaults
A full somersault is made up of two half somersaults and is thus a “2”. A one and a half somersault is therefore a “3”. - Fourth digit : number of half twists
As a half twist is a “1”, a full twist is therefore a “2” - Last character : position
- A = Straight
- B = Pike
- C = Tuck
- D = Free
- Forward Group: The diver faces the front of the board and rotates toward the water. Dives in this group range from the simple front dive to the difficult four and one-half somersault. Dive numbers in this group begin with the number one (eg. 107B).
- Backward Group: All the dives in this group begin with the diver on the end of the board with their back to the water. The direction of rotation is away from the board. Dive numbers in this group begin with the number two (eg. 205B).
- Reverse Group: These dives begin with the diver facing the front of the board (using a forward approach) and rotating towards the board. Dive numbers in this group begin the number three (eg. 305C).
- Inward Group: The diver stands on the end of the board with their back to the water and rotates toward the board, the opposite of the backward groups' movement. Dives numbers in this group begin with the number four (eg. 405B).
- Twisting Group: Any dive with a twist is included in this group. There are four types of twisting dives, forward, backward, reverse and inward. Due to the possible combinations this group includes more dives than any other. Dive numbers in this group begin with the number five (eg 5253B).
- Arm stand Group: In platform diving there is a sixth, unique group of dives called 'arm stands'. Here the diver assumes a handstand position on the edge of the platform before executing the dive. Dive numbers in this group begin with the number six (eg. 6241B).
Judging
Divers are judged by a panel of seven judges who give a score between zero (0) and ten (10) points for each dive performed. The points awarded can categorise dives as follows:
| 0 | Completely failed |
|---|---|
| 0.5 - 2 | Unsatisfactory |
| 2.5 - 4.5 | Deficient |
| 5.0 - 6.0 | Satisfactory |
| 6.5 - 8.0 | Good |
| 8.5 - 10 | Very good |
In classifying a dive into one of the judging categories, certain parts of each dive must be analysed and evaluated, and an overall award obtained.
The parts of the dive are:
- Approach - Should be smooth but forceful showing good form.
- Take-off - Must show control and balance, plus the proper angle of leaving and landing for the particular dive being attempted.
- Elevation - The amount of spring or lift a diver receives from the take-off greatly affects the appearance of the dive. Since more height means more time, a higher dive generally affords greater accuracy and smoothness of motion.
- Execution - This is most important, for this is the actual dive. A judge watches for proper mechanical performance, technique, form and grace.
- Entry - The entry into the water is very significant because it is the last thing a judge sees and the part probably remembered best. The two criteria evaluated at entry are the angle of entry- which should be vertical, and the amount of splash- which should be as little as possible.
Scoring
Individual events
When all seven judges have allocated a score for a dive, the high and low scores are eliminated and the remaining scores totalled. This number is then multiplied by the degree of difficulty (DD) rating assigned to the dive.
The DD for a given dive is assigned by Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA), the governing body for world swimming and diving. The DD is calculated to one decimal place (eg. 3.1). The resulting value is then averaged and multiplied by 3 to represent a score that would have been achieved if judged by three judges.
Example:
7 Judges' Award:
7, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 6.5 = 35
Total X DD = Score 35 X DD 2.0 = 70 X 0.6 = 42.0
Synchronised events
In synchronised events, two judges rate one diver, two judges rate the other diver, and five judges rate the pair. The high and low individual scores are eliminated, leaving seven scores to be processed as above.
How To Photograph Diving
NO FLASH !!
Make sure the lens and shutter speed is fast enough to capture and stop the diver; 500th of a second will do it. An old fashioned film camera is likely to do a far better job than a non-professional digital camera. Wait for the diver to be at the highest point of the dive. Use an uncluttered background to make the diver stand out.