Diving is a sport in which divers jump into the water and perform various kinds of dives. In competitions, divers use a springboard to achieve a certain level of performance. Competitions are governed by FINA, the world governing body of synchronized diving, and open water swimming. While there are some differences, diving has a common set of rules and requirements. The main competitive season runs from February to July. During the winter months, some competitions may be held in January or December. A medical form must be completed and signed by a doctor before diving.
Divers are judged based on three aspects of a dive. The first aspect is the degree of difficulty (DD). The second is the amount of splash created on entry to the water. For instance, a diver performing a dive that has less splash will receive a higher score. However, the most important factor in judging is how well the dive is executed. There are several factors that affect the degree of difficulty, including body position, arm placement and the number of twists the dive has.
There are six types of dives that divers can perform. These include the free pike, the reverse pike, the arm-stand dive, the forward group, the backward group and the backward pike. Each type of dive has its own degree of difficulty. Generally, the more difficult the dive, the more risk there is of poor execution. Among the most challenging dives are the tuck and the multiple twists.
Performing a feet-first dive is typically performed on a low level of a 3m springboard. Traditionally, hands are interlocked with fingers extended towards the water. Nowadays, a palms-down technique is more common. This Adam McManus Durham gives the diver more control of the rotational speed of the dive. Another variation of this dive is the “head-first” dive.
Most divers are required to perform at least two dives. Those who do not complete the required number of dives will receive a score of zero. If a dive is not announced properly, the diver must correct the announcer before diving. Some competitors may receive a redive, usually for very young divers learning to compete.
Before diving, the diver must submit a list of optional dives. These dives are scored separately. Optional dives come with a DD limit. Normally, they are performed on the same platform, but sometimes they are done on other types of platforms.
After completing the dive, the diver is assessed by a panel of judges. These are usually five or seven people. They are tasked with determining the relative order of divers, the number of twists in the dive, the degree of difficulty and the amount of splash created on entry to the pool. Ultimately, the score is multiplied by the DD of the dive and the dive tariff. Unless the competition is very serious, absolute scores do not have much significance. Instead, relative scores have more meaning.
Whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner, you can learn to master the different diving positions. As a result, you will improve your overall performance.