Although several divers may do the same dive, each performance never looks quite the same. This is because each individual has unique mannerisms, characteristics of movement, strengths and timing — all adding up to an abstract but observable phenomenon called “style.”
Style is difficult to assess by any standard, except whether or not you like it. This is why judging is difficult. Even though there are criteria of execution all divers must meet, evaluation remains a subjective process. No matter how well a dive is performed, artistic likes and dislikes of the judges play a large part in the outcome of any contest, and for this reason there are usually differences of opinion among coaches, competitors, judges and spectators about the accuracy of results.
A dive is scored between zero and 10 points (full or half point increments) by each judge. A table of the scores and how they should be awarded appears to the left. Note that the guidelines do not indicate an award of 10 as “perfect,” but instead as “very good.”
Categories of Judging
Certain parts of each dive must be analyzed and evaluated, and an overall award obtained. The parts of a dive are:
Approach
Three or more steps forward to the end of the board before the hurdle and takeoff. Form: Should be smooth but forceful, showing good form.
Takeoff
A diver’s lift from the board prior to execution of the dive. Form: Must show control and balance, plus the proper angle of landing and leaving for the particular dive being attempted.
Elevation
The amount of spring or lift a diver receives from the takeoff greatly affects the appearance of the dive. Form: Since more height means more time, a higher dive generally affords greater accuracy and smoothness of movement.
Execution
The dive itself. Form: 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 the judge sees and the part probably remembered best. Form: The two criteria to be evaluated are the angle of entry, which should be near vertical, and the amount of splash, which should be as little as possible.
Scoring
There can be 5, 7 or 9 judges on a pane. With 5 judges the high and low score is removed, with 7 it is the two high and low, and with 9 it is the 3 high and low. The remaining three scores are multiplied by the D.D.( the degree of difficulty of the dive), for the final score.
