What happens when a diver nearly hits the board?
A · Advanced · The dive · 2 of 5If a diver comes unsafely close to the board or platform, or touches the end of it with their head, the most each judge may award is 2 points. Touching the end with the feet or hands is a smaller fault, marked down as each judge sees fit.
How it works
- The rule: where a judge "considers a diver to be unsafely close to the springboard or platform or the diver touches the end of the springboard or platform with their head, the judges shall award up to a maximum of 2 points".
- When most agree: if a majority of the judges, at least three of five or four of seven, award 2 or less for an unsafe dive, "all higher scores shall be two (2) points".
- Signalling: the judges tell the referee, electronically or by raising a hand, that their low marks are for an unsafe dive.
- With video: where approved visual technology is available, the referee reviews it and, if the dive was unsafe, declares a maximum of 2 points from each judge.
- Feet or hands: a diver who touches the end of the board or platform with feet or hands is marked down by each judge according to their opinion.
The glossary calls this an unsafe dive.
Tricky cases
A diver's feet clip the board on the way down but the dive is otherwise clean. Is that a 2-point maximum?
No. A touch with the feet or hands is a deduction at each judge's discretion. The 2-point maximum is for being unsafely close or touching with the head.
Three of seven judges mark a dive as unsafe and four do not. Is everyone's mark cut to 2?
No. It takes at least four of seven.
Who decides when there is video?
The referee, after reviewing it.
Why the rule exists
Hitting the board is how divers are badly hurt. A dive that spins close to the board can look tight and impressive, so without this rule it might even be rewarded. Capping the mark at 2 removes any reason to cut it fine.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules | As above | DV 8.5.3; DV 8.5.4; DV 10.6 |
| Without approved video | The judges decide by majority | DV 8.5.4 |
| A dive off line but clear of the board | An ordinary deduction | DV 8.5.2 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Four: Diving Rules (in force as from 1 January 2025), Articles 8.5.2 to 8.5.4 and 10.6. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).