When does a dive score zero?
I · Intermediate · The dive · 4 of 7A failed dive scores 0. The referee declares one when the diver does a different dive from the one announced, double bounces, takes off wrongly, enters with the wrong end first, is 90 degrees or more out on a twist, refuses the dive, takes too long after a warning or fails a second attempt after a restart.
How it works
The referee declares a failed dive:
- Wrong dive: when certain that the diver has performed "a dive of a number other than that announced".
- Too slow: if the diver takes more than one minute after the referee has given a warning.
- Double bounce or double jump: on the end of the springboard or platform before the take-off.
- The last step: in a running dive, if it is not from one foot.
- The take-off: if it is not from both feet at the same time.
- The twist: if at the entry it is greater or less than announced by 90 degrees or more.
- The entry: in a head-first dive, if the feet enter before the head or hands. In a feet-first dive, if the head or hands enter before the feet.
- Help: if assistance was given to the diver after the starting signal.
- A second failure: when the attempt after a restart is also unsuccessful.
- Refusal: "When a diver refuses to execute a dive, the Referee shall declare a failed dive."
Separately, a judge may award 0 on their own view of several of these, even where the referee has not declared a failed dive.
Tricky cases
A diver announces a pike and performs the same dive in tuck. Is that a failed dive?
No. A wrong position is a maximum of 2 points. A failed dive is for a dive of a different number.
A diver stops on the end of the board and walks back twice. What happens?
The first stop is a restart with 2 points deducted. If the second attempt is also unsuccessful, it is a failed dive.
A coach shouts "now" as the diver comes out of a somersault. Can that fail the dive?
Yes. The referee may declare a dive failed if they consider that assistance was given by anyone after the starting signal.
Can a diver with one failed dive still win?
Yes, in principle. A zero is one dive among five or six, though at the top level it almost always ends the diver's chances.
Why the rule exists
Most faults in diving cost marks. These cost everything because they change what the dive is. A different dive, a second bounce or a twist a quarter-turn out is no longer the dive on the list, and there is nothing fair to mark it against.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules | As above | DV 10.1; DV 6.4; DV 6.5 |
| Synchronised diving | Also failed if either diver does a different dive or position, or if one enters the water before the other has left the board | DV 9.4; DV 9.6 |
| Judges | May award 0 themselves in the cases listed | DV 10.5 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Four: Diving Rules (in force as from 1 January 2025), Articles 6.4.8, 6.4.12, 6.4.15, 6.4.16, 6.5.3 to 6.5.10, 9.4, 9.6 and 10. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).