How may a dive begin?
I · Intermediate · The dive · 2 of 7A dive starts from a stand at the front of the board, from a run or, on the platform, from an armstand. Back and inward dives must be standing. In the starting position the body is straight, the head erect and the arms straight. A run must be smooth and forward, with the last step taken from one foot.
How it works
- On the signal: "When the signal is given by the Referee, the diver shall take the starting position."
- The position: "the body shall be straight, head erect, with the arms straight in any position".
- Standing dives: the starting position is taken when the diver stands on the front end of the board or platform. The feet must stay in contact with it until the take-off.
- Running dives: the starting position is taken when the diver is ready for the first step. The run must be smooth, pleasing to the eye and in a forward direction, "with the final step being from one foot".
- Which dives may run: from the springboard, forward and reverse dives may be standing or running. From the platform, only forward dives may run.
- Which must stand: backward and inward dives always. From the platform, reverse dives too.
- Armstand: the starting position is taken "when both hands are on the front end of the platform and both feet are off the platform". The judges look for "a stationary and steady balance in the straight vertical position".
- Waiting for the signal: for backward and inward take-offs, the diver does not go to the end of the board or platform until the referee has given the signal.
- Deductions: ½ to 2 points from each judge for a poor starting position, a run that is not smooth or a wobbling armstand.
The glossary covers this under running and standing dive and armstand dive.
Tricky cases
Can a diver take a running start for a back dive?
No. Backward and inward dives must be performed standing.
In a standing dive the diver gives a little hop before taking off. Is that allowed?
No. The feet must stay in contact with the board or platform until the take-off. If they leave it, each judge deducts ½ to 2 points.
Can a reverse dive from the 10 m platform be running?
No. From the platform the take-off for reverse dives must be standing.
Are armstand dives done from the springboard?
No. They are platform dives.
Why the rule exists
The start is part of the dive and is marked as such. The rules on which dives may run are about safety: a diver cannot run backwards along a board, and a running reverse dive from a rigid platform brings the head back towards concrete.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules | As above | DV 8.2; DV 8.3; DV 8.4.1; DV 8.4.2; DV 6.4.7 |
| Synchronised diving on the springboard | All forward-facing dives must be done with a running approach | DV 3.6.3; DV 9.13 |
| An armstand that loses balance | A restart, with 2 points off each award | DV 8.2.6.3 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Four: Diving Rules (in force as from 1 January 2025), Articles 6.4.7, 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).