What makes a take-off legal?
I · Intermediate · The dive · 3 of 7The take-off must be from both feet at the same time and from the end of the board or platform. It should be balanced and high. A double bounce on the springboard or a double jump on the platform is a failed dive. So is a final step in a run that is not taken from one foot.
How it works
- Both feet: "The take-off from the springboard and the platform shall be from both feet simultaneously."
- The one exception: "The reverse take-off from the platform may be from one foot."
- Not from both feet: the referee declares a failed dive.
- Double bounce: "Two consecutive jumps from both feet, where the feet leave the springboard or platform." It is a failed dive.
- The last step of a run: if it is not from one foot, the referee declares a failed dive.
- Quality: the take-off "shall be, balanced and high and shall be from the end of the springboard or platform". If not, each judge deducts ½ to 2 points.
- Twisting early: in twisting dives the twist "shall not be manifestly done from the springboard or platform". If it is, each judge deducts ½ to 2 points.
- A judge's own zero: a judge who believes the take-off was not from both feet, or that there was a double bounce, may award 0 even if the referee has not declared a failed dive.
Tricky cases
A diver bounces twice on the end of the springboard before leaving it. What is the score?
Zero. A double bounce is a failed dive.
The referee does not call a double bounce but one judge is sure they saw one. What can that judge do?
Award 0. A judge may do so notwithstanding that the referee has not declared a failed dive.
A diver takes off a little short of the end of the board. Is it a failed dive?
No. It is a deduction of ½ to 2 points from each judge for a take-off not made from the end.
Can a diver start twisting while their feet are still on the board?
No. A twist manifestly begun from the board or platform is marked down by each judge.
Why the rule exists
A springboard stores the energy of one jump and gives it back. Two bounces would store more and throw the diver higher, so one hurdle and one take-off are all that is allowed. Taking off from both feet together keeps the dive going straight out from the board and not off to one side.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules | As above | DV 8.4; DV 6.5.4 to 6.5.6; DV 8.3.3; DV 8.3.4 |
| Reverse dives from the platform | May be taken off one foot | DV 8.4.3 |
| Armstand dives | The hands losing contact with the platform during the take-off costs ½ to 2 points | DV 8.2.6.4 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Four: Diving Rules (in force as from 1 January 2025), Articles 6.5.4 to 6.5.6, 8.3.3, 8.3.4 and 8.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).