Introduction
Diving is an individual sport with separate events for men and women. Most diving competitions consist of three disciplines C 1m, 3m and tower, or platform.In tower events, competitors are allowed to perform their dives on either the 5m, 7.5m (generally just called 7m) or 10m towers. High level meets, including the Olympic Games and World Championships, usually require all divers to execute from the 10m.
Facility
A diving facility is 18.29m long by 22.89m wide and equipped with two 1m and two 3m springboards and a diving tower with take-off platforms at 5m, 7.5m and 10m. Platforms also exist at 1m and 3m heights as training tools. The diving facility can be separated from or incorporated with the swimming pool. The overall dimensions can increase to suit other activities such as synchronised swimming and water polo.The basic measuring point used is the plummet line. This is a vertical line extending through the centre point of the front edge of the diving springboard.
The water temperature is a minimum of 26 celsius. The colour of the walls are white or pale blue. A dark blue floor, in conjunction with agitation of the water surface by water sprays, assists divers to see the water surface and reduces the risk of an accident.
The pool edge is level with the water with raised ends to assist in diving teaching and coaching. Rest ledges, if provided, are recessed at a minimum water depth of 1.2m.
Springboard diving
The springboards are placed on either one or both sides of the platform. For synchronised diving, it is preferable that at least two springboards at the same height are placed side by side. No objects are to obstruct the visibility in any part between the divers.The boards are at least 4.8m long and 0.5m wide and covered in a non-slip surface. The springboards are fitted with movable fulcrums adjustable by the diver. The springboards are installed dead level at the leading edge when the moveable fulcrum is in all positions.
The vertical distance from the level of the platform, which supports the fulcrum assembly, to the level of the top of the springboard is 0.365m. The distance from the front edge of the fulcrum assembly (which is 0.676m long) to the front edge of the supporting platform is a maximum of 0.68m. If the front edge of the platform projects past this point, then the top surface past this point is sloped at a rate of one vertical to three horizontal.
Platform diving
Each platform is rigid and horizontal. The minimum dimensions of the platform are:| Platform | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6m-1m | 0.6m | 5m |
| 2.6m-3m | 0.6m (pref. 1.5m) | 6m |
| 5m | 1.5m | 6m |
| 7.5m | 1.5m | 6m |
| 10m | 3m | 6m |
The front of the 10m and 7.5m platforms must project at least 1.5m beyond the edge of the pool. For 2.6m, 3m and 5m platforms, a projection of 1.25m is acceptable and for 0.6m?1m platforms a projection of 0.75m is acceptable.
It is preferable that a platform is not constructed directly under any other platform. If it is unavoidable, the platform above must project a minimum of 0.75m (preferred 1.25m) beyond the platform below. The end of a 5m platform must not project beyond the ends of the 3m springboards. Platforms are accessible by stairs, not ladders.