Judging the Dive Elements Competing Synchro Difficulty Glossary Although several divers may do the same dive, each performance never looks quite the same. This is because each individual has unique mannerisms, characteristics of movement, strengths and timing -- all adding up to an abstract but observable phenomenon called "style." Style is difficult to assess by any standard, except whether or not you like it. This is why judging is difficult. Even though there are criteria of execution all divers must meet, evaluation remains a subjective process. No matter how well a dive is performed, artistic likes and dislikes of the judges play a large part in the outcome of any contest, and for this reason there are usually differences of opinion among coaches, competitors, judges and spectators about the accuracy of results. A dive is scored between zero and 10 points (full or half point increments) by each judge. A table of the scores and how they should be awarded appears to the left. Note that the guidelines do not indicate an award of 10 as "perfect," but instead as "very good." Categories of Judging Certain parts of each dive must be analyzed and evaluated, and an overall award obtained. The parts of a dive are: Approach Three or more steps forward to the end of the board before the hurdle and takeoff. Form: Should be smooth but forceful, showing good form. Takeoff A diver’s lift from the board prior to execution of the dive. Form: Must show control and balance, plus the proper angle of landing and leaving for the particular dive being attempted. Elevation The amount of spring or lift a diver receives from the takeoff greatly affects the appearance of the dive. Form: Since more height means more time, a higher dive generally affords greater accuracy and smoothness of movement. Execution The dive itself. Form: A judge watches for proper mechanical performance, technique, form and grace. Entry The entry into the water is very significant because it is the last thing the judge sees and the part probably remembered best. Form: The two criteria to be evaluated are the angle of entry, which should be near vertical, and the amount of splash, which should be as little as possible. Scoring Seven judges are used in individual competition. When the judges awards are given, the high and low scores will be eliminated and the remaining five scores totaled. The number will be multiplied by the degree of difficulty rating assigned to the dive. The DD is predetermined with a table range from 1.2 to 3.7 in one-tenth increments. This is then multiplied by 0.6. There are nine judges in the synchronized diving events, two judges will rate one individual diver, two other judges will rate the second individual diver, and five judges will rate the synchronization of the pair. The high and low individual scores and the high and low synchronization scores will be thrown out. The final score is then determined following the formula above.