Do you ever wonder what the codes mean that an announcer calls out during an Olympic Diving meet? Or any other springboard or platform diving meet? Those codes (3-4 digits long) are how the judges know what dive is supposed to be performed. No matter what language the judge understands, the number codes are universal.
Here's the breakdown of the codes (categories): (Please see image)
- 100s- Forward
- 200s- Backward
- 300s- Reverse (Gainer)
- 400s- Inward
- 5000s- Twisting
- 6000s- Armstand (Platform only)
The next pair of the code determines the number of somersaults. Each additional number denotes a 1/2 turn in the somersault. For example:
- 101- Forward dive
- 102- Forward 1 somersault
- 103- Forward 1 1/2 somersault
- 201- Backward dive
- 204- Backward 2 somersaults
- 303- Reverse 1 1/2 somersault
- 403- Inward 1 1/2 somersault
As for the 5000s, there is an additional digit that determines the number of twists. Each additional number denotes a 1/2 twist in the dive. For example:
- 5132- (5 denotes its a twisting dive) Forward 1 1/2 somersaults, 1 twist
- 5233- (5 denotes twisting dive) Backward 1 1/2 somersaults, 1 1/2 twists
The 6000 category is for Platform only, denoting Armstand dives. The next digits are the same as the rest: 1 denoting forward, 2 backward, 3 reverse. If there are 4 digits in the code, it denotes a twisting dive.
Examples:
- 600- Armstand dive
- 612- Armstand forward, 1 somersault
- 626- Armstand backward, 3 somersault
- 633- Armstand reverse, 1 1/2 somersault
- 6221- Armstand backward, 1 somersault, 1/2 twist
In addition to these categories, there is always a Flight Position indicated for each dive. This is denoted by a letter at the end of every code: A, B, C, D (Please see image).
- A- Straight
- B- Pike
- C- Tuck
- D- Free
Most twisting dives are conducted in the Free position (D). This allows the diver to bend at certain points in the dive without being deducted points for breaking the Straight position. Pike (B) means the diver must bend at the waist to touch their toes or circle their knees, but must maintain perfectly straight legs. Tuck (C) means the diver must bring their knees as close to their chest as possible. Straight (A) is exactly as it sounds- the diver must remain in a straightened position throughout the entire dive.
The more somersaults and twists in a dive is clearly more difficult to perform. Therefore, the more difficult the dive, the higher the Degree of Difficulty rating (D.D) is given. Degree of Difficulty Chart from US Diving.
This will help viewers have a better understanding of the breakdown of different dives they see during the Olympics or any other US Diving or FINA Diving event.
Susie Sheehey - A writer, mother, wife, friend: a woman.
