Diving - Synchronization & Scoring

Synchronized diving was adopted as an Olympic sport in 2000. Two divers form a team and perform dives simultaneously. The dives are usually identical; however, sometimes the dives may be opposites, in what is called a pinwheel. In these events, the diving is judged both on the quality of execution and the synchronicity - in timing of take-off and entry, height and forward travel.

There are rules governing the scoring of a dive. Usually a score considers three elements of the dive: the approach, the flight, and the entry. The primary factors affecting the scoring are:

- the platform selected (10 meter, 7.5 meter, or 5 meter)

- if a hand-stand is required, the length of time and quality of the hold

- the height of the diver at the apex of the dive, with extra height resulting in a higher score

- the distance of the diver from the diving apparatus throughout the dive (a diver must not be dangerously close, should not be too far away, but should ideally be within 2 feet (0.61 m) of the platform)

- the properly defined body position of the diver according to the dive being performed, including pointed toes and feet touching at all times

- the proper amounts of rotation and revolution upon completion of the dive and entry into the water

- angle of entry - a diver should enter the water straight, without any angle. Many judges award divers for the - amount of splash created by the diver on entry, with less splash resulting in a higher score.

In synchronised diving events, there is a panel of seven or nine judges; two to mark the execution of one diver, two to mark the execution of the other, and three to judge the synchronisation.

The synchronisation scores are based on:

 

- time of take-off

- height attained

- synchronisation of rotations and twists

- time of entry to the water

- forward travel from the board