The Basics:

• Knows the rules and is able to apply them to situations that may arise in a contest.
• Instruct all judges as to the expectation and protocol that should be followed.
• Apply the rules for fairness to all competitors.
• Pays attention to all aspects of the judging panel.
• Listen carefully to the dive announced.
• Makes changes as requested by the diver.
• Degree of Difficulty
• Position of the dive.
• Observes the dive from beginning to end.

• Makes any deductions appropriate to the situation.
• Unsatisfactory dives.
• Hitting the board.
• Wrong position.
• Failed dives.
• Balks.
• Disqualification.

• Resolves any conflicts before the next dive is announced.
• Wrong Dive or D.D. announced.
• Technological difficulties.

• Ensures the judges are satisfied with the scores as announced.

As the referee, your decisions can and will affect the outcome of a meet. Be absolutely sure before administering penalties or disqualification. You are in charge of the contest but don’t misuse/abuse that power/trust. When a situation arises,

• Be approachable.

• Put yourself in the athlete’s situation.
• If you discover that you made an error, correct it if possible.
• Remember, we’re all in this for the athletes.
• If you make an error in judgement, make it on the side of the athlete.
• Listen to and understand any complaints directed to you.
• When asked a question, don’t feel the need to defend your position.
• "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" not before they do unto you.

"Diving is the strictest of all the activities offered by any athletic governing board." As the sport has progressed over the years, it has gotten stricter. There is no other sport where a competitor can be disqualified before they ever compete. Unless the rules change, it will continue to be the strictest of all athletic activities. Try to make it a pleasant experience for everyone involved.

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