Diving from the Blocks
We will be using USA Swimming Protocols to check-off when kids are allowed to dive from the blocks. This is a 5 step certification process where the coaches evaluate the kids before allowing them to progress to the next level of race diving.
You may ask - why isn't my swimmer diving from the blocks? The answer is the coaches need to do the step by step progression BEFORE allowing a swimmer to use the starting blocks.
This is a SAFETY protocol because shallow water diving can cause serious injury if not done properly.
These are the steps:
PREQUISITE: Swimmers can hold their arms in a tight streamline on a forceful push and glide underwater on their front.
STEP 1: Sitting
STEP 2: Kneeling
STEP 3: Compact
STEP 4: Stride
STEP 5: Shallow Angle Start
Click here to read more:
Top Reasons Kids Get DQ'd
Click here for STROKE & TURN details.
This presentation (with nice, big pictures) clearly outlines what the meet officials are trained to look for.
Your swimmer may benefit from reviewing it with you if they are frustrated with DQs. And don't forget to remind them, the very BEST athletes still occasionally get DQ'd.
True story: A senior Jerome swimmer was responsible for getting her 400 free relay DQ'd at the 2016 District Meet. She was visibly devastated not just because she caused the DQ, but primarily because she might have eliminated a couple of her teammates from going on to the State meet (turns out, that wasn't the case). In the next event, the boys 400 free relay, her boyfriend, one of St. Charles' very best senior swimmers, caused his relay to be DQ'd (not in solidarity as he was unaware of what occurred with his girlfriend).
Later that day, the Jerome swimmer tweeted, "You know you're a power swim couple when you both get your relay deeqed at Districts." A little humor helps.
Moral: It happens to the the very best athletes at all levels.
P.S. The Jerome swimmer signed to swim at OSU; her boyfriend signed to swim at Miami.
Never quit.
Additional details from USA Swimming.org