Grading System – Technical Details

The key aspects of each skill that our coaches are looking out for at gradings.

Grade 1

Forward tuck roll PS

To pass:

  • One hand on each leg
  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver rolls
  • Does not push
  • Stay in the tuck shape until underwater

Bonus:

  • Knees on shoulders
  • Elbows tight
  • Hands just below the middle of the shins
  • Looking past toes
  • Heels stay close to the buttocks
  • Pointed toes

Forward pike roll PS

To pass:

  • Legs straight
  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver rolls
  • Does not push
  • Stay in the pike shape until underwater

Bonus:

  • Hands touching toes or low down backs or legs
  • Even better, wrapped in pike, arms folded across the backs of the knees
  • Chest close to legs
  • Elbows tight
  • Looking past toes
  • Pointed toes

Back tuck roll PS

To pass:

  • One hand on each leg
  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver rolls
  • Does not push
  • Stay in the tuck shape until underwater

Bonus:

  • Knees on shoulders
  • Elbows tight
  • Hands just below the middle of the shins
  • Looking past toes
  • Heels stay close to the buttocks
  • Pointed toes

Back pike roll PS

To pass:

  • Legs straight
  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver rolls
  • Does not push
  • Stay in the pike shape until underwater

Bonus:

  • Hands touching toes or low down backs or legs
  • Chest close to legs
  • Elbows tight
  • Looking past toes
  • Pointed toes

Extra-bonus:

  • Wrapped in pike, arms folded across the backs of the knees

Back push and circle PS

To pass:

  • Stays square during the circle
  • Head neutral
  • Legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Narrow arms
  • Strong push off the wall, using their hips to rotate

Forward jump straight (100A) with armswing 1m

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Arms stay by the ears in the air
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight
  • Arms swing past the ears and stay there throughout the jump
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Pointed toes

Back jump straight (200A) with armswing 1m

To pass:

  • Starts with half their feet on the board
  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Arms stay by the ears in the air
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the board
  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight
  • Arms swing past the ears and stay there throughout the jump
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Pointed toes

Pike fall (10B) with hands grabbed 1m

To pass:

  • Starts bent at the waist with a flat back
  • Head is between arms with eyes looking past hands towards the entry position
  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver falls
  • Does not push
  • Legs straight and together
  • Enters the water in a dished position
  • Enters the water with feet pointing towards the board (entry is upright or slightly short)
  • Does not arch (scoop) or pike (roll) until they are completely underwater

Bonus:

  • Starts in a deep pike shape with chest close to legs and a flat back
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Small splash
  • Pointed toes
Grade 2

Forward jump tuck (100C) with armswing PS

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Lands upright with arms above head and legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Raises the arms to the ears and lifts on toes before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight in the armswing
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing past the ears before making a tuck shape
  • Tuck occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tuck is tight: knees to shoulders and heels to buttocks
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright during the takeoff with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Pointed toes

Forward pike wedge PS

To pass:

  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Uses the hips to rotate
  • Legs straight
  • Does not jump too far out
  • Lands in a pike shape with buttocks between 11 and 1 o’clock

Bonus:

  • Fast, strong ankle pop (lifts onto toes before starting the jump)
  • Chest stays upright during the takeoff with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Pike occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight pike shape with chest to legs
  • Hands on toes or low down the backs of the legs or arms wrapped around the backs of the knees
  • Looking past toes
  • Pointed toes

Falling back pike sit PS

To pass:

  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver falls
  • Does not push
  • Lands in the water on their buttocks in a pike shape with their feet pointing towards the block
  • Legs straight

Bonus:

  • Arms stay behind or on the ears
  • Tight pike shape with hands reaching past toes
  • Looking past toes
  • Pointed toes

Back fall straight (20A) with hands grabbed 1m

To pass:

  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver falls
  • Does not push
  • Back stays straight or slightly arched
  • Head up, looking back towards the hands
  • Stays square (not twisted) with head neutral
  • Lands in the water close to vertical
  • Legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Arms stay behind the ears
  • Small splash
  • Entry is upright or slightly short
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Pointed toes

Forward tuck roll (11C) staying in tuck 1m

To pass:

  • One hand on each leg
  • Stay in the tuck shape until underwater

Bonus:

  • Knees on shoulders
  • Elbows tight
  • Hands just below the middle of the shins
  • Looking past toes
  • Heels stay close to the buttocks
  • Pointed toes

Forward jump straight (100A) with armswing 3m

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Arms stay by the ears in the air
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight
  • Arms swing past the ears and stay there throughout the jump
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Pointed toes

Back jump straight (200A) with armswing 3m

To pass:

  • Starts with half their feet on the board
  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Arms stay by the ears in the air
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the board
  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight
  • Arms swing past the ears and stay there throughout the jump
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Pointed toes

Pike fall (10B) with hands grabbed 3m

To pass:

  • Starts bent at the waist with a flat back
  • Head is between arms with eyes looking past hands towards the entry position
  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver falls
  • Does not push
  • Legs straight and together
  • Enters the water in a dished position
  • Lands close to vertical
  • Does not arch (scoop) or pike (roll) until they are completely underwater

Bonus:

  • Starts in a deep pike shape with chest close to legs and a flat back
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Small splash
  • Pointed toes
Grade 3

Forward dive straight (101A) PS

To pass:

  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Uses the hips to rotate
  • Maintains a dish position
  • Legs straight and together
  • Lands close to vertical
  • Does not jump too far out

Bonus:

  • Fast, strong ankle pop (lifts onto toes before starting the jump)
  • Chest stays upright during the takeoff with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Pointed toes
  • Small splash
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water

Back jump tuck (200C) with armswing PS

To pass:

  • Starts with half their feet on the block
  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the block
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Lands upright with arms above head and legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Raises the arms to the ears and lifts on toes before commencing the armswing
  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the block
  • Arms stay straight in the armswing
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing past the ears before making a tuck shape
  • Tuck is tight: knees to shoulders and heels to buttocks
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright during the takeoff with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Pointed toes

2-bounce forward jump straight (100A) 1m

To pass:

  • Performs one small jump (arms down), then one big (arms come forward and up) on the board
  • After the big jump on the board, the arms swing backwards before jumping off the board
  • Arms stay by the ears in the air
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Jumps from close to the end of the board
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Arms stay straight and come through past the ears on both jumps
  • Arms swing past the ears and stay there throughout the jump off the board
  • Arms get up to the ears before the feet leave the board
  • Jumps from the end of the board
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Holds arms by the ears before starting the armswing
  • Pointed toes

Forward jump pike (100B) with armswing 1m

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs come up in front, and arms reach forward to make a pike shape
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical in a straight position with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing past the ears before making the pike shape
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Pike occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight pike shape with chest close to legs, arms by the ears, and hands reaching past the toes
  • Arms stay by the ears when coming out of the pike shape
  • Pointed toes

Back jump pike (200B) with armswing 1m

To pass:

  • Starts with half their feet on the board
  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs come up in front, and arms reach forward to make a pike shape
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the board
  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing past the ears before making the pike shape
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Pike occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight pike shape with chest close to legs, arms by the ears, and hands reaching past the toes
  • Pointed toes

Forward fall straight (10A) with arms in T 3m

To pass:

  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver falls
  • Does not push
  • Maintains a dish position
  • Grab hands late, after feet have left the board
  • Legs straight and together
  • Lands close to vertical
  • Does not arch (scoop) or pike (roll) until they are completely underwater

Bonus:

  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Small splash
  • Pointed toes
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water

Forward tuck to pike roll (11C) 3m

To pass:

  • Starts tucked with one hand on each leg
  • Extends legs to pike with arms in T, showing control before commencing the role
  • Grab hands late, after leaving the board
  • Legs straight and together
  • Enters the water in a dished position
  • Lands close to vertical
  • Does not arch (scoop) or pike (roll) until they are completely underwater

Bonus:

  • Shows a deep pike shape with chest close to legs and a flat back
  • Holds pike for 3 seconds before rolling
  • Looks over toes in the pike shape
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Arms go directly from T to the entry position
  • Small splash
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Forward jump straight (100A) with armswing 5m

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Arms stay by the ears in the air
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Raises the arms to the ears and lifts on toes before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing past the ears and stay there throughout the jump
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Pointed toes
Grade 4

Forward jump pike (100B) with armswing PS

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the block
  • Arms get above the head before making a pike shape
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs come up in front, and arms reach forward to make a pike shape
  • Legs straight and together
  • Lands close to vertical in a straight position with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Raises the arms to the ears and lifts on toes before commencing the armswing
  • Arms swing past the ears before making a pike shape
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Pike occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight pike shape with chest close to legs, arms by the ears, and hands reaching past the toes
  • Arms stay by the ears when coming out of the pike shape
  • Pointed toes

Back pike sit with armswing PS

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the block
  • Arms get above the head before making a pike shape
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Arms move forward towards the feet to make a pike shape
  • Legs straight
  • Lands in the water on their buttocks in a pike shape with their feet just short of 12 o’clock

Bonus:

  • Raises the arms to the ears and lifts on toes before commencing the armswing
  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the block
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing behind the ears and stay on or behind the ears when making the pike shape
  • Tight pike shape with hands reaching past toes
  • Looking past toes
  • Pointed toes

Inward pike wedge PS

To pass:

  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Uses the hips to rotate
  • Legs straight
  • Does not jump too far out
  • Lands in a pike shape with buttocks between 11 and 1 o’clock

Bonus:

  • Fast, strong ankle pop (lifts onto toes before starting the jump)
  • Chest stays upright during the takeoff with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Pike occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight pike shape with chest to legs
  • Hands on toes or low down the backs of the legs or arms wrapped around the backs of the knees
  • Looking past toes
  • Pointed toes

2-bounce forward jump pike (100B) 1m

To pass:

  • Performs one small jump (arms down), then one big (arms come forward and up) on the board
  • After the big jump on the board, the arms swing backwards before jumping off the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Jumps from close to the end of the board
  • Legs come up in front, and arms reach forward to make a pike shape
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Arms stay straight and come through past the ears on both jumps
  • Arms get up to the ears before the feet leave the board
  • Jumps from the end of the board
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Holds arms by the ears before starting the armswing
  • Pike occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight pike shape with chest close to legs, arms by the ears, and hands reaching past the toes
  • Arms stay by the ears when coming out of the pike shape
  • Pointed toes

Forward dive tuck (101C) with armswing 1m

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Enters the water close to vertical in a dish position with legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight in the armswing
  • Arms swing past the ears before making the tuck shape
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tuck occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Small splash
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Back sitting tuck roll (21C) to penguin 1m

To pass:

  • Starts in a tuck shape with one hand on each leg
  • Kicks feet up and enters the water on their head with their hands by their legs
  • Lands in the water close to vertical
  • Back stays straight or slightly arched through the water, with the head tilted back
  • Legs are straight and together for entry

Bonus:

  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Sees feet after kicking, before looking back to the water
  • Hands are on top of thighs, palms down, when entering the water
  • Lands upright or slightly short
  • Pointed toes

Back jump pike (200B) with armswing 3m

To pass:

  • Starts with half their feet on the board
  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs come up in front, and arms reach forward to make a pike shape
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the board
  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing past the ears before making the pike shape
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Pike occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight pike shape with chest close to legs, arms by the ears, and hands reaching past the toes
  • Pointed toes

Back fall straight (20A) with hands on thighs 3m

To pass:

  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver falls
  • Does not push
  • Back stays straight or slightly arched
  • Head up, looking back towards the hands for entry
  • Stays square (not twisted) with head neutral
  • Lands in the water close to vertical
  • Legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Does not move arms until they see the water
  • Arms stay close to the body when reaching for the water
  • Does not grab hands until they are past the head
  • Arms reach behind the ears for the entry
  • Small splash
  • Entry is upright
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Arches slightly through the water and keeps feet pressing back
  • Pointed toes
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
Grade 5

Forward dive tuck (101C) PS

To pass:

  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Uses the hips to rotate
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Does not jump too far out
  • Enters the water close to vertical in a dish position with legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Fast, strong ankle pop (lifts onto toes before starting the jump)
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tuck occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Pointed toes

Back dive tuck (201C) to penguin with armswing PS

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the block
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Kicks feet up
  • Lands in the water on their head, close to vertical, with their hands by their legs
  • Back stays straight or slightly arched through the water, with the head tilted back
  • Legs are straight and together for entry

Bonus:

  • Raises the arms to the ears and lifts on toes before commencing the armswing
  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the block
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing behind the ears before making the tuck shape
  • Legs extended before making a tuck shape
  • Watches knees come up to chest
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Sees feet after kicking, before looking back to the water
  • Hands are on top of thighs, palms down, when entering the water
  • Lands upright or slightly short
  • Pointed toes

Hurdle step forward jump straight (100A) 1m

To pass:

  • At least two steps in the hurdle
  • The second step is a deep lunge, driving up off one foot
  • Knee lifts after the lunge, and arms come through above the head
  • Arms swing backwards, before jumping off the board from two feet
  • Arms stay by the ears in the air
  • Jumps from close to the end of the board
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Arms stay straight and come through past the ears on the knee drive and takeoff
  • Knee lifts above the waist, and arms come through past the ears
  • Arms swing past the ears and stay there throughout the jump off the board
  • Arms get up to the ears before the feet leave the board
  • Jumps from the end of the board
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral, looking down to the end of the board with the eyes
  • Holds arms by the ears before starting the armswing, after the knee drives down
  • Pointed toes (in the jump and during the hurdle step when the feet leave the board)

Inward dive tuck (401C) with armswing 1m

To pass:

  • Starts with half their feet on the board
  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Enters the water close to vertical in a dish position with legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the board
  • Arms swing past the ears and legs extend off the board before making the tuck shape
  • Long, narrow throw into the tuck
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral, looking down towards the far end of the board with the eyes
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tuck occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Small splash
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

2-bounce forward jump straight (100A) 3m

To pass:

  • Performs one small jump (arms down), then one big (arms come forward and up) on the board
  • After the big jump on the board, the arms swing backwards before jumping off the board
  • Arms stay by the ears in the air
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Jumps from close to the end of the board
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Arms stay straight and come through past the ears on both jumps
  • Arms swing past the ears and stay there throughout the jump off the board
  • Arms get up to the ears before the feet leave the board
  • Jumps from the end of the board
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Holds arms by the ears before starting the armswing
  • Pointed toes

Back crouching tuck roll (20C) 3m

To pass:

  • Starts in a tuck shape with one hand on each leg
  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver rolls
  • Does not push
  • Lands in the water close to vertical
  • Back stays straight or slightly arched through the water
  • Head up, looking back towards the hands for entry
  • Stays square (not twisted)
  • Legs are straight and together for entry

Bonus:

  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Sees feet after kicking, with hands on top of thighs, palms down, before looking back to the water
  • Does not move arms until they see the water
  • Arms stay close to the body when reaching for the water
  • Does not grab hands until they are past the head
  • Arms reach behind the ears for the entry
  • Small splash
  • Entry is upright
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Arches slightly through the water and keeps feet pressing back
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Pike fall (10B) 5m

To pass:

  • Starts bent at the waist with a flat back
  • Head is between arms with eyes looking past hands towards the entry position
  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver falls
  • Does not push
  • Legs straight and together
  • Enters the water in a dished position
  • Lands close to vertical
  • Does not arch (scoop) or pike (roll) until they are completely underwater

Bonus:

  • Starts in a deep pike shape with chest close to legs and a flat back
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Small splash
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Forward jump pike (100B) with armswing 5m

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Arms get above the head before making a pike shape
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs come up in front, and arms reach forward to make a pike shape
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical in a straight position with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Raises the arms to the ears and lifts on toes before commencing the armswing
  • Arms swing past the ears before making a pike shape
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Pike occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight pike shape with chest close to legs, arms by the ears, and hands reaching past the toes
  • Arms stay by the ears when coming out of the pike shape
  • Pointed toes
Grade 6

Reverse pike sit with armswing PS

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the block
  • Chest stays still and upright throughout the takeoff
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Arms get above the head before making a pike shape
  • Does not push hips forward
  • Uses core to lift feet up to hands to make a pike shape (not relying on chest and hips)
  • Arms move forward towards the feet to make a pike shape
  • Lands in the water on their buttocks in a pike shape with their feet just short of 12 o’clock
  • Legs straight

Bonus:

  • Raises the arms to the ears and lifts on toes before commencing the armswing
  • Hips are under, and glutes are engaged on the armswing
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing behind the ears and stay on or behind the ears when making the pike shape
  • Tight pike shape with hands reaching past toes
  • Looking past toes
  • Pointed toes

Forward armstand straight to feet (611A) PS

To pass:

  • Hands are flat with fingers at (not over) the edge of the block
  • Arms are straight and shoulder-width apart
  • Shows control in the handstand
  • Head tucks in on chest before falling
  • Arms stay straight throughout the fall
  • Core is tight, with a slight arch in the back to pull it around to vertical
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Shows balance in the handstand
  • Levers into the handstand
  • Back is flat, with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head is between arms, tilted slightly to look past the end of the block at the water
  • Ribs and chest are in
  • Pointed toes

2-bounce with hurdle snap down forward jump straight (100A) 1m

To pass:

  • Performs one small jump (arms down), then one big (arms come forward and up) on the board
  • After the big jump on the board, the arms swing backwards before jumping off the board
  • Arms stay by the ears in the air
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Jumps from close to the end of the board
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Arms stay straight and come through past the ears on both jumps
  • Arms swing past the ears and stay there throughout the jump off the board
  • Arms get up to the ears before the feet leave the board
  • Jumps from the end of the board
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Holds arms by the ears before starting the armswing
  • Pointed toes

2-bounce forward dive tuck (101C) 1m

To pass:

  • Performs one small jump (arms down), then one big (arms come forward and up) on the board
  • After the big jump on the board, the arms swing backwards before jumping off the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Jumps from close to the end of the board
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Enters the water close to vertical in a dish position with legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Arms stay straight and come through past the ears on both jumps
  • Holds arms by the ears before starting the armswing
  • Arms swing past the ears before making the tuck shape
  • Arms get up to the ears before the feet leave the board
  • Jumps from the end of the board
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Tuck occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Small splash
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Forward somersault tuck (102C) with armswing 1m

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Enters the water close to vertical in a straight position with legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Arms stay straight in the armswing
  • Arms swing past the ears before making the tuck shape
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Kicks forward into a pike or dish shape before straightening out for the entry
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Enters the water with hands at their sides
  • Pointed toes

Back dive tuck (201C) with armswing 1m

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Lands in the water close to vertical
  • Back stays straight or slightly arched through the water, with the head tilted back
  • Stays square (not twisted)
  • Legs are straight and together for entry

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the block
  • Hips are under, and glutes are engaged on the armswing
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing behind the ears before making the tuck shape
  • Legs extended before making a tuck shape
  • Watches knees come up to chest
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Sees feet after kicking, with hands on top of thighs, palms down, before looking back to the water
  • Does not move arms until they see the water
  • Arms stay close to the body when reaching for the water
  • Does not grab hands until they are past the head
  • Arms reach behind the ears for the entry
  • Small splash
  • Entry is upright
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Arches slightly through the water and keeps feet pressing back
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Forward fall straight (10A) with arms in T 5m

To pass:

  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver falls
  • Does not push
  • Maintains a dish position
  • Grab hands late, after feet have left the board
  • Legs straight and together
  • Lands close to vertical
  • Does not arch (scoop) or pike (roll) until they are completely underwater

Bonus:

  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Small splash
  • Pointed toes
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water

Back jump straight (200A) with armswing 5m

To pass:

  • Starts with half their feet on the platform
  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the platform
  • Arms stay by the ears in the air
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Legs straight and together in the air
  • Lands close to vertical with arms above the head

Bonus:

  • Raises the arms to the ears and lifts on toes before commencing the armswing
  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the platform
  • Arms stay straight
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing past the ears and stay there throughout the jump
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright during the takeoff with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral, looking towards the end of the platform with the eyes
  • Pointed toes
Grade 7

2-bounce forward 1½ somersaults tuck (103C) 1m

To pass:

  • Performs one small jump (arms down), then one big (arms come forward and up) on the board
  • After the big jump on the board, the arms swing backwards before jumping off the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Jumps from close to the end of the board
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Enters the water close to vertical in a dish position with legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Arms stay straight and come through past the ears on both jumps
  • Holds arms by the ears before starting the armswing
  • Arms swing past the ears before making the tuck shape
  • Arms get up to the ears before the feet leave the board
  • Jumps from the end of the board
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Head stays neutral
  • Tuck occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Kicks forward into a pike or dish shape before straightening out for the entry
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Small splash
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Reverse dive tuck (301C) with armswing 1m

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Chest stays still and upright throughout the takeoff
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Uses core to curl into a tuck shape (not relying on chest and hips)
  • Does not push hips forward
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Lands in the water close to vertical
  • Back stays straight or slightly arched through the water, with the head tilted back
  • Stays square (not twisted)
  • Legs are straight and together for entry

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the block
  • Hips are under, and glutes are engaged on the armswing
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing behind the ears before making the tuck shape
  • Legs extended before making a tuck shape
  • Watches knees come up to chest
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Sees feet after kicking, with hands on top of thighs, palms down, before looking back to the water
  • Does not move arms until they see the water
  • Arms stay close to the body when reaching for the water
  • Does not grab hands until they are past the head
  • Arms reach behind the ears for the entry
  • Small splash
  • Entry is upright
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Arches slightly through the water and keeps feet pressing back
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Inward somersault tuck (402C) with armswing 1m

To pass:

  • Starts with half their feet on the board
  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Enters the water close to vertical in a straight position with legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the board
  • Arms swing past the ears and legs extend off the board before making the tuck shape
  • Long, narrow throw into the tuck
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral, looking down towards the far end of the board with the eyes
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Kicks forward into a pike or dish shape before straightening out for the entry
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Enters the water with hands at their sides
  • Pointed toes

Back dive tuck (201C) with armswing 3m

To pass:

  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Lands in the water close to vertical
  • Back stays straight or slightly arched through the water, with the head tilted back
  • Stays square (not twisted)
  • Legs are straight and together for entry

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the block
  • Hips are under, and glutes are engaged on the armswing
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Arms swing behind the ears before making the tuck shape
  • Legs extended before making a tuck shape
  • Watches knees come up to chest
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Sees feet after kicking, with hands on top of thighs, palms down, before looking back to the water
  • Does not move arms until they see the water
  • Arms stay close to the body when reaching for the water
  • Does not grab hands until they are past the head
  • Arms reach behind the ears for the entry
  • Small splash
  • Entry is upright
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Arches slightly through the water and keeps feet pressing back
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Inward dive tuck (401C) with armswing 3m

To pass:

  • Starts with half their feet on the board
  • Arms swing backwards before jumping from the board
  • Confident jump from two feet
  • Arms get above the head before making a tuck shape
  • Tucks with one hand on each leg
  • Enters the water close to vertical in a dish position with legs straight and together

Bonus:

  • Performs two rocks, then raises the arms to the ears before commencing the armswing
  • Stays up on toes with heels raised above the line of the board
  • Arms swing past the ears and legs extend off the board before making the tuck shape
  • Long, narrow throw into the tuck
  • Tummy is in, and core is tight
  • Chest stays upright throughout the jump with hips under and glutes engaged
  • Head stays neutral, looking down towards the far end of the board with the eyes
  • Strong jump with good ankle extension
  • Tuck occurs at the highest point in the jump
  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Small splash
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Forward twisting roll 5m

To pass:

  • Starts on their side, with arms in the correct twisting position for the chosen side
  • Arms come up above the head to check out into T as legs lift into a pike shape
  • Shows control before commencing the role
  • Grab hands late, after leaving the board
  • Legs straight and together
  • Enters the water in a dished position
  • Lands close to vertical
  • Does not arch (scoop) or pike (roll) until they are completely underwater

Bonus:

  • Shows a deep pike shape with chest close to legs and a flat back
  • Holds pike for 3 seconds before rolling
  • Looks over toes in the pike shape
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Arms go directly from T to the entry position
  • Small splash
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Back crouching tuck roll (20C) 5m

To pass:

  • Starts in a tuck shape with one hand on each leg
  • Up on toes first and stays on toes as the diver rolls
  • Does not push
  • Lands in the water close to vertical
  • Back stays straight or slightly arched through the water
  • Head up, looking back towards the hands for entry
  • Stays square (not twisted)
  • Legs are straight and together for entry

Bonus:

  • Tight tuck shape with knees close to shoulders, heels close to buttocks, and elbows in
  • Sees feet after kicking, with hands on top of thighs, palms down, before looking back to the water
  • Does not move arms until they see the water
  • Arms stay close to the body when reaching for the water
  • Does not grab hands until they are past the head
  • Arms reach behind the ears for the entry
  • Small splash
  • Entry is upright
  • Core is tight with ribs and chest in
  • Arches slightly through the water and keeps feet pressing back
  • Creates 3 bubbles when entering the water
  • Pointed toes

Forward somersault 1 twist (5122D) 1m OR back somersault ½ twist (5221D) 1m (optional)