1959-60

AY�
SWIMMING (DIVING)
807
from a vertical dropped from the centre of the front end of the
board.
Practice. Minimum 8ft. 6ins.
Ten Metre Firm Platform. (3zft.
7
ins. approx.)
International Requirements. Minimum 4.50 metres (14ft. gins.
approx.), over an area z metres behind, 16 metres in front and 5
metres each side from a vertical dropped from the centre of the front
end of the board.
A.S.A. Championships. Recommended depth 5 metres (16ft.
4ins. approx.) Minimum 4.50 metres 04ft. gins. approx.), over an
area 6 feet behind, 35 feet in front and 15 feet each side from a
vertical dropped from the centre of the front end of the board.
Practice. Minimum 14 feet.
In all cases the rise from the deep area to the normal slope of the
bottom should be at an angle of about 3o degrees to the horizontal
(maximum 45 degrees). When possible, the change of slope, between
the normal and the steep, should be at a point where the bather is
already out of his depth and therefore unable to stand on the
bottom, say about 6ft. 6ins.
In baths about 40 feet wide or less, the deep area should be
carried right across the bath, with a slight rise towards the sides
for drainage purposes. In wider baths the deep area should be
continued for a distance of at least Io ft. on either side of the diving
stage, the slope upwards then being 30 to 45 degrees from the
horizontal according to circumstances.
Materials and Coverings
The framework of all diving stages should be of wood, metal or
reinforced concrete.
Springboards should be constructed of Douglas Fir, or of Oregon
or British Columbian Pine. (See special description).
Firm boards and platforms should be of selected Pitch Pine, of
very straight grain, or of Teak or other hardwood, well seasoned
and oiled with linseed oil, or they may be in concrete, brought to a
smooth surface, or constructed of steel joists covered with hard-
wood planks.
Ladders should not be employed, but steps with Teak treads,
or a concrete stairway.
All boards should be covered with one piece of coconut matting.
Indiarubber should never be used. The matting should be turned
down over the front end of the board and fixed underneath it, and
should also be securely fixed at the back end to prevent the possi-
bility of its rucking up. The matting should not be wider than the
board.
The matting should preferably be fixed in an easily detachable
manner (e.g., by means of turn-buttons or similar fastening devices),
so that. at night and other times when the board is not in use the
matting may be removed and hung up to dry. This is especially of
importance in the case of springboards, which are liable to become
sodden if they are always covered with wet matting. The matting
should not be nailed on to the board.
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