Diving spotting equipment

Question
We have started construction on a new swim pool with 3 meter diving platform. What is the criteria for location and loading for the diving sspotting equipment rigging / clamps / pulleys? The roof structure is steel bar joists running perpendicular to the diving board length.

Answer
Claude -

The project you are about to undertake requires some extensive research and planning by engineering experts. I know what it is that you want to construct and have used and installed such spotting equipment but have never rigged one over a pool - only over trampolines and "dry boards".

I am therefore going to refer you to a website where you can order a manual that will give you the info you need:

Go to www.usadiving.org. This is the website for the National Governing Body for springboard and platform diving, USA Diving Inc. Click on Store and navigate your way to the different manuals that they sell. You will want to order their Safety Training Manual. In this book, there is a chapter dedicated to the assembly and dimensions for the spotting rig you want to install.It will have a lot of technical info for proper installation. The distance between the pulleys is crucial. They have to be installed so the ropes hang at 35 degrees to the diver in the safety belt. There is a formula in the manual to calculate how to do this at your pool.

For the spotting belts that you need to go with it, go to www.springboardsandmore.com. They will also have info on spotting rigs that will be helpful. They also offer consulting on these matters. Getting the proper ropes is also important. I use ropes that are used for sail boats because they are meant to get wet. Do not use mountain climbing rope as it has a slight stretch to it that you don't want.

I can also refer you to a coach that I know in Orlando FL who is a master at installing these rigs. He is Jay Lerew, an Olympic coach, who has a program (Team Orlando) at a YMCA on International Drive in Orlando. Should be easy to find his contact info by Googling YMCA locations.

Good luck with your project and make sure that only US Diving Safety Certified Coaches use this type of equipment.

Tom Trapp