Spotting is the act of safely assisting an athlete as they perform somersaulting or twisting dives or techniques, while connected to an overhead safety spotting harness. The act of spotting can occur when a diver is suspended in a harness above the ground, a trampoline, a dryland diving board, or over the water.
Six types of equipment are needed to connect the spotter with the diver using a spotting belt and ropes:
1. Spotting and Twisting Belts
Photo: Woody FranklinSpotting and twisting belts allow an athlete to somersault, or twist freely while attached to a spotting rig. Spotting belts come in all shapes and sizes, snuggly fitting around a diver with attachment points on each side for rope and clips to be attached. Twisting belts are a spotting belt with a metal ring on the outside that allows the diver to both spin and twist.
2. Clips
Photo: Woody FranklinClips are used to connect the rope to the spotting or twisting belt. They must be strong enough to withstand the force of a diver being pulled up and down. Be sure NOT to use items purchased at your local hardware store!
3. Pulleys
Photo: Woody FranklinPulleys are a part of the spotting rig that allows the athlete to move freely in a vertical motion (and sometimes horizontally). Pulleys also allow the spotter to suspend a weight (the athlete) greater than their own. Two pulleys are used in a spotting rig.
4. Clamps
Photo: Woody FranklinWhen attaching a spotting rig to a fixed structure such as a ceiling beam, a clamp is needed as an attachment point. Pulleys are then attached to the clamp. Clamps can be purchased for attachment to wood, concrete and pipes.
5. Spotting Rigs
Photo: Steve VoellmeckeA spotting rig is the package of equipment that is needed to safely “spot” an athlete over a water environment, a solid floor, a trampoline, or dryland diving board. This will include the spotting ropes, pulleys, clips and clamps. The term spotting rig will also refer to the structure that will support the ropes and pulleys. It can either be free standing or, as in the case of a trampoline, may be attached to the trampoline.
Photo: Woody FranklinSpotting ropes provide the direct connection between the athlete and the spotter. Generally, accepted spotting rope will come from a store specializing in climbing or safety and rescue.
Each of these types of spotting equipment has important attributes, advantages and disadvantages, that a coach or administrator needs to be aware of prior to purchasing, and installing spotting equipment.
