World Aquatics recently caught up with course participants Eric Sehn (Canada) and Mads Søndergaard (Denmark), who expanded their knowledge and gained real-time judging experience at the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup - Bahrain 2024 event.
MANAMA, BAHRAIN – The World Aquatics High Diving Certification Course for Technical Officials, held concurrently to the World Cup in Manama, provided a three-day programme from 20-22 September that blended classroom instruction with practical judging experience.
Future World Aquatics Technical Officials did not officially score the participants, but they had the unique opportunity to practice their judging skills at the High Diving World Cup during the last two days of the course (21-22 September), and receive and receive guidance from experienced lecturers. Read what insights course participants Sehn and Søndergaard gained while in Bahrain.
Eric Sehn, Canada
"Participating in this course was an invaluable opportunity to deepen my knowledge of high diving and enhance my judging experience while observing the world’s top high divers. Given the limited opportunities for high diving events, gaining experience at these competitions is especially important. The course is well-structured, with expert lecturers. I am eager to continue judging, ready to contribute wherever Canada needs me."
Mads Søndergaard, Denmark
"High diving is one of the most fascinating sports I have participated in, and with its relatively recent global development through World Aquatics, it is an exciting time to contribute to its growth. In Denmark, we have worked closely with the Danish Swimming Federation to establish the first High Diving Danish Championships in 2020. We focus on fostering participation by hosting events at 13, 16, and 20 meters, ensuring that more people can engage with the sport, rather than limiting it to only the world elite. Our goal is to create an inclusive, enjoyable atmosphere for athletes of different backgrounds, with a sense of community that celebrates the sport together."
Learn about World Aquatics Technical Official Courses
World Aquatics Courses for Technical Officials are designed to support the growth of aquatic sports through standardised training and certification across all six sports. These courses provide a continuous learning pathway, equipping officials with the skills needed to officiate at World Aquatics events. By delivering consistent instruction, the programme ensures a uniform application of rules, improving the quality and fairness of officiating. Tailored to each sport’s specific needs, the courses are open to experienced officials seeking World Aquatics certification, granting them eligibility to officiate at major events.