Competition Pathways at Alpha Diving Club

Alpha Diving Club participates in AAU and USA Diving. Each pathway supports divers at different levels, from beginners to advanced JO athletes.

 

We typically attend:

• 1–2 home meets each year

• AAU travel meets in Cheney, WA, and Beaverton, OR

• USA Diving qualifying meets for JO divers

 

Below is a simple, parent‑friendly overview of how each pathway works and where to register.

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AAU Diving Pathway 

AAU meets are our most common competitions and are open to both Novice and JO divers. These meets are fun, supportive, and great for gaining experience.

 

Where We Compete

• Cheney, WA

• Beaverton, OR

• Alpha Diving Club Home Meets 

 

Who Can Compete?

• Novice divers

• JO divers

• Both levels are welcome at AAU meets.

 

AAU Championships

To attend AAU Nationals, divers must earn a qualifying score at an AAU meet. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Where to Register for AAU Meets

These two links stay the same year‑round:

• AAU Membership (required): https://aausports.org

• AAU Meet Registration (DiveLive): https://diving.scoresandmore.live/Home

 

All AAU meets — including Cheney, Beaverton, and home meets — will appear on DiveLive when registration opens.

 

USA Diving Pathway 

USA Diving meets are part of the national competitive pathway and are only open to divers with a full JO dive list.

 

USA Diving Qualification Steps

1. Regionals

   • JO divers must have a complete JO list to enter.

   • Group A (16-18 year old) and Group B (14-15 year old) athletes begin the Junior Competition Circuit at Regional Championships.

2. Zones

   • Groups C (12-13 year old) and D (11 and under) athletes begin in the Junior Competition Circuit at Zones Championships.

   • The top 15 athletes in Groups A an Group B at Regionals advance to Zone Championships.

3. USA Diving West National Championships

   • Athletes placing 4th through 18th at Zones advance to the preliminary event in West Championship.

4. USA Diving Junior National Championships

   • The top 3 non-prequalified athletes in each Zone Championship event advance directly to the preliminaries of the USA Diving Junior National Championships

   • The top 3 non-prequalified athletes in each event from West Championships advance to Junior National Championships

 

Click here for information regarding the  Junior Competition Circuit Athlete progression for 2026. 

 

Where to Register for USA Diving Meets

These links never change:

• USA Diving Membership (required): https://www.usadiving.org

• USA Diving Meet Registration (DiveMeets): https://www.divemeets.com

 

All USA Diving meets — Regionals, Zones, West Champs, and Youth Nationals — are listed on DiveMeets.

 

Future Champions Pathway 

While we haven’t participated in Future Champions meets yet, we want families to understand the pathway as it becomes available.

 

What Is Future Champions?

Future Champions is a developmental competition pathway designed for divers who are:

• newer to the sport

• building foundational skills

• not yet ready for a full JO list

• wanting a low‑pressure competitive experience

It’s a great stepping stone between Novice and JO.

 

Who Can Compete?

• Divers who are not yet JO

• Divers who want a gentler introduction to competition

• Divers working toward a JO list

 

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Quick Comparison for Parents

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​Which Meets Should My Diver Attend?

Your diver’s coach will always guide you toward the meets that match their:

• skill level

• experience

• readiness

• goals

If you’re ever unsure, just reach out — we’re here to help you navigate the process.