The move to introduce "bombing" is being pushed by diving's world governing body, Fina, along with other feet-first techniques to encourage more people to take part in the sport.
The bombing technique involves jumping off the end of a diving board feet first and curling up in the approximate shape of a bomb. It is banned by most swimming pools in the UK as it is considered dangerous.
According to reports, British divers are up in arms over plans to allow the technique most recently made seen in the John Smith's TV ad, which features 'Phoenix Nights' comedian Peter Kay.
In the ad, which appears to be a legitimate international diving competition, viewers see two divers perform highly skilled dives before the third diver (John Smith) and "favourite", played by Kay, takes to the board. Kay shows off his bombing technique and the commentator says the judges love it and declares it "top bombing".
The ad was part of the ongoing John Smith's "no-nonsense" campaign, which was voted number four in 北京赛车pk10's 10 best UK TV commercials of 2002. The ad was created by copywriters/art directors: Paul Silburn, Rob Webster, Chris Kelly, John Allison and Chris Bovill.
David Jones, a Scottish Courage spokesman, said: "In editorial coverage, the campaign has generated three-quarters-of-a-million pounds worth and that is before the latest blaze of publicity. The eagerness of journalists to illustrate the story with references and images from the 'top bombing' ad is a testimony to the power of the advertising."
However, the idea has been dubbed "a bit of a joke" by one European champion, who ironically appeared in the John Smith's ad as one of the real divers.
"I'm all for encouraging new people to take up the sport, but I want to compete against a decent standard. Perhaps they should have an A and B class," Rob Costa, European Masters champion, told BBC Sport.
"Diving enthusiasts have conceded that the ad has done much to promote the sport in Britain and we in turn are grateful for the blaze of publicity it has generated for John Smith's," Jones added.
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