springboard

1. a flexible board, usually projecting low over the water, used for diving

2. a similar board used for gaining height or momentum in gymnastics

3. Austral and NZ a board inserted into the trunk of a tree at some height above the ground on which a lumberjack stands to chop down the tree

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Springboard

a flexible board used by athletes in various sports to take off in the execution of jumps.

The springboard used by divers measures 4.8–5 m in length and 0.5 m in width. It is usually made of specially shaped Duralumin alloys and has a rough surface, sometimes with a runner of coconut wood. The springboard may be 1 m, 3 m, 5 m, 7.5 m, or 10 m above the water.

The springboard or takeoff board used in gymnastics and acrobatics and for training in track and field is an inclined board with a solid base. The degree of elasticity of the board is controlled by the position of a wedge or spring fastened between the board and the base.

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References in periodicals archive

With only three days left before performing for prospective employers, the dancers of Springboard Danse Montreal look surprisingly calm and seriously focused.

Springing ahead: a Montreal summer program launches careers

The event was led by UK Springboard Consultancy chief executive Jenny Daisley.

Council helps women gain key skills as trainers

The current phase will last 18 months--three 6-month stages with five springboards each.

The productivity push: it's lagging in Quebec and MEQ wants to turn that around by targeting Quebec manufacturing SMEs to improve productivity through training

Having been trained and licensed as a Springboard trainer some six years ago, Ayesha has now led Springboard programmes for over 400 women in Oman.

The Springboard Programme's Growing Success for Women in the Oman

John Leigh, former shareholder and firector FT Leisure said: "Springboard were chosen for their experience, professionalism and flexible approach.

Springboard seals FT deal

Elsewhere, China's Chen Ruolin won the final of the women's 10-metre springboard with 386.05 points, ahead of teammate Liu Huixia on 370.70 and Great Britain's Tania Couch on 367.70.

Qui Bo brings curtain down on round two of diving series

The British Council in Qatar and Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) hosted the Annual Gala Dinner of Springboard, the award-winning women's development programme.

British Council, QBWA host Springboard annual gala dinner

Laugher was crowned junior world champion in the 1m and 3m springboard in Tucson two years ago, and will bid to re-establish his rising-star reputation after a terrible Olympics.

Olympic medallist Daley to dive again; DIVING

Tony Dalton, director of Springboard, said: "We really want to help people who are determined to start their own business by assisting them to steer a clear path through a confusing 'fog of ideas'."

Business support; business Business briefing

PENGUINS put their diving skills to the test as a custom-made springboard was installed in ZSL London Zoo.

Penguins dive into Olympics