GENERAL RULES OF POWERLIFTING

Throughout this rule book, for reasons of brevity, wherever the words “he” or “his” occur, such reference is deemed apply to either sex. All references to gender should be revised to secure equal rights for both genders, and not mentioned women as something that need separate rules, like in the below example from the Weighing In. In competitions in which both sexes are competing

  1. (a) T h e International Powerlifting Federation recognizes the following lifts which must be taken in the same sequence in all competitions conducted under IPF rules:
    A. Squat B. Bench Press C. Deadlift D. Total

    (b) Competition takes place between lifters in categories defined by sex, body weight and age. The Men’s and Women’s Open Championships permit lifters of any age in excess of 14 years.
    (c) In the event of a Powerlifting or Bench Press Championships being combined e.g. with a Sub-Junior, Junior Open & Master's Championships having both Classic and Equipped, a lifter has the option of competing in both Championships. The athlete shall be required pay entry fee for both championships and will be required to compete twice. Once the athlete is entered on the Preliminary Nomination, he/she may not change their age division. The lifter may only change the weight class on the Final Nomination.
    (d) The rules apply to all levels of competition.
    (e) Each competitor is allowed three attempts on each lift. The lifter’s best valid attempt on each lift counts toward his competition total. If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter.
    (f) If two lifters register the same bodyweight at the weigh in and eventually achieve the same total at the end of the competition, the lifter making the total first will take precedence over the other lifter. Where awards are presented for best squat, bench press and deadlift or if a world record is broken, the same procedure will apply.

  2. The IPF, through its member federations, conducts and sanctions the following World Championships:

    The major events on the IPF calendar are as follows:

    • Equipped World Open Powerlifting Championship
    • Equipped World Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championship
    • Equipped World Masters Powerlifting Championship
    • Equipped World Bench Press Championship (Open, Sub-Junior/Junior and Master)
    • Classic World Open Powerlifting Championship
    • Classic World Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championship
    • Classic World Masters Powerlifting Championship
    • Classic Word Bench Press Championship (Open, Sub-Junior/Junior and Master)
    • University World Cup
    • Other international events as approved by the EC.
  3. The IPF also recognizes and registers world records for the same lifts within the categories described hereunder:

    Age Categories
    MEN

    Open:                      from the day he reaches 14 years and upwards (no category restrictions need apply).

    Sub-Junior:             from the day he reaches 14 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he reaches 18 years.

    Junior:                     from 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 19 years and throughout the full calendar year In which he reaches 23 years.

    Master I:                  from 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 40 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he reaches 49 years.

    Master II:                 from 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 50 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he reaches 59 years.

    Master III:                from 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 60 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he reaches 69 years.

    Master IV:                from 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 70 years and upwards.

    WOMEN

    Open:                      from the day she reaches 14 years and upwards (no category restrictions need apply)

    Sub-Junior:             from the day she reaches 14 years and throughout the full calendar year in which she reaches 18 years.

    Junior:                     from 1 January in the calendar year she reaches 19 years and throughout the full calendar year in which she reaches 23 years.

    Master I:                  from 1 January in the calendar year she reaches 40 years and throughout the full calendar year in which she reaches 49 years.

    Master II:                 from 1 January in the calendar year she reaches 50 years and throughout the full calendar year in which she reaches 59 years.

    Master III:                from 1 January in the calendar year she reaches 60 years and throughout the full calendar year in which she reaches 69 years.

    Master IV:                from 1 January in the calendar year she reaches 70 years and upwards.

    Competitive lifting for lifters below the age of 14 is only allowed at National competitions.

  4. Placing for all age groupings shall be determined by the totals of the lifters in accordance with the standard rules of lifting. Also Men 70 years (i.e. Master IV) of age, to receive medals for placing 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd in their weight classes, and Women both 60 years (i.e. Master III) and 70 years (i.e. Master IV) of age, shall receive medals for placing 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd in their weight classes in each age category. Age categories and their further subdivision may be adapted for use nationally at the discretion of the National federation.

    Bodyweight

    Categories: MEN

                  Sub-Junior & Junior only-up to 53.0 kg
            59.0 kg Class up to 59.0 kg
            66.0 kg Class from 59.01 kg up to 66.0 kg
            74.0 kg Class from 66.01 kg up to 74.0 kg
            83.0 kg Class from 74.01 kg up to 83.0 kg
            93.0 kg Class from 83.01 kg up to 93.0 kg
            105.0 kg Class from 93.01 kg up to 105.0 kg
            120.0 kg Class from 105.01 kg up to 120.0 kg
            120.0+ kg Class from 120.01 kg up to unlimited

    WOMEN

                  Sub-Junior & Junior only-up to 43.0 kg
            59.0 kg Class up to 59.0 kg
            47.0 kg Class up to 47.0 kg
            52.0 kg Class from 47.01 kg up to 52.0 kg
            57.0 kg Class from 52.01 kg up to 57.0
            63.0 kg Class from 57.01 kg up to 63.0 kg
            69.0 kg Class from 63.01 kg up to 69.0 kg
            76.0 kg Class from 69.01 kg up to 76.0 kg
            72.0 kg Class from 63.01 kg up to 72.0 kg
            84.0 kg Class from 76.01 kg up to 84.0 kg
            84.0+ kg Class from 84.01 kg up to unlimited

  5. Each nation is allowed a maximum of eight (8) competitors spread throughout the range of the eight (8) bodyweight categories for men and eight (8) competitors throughout the range of seveneight (7) (8) bodyweight categories for women. In the Junior and Sub-Junior age categories nine (9) for men and nine (9) for women. There must not be more than two competitors from any one nation in any particular bodyweight category.

  6. Each nation is allowed a maximum of five alternates or reserves. To take part in the competition they must have been nominated 60 days before the date of the championships on the preliminary nomination with the bodyweight categories and best totals achieved at National or international championships during the last 12 months.

  7. Each Nation must submit a team roster giving the name of each lifter and his/her body weight category. Best totals from National or International Championships during the previous 12 months shall be stated. This may include his/her result achieved at last year’s International Championships in the same bodyweight category. The date and title of the competition in which the total was achieved must also be stated. These details must be submitted to the Championship Secretary of the IPF or of the Region and also to the Meet Director at least 60 days before the date of the Championships on the preliminary nomination. Final selection, submitted not later than 21 days before the date of the Championship, must be made from those nominated 60 days before the date of the Championships. This includes reserve or alternate lifters. At this point in time each lifter must nominate the bodyweight category in which they wish to lift in these Championships. After the final selection (final nomination) no changes in the weight category in which the lifter is nominated will be allowed. Nominated lifters without results from any of the above Championships will be ranked in the first group to lift if his/her bodyweight category will be split into groups. Failure to comply with any of these requirements may result in disqualification of the offending team. A lifter cannot produce a qualifying total via his national federation for entry to World, International or Regional Championships while he is under suspension by the IPF or Region.

  8. Point scoring for all World, Continental and Regional Championships shall be: 12, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 for the first 9 placing in any bodyweight category. Thereafter, each lifter who makes a total in the competition shall be awarded one point. Point scoring for all national competitions shall be at the discretion of the national federation.

  9. Only the point scores of the five best placed lifters of each nation will be counted for the team competition at all international championships. In case of a tie in points scored, final team placing shall be decided for team awards as in item 11. If a member of a team is found to have committed a violation of the IPF Anti-Doping Rules during an Event where a team ranking is based on the addition of individual results (points), the points of the Athlete committing the violation will be subtracted from the team result and may not be repeated by the resulting points of another team member.

  10. Any nation having been a member of the IPF for more than three years should include at least one international referee among its team officials at world championships. If a referee from that nation is not present or, if present, makes himself unavailable to act in the capacity of either referee or member for jury during the championships, then only the four best placed lifters from that nation will be counted for the team competition.

  11. Team awards shall be given for the first three places with Certificates. In the case of a tie for the classification of a team or a nation, the team having the largest number of first places will be ranked first. In the case of a tie between two nations having the same number of first places, the one having the most second places will be classified first, and so on through the placing of the maximum of five scoring lifters. Should teams or Nations finish equally after this procedure has been applied, then the team or Nation with the greater total number of IPF points will be declared the higher placed.

  12. At all IPF Championships a “Best lifter” award shall be given to the lifter who produces the best performance based upon the IPF formula. Awards will also be presented to second and third places.

  13. At International Championships, medals will be presented for first, second and third places for each category based upon totals. In addition, medals or merit award certificates shall be presented for first, second and third places in the individual lifts of squat, bench press and deadlift in each category. Should a lifter fail to succeed in either or both of the squat or bench press disciplines he/she may continue to compete for the remainder of the contest, and the lifter will be eligible for awards in any discipline in which he/she records a successful lift or lifts. To receive this award the lifter must make a bona fide attempt on each of the three disciplines. Dress code for athletes at World Championships medal ceremonies is – full team track suit, t-shirt, athletic footwear. Compliance will be monitored by the Technical Controller for the session. Failure to adhere to these requirementsshall disqualify the lifter from receiving the medal(s), although their place in contest results will stand.

  14. It is forbidden to whip and smash the lifter in front of the audience and media.

  15. At all IPF events, the organizer must provide for the safety of athletes and officials a qualified medical person on duty throughout the championships.

EQUIPMENT AND SPECIFICATIONS

Scales

       Scales must be of an electronic digital type and register to the second place of decimals. They must have the capacity to weigh up to 180 kg. A scales certificate to accompany the scales must be current to within one year of the date of the competition.

Platform

       All lifts shall be carried out on a platform measuring between 2.5 m x 2.5 m minimum and 4.0 m x 4.0 m maximum. It must not exceed 10 cm in height from the surrounding stage or floor. The surface of the platform must be flat, firm and level and covered with a material of non-slip smooth carpet (i.e. free from irregularities and projections). Rubber matting or similar sheeting materials are not permitted.

Bars and Discs

       For all powerlifting contests organized under the rules of the IPF, only disc barbells are permitted. The use of discs which do not meet the current specifications will invalidate the contest and any records accomplished. Only those bars and discs that meet all specifications may be used throughout the entire competition and for all lifts. The bar shall not be changed during the competition unless it is bent or damaged in some way as determined by the Technical Committee, Jury or Referees. Bars to be used at all IPF Championships shall not be chromed on the knurling. Only bars and discs that have official IPF approval may be used at IPF World Championships or the setting of World Records. As from 2008 the “knurling” distances on IPF approved bars will become universal/standard based on one of the originally approved bars.

    (a) The bar shall be straight and well knurled and grooved and shall conform to the following dimensions:

  1. Total overall length not to exceed 2.2 m.
  2. Distance between the collar faces is not to exceed 1.32 m or be less than 1.31 m.
  3. Diameter of the bar is not to exceed 29 mm or be less than 28 mm.
  4. Weight of the bar and collars are to be 25 kg.
  5. Diameter of the sleeve not to exceed 52 mm or be less than 50 mm.
  6. There shall be a diameter machined marking or the bar taped so as to measure 81 cm between marking or tape.
picture of IPF recognized powerlifting bar guidelines knurling distances

(b) Discs shall conform as follows:

  1. All discs used in competition must weigh within 0.25 percent or 10 grams of their face value.
    Face Value in Kilos       Maximum       Minimum
    25.0                      25.0625       24.9375
    20.0                      20.05         19.95
    15.0                      15.0375       14.9625
    10.0                      10.025        9.975
    5.0                       5.0125        4.9875
    2.5                       2.51          2.49
    1.25                      1.26          1.24
    .5                        .51           .49
    .25                       .26           .24
  2. The hole size in the middle of the disc must not exceed 53 mm or be less than 52mm.
  3. Discs must be within the following range: 1.25 kg, 2.5 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, and 25kg.
  4. For record purposes, lighter discs may be used to achieve a weight of at least 0.5 kg 1.0 kg, 1.5 kg or 2.0 kg more than the existing record.
  5. Discs weighing 20 kg and over must not exceed 6 cm in thickness. Discs weighing 1 5 kg and under must not exceed 3 cm in thickness.
  6. Discs must conform to the following color code: 10kg and under - any color, 15kg - yellow, 20kg - blue, 25kg –red.
  7. All discs must be clearly marked with their weight and loaded in the sequence of heavier discs innermost with the smaller discs in descending weight arranged so that the referees can read the weight on each disc.
  8. The first and heaviest discs loaded on the bar must be loaded face in; with the rest of the discs loaded face out.
  9. The diameter of the largest discs shall not be more than 45 cm.

Collars
(a) Shall always be used.
(b) Must weigh 2.5 kg each.

Squat Racks

  1. Only Squat Racks from commercial Manufacturers officially registered and approved by the Technical Committee shall be permitted for use in International Powerlifting Championships.
  2. The squat racks shall be designed to adjust from a minimum height of 1.00 m in the lowest position to extend to a height of at least 1.70 m in 2.5cm increments.
  3. All racks must be capable of being secured at the required height by means of pins.

Bench
Only Bench Racks and Benches from Commercial Manufacturers officially registered and approved by the Technical Committee shall be permitted for use in International Powerlifting Championships. The bench shall conform to the following dimensions:

  1. Length - not less than 1.22 m and shall be flat and level.
  2. Width - not less than 29 cm and not exceeding 32 cm.
  3. Height - not less than 42 cm and not exceeding 45 cm measured from the floor to the top of the padded surface of the bench without it being depressed or compacted. The height of the uprights, which must be adjustable, shall be a minimum of 75 cm to a maximum of 110 cm measured from the floor to the bar rest position.
  4. Minimum width between insides of bar rests shall be 1.10 m.
  5. The head of the bench shall extend 22 cm beyond the center of the uprights with a tolerance of 5 cm either way.
  6. Attached safety stands must be used in all events. Minimum Height of Safety Racks shall be 36cm, having 10 holes in increments of 2.5 cm and 50 cm in length.

Clocks
Timing clocks visible to all (venue, platform, warm-up area) must be used which operate continuously up to a minimum of twenty minutes and display elapsed time. Additionally, a clock displaying time left in which to enter the next attempts should also be made visible to the coach or lifter.

Lights
A system of lights shall be provided whereby the referees make known their decisions. Each referee will control a white and a red light. These two colors represent a “good lift” and “no lift” respectively. The lights shall be arranged horizontally to correspond with the positions of the three referees.

They must be wired in such a way that they light up together and not separately when activated by the three referees. For emergency purposes, i.e. a breakdown in the electrical system, the referees will be provided with small white or red flags or paddles with which to make known their decisions on the Chief Referee’s audible command “flags”.

Failure Cards / Paddles
After the lights have been activated and appeared, the referee(s) will raise a card or paddle or activate a light system to make known the reason/s why the lift has been failed.

Failure Cards / Paddles
Color of the cards: Failure no. 1 = red card Failure no. 2 = blue card Failure no. 3 = yellow card

Images of example of the three lifts, squat, bench press, deadlift.
SQUAT BENCH PRESS DEADLIFT
1. (red) Failure to bend the knees and lower the body until the top surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the top of the knees. 1. (red) Bar is not lowered to chest or abdominal area i.e. not reaching the chest or abdominal area, or is touching the belt. 1. (red) Failure to lock the knees straight at the completion of the lift. Failure to stand erect with the shoulders back.
2. (blue) Failure to assume an upright position with the knees locked at the commencement and at the completion of the lift. Double bouncing or more than one recovery attempt at the bottom of the lift or any downward movement during the ascent. 2. (blue) Any downward movement of the whole of the bar in the course of being pressed out. Failure to press the bar to straight arms length elbows locked at the completion of the lift. 2. (blue) Any downward movement of the bar before it reaches the final position. If the bar settles as the shoulders come back this should not be reason to disqualify the lift. Supporting the bar on the thighs during the performance of the lift. If the bar edges up the thighs but is not supported, this is not reason for disqualification.
3. (yellow) Stepping backward or forward or moving the feet laterally. Rocking the feet between the ball and heel is permitted. Failure to observe the Chief Referees signals at the commencement or completion of the lift. Contact with bar or lifter by the spotters/loaders between the Chief referees’ signals, in order to make the lift easier. Contact of elbows or upper arms with the legs, which has supported and been of aid to the lifter. Slight contact that is of no aid may be ignored. Any dropping or dumping of the bar after completion of the lift. Failure t o comply w i t h any of the requirements contained in the general description of the lift, which precedes this list of disqualification. Incomplete lift 3. (yellow) Heaving, or sinking the bar after it has been motionless on the chest or abdominal area, in such a way as to aid the lifter. Failure to observe the Chief Referees signals at the commencement, during or completion of the lift. Any change in the elected lifting position during the lift proper, i.e. any raising movement of the head, shoulders or buttocks from their original points of contact with the bench, or lateral movement of the hands on the bar. Contact with the bar or the lifter by the spotters/ loaders between the Chief Referees signals, in order to make the lift easier. Any contact of the lifter’s feet with the bench or its supports. Deliberate contact between the bar and the bar rest supports during the lift in order to make the lift easier. Failure t o comply w i t h any of the requirements contained in the general description of the lift, which precedes this list of disqualification. Incomplete lift 3. (yellow) Lowering the bar before receiving the Chief Referees signal. Allowing the bar to return to the platform without maintaining control with both hands, i.e. releasing the bar from the palms of the hand. Stepping backward or forward or moving the feet laterally. Rocking the feet between the ball and heel is permitted. Foot movement after the command “Down” will not be cause for failure. Failure to comply with any of the requirements contained in the general description of the lift, which precedes this list of disqualification. Incomplete lift

Scoreboard
A proper detailed scoreboard visual to the spectators, officials, and all concerned with the progress of the competition must be provided. The lifters names should be arranged by lot numbers for each session. The current record must be displayed and up-dated as necessary.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Suits
Supportive
A supportive lifting suit may be worn only in competitions which are designated as Equipped.

A supportive lifting suit may be worn for all lifts in competitions which are designated as an Equipped (in which a nonsupportive lifting suit may instead be worn). The suit-straps must be worn over the lifter’s shoulders at all times in all lifts in all competitions.

Only supportive lifting suits from manufacturers accepted onto the “Approved List of Apparel and Equipment for Use at IPF Competitions” shall be permitted for use in competitions. In addition, any such supportive suits from Approved manufacturers must meet all the specifications of the IPF Technical Rules; supportive suits from Approved manufacturers which breach any IPF Technical Rule shall not be permitted for use in competitions.

The supportive lifting suit must conform to the following specifications:

(a) The suit’s material shall be of a single thickness.
(b) There must be legs to the suit, extending a minimum of 3cm and a maximum of 15 cm, from the top of the crutch down the inside of the leg, as measured when worn by the lifter in a standing position.
(c) Any alteration to the costume which exceeds the established widths, lengths or thickness imperviously stated shall make the suit illegal for competition.
(d) Although alterations/pleats to form a tightening of the suits and supportive shirts do not make them illegal, these must be made on the original seams. Non-factory alterations to tighten suits and shirts are not illegal when done in the form of pleats. However, the pleats must be made only on the manufacturer’s original seams. These pleats must be made on the inside of the suit or shirt. Any alterations made on areas other than the manufacturer’sseams are illegal. Pleats may not be sewn back onto the body of the garment.
(e) Where a tightening has been made in the shoulder straps and the excess material is longer than 3cm’s, this must then be turned inside the suit and not sewn back onto the straps. No more than 3 cm length may protrude outside the suit.
(f) The suit may bear the logos or emblems
- of the approved manufacturer of the suit
- of the lifter’s nation
- of the lifter’s name
- as per the rule “Sponsor’s Logos”
- In national and lower level contests only, of the lifter’s club or individual sponsor, where that logo or emblem has not otherwise been approved by the IPF.

Non-Supportive
A non-supportive lifting suit shall be worn in competitions which are designated as Classic/Raw and may be worn in competitions which are designated as Equipped (in which a supportive lifting suit may instead be worn). The suit straps must be worn over the lifter’s shoulders at all times in all lifts in all competitions.

Only non-supportive suits from manufacturers accepted onto the “Approved List of Apparel and Equipment for Use at IPF Competitions” shall be permitted for use in competitions. In addition, any such non-supportive suit from approved manufacturers must meet all the specifications of the IPF Technical Rules; non-supportive suit from approved manufacturers which breach any IPF Technical Rule shall not be permitted for use in competitions.

The non-supportive lifting suit must conform to the following specifications:

(a) The suit shall be one-piece and form fitting without any looseness when worn.
(b) The suit must be constructed entirely of fabric or a synthetic textile material, such that no support is given to the lifter by the suit in the execution of any lift.
(c) The suit’s material shall be of a single thickness, other than a second thickness of material of up to 12 cm x 24 cm allowed in the area of crotch.
(d) There must be legs to the suit, extending a minimum of 3 cm and a maximum of 25 cm, from the top of the crotch down the inside of the leg, as measured when worn by the lifter in a standing position.
(e) The suit may bear the logos or emblems
- of the approved manufacturer of the suit
- of the lifter’s nation
- of the lifter’s name
- as per rule “Sponsor’s Logos”
- in national and lower level contests only, of the lifter’s club or individual sponsor, where that logo or emblem has not otherwise been approved by the IPF.
(f) - A Female lifter is not allowed to use knee wraps or knee sleeves over a full body suit in Equipped or Classic competitions.

POWERLIFTS AND RULES OF PERFORMANCE

Squat

  1. The lifter shall face the front of the platform. The bar shall be held horizontally across the shoulders, hands and fingers gripping the bar. The hands may be positioned anywhere on the bar inside and or in contact with the inner collars.
  2. After removing the bar from the racks, (the lifter may be aided in removal of the bar from the racks by the spotter / loaders) the lifter must move backwards to establish the starting position. When the lifter is motionless, erect (slight deviation is allowable) with knees locked the Chief Referee will give the signal to begin the lift. The signal shall consist of a downward movement of the arm and the audible command “Squat”. Before receiving the signal to “squat” the lifter may make any position adjustments within the rules, without penalty. For reasons of safety the lifter will be requested to “Replace” the bar, together with a backward movement of the arm, if after a period of five seconds he is not in the correct position to begin the lift. The Chief Referee will then convey the reason why the signal was not given.
  3. Upon receiving the Chief Referee’s signal the lifter must bend the knees and lower the body until the top surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the top of the knees. Only one decent attempt is allowed. The attempt is deemed to have commenced when the lifters knees have unlocked.
  4. The lifter must recover at will to an upright position with the knees locked. Double bouncing at the bottom of the squat attempt or any downward movement is not permitted. When the lifter is motionless (in the apparent final position) the Chief Referee will give the signal to rack the bar.
  5. The signal to rack the bar will consist of a backward motion of the arm and the audible command “Rack”. The lifter must then return the bar to the racks. Foot movement after the rack signal will not be cause for failure. For reasons of safety the lifter may request the aid of the spotter/loaders in returning the bar to, and replacing it in the racks. The lifter must stay with the bar during this process.
  6. Not more than five and not less than two spotter/loaders shall be on the platform at any time. The Referees may decide to the number of spotter/loadersrequired on the platform at any time 2, 3, 4, or 5.

Causes for disqualification of a Squat:

  1. Failure to observe the Chief Referee’s signals at the commencement or completion of a lift.
  2. Double bouncing at the bottom of the lift, or any downward movement during the ascent.
  3. Failure to assume an upright position with the knees locked at the commencement or completion of the lift.
  4. Stepping backward or forward or moving the feet laterally. Rocking the feet between the ball and heel is permitted.
  5. Failure to bend the knees and lower the body until the top surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the top of the knees, as in the diagram.
  6. Contact with the bar or the lifter by the spotter/loaders between the Chief Referee’s signals in order to make the lift easier.
  7. Contact of the elbows or upper arms with the legs. Slight contact is permitted if there is no supporting that might aid the lifter.
  8. Any dropping or dumping of the bar after completion of the lift.
  9. Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under Rules of Performance for the squat.

Bench Press

  1. 1. The bench shall be placed on the platform with the head facing the front or angled up to 45 degrees. The Chief referee shall position himself on the head side of the bench press rack.
  2. The lifter must lie on his back with head, shoulders and buttocks in contact with the bench surface. The feet must be flat on the floor (as flat as the shape of the shoe will allow). His hands and fingers must grip the bar positioned in the rack stands with a thumbs around grip. This position shall be maintained throughout the lift. Foot movement is permissible but must remain flat on the platform. The hair must not hide the back of the head when lying down on the bench. The Jury or Referees may require the lifter to affix his/her hear accordingly.
  3. To achieve firm footing the lifter may use flat surfaced plates, or blocks not exceeding 30 cm in total height and a minimum dimension of 60 cm x 40 cm, to build up the surface of the platform. Blocks in the range of 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm, should be made available for foot placement at all international competitions.
  4. Not more than five and not less than two spotter/loaders shall be on the platform at any time. After correctly positioning himself, the lifter may enlist the help of the spotter/loaders in removing the bar from the racks. The lift off if assisted by the spotter/loaders must be at arms’ length.
  5. The spacing of the hands shall not exceed 81 cm measured between the forefingers (both forefingers must be within the 81 cm marks and the whole of the forefingers must be in contact with the 81 cm marks if maximum grip is used). The use of the reverse grip is forbidden.
  6. After removing the bar from the racks, with or without the help of the spotter / loaders, the lifter shall wait with straight arms elbows locked for the Chief Referee’s signal. The signal shall be given as soon as the lifter is motionless and the bar properly positioned. For reasons of safety the lifter will be requested to “Replace” the bar, together with a backward movement of the arm, if after a period of five seconds he is not in the correct position to begin the lift. The Chief Referee will then convey the reason why the signal was not given.
  7. The signal to begin the attempt shall consist of a downward movement of the arm together with the audible command “Start”.
  8. After receiving the signal, the lifter must lower the bar to the chest or abdominal area (the bar shall not touch the belt), hold it motionless, after which the Chief referee will signal the audible command “Press”. The lifter must then return the bar to straight arms’ length elbows locked. When held motionless in this position the audible command “Rack” shall be given together with a backward motion of the arm. If the bar is lowered to the belt or does not touch the chest or abdominal area, the Chief Referee´s command is “Rack”.

Rules for the disabled competing in IPF single lift Bench Press championships
Bench press championships shall be organized without a special division for disabled lifters e.g. blind, sight impaired, mobility impaired. They may be assisted to, and from, the bench. Assisted to mean “with the help of the coach or/and with use of crutches, sticks/canes or wheelchair”. The rules of competition apply equally to that of the able bodied. For lifters who have an amputated lower limb, a prosthetic device shall be considered the same as the natural limb. The lifter shall be weighed in without the device, with compensatory weight added according to the established fraction chart. Refer to WEIGHING IN item 5. For lifters with dysfunctional lower limbs that require leg braces or similar devices for walking, the device shall be considered as part of the natural limb and the lifter shall be weighed in wearing the device.

Causes for Disqualification of a Bench Press:

  1. Failure to observe the Chief Referee’s signals at the commencement, during or completion of the lift
  2. Any change in the elected lifting position during the lift proper i.e. any raising movement of the head, shoulders, or buttocks, from the bench, or lateral movement of hands on the bar.
  3. Heaving, or sinking the bar into the chest or abdominal area after it is motionless in such a way as to make the lift easier.
  4. Any downward movement of the whole of the bar in the course of being pressed out.
  5. Bar is not lowered to chest or abdominal area i.e. not reaching the chest or abdominal area, or the bar is touching the belt.
  6. Failure to press the bar to straight arms’ length elbows locked at the completion of the lift.
  7. Contact with the bar or the lifter by the spotter/loaders between the Chief Referee’s signals, in order to make the lift easier.
  8. Any contact of the lifter’s feet with the bench or its supports. Lifting of the feet is not allowed. Foot movement is permissible but must remain flat on the platform.
  9. Deliberate contact between the bar and the bar rests support.
  10. Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under the Rules of Performance.

Deadlift


  1. The lifter shall face the front of the platform with the bar laid horizontally in front of the lifters feet, gripped with an optional grip in both hands and lifted until the lifter is standing erect.
  2. On completion of the lift the knees shall be locked in a straight position and the shoulders back.
  3. The Chief Referee’s signal shall consist of a downward movement of the arm and the audible command “Down”. The signal will not be given until the bar is held motionless and the lifter is in the apparent finished position.
  4. Any rising of the bar or any deliberate attempt to do so will count as an attempt. Once the attempt has begun no downward movement is allowed until the lifter reaches the erect position with the knees locked. If the bar settles as the shoulders come back (slightly downward on completion) this should not be reason to disqualify the lift.

Causes for Disqualification of a Deadlift:


  1. Any downward movement of the bar before it reaches the final position.
  2. Failure to stand erect with the shoulders back.
  3. Failure to lock the knees straight at the completion of the lift.
  4. Supporting the bar on the thighs during the performance of the lift. If the bar edges up the thigh but is not supported this is not reason for disqualification. The lifter should benefit in all decisions of doubt made by the referee.
  5. Stepping backward or forward or moving the feet laterally. Rocking the feet between the ball and heel is permitted. Foot movement after the command “Down” will not be cause for failure.
  6. Lowering the bar before receiving the Chief Referee’s signal.
  7. Allowing the bar to return to the platform without maintaining control with both hands, i.e., releasing the bar from the palms of the hand.
  8. Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under Rules of Performance.
WEIGHING IN
  1. Weighing in of the competitors must take place no earlier than two hours before the start of the competition for a particular category / category. All lifters in the category/categories must attend the weigh in, which will be carried out in the presence of two / three appointed referees. Weight categories may be combined in a single lifting session.
  2. If not already done, lots will be drawn to establish the order of weigh in. The lots drawn also establish the order of lifting throughout the competition when lifters require the same weights for their attempts.
  3. The weigh in period will last one and a half hours.
  4. The weigh in for each competitor will be carried out in a room with the door closed, with only the competitor, his coach or manager and the two/three referees present. For reasons of hygiene the lifter should wear socks / paper towel on the scale’s platform. Lifters need to identify himself/herself with an ID/Passport.
  5. Lifters may be weighed nude or in underwear which complies with the specifications set out in the appropriate section of the rule book and which does not effectively change the lifter’s weight. If a question exists regarding weight of undergarments, a re-weigh in the nude may be requested. “In competitions in which both sexes are competitors, the weigh in procedure may be altered to ensure that lifters are weighed by officials of their own sex. Additional officials (not necessarily referees) may be appointed for this purpose”.
    Disabled/Amputee lifters who are competing in bench press championships will have the following additions to their bodyweight:
    For each below the ankle amputation = 1/54 of bodyweight
    For each below the knee amputation = 1/36 of bodyweight
    For each above the knee amputation = 1/18 of bodyweight
    For each hip disarticulation = 1/9 of bodyweight
    For lifters with dysfunctional lower limbs that require leg braces or similar devices for walking, the device shall be considered as part of the natural limb and the lifter shall be weighed in wearing the device.
  6. Each lifter may only be weighed once. Only those whose bodyweight is heavier or lighter than the category limits of the category entered are allowed to return to the scales. They must return to the scales and make weight within the limits of the hour and a half allowed for the weigh in; otherwise they will be eliminated from the competition. A lifter can only be re-weighed as often as time and orderly progression by lots allows. A lifter may only be weighed outside the time limit of one and a half hours if he presents himself within the time limit, but due to the number of lifters trying to make weight, he is denied the opportunity of mounting the scales. He may then be allowed one re-weigh at the discretion of the referees. The lifter’s agreed bodyweight must not be made public until all lifters competing in the particular category/categories have been weighed in.
  7. A lifter may only weigh in the category in which he was nominated 21 days prior to the meet date. In the case where groups are formed in a particular weight class the B and C groups may lift at a separate and earlier time to the A group. Where groups lift at separate times in this way the A group must have a minimum of 8 (eight) and a maximum of 14 (fourteen) lifters.
  8. Lifters should check squat and bench press rack heights and foot blocks prior to the start of the competition. The rack height sheet must be signed or initialed after the check by the lifter or coach. It is in their interest. A copy of this official document goes to the Jury, Speaker, and Platform Manager.
ORDER OF COMPETITION

The Round System
(a) At the weigh in, the lifter or his coach must declare a starting weight for all three lifts. These must be entered on the appropriate first attempt card, signed by the lifter or his coach and retained by the official conducting the weigh in. The speaker’s card is deemed to be the appropriate first attempt card. The lifter will then be given eleven blank attempt cards for use during the competition. Three for the squat, three for the bench press, and five for the deadlift. Each lift distinguished by using a different coloured card. Having made his first attempt at a lift, the lifter or his coach must decide upon the weight required for his second attempt. This weight must be filled in where indicated upon the card and submitted to the competition secretary or other appointed official before the one-minute time allowance has elapsed. The same procedure is to be used for the second and third attempts on all three lifts. Responsibility for submitting attempts within the time limit rests solely with the lifter or his coach. Under the round system, the need for numerous marshals is eliminated, the attempt card being handed directly to the designated official. Examples of attempt cards are illustrated. Remember that the box for first attempts on the cards in the lifter’s possession is only to be used for the permitted first attempt change if required. Similarly, the fourth and fifth boxes on the deadlift card are only to be used for the two permitted changes on the third attempt deadlift if required. In single bench press competitions a card similar to that of the deadlift will be used.
(b) Where 10 or more lifters are competing in a session, groups may be formed consisting of approximately equal numbers of lifters. However, groups must be formed when 15 or more lifters are competing in the same session. A session can be composed of a single bodyweight category or any combination of bodyweight categories at the discretion of the organizer for purpose of presentation. In single lift Bench Press Championships groups of up to twenty may be formed. Grouping shall be determined by examining the lifters’ best totals achieved at national or international level during the previous twelve months. The lifters with the lowest totals will form the first group to lift with progressively higher totals forming further groups as necessary. Where a lifter has not provided a total for the previous twelve months, then that lifter shall automatically be placed in the first group to lift.
(c) Each lifter will take his first attempt in the first round, his second attempt in the second round and his third attempt in the third round.
(d) When a group consists of less than 6 lifters, compensatory time allowances shall be added at the end of each round as follows: For 5 lifters add 1 minute; 4 lifters add 2 minutes; 3 lifters add 3 minutes. 3 minutes is the maximum allowance permitted at the end of a round. Should a lifter follow himself when the compensatory clock is in operation, 3 minutes is the maximum allowance permitted. For compensatory time where groups are involved, unloading of the bar will take place at the end of the compensatory time, reloaded, then the one minute to begin the attempt.
(e) The bar must be loaded progressively during each round on the principle of a rising bar. At no time will the weight on the bar be lowered within a round except for errors as described in item (i), and then only at the end of a round.
(f) Lifting order within each round will be determined by the lifter’s choice of weight for that round. In the event of two lifters choosing the same weight, the lifter with the lowest lot number drawn at the weigh in, will lift first. The same applies to third round deadlift attempts, whereby the weight may be changed twice, subject to the bar not having already been loaded to the lifters originally chosen weight and the lifter having been called to the bar by the speaker.
Example: Lifter A with lot number 5 puts in 250.0 kg.
Lifter B with lot number 2 puts in 252.5 kg.
Lifter A fails with 250.0 kg. Can Lifter B drop the weight to 250.0 kg to win?
No, the order of lifting is still determined by the lot number.
(g) If unsuccessful with an attempt, the lifter does not follow himself, but must wait until the next round before he can attempt that weight again.

REFEREES
  1. The referees shall be three in number, the Chief Referee or Center Referee and two side referees. Their International referee cards should be in date, and that of the Technical Controller, and placed on the Jury table.
  2. The Chief Referee is responsible for giving the necessary signals for all three lifts.
  3. Signals required for the three lifts are as follows:
Lift Commencement Completion
Squat A visual signal consisting of a downward movement of the arm together with the audible command “squat” A visual signal consisting of a backward movement of the arm together with the audible command “rack”
Bench Press A visual signal consisting of a downward movement of the arm together with the audible command “start”.
During: The audible command “Press” after motionless at the chest and the visible signal of an upward movement of the arm. 		A visual signal consisting of a backward movement of the arm together with the audible command “rack”
Deadlift No signal required A visual signal consisting of a downward movement of the arm together with the audible command “down”