Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
The International Powerlifting Federation
Technical Rules book
2007
As from 1
st
of January 2007
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
THE INTERNATIONAL POWERLIFTING FEDERATION
TECHNICAL RULES BOOK 2007
Table of contents
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
GENERAL RULES OF POWERLIFTING
Throughout this rule book, for reasons of brevity, wherever the words âheâ or âhisâ occur, such reference
is deemed to apply to either sex.
1.
(a The 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. Benchpress C. Deadlift D. Total
(b) Competition takes place between lifters in categories defined by sex, bodyweight and age. The
Menâs and Womenâs Open Championships permit lifters of any age in excess of 14 years.
(c) The rules apply to all levels of competition.
(d) Each competitor is allowed three attempts on each lift. The lifterâs 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.
(e) 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, benchpress 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
:
Menâs and Womenâs combined Open World Championships
Menâs and Womenâs combined Sub-Junior & Junior World Championships
Menâs and Womenâs combined Masterâs World Championships
Menâs and Womenâs combined Open Benchpress World Championships
Menâs and Womenâs combined Masterâs Benchpress World Championships
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.
II: from 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 50 years and throughout the full calendar
year in which he reaches 59 years.
III: from 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 60 years and throughout the
full calendar year in which he reaches 69 years.
IV: from 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 70 years and upwards.
It must be recognized that Master IV age category is not included in class weights.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
Women â 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.
II: from 1 January in the calendar year she reaches 50 years and throughout the
full calendar year in which she reaches 59 years.
III: from 1 January in the calendar year she reaches 60 years and upwards.
It must be recognized that Master III age category is not included in class weights.
Competitive lifting shall be restricted to competitors aged 14 years and older.
4.
Placing for all age groupings shall be determined by the totals of the lifters in accordance with the
standard rules of lifting.
Men 70 years of age (calendar year) and over, to receive medals for placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in
overall competition, based on the Wilks (points) Formula.
Women 60 years of age (calendar year) and over, to receive medals for placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in
overall competition, based on the Wilks (points) Formula.
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 52,0 kg
56.0kg Class up to 56.0kg.
60.0kg Class from 56.01 to 60.0kg.
67.5kg Class from 60.01 to 67.5kg.
75.0kg Class from 67.51 to 75.0kg.
82.5kg Class from 75.01 to 82.5kg.
90.0kg Class from 82.51 to 90.0kg.
100.0kg Class from 90.01 to 100.0kg.
110.0kg Class from 100.01 to 110.0kg.
125.0kg Class from 110.01 to 125.0kg.
125.0+kg Class from 125.01 to unlimited
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
WOMEN
Sub-Junior & Junior only-up to 44,0 kg
48.0kg Class up to 48.0kg.
52.0kg Class from 48.01 to 52.0kg.
56.0kg Class from 52.01 to 56.0kg.
60.0kg Class from 56.01 to 60.0kg.
67.5kg Class from 60.01 to 67.5kg.
75.0kg Class from 67.51 to 75.0kg.
82.5kg Class from 75.01 to 82.5kg.
90.0kg Class from 82.51 to 90.0kg.
90.0+kg Class from 90.01 to unlimited.
5.
Each nation is allowed a maximum of ten competitors spread throughout the range of the ten
bodyweight categories for men and nine competitors throughout the range of nine bodyweight
categories for women. Junior and Sub-Junior eleven for men and ten 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 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.
Personal bests from National or International Championships during the previous 12 months shall be
stated. This may include his/her result achieved at last years 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
Region and also 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 at this time.
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 into 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 six 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.
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. 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 six scoring lifters.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
12. At all IPF Championships a âBest lifterâ award shall be given to the lifter who produces the best
performance based upon the Wilks formula.
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, benchpress and deadlift in each
category. Should a lifter fail to succeed in all three attempts in either or both of the squat or
benchpress 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.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
EQUIPMENT AND SPECIFICATIONS
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 âknurlingâ 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.
IPF recognised powerlifting bar
Guideline of knurling distances
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29
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
245
120-
250
160
440
810
1310
Measurements in mm (knurling distances inside the collar sleeves)
Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
(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
50.0 50.125 49.875
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 52 mm.
3.
Discs must be within the following range : 1.25 kg, 2.5 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and
50 kg.
4.
For record purposes, lighter discs may be used to achieve a weight of at least 1 kg
more than the
existing record.
5.
Discs weighing 20 kg and over must not exceed 6 cm in thickness. Discs weighing 15 kg and
under must not exceed 3 cm in thickness. Rubber discs do not have to conform to the stated
thickness.
6.
Discs must conform to the following colour code : 10kg and under - any colour, 15kg - yellow,
20kg - blue, 25kg - red, 50kg - green.
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.
10.
Rubber or rubber covered discs are acceptable provided there is a minimum of 10 cm from the
outside of the collars to the end of the bar, for grip outside of the discs.
Collars
(a) Shall always be used.
(b) Must weigh 2.5 kg each.
Squat Racks
(a) Only Squat Racks from commercial Manufacturers officially registered and approved by the
Technical Committee shall be permitted for use in International Powerlifting Championships
.
(b) 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 5 cm increments.
(c) All hydraulic racks must be capable of being secured at the required height by means of pins.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
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.
Lights
A system of lights shall be provided whereby the referees make known their decisions. A system of
lights similar to those used in weightlifting may be used, whereby when a referee detects an infraction
he activates his control. If a majority activates their control a buzzer sounds and the lifter knows that
his lift has failed. He is not then required to finish the attempt. Each referee will control a white and a
red light. These two colours represent a âgood liftâ and âno liftâ 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 Refereeâs
audible command âflagsâ.
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.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
Referees numbered card system - reason for failure.
Colour of the cards:
Failure no. 1 = Red card
Failure no. 2 = Blue card
Failure no. 3 = Yellow card
SQUAT BENCHPRESS
DEADLIFT
1
. (red)
Failure to bend the knees and
lower the body until the top
surface of the legs at the hip
joint are lower than the top of
the knees
1.
(red)
Bar is not lowered to chest i.e.
not reaching the chest or is
touching the abdominal area.
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
completion of the lift.
Any downward movement of
the bar during the lift.
Changing the position of the
bar across the shoulders after
the commencement of the lift.
Any downward movement of
the bar on the back more than
the diameter/thickness of the
bar below the lifterâs chosen
starting position.
2.
(blue)
Any pronounced or
exaggerated uneven extension
of the arms during the lift.
Any downward movement of
the bar in the course of being
pressed out.
Failure to press the bar to full
extension of the arms 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 disqualifi-
cation.
3.
(yellow)
Stepping backward or forward
although lateral movement of
the foot and 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.
3.
(yellow)
Heaving, or sinking the bar
after it has been motionless on
the chest, 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.
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.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
Double bouncing or more than
one recovery attempt at the
bottom 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 to comply with any of
the requirements contained in
the general description of the
lift, which precedes this list of
disqualification.
Any change in the elected
lifting position during the lift
proper, i.e. any raising
movement of the head,
shoulders, buttocks or feet
from their original points of
contact with the bench or floor
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 lifters 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 to comply with any of
the requirements contained in
the general description of the
lift, which precedes this list of
disqualification.
Stepping backward or forward
although lateral movement of
the feet or rocking the feet
between the ball and heel is
permitted.
Failure to comply with any of
the requirements contained in
the general description of the
lift, which precedes this list of
disqualification.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
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.
Championships Scoreboard
Group
:
SQUAT BENCHPRESS
DEADLIFT
LOT
NAMEâŚ
NAT
BD/
WT
RD1 RD2
RD3 RD1 RD2 RD3
SUB
TOT
RD1 RD2 RD3
TOT PLACE
1
2
3
14
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
Costume
Supportive
Only costumes officially registered and approved by the Technical Committee shall be permitted for use in
Powerlifting and Benchpress Competitions.
Non Supportive
W/L / Wrestling / Leotard / singlet. Subject to the specifications itemized (c), (d), (e). The suit does not
require Technical Committee approval.
A lifting costume must be worn and shall be of a one - piece full length lifting suit of one - ply stretch
material without any patches, padding or division into panels by means of seams not necessary in the
manufacture of the costume. Any seams, false or otherwise, that in the opinion of the Technical
Committee, Jury, or in their absence the referees are incorporated into the costume purely as a form of
reinforcement or bracing, shall invalidate the costume from being used in the competition.
The costume must be form fitting without any looseness when worn by the lifter. The straps must be
worn over the shoulders at all times while lifting in competition. The lifting suit shall be subject to
the following requirements :
(a) It may be of any colour or colours.
(b) The lifting suit may bear the badge, emblem, logo and / or inscription of the lifterâs nation,
national association, or sponsor. That which is offensive or liable to bring the sport into disrepute
is not allowed. (Refer to Inspection of Personal Equipment item 10 for Sponsorâs Logos.
The lifterâs name may be placed on the costume, or any item of personal apparel.
(c) Seams and hems must not exceed 3 cm in width and 0.5 cm in thickness. Only non-supportive
leotard / singlet suits may have seams and hems exceeding 3 cm in width. The non-supportive
leotard / singlet may also have a double thickness of the same material size 12 cm x 24 cm in the
area of the crotch.
(d) Seams may be protected or strengthened by narrow gauge webbing or stretch material not
exceeding 2 cm in width and 0.5 cm in thickness.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
(e) It must have legs. The length of leg must be a minimum of 3 cm and maximum of 15 cm.
Measurement is to be taken on a line from the top of the crotch down the inside of the leg. The
leg of the suit need not to be cut to form exactly a parallel around the leg. It may be cut higher on
the outside of the leg. Non supportive costumes may have leg length to a maximum of 25 cm.
(f) Any alterations to the costume which exceed the established widths, lengths or thicknesses
previously stated shall make the suit illegal for competition.
(g) 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.
(h) Should a tightening have been made, the excess material must not be folded and sewn back on
to the suit. It is recommended that when the costume shoulder straps are shortened they are sewn
in such a way that the excess material is under the strap, rather than the unsightly tufts that appear
when material is above the straps.
T Shirt / Supportive Shirt
A T Shirt or support shirt (the support shirt shall be of one ply stretch material) of any colour or
colours must be worn under the lifting suit during the performance of the squat and benchpress, but
is optional for the men in the deadlift. A combination of the two is forbidden. Women must wear a
T Shirt or support shirt while competing on all lifts.
Support shirts as approved by the Technical Committee and noted in the list of approved equipment
and clothing issued periodically by the committee may be worn for all lifts. All of the conditions as
defined for the T Shirt, also apply to the support shirt. The support shirt cannot be so long as to cover
the buttocks when tucked into the suit and therefore serve as extra support. In addition seams may only
be placed in the positions indicated in the diagram.
The T Shirt is subject to the following conditions:
(a) Does not consist of any rubberized or similar stretch material.
(b) Does not have any pockets, buttons, zippers, collar, or vee neck.
(c) Does not have reinforced seams.
(d Is made of cotton or polyester or a mixture of cotton and polyester. Denim is not acceptable.
(e) It shall not have sleeves which terminate either below the elbow or at the deltoid. Lifters may not
push or roll the sleeves of the T-Shirt up to the deltoid when competing in IPF competition.
T-Shirts must not be worn inside out. The âSupport shirtâ as used in the squat and deadlift may be
âsleevelessâ.
(f) Is plain or the official T Shirt of the contest in which the lifter is competing or bears the badge and
or inscription of the lifterâs nation, national or regional federation or sponsor. That which is
offensive or likely to bring the sport into disrepute is not allowed. The sponsorâs logo must also
conform with item 10 under Inspection of Personal Equipment ( Sponsorâs Logos).
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
Briefs
A standard commercial âathletic supporterâ or standard commercial briefs (not boxer shorts) of any
mixture of cotton, nylon or polyester shall be worn under the lifting suit.
Women may also wear a commercial or sports bra.
Swimming trunks or any garment consisting of rubberized or similar stretch material except in the
waistband, shall not be worn under the lifting costume.
Any supportive undergarment is not legal for use in IPF competition.
Socks
Socks may be worn.
(a) They may be of any colour or colours and may have manufacturerâs logos.
(b) They shall not be of such length on the leg that they come into contact with the knee wraps or
knee cap supporter.
(c) Full length leg stockings, tights or hose are strictly forbidden.
Shin length socks must be worn to cover and protect the shins while performing the deadlift.
(d) Light protective guards between sock and shin may be worn.
Belt
Competitors may wear a belt. If worn, it shall be on the outside of the lifting suit.
Materials and Construction :
(a) The main body shall be made of leather, vinyl or other similar non-stretch material in one or
more laminations which may be glued and / or stitched together.
(b) It shall not have additional padding, bracing or supports of any material either on the surface or
concealed within the laminations of the belt.
(c) The buckle shall be attached at one end of the belt by means of studs and / or stitching.
(d) The belt may have a buckle with one or two prongs or âquick releaseâ type (âquick releaseâ
referring to lever.)
(e) A tongue loop shall be attached close to the buckle by means of studs / or stitching.
(f) The name of the lifter, the lifterâs nation, state or club may appear on the outside of the belt.
Dimensions :
1.
Width of belt maximum 10 cm.
2.
Thickness of belt maximum 13 mm along the main length.
3.
Inside width of buckle maximum 11 cm.
4.
Outside width of buckle maximum 13 cm.
5.
Tongue loop maximum width 5 cm.
6.
Distance between end of belt and far end of tongue loop maximum 25 cm.
Correct Points of Measurement :
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
Shoes or boots
Shoes or boots shall be worn.
(a) Shoes shall be taken to include only Sports Shoes / Sports Boots ; W/L, P/L Boots or Deadlift
Slippers. The above is referring to indoor sports e.g. wrestling/basketball. Hiking boots do not fall
into this category
(b) No part of the underside shall be higher than 5 cm.
(c) The underside must be uniform on both sides.
(d) Loose inner soles that are not part of the manufactured shoe shall be limited to one centimeter
thickness.
Wraps
Only wraps of one ply commercially woven elastic that is covered with polyester, cotton or a
combination of both materials or medical crepe are permitted.
Wrists
1.
Wrists wraps shall not exceed 1 m. in length and 8 cm in width. Any sleeves, and velcro patches
/ tabs for securing must be incorporated within the one meter length. A loop may be attached as
an aid to securing. The loop shall not be over the thumb or fingers during the actual lift.
2.
Standard commercial sweat bands may be worn, not exceeding 12 cm in width. A combination of
wrist wraps and sweat bands is not allowed.
3.
A wrist covering shall not extend beyond 10 cm above and 2 cm below the center of the wrist
joint
and shall not exceed a covering width of 12 cm.
Knees
4.
Wraps not exceeding 2 m in length and 8 cm in width may be used. A knee wrap shall not extend
beyond 15 cm above and 15 cm below the centre of the knee joint and shall not exceed a total
covering width of 30 cm. Alternatively, an elasticised knee cap supporter not exceeding 30 cm in
length may be worn. Knee sleeves 30 cm in length are also legal and the medical/surgical sleeves
is
also an option. A combination of the two is strictly forbidden.
Neoprene may be âsyntheticâ rubber but is only acceptable in the knee sleeve.
5.
Wraps shall not be in contact with the socks or lifting suit.
6.
Wraps shall not be used elsewhere on the body.
Supportive wraps.
Only wraps from commercial manufacturers officially registered and approved by the
Technical Committee shall be permitted for use in powerlifting competitions.
Non supportive wraps.
Wraps made of medical crepe or bandage and sweatbands do not require Technical Committee
approval.
7.
Two layers of medical tape may be worn on the thumbs. Medical tape, or its like may not be worn
anywhere else on the body without official permission of the Jury, or Chief Referee. Medical tape
may not be used as aids to the lifter in holding the bar.
8.
Contingent upon prior approval by the Jury, Official Doctor, Paramedic or Paramedical personnel
on duty medical tape may be applied to bodily injuries in a fashion that would not
grant the lifter an undue advantage.
9.
At all competitions where a jury may not be present and no medical personnel are on duty. The
Chief Referee shall have jurisdiction over the use of medical tape.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
Inspection of Personal Equipment
(a) The inspection of personal equipment for each and every lifter in the competition may take place at
anytime (times may be announced at the Technical Meeting) throughout the meet prior to within
twenty minutes of the start for their particular bodyweight category.
(b) A minimum of two referees shall be appointed to fulfill this duty. All items shall be examined and
approved before being officially stamped or marked.
(c) Wraps over permitted length shall be rejected, but may be cut to the correct length and resubmitted.
(d) Any item considered unclean or torn shall be rejected.
(e) The signed inspection sheet shall be handed to the president of the Jury at the end of the inspection
period.
(f) If after the inspection a lifter appears on the platform wearing or using any illegal item, other than
that which may have inadvertently been passed by the referees, the lifter shall immediately be
disqualified from the competition.
(g) All items mentioned previously under costume and personal equipment shall be inspected.
(h) Hats are strictly forbidden to be worn on the platform during lifting, items such as watches,
costume jewelry, mouthpieces, eye wear and feminine hygiene articles need not be inspected.
(i) Before attempting a world record the lifter will be inspected by the Technical Controller. If the
lifter is found to be wearing or using any illegal item, other than that which may have inadvertently
been passed by the referees, the lift shall be declared invalid and the lifter shall be disqualified
from
the competition.
Sponsorâs Logos
(a) Nations or lifters wishing to take advantage of the rules regarding sponsorâs logos being worn on
articles of costume and personal equipment, must apply for permission to the General Secretary.
The application must be made at least three months prior to the published date of the first
competition, and must be accompanied by a fee of Euro 250 or such sum to be determined by the
preceding Congress. Upon permission being granted, the logo may be suitably displayed in a
position agreed between the IPF and the nation or lifter. It may be worn for the remainder of the
year and the following calendar year. The fee shall cover one sponsor and one nation.
Additional fees of Euro 250 each shall be required for other sponsors wishing to add their logos to
the costume or equipment. The IPF reserves the right to refuse permission if it considers that a logo
falls below the required standard of good taste or contravenes any prior commitment undertaken
by the IPF with any contractor such as television or championship promoter. The IPF Executive
Committee reserves the right to limit the size of the logo. Nations or lifters may display national
emblems or badges without payment of a fee. Similarly manufacturerâs logos displayed upon IPF
approved items of equipment for which a sanction fee has been paid will not require additional
fees.
Lifters wishing to wear sponsorâs logos must present a current permit or receipt to the referees
examining equipment unless it is featured on the IPF Approved list.
Manufacturerâs logos printed or embroidered measuring no more than 10 cmâs x 2 cmâs on
non-supportive suits, T-shirts, and belts need not be masked/covered.
General
(a) The use of oil, grease or other lubricants on the body, costume or personal equipment is strictly
forbidden.
(b) Baby powder, resin, talc or magnesium carbonate are the only substances that may be added to the
body and attire. Not the wraps.
(c) The use of any form of adhesive on the underside of footwear is strictly forbidden. This applies to
any built in adhesive, e.g. glass paper, emery cloth, etc. And to include resin and magnesium
carbonate. A spray of water is acceptable.
(d) No foreign substances may be applied to the powerlifting equipment. This takes into account all
substances other than that which may be used periodically as a sterile agent in the cleaning of the
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
bar, bench, or platform.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
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, and the top of the bar not more than the thickness of the bar below
the outer edge of the shoulders. The diagram on page 18 indicates the legal position of the bar across
the shoulders. 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 with knees locked, and the bar properly positioned 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 âSquatâ. Before receiving the signal to âsquatâ the lifter may make any position adjustments
within the rules, without penalty. For reasons of safety the lifter will be requested to âReplaceâ 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 Refereeâs 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. The bar
may move from its starting position downwards on the lifters back the thickness / diameter of the bar
during the performance of the lift.
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
âRackâ. The lifter must then move forward and return the bar to the racks. 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 anytime. The
Referees may decide to the number of spotter / loaders required on the platform at any time 2, 3, 4, or
5.
Causes for disqualification of a Squat:
1.
Failure to observe the Chief Refereeâs 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 although lateral movement of the sole and 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 are lower
than the top of the knees, as in the diagram.
6.
Any movement of the bar on the back more than the diameter / thickness of the bar below its starting
position.
7.
Contact with the bar or the lifter by the spotter / loaders between the Chief Refereeâs signals in order
to make the lift easier.
8.
Contact of the elbows or upper arms with the legs. Slight contact is permitted if there is no supporting
that might aid the lifter.
9.
Any dropping or dumping of the bar after completion of the lift.
10.
Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under Rules of Performance for the squat.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
The diagrams below indicate the legal bar position and required depth in the squat:
Benchpress
1.
The bench shall be placed on the platform with the head facing the front or angled up to 45 degrees.
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.
3.
To achieve firm footing the lifter may use flat surfaced plates or blocks not exceeding 30 cm in total
height to build up the surface of the platform. Blocks in the range of 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 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 anytime. 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). If in the case of some old injury or anatomically the lifter is unable to
grip the bar equally with both hands he must inform the referees prior to lift-off for each attempt and if
necessary the bar will be marked accordingly. 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 elbows locked for the Chief Refereeâs 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 âRe-
placeâ 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 âStartâ.
8.
After receiving the signal, the lifter must lower the bar to the chest (the chest, for the purpose of the
rule, finishes at the base of the sternum breastbone), hold it motionless on the chest, after which the
Chief referee will signal the audible command âPressâ.
The lifter must then return the bar to arms
length with no excessive / immoderate uneven extension of the arms. When held motionless in this
position the audible command âRackâ shall be given together with a backward motion of the arm.
9.
If anatomically, the arms cannot be fully extended the lifter must produce a certificate issued by the
Medical Committee.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
Rules for the disabled competing in IPF single lift Benchpress championships.
Benchpress 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
âwith the help of the coach or/and with use of crutches, sticks/canes or wheelchairâ. "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 Benchpress
1.
Failure to observe the Chief Refereeâs 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 movement of the feet on the floor / blocks / plates / or lateral
movement of hands on the bar.
3.
Heaving, or sinking the bar into the chest after it is motionless in such a way as to make the lift easier.
4.
Any pronounced / exaggerated uneven extension of the arms during the lift.
5.
Any downward movement of the bar in the course of being pressed out.
6.
Failure to press the bar to full extension of the arms at the completion of the lift.
7.
Contact with the bar or the lifter by the spotter / loaders between the Chief Refereeâs signals, in order
to make the lift easier.
8.
Any contact of the lifterâs feet with the bench or its supports.
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 Refereeâs signal shall consist of a downward movement of the arm and the audible
command âDownâ. The signal will not be given until the bar is held motionless and the lifter is in the
apparent finished position.
4.
Any raising 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.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
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, although lateral movement of the feet or rocking of the feet between
ball and heel is permitted.
6.
Lowering the bar before receiving the Chief Refereeâs 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.
The diagram below shows a description of supporting the bar on the thighs:
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
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 / categories. 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 reason of hygiene the lifter
should wear socks / paper towel on scales platform.
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 lifterâs weight. If a
question exists regarding weight of undergarments, a re-weigh in the nude may be requested. In
competitions in which women are competitors, the weigh in procedure may be altered to ensure that
lifters are weighed by officials of their own sex. Additional female officials (not necessarily referees)
may be appointed for this purpose. Disabled/Amputee lifters who are competing in benchpress
championships will have the following additions to their bodyweight :
For each below ankle amputation = 1/54 of bodyweight
For each below knee amputation = 1/36 of bodyweight
For each above knee amputation = 1/18 of bodyweight
For each hip disarticulation = 1/9 of bodyweight
For lifters with disfunctional 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 for that bodyweight category. 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 lifterâs agreed bodyweight must not
be made public until all lifters competing in the particular category / categories have been weighed in.
7.
A lifter shall be nominated in his normal bodyweight category. However, each lifter will have the
option of changing categories up or down from that in which he was originally nominated on the final
team nomination form. If the lifter wishes to exercise this option, he must present himself to the Chief
Referee at the weigh in room ten minutes before the commencement of the weigh in for his final
choice of bodyweight category. If he wishes to move up, the lifter must also report to the Chief
Referee of his originally nominated lower category, ten minutes before the commencement of the
weigh in for that category in order to be excused. If a lifter changes categories and the lot draw has
already been carried out, then the lifter shall be placed at the top of the draw. If the lifterâs new
bodyweight category is to be split into alternating groups because of the number of competitors, then
unless he can produce irrefutable evidence of a total made in the new category during the preceding
twelve months at a National or International level, he will automatically be placed in the first group to
lift. It is also courteous to let the Chief Referee from ones originally nominated class know of the
move, he may not have received the information or to have been in the vicinity of the venue at the
time.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
Example (a ) - A lifter nominated at 90 kg wishes to lift at 82.5 kg. He must present himself to the
Chief Referee of the 82.5 kg category ten minutes before the commencement of the weigh in for that
category.
Example (b ) - A lifter nominated at 90kg wishes to lift at 100kg. He must report to the Chief Referee
of the 90kg category ten minutes before the weigh in commences and state that he wishes to move up
into the 100kg category and therefore does not wish to weigh in. He must then also present himself to
the Chief Referee of the 100kg category ten minutes before the commencement of the weigh in for
that category. It is the responsibility of the lifter to know the bodyweight category for which he was
originally nominated. A claim that an error had been made on the final nomination form will not be
accepted.
In the case where groups are formed e.g. A â B and or C in a particular weight class, and the B
and C group lift earlier in the day to that of the A group, any lifter moving up from his nominated
weight category at the Technical Meeting, must present himself ten minutes before
the scales open for his nominated category and inform the officials of his intentions. Any lifter
changing weight categories will be placed in the C group if groups are split into three, or the B
group if split into two.
7. Lifters should check squat and benchpress 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 /
Controller.
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 speakerâs 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 benchpress, 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 lifters possession are 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
benchpress competitions a card similar to that of the deadlift will be used.
SPEAKERâs CARD
Name, surname:
Birthdate:
Nation: Bodyweight:
Class:
Wilks formula:
Lot number:
Signature: lifter / coach
Discipline 1
st
attempt
2
nd
attempt
3
rd
attempt
Best attempt
4
th
attempt
Squat
Benchpress
Subtotal
Subtotal
Deadlift
Grouping: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Placing:
Wilkspoints:
Total
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
Attempt cards:
Chosen weight here.
SQUAT
NAME: âŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚ
1st 2nd 3
rd
Signed: âŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚ..
Coach or Lifter
For changing 3
rd
attempt
DEADLIFT
NAME: âŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚ
1st 2nd 3
rd
Signed: âŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚ..
BENCHPRESS
NAME: âŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚ
1st 2nd 3
rd
Signed: âŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚ..
(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.
(c) Grouping shall be determined by examining the liftersâ 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. This also applies to lifters wishing to move up or down from their originally
nominated category.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
(d) 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.
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
(g) Lifting order within each round will be determined by the lifterâs 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.
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.
(h) 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.
(i) If in a round an attempt is unsuccessful due to a wrongly loaded bar, spotter error or equipment
failure, the lifter will be granted a further attempt at the correct weight. If the fault is a wrongly
loaded bar and the attempt has not actually started, then the lifter shall be given the option of either
continuing at that time or taking another attempt at the end of the round. In all other cases, the lifter
shall take his extra attempt at the end of the round. If the lifter also happens to be the last lifter in the
round, he shall be granted a three minute rest prior to making his attempt, last but one in the round
two minutes, last but two in the round one minute. In these cases where lifters are following
themselves and given compensatory rest time the bar will be loaded as soon as the new attempt is
turned in. The compensatory time will then be added to the usual one minute to begin the attempt.
The clock will be started and the lifter will have that time to begin his attempt. Lifters following
themselves will have four minutes time placed on the clock, during which time the lifter can begin his
attempt as soon as he is ready. Lifters last but one in the round will be given three minutes, last but
two in the round will be given two minutes, all others will be given the usual one minute to begin the
attempt.
(j) A lifter is permitted one change of weight on the first attempt of each lift. The change of weight
may be higher or lower than that originally submitted and the order of lifting in the first round will
change accordingly. If he is in the first group, this change may take place at any time up to within five
minutes before the start of the first round of that lift. The following groups are accorded a similar
privilege up to within five attempts from the end of the previous groupâs last round of that lift. Prior
notice of these deadlines shall be announced by the speaker. If proper notice of these deadlines is not
given, then an announcement authorizing such changes shall be made and a lifter may make a change
within one minute of such announcement.
(k) A lifter must submit his second and third attempts within one minute of completing his preceding
attempt. The one minute will begin from the time that the lights are activated. If no weight is
submitted within the one minute time allowance, the lifter will be granted a 2.5 kg increase on his
next attempt. Should the lifter have failed his previous attempt and not submitted a weight for a
further attempt within the one minute time allowance, then the bar will be loaded to the failed weight
(l) Weights submitted for second round attempts on all three lifts cannot be changed. Similarly third
round attempts on the squat and benchpress cannot be changed. Under this rule once an attempt is
turned in, it cannot be withdrawn. The bar shall be loaded to the turned in weight and the clock will
be run.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
(m) In the third round of the deadlift, two changes are permitted. The change of the weight may be
higher or lower than the lifterâs previously submitted third attempt. However, these are only permitted
provided that the lifter has not been called to the bar already loaded to his previously submitted
weight by the speaker.
(n) In benchpress single lift competition rules in general are the same as for three lift competitions.
However, in the third round, two weight changes are permitted and the rules as stated in (m) above
for
the deadlift apply equally here..
(o) If a lifting session consists of a single group, i.e. up to a maximum of 14 lifters, an interval of 15
minutes shall be allowed between the lifts. This is to ensure adequate time for warm up and platform
organization.
(p) When two or more groups take part in a session upon a single platform, lifting will be organized
on a group repetition basis. No time interval will be allowed between rounds other than that necessary
for arranging the platform.
For example, if there are two groups taking part in a session, the first group will complete all three
rounds of the squat. They will be followed immediately by the second group who will complete their
three rounds of squat. The platform will then be set up for the benchpress and the first group will
complete their three rounds of the benchpress, immediately followed by the second group who will
similarly complete their three rounds of the benchpress. The platform will then be set up for the
deadlift and the first group will complete their three rounds of the deadlift, immediately followed by
the second group who will similarly complete their three rounds of the deadlift. This system thus
eliminates any time waste other than that necessary for arranging the platform between the lifts.
The Technical Committee with the co-operation and assistance of the organizer will appoint the following
officials:
(a) Speaker / Announcer, preferably an International Referee who is
able to converse in English and
that of the host nation.
(b) Technical Secretary an International Referee preferably able to converse and write in English and
that of the host nation.
(c) Time Keeper, (a qualified referee)
(d) Marshals / Expeditors
(e) Scorers.
(f) Spotter / Loaders. Correct code of dress - Meet T-Shirt or regular T-Shirt uniform in colour. Track
suit trousers uniform in colour. Trainers or sports shoes.
Additional officials may be appointed as required, e.g. doctors, paramedics etc.
(g) Technical Controller (a qualified international referee)
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
Responsibilities of the Officials are:
(a) The speaker is responsible for the efficient running of the competition. He acts as Master of
Ceremonies and arranges the attempts chosen by the lifters in an orderly fashion, dictated by
weight and, if necessary, lot number. He announces the weight required for the next attempt and
the name of the lifter. When the bar is loaded and the platform cleared for lifting, the Chief
Referee will indicate the fact to the Speaker. When the Speaker announces that the bar is ready
and calls the lifter to the platform, the clock will begin.
To clarify, - when the Speaker announced that the bar is âready / loadedâ, then the lifter is
committed to the attempt.
Attempts announced by the speaker must be displayed upon the scoreboard erected in a prominent
position, with the lifters names in order of lot number.
(b) The Technical Secretary is responsible for attending the technical meeting prior to the competition.
In the absence of the Technical Committee or a member of that committee the Technical Secretary
will compile the Jury and Referee schedules from the names of those referees declared available
for duty throughout the competition. He will complete the necessary âDuty Referees and Jury
Membersâ lists for the competition and inform referees of categories to which they have been
allocated. After the technical meeting when final team nominations have been compiled, the
technical secretary will initiate a score sheet, non itemized equipment check sheet, rack height
sheet and order of weigh in sheet for each category in the competition, entering the names of all
lifters nominated in that category. Lots may also be drawn at this stage to establish weigh in and
lifting order. He will also make out speaker competition cards for every lifter in the category. The
above paper work together with an adequate supply of lifterâs attempt slips/cards will be placed in
the appropriate envelope for each bodyweight category in the competition and handed to the Chief
Referee for that category. The technical secretary will attend each weigh in and advise the duty
referees upon procedure and any matters that require attention. He should be an international
referee preferably from the host nation and able to deal with any problem that may arise due to
language difficulties at the venue. It is the responsibility of the meet director to provide all
necessary blank forms and paperwork to enable the technical secretary to carry out his work. A
complete dossier on the job description together with all relative paperwork can be obtained from
the TechnicalCommittee free of charge available to all Meet Directors.
(c) The time keeper is responsible for accurately recording the lapse between the announcement that
the bar is ready and the lifter starting his attempt. He is also responsible for recording time
allowances whenever required, e.g. after an attempt the lifter shall leave the platform within 30
seconds. Once the clock is running for a lifter, it can only be stopped by the completion of a time
allowance, by the start of the lift, or at the discretion of the Chief Referee. Consequently, it is of
great importance that the lifter or his coach check the height of the squat racks prior to being
called, as once the bar is announced as being ready, the clock will be started. Any further
adjustments to the racks must be made within the lifterâs one minute allowance, unless the lifter
has nominated his rack height and this has been incorrectly set by the spotter / loaders. It is
therefore essential that the rack height sheet be signed or initialed by the lifter or coach. This is an
official document, which should verify in any dispute.
The lifter is allowed one minute in which to start his attempt after the Speaker calls the lifter to the
bar.. If he does not start his attempt within this time allowance, the time keeper will call time and
the Chief Referee shall give the audible command ârackâ together with a backward movement of
the arm.
The lift will be declared âno liftâ and the attempt forfeited. When the lifter starts the lift within the
prescribed time allowance, the clock will be stopped. The definition of the start of an attempt
depends upon the particular lift being performed. In the squat and benchpress, the start is to
coincide with the Chief Refereeâs commencement signal. Refer to âRefereesâ item 3. In the
deadlift, the start is when the lifter makes a determined attempt to raise the bar.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
(d) Marshals / Expeditors are responsible for collecting the weight of required attempts from the
lifters or their coaches and passing the information without delay to the speaker. The lifter is
allowed one minute between completing his last attempt and informing the speaker, via the
marshal, of the weight required for his next attempt.
(e) Scorers are responsible for accurately recording the progress of the competition, and on completion,
ensuring that the three referees sign the official score sheets, record certificates or any other
document requiring signatures. Speaker to make an announcement to this effect before the
referees disappear.
(f) Spotter / Loaders are responsible for loading and unloading the bar, adjusting squat racks and
benches as required, cleaning the bar or platform at the request of the Chief Referee, and generally
ensuring that the platform is well maintained and presents a neat and tidy appearance at all times.
At no time shall there be less than two or more than five spotter / loaders on the platform.
When the lifter prepares for his attempt, the spotter / loaders may assist him in removing the bar
from the racks. They may also assist in replacing the bar after the attempt. However, they shall not
touch the lifter or the bar during the actual attempt, i.e. during the period of time that elapses
between the commencement and completion signals. The only exception to this rule being that if
the lift is in jeopardy and likely to result in injury to the lifter, the spotter / loaders may, either at
the request of the Chief Referee or the lifter himself, step in and relieve the lifter of the bar. If the
lifter himself is deprived of an otherwise successful attempt by the error of a spotter / loader and
through no fault of his own, he shall be awarded another attempt at the discretion of the Referees
and Jury at the end of the round.
(g)
The Technical Controller will ensure that the lifter is that as announced and properly attired
before mounting the platform.
3.
During any competition taking place on a platform or stage, only the lifter and his coach, members of
the Jury, officiating referees, spotter / loaders and the Technical Controller will be allowed around
the platform or on the stage.
During the execution of the lift, only the lifter, spotter / loaders and the referees are permitted to be
present on the platform. Coaches shall remain within the designated coaching area as defined by the
Jury or Technical Officer in charge.
4.
A lifter shall not wrap, adjust his costume or use ammonia within view of the public. The only
exception to this rule being that he may adjust his belt.
5.
In international matches between two lifters or two nations contested in different bodyweight
categories, the lifters may alternate irrespective of weight required for the attempts. The lifter
requiring the lightest weight in his initial lift shall lift first and thereby set the order for the alternate
attempts throughout that particular lift.
In IPF recognized competitions, the weight of the barbell must always be a multiple of 2.5 kg. Unless
attempts are made on records,
the progression must be at least 2.5 kg between all attempts.
(a) In a record attempt the weight of the barbell must be at least 1 kg
in excess of the current record.
(b) During the course of competition a lifter may request a record attempt that is not a multiple of 2.5
kg. If the attempt is successful, it will be added to both the individual lift and total.
(c) Record attempts may be taken on any or all of the lifterâs prescribed attempts provided that he
maintains a minimum increase of 1 kg.
(d) A lifter may only take increments of less than 2.5 for record attempts in the championship in
which he is competing, e.g. a Master lifting in an open competition cannot take less than 2.5 kg
to achieve Masterâs records.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
(e) In the event of a weight posted for the following round, which is not a multiple of 2.5 kg to
exceed a record, the weight will be reduced to the nearest multiple of 2.5 kg, should a fellow
competitor have exceeded this weight in the previous round.
Example 1: The current record is 302.5 kg.
Lifter A squats 300 kg in the first round, then posts 303,5 kg, Lifter B squats 305 kg in the first
round.
Lifter A second attempt now is reduced to 302.5 kg.
Example 2: The current record is 300 kg.
Lifter A posts only a 1 kg increment (301 kg) having achieved his first attempt of 300 kg
in the above scenario, Lifter B squats 305 kg in the first round, Lifter A must now take the nearest
2.5 kg above (302.5kg)
7.
The Chief Referee will be solely responsible for decisions taken in the case of loading errors or
incorrect announcements by the speaker. His decisions will be given to the speaker who will make the
appropriate announcement.
Examples of Errors in Loading:
(a) If the bar is loaded to a lighter weight than originally requested and the attempt is successful, the
lifter may accept the successful attempt or elect to take the attempt again at the originally requested
weight. If the attempt is not successful, the lifter will be granted a further attempt at the originally
requested weight. In both the above cases, further attempts may only be taken at the end of the
round in which the error occurred.
(b) If the bar is loaded to a heavier weight than originally requested and the attempt is successful, the
lifter will be granted the attempt. However, the weight may be reduced again if required for other
lifters. If the attempt is not successful, the lifter will be granted a further attempt at the end of the
round in which the error occurred.
(c) If the loading is not the same on each end of the bar; or any change occurs to the bar or discs
during the execution of the lift; or the platform is disarranged, if despite these factors, the lift is
successful, the lifter may accept the attempt or elect to take the attempt again. If the successful
attempt is not a multiple of 2.5 kg, then the lower closest, multiple of 2.5 kg will be recorded on
the score sheet. If the attempt is unsuccessful, the lifter will be granted a further attempt. Further
attempts may only be taken at the end of the round in which the error occurred.
(d) If the speaker makes a mistake by announcing a weight lighter or heavier than that requested by the
lifter. The Chief Referee will make the same decisions as for errors in loading.
(e) If for any reason it is not possible for the lifter or his coach to remain in the vicinity of the platform
in order to follow the progress of the competition and the lifter misses his attempt because the
speaker omitted to announce him at the appropriate weight, then the weight will be reduced as
necessary and the lifter allowed to take his attempt, but only at the end of the round.
8.
Three unsuccessful attempts in any lift will automatically eliminate the lifter from the overall
competition
,
but he may still compete for awards on individual lifts.
9.
Other than initial removal of the bar from the racks, the lifter will not receive any help from the
spotter / loaders in positioning himself for an attempt.
10.
On the completion of an attempt, a lifter shall leave the platform within 30 seconds, failure to comply
with this rule may result in disqualification of the attempt at the discretion of the referees. This rule
was
designed for lifters who may have received some injury during the course of the lift, or perhaps the
less able bodied, e.g. the blind lifter.
11.
If, during warm up or competition, a lifter suffers injury or in any other way exhibits signs of a
condition which may unduly or significantly jeopardize the competitorâs health and well being, the
official doctor has the right to examination. If the doctor considers it inadvisable for the lifter to
continue, he may, in consultation with the Jury, insist upon the lifter retiring from the competition. The
team manager or coach must be officially informed of such a decision.
To avoid contamination a solution of one part household bleach to 10 parts water is recommended to
clean blood or tissue from the bar or platform and that in the warm up area should "accidents" occur.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
12.
Any lifter or coach, who by reason of his misconduct upon or near the competition platform is likely to
discredit the sport, shall be officially warned. If the misconduct continues, the Jury, or Referees in the
absence of the Jury, may disqualify the lifter or coach and order the lifter or coach to leave the venue.
The team manager must be officially informed of both warning and disqualification.
13.
The Jury and Referees may by a majority decision immediately disqualify a lifter or official if they are
of the opinion that any misconduct is serious enough to warrant immediate disqualification rather than
an official warning. The team manager must be informed of the disqualification.
14.
In international competition, all appeals against refereeâs decisions, complaints regarding the progress
of the competition or against the behavior of any person or persons taking part in the competition must
be made to the Jury. The Jury may require the appeal to be made in writing. The appeal or complaint
must be lodged with the Chairman of the Jury by the team manager, coach or in his absence, by the
lifter. This must be done immediately following the action upon which the appeal or complaint is
based. It will not be considered unless these terms are met.
15.
If deemed necessary, the Jury may temporarily suspend the progress of the competition and retire to
consider its verdict. After due consideration and upon reaching a majority verdict, the Jury will return
and the Chairman will inform the complainant of its decision.
The Juryâs verdict will be considered final and there will be no right of appeal to any other body. Upon
re-commencement of the competition which has been suspended, the next lifter shall be given three
minutes in which to commence his lift.
In the event of a complaint being made against a lifting member or official of an opposing team, the
written complaint shall be accompanied by the cash sum of Euro 75 or its equivalent in any currency.
Should the Jury in its verdict consider that the complaint is of a frivolous or mischievous nature, then
the whole or any portion of the sum may be retained and donated to the IPF at the discretion of the
Jury.
REFEREES
1.
The referees shall be three in number, the Chief Referee or Center Referee and two side referees.
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 âsquatâ
A visual signal consisting of a
backward movement of the arm
together with the audible
command ârackâ
Benchpress
A visual signal consisting of a
downward movement of the arm
together with the audible
command âstartâ.
During.
The audible command âPressâ
after motionless at the chest.
A visual signal consisting of a
backward movement of the arm
together with the audible
command ârackâ
Deadlift
No signal required
A visual signal consisting of a
downward movement of the arm
together with the audible
command âdownâ
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
4.
Once the bar has been replaced in the racks or on the platform at the completion of the lift, the referees
will announce their decisions by means of the lights. White for a âgood liftâ and red for âno liftâ. The
cards will then be raised to indicate the reason for the âno liftâ.
5.
The three referees may seat themselves in what they consider to be the best viewing positions around
the platform for each of the three lifts. However, the Chief Referee must always bear in mind the
need to be visible to the lifter performing the squat or deadlift, and the side referees should always
bear in mind the need to be visible to the Chief Referee so that he can observe their raised arms
6.
Before the contest, the three referees shall jointly ascertain that :
(a) The platform and competition equipment comply in all respects with the rules. Bars and discs are
checked for weight discrepancies and defective equipment discarded. A second bar and collars
should be readied and put aside in case of damage to the original bar or collars.
(b) The scales work correctly and are accurate (currently certified).
(c) The lifters weigh in within the limits of weight and time for their bodyweight category.
(d) The lifterâs personal equipment has been inspected to comply with the rules in all respects.
It is the duty of the lifter to ensure that all items he wishes to wear on the platform have passed the
scrutiny of the examining referees. Lifters discovered wearing or using apparel that has not been
checked in may be subject to penalty, e.g. disqualification of the last attempt.
7.
During the contest the three referees must jointly ascertain that :
(a) The weight of the loaded bar agrees with the weight announced by the speaker. Referees may be
issued with loading charts for this purpose. It is their joint responsibility.
(b) On the platform the lifterâs personal equipment complies with the rules. If any referee has reason to
doubt a lifterâs integrity in this respect he must after completion of the lift, inform the Chief
Referee of his suspicions. The president of the Jury may then examine the lifterâs costume and
personal equipment. If the lifter is found to be wearing or using any illegal item other than that
which may have inadvertently been passed in error by the examining referees, the lifter shall be
immediately disqualified from the competition. If wearing any illegal item passed in error by the
examining referees, and the lift in which the discovery was made is successful, the lift will be
rejected and then the lifter will be granted a new attempt (having removed the illegal item ) at the
end of the round.
8. Prior to the commencement of the Squat and Benchpress the side referees will raise their arms and
keep them raised until the lifter is in the correct position to begin the lift. If there is a majority
opinion among the referees that a fault exists, the Chief Referee will not give the signal to commence
the lift. The lifter has the remainder of his unexpired time allowance in which to correct the position of
the bar or his stance in order to receive the commencement signal. Once a lift has commenced, the side
referees will not call attention to faults during the execution of the lift.
9.
Referees shall abstain from commentary and not receive any document or verbal account concerning
the progress of the competition. Therefore, it is essential that the lot number of each lifter accompanies
his name on the scoreboard so that the referees can follow the order of lifting.
10.
A referee shall not attempt to influence the decisions of the other referees.
11.
The Chief Referee may consult with the side referees, the Jury or any other official as necessary in
order to expedite the competition.
12.
At his discretion, the Chief Referee may order that the bar and / or platform be cleaned. If the lifter or
coach request the bar and / or platform to be cleaned, the request must be made via the Chief Referee
not the spotter / loaders. In the final round of the deadlift the bar must be cleaned before every
attempt.
13.
After the competition, the three referees shall sign the official score sheets, record certificates or any
other documents requiring a signature.
14.
In International Competition, referees will be selected by the Technical Committee and must have
proved their competence at International or National Championships.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
15.
In International Competition two referees of the same nationality cannot be selected to adjudicate the
same category in a contest of more than two nations.
16.
The selection of a referee to act as Chief Referee in one category does not preclude his selection as
side referee in another category.
17.
At World Championships, or any other championships where attempts may be made on world records,
only IPF Category 1 or Category 2 referees adjudicate. Each nation may nominate a maximum of three
referees to serve at the World Championships, plus extra Category One referees for Jury duty, if there
is an insufficient number.
18.
Referees and members of the Jury will be uniformly dressed as follows :
Men Winter - Dark Blue Blazer with appropriate IPF badge on the left breast,
Grey Trousers with a White Shirt and appropriate IPF tie.
Summer - White Shirt and Grey Trousers. Ties optional.
Women Winter - Dark Blue Blazer with appropriate IPF badge on the left breast.
Grey Skirt or Trousers and a White Blouse or Shirt, and appropriate IPF tie.
Summer - Grey Skirt or Trousers and a White Blouse or Shirt.
IPF badges and ties are red for category 1 referees and blue for category 2 referees. The Jury shall
determine whether winter or summer dress will be worn. Shoes known as âtrainersâ do not
compliment Blazer and Trousers! Dress/Day wear shoes must be worn.
19.
Qualifications for a Category 2 Referee are as follows :
(a) A national referee of at least two years standing, having officiated in the position as a referee with
a minimum of two National Championships within this period.
(b) Must be recommended by his National Federation.
(c) Must take the Category 2 written examination at a World Championship, Continental
Championship, Regional Game, International Tournament, National Championship or
National Clinic.
(d) Must achieve a passing score of 90 percent or more on both written and practical examinations.
20.
Qualifications for a Category 1 Referee are as follows :
(a) Must be a Category 2 referee in good standing for a period of at least 4 years.
(b) Must have adjudicated at least 4 International Championships, (excluding the World Benchpress
Championship ).
(c) Must take Category 1 practical examination at any World Championship ( excluding the World
Benchpress Championship ), Continental Championship, Regional Games or International
Tournament.
(d) Must adjudicate at least 75 attempts, 35 of which must be squats, while serving as Chief Referee.
First round attempts by lifters will not be counted.
(e) The candidate will also be credited with 25 points / marks, and observed for competence by the
examiner/s during gear check, weigh in and while seated on the platform. A deduction of 0.5,
(half a point/mark ) will be made for any error that may contravene the technical rules. The
examiner will be a member of the IPF Technical Committee or an Official appointed by the
IPF Technical Committee and Referee Registrar.
(f) The candidate must score at least 90 percent on his total examination this includes the 75 points
on his decisions made on the platform as compared with those of the Jury members and not those
of his fellow platform referees. The other 25 points coming from his decisions and performance of
the necessary duties i.e. Gear check, Weigh in, and Platform control.
(g) Must be nominated by his National Federation to the Chairman of the Technical Committee and
Referee Registrar three months prior to his examination. Basis for Nomination should be as
follows:
1.
Candidateâs competence as a referee.
2.
Priority ranking as a Category 2.
3.
Availability to referee at future international events.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
21 The selection of a candidate for examination by the IPF will be subject to the following Criteria :
(a ) the number of nominations received.
(b ) The number of examination positions available.
(c ) The current requirements for Category 1 referees within the various nations.
22.
Testing Procedures are as follows :
(a ) Category 2 - A written examination will be given only after a complete and comprehensive rules
clinic has been conducted under the direction of an approved Category 1 referee who
has been appointed as Chief Examiner by the IPF Technical Committee and Referee
Registrar.
A practical examination will be given after the written examination during the
competition, the candidate will be seated beside the examiner/s and will adjudicate a
total of 100 attempts, 40 of which must be squats. The candidate must be scrutinized
by at least one Category 1 Referee and score at least 90 percent on all his decisions
when compared with a majority of the scrutinizing referees. First round attempts will
not be counted. Adjudication will begin with the second round attempts.
(b ) Category 1 - A practical examination will be given to a candidate at any World Championship
(excluding the World Benchpress Championship), Continental Championship,
Regional Games or International Tournament. The candidate will be scrutinized by
the Jury. The candidate must score at least 90 percent on all his decisions when
compared with a majority of the scrutinizing Jury members, this includes the
candidates observed competence in handling all other duties, such as equipment check
examinations and weigh in procedures. The first round of attempts will not be
counted. Adjudication will begin with the second round attempts.
23.
In the event of a nation not having active Category 1 referees, the IPF Technical Committee and
Referee Registrar may appoint a Category 2 referee to administer and monitor the Category 2 written
and practical examinations.
24.
The examination fee shall be paid to the Chief Examiner before the examination. All examination
score sheets shall be marked by the scrutinizing referee/s. When marking is complete, the candidate
shall be informed of the results. Marked score sheets shall be sent to the Refereeâs Registrar.
Examination fees to the IPF Treasurer.
25.
After receiving the examination results, the Referee Registrar will inform the candidates Federationâs
National Secretary of the results and forward the appropriate credentials to the candidate.
26.
A candidate taking a practical examination will be scrutinized by the Jury (for Category 1 ) or the
appointed scrutinizing referee/s (for Category 2 ) to determine his success or failure.
27.
Upon passing the examination, a refereeâs date of promotion shall be the date of the examination.
28.
Candidates who fail the examination must wait at least six months before taking the examination
again.
29.
Registration :
(a) All referees must re-register with the IPF in order to maintain their current qualifications and at
an acceptable standard.
(b) Re-registration shall take place on the first of January in each Olympic year.
(c) A refereeâs national federation is responsible for sending the necessary 30 Euro registration fee
to the IPF Treasurer and a resume of his international and national experience during the
previous registration period to the IPF Referee Registrar.
(d) A referee who has been inactive for a four year period or who fails to re-register will forfeit his
credentials. Then need to retake examinations.
(e) A card which is issued within the twelve months prior to the first of January in each Olympic
year, need not be renewed until the first of January the following Olympic year.
30. The IPF Referee Registrar shall provide each national federation with :
(a) A current list of accredited referees. Updated annually.
(b) A list of referees who need to re-register in order to remain accredited.
31. International Referees, both Category 1 and 2, must have refereed a minimum of four International or
National Powerlifting Championships during the previous four year period between Olympic years in
order to be acceptable for re-registration.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
JURY AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Jury
1.
At World and Continental Championships, a Jury will be appointed to preside over each lifting
session.
2.
The Jury shall consist of three Category 1 referees. In the absence of a member of the Technical
Committee, the most senior member of the three shall be designated President of the Jury.
3.
The members of the Jury shall all be from different nations with the exception of the IPF President and
the Chairman of the Technical Committee.
4.
The function of the Jury is to ensure that the technical rules are correctly applied.
5.
During the competition the Jury may, by a majority vote, replace any referee whose decisions in its
opinion, prove him to be incompetent. The referee concerned must have received a warning prior to
any action of dismissal.
6.
The impartiality of referees cannot be doubted, but a mistake in refereeing can be committed in good
faith. In such a case, the referee shall be allowed to give his explanation for making the decision
which is the subject of his warning.
7.
If a protest is made to the Jury against a referee, then the referee may be informed of the protest. The
Jury should not put unnecessary stress on platform referees.
8.
If a serious mistake occurs in the refereeing which is contrary to the technical rules, the Jury may take
appropriate action to correct the mistake. They may at their discretion, grant the lifter a further
attempt.
9.
Only in extreme circumstances when there has been an obvious or blatant mistake in the refereeing
will the Jury in consultation with the referees, reverse the decision.
10.
The members of the Jury will be positioned to ensure an unimpeded view of the competition.
11.
Before each competition, the President of the Jury must satisfy himself that the members of the Jury
have a complete knowledge of their role and any new regulations that amend or supplement those
contained in the current edition of the handbook
12.
The selection of lifters for drug testing shall always be made by the Doping Commission.
13.
If music accompanies the lifting, the Jury will determine the volume. The music will terminate when
the lifter takes the weight of the bar in the squat and benchpress or begins the pull in the deadlift.
IPF Technical Committee
1.
Will consist of a Chairman, who shall be a Category 1 referee elected by the Congress, and up to ten
members from various nations appointed by the Executive Committee in consultation with the
Chairman of the Technical Committee. And a coach/lifter representative.
2.
Will be entrusted with the examination of all requirements and proposals of a technical nature
submitted by the affiliated federations.
3.
Decisions are subject to approval of the IPF Congress.
4.
Appoints the Chief Referee, side referees and the jury for the World Championships
5.
Trains and instructs referees who have not yet reached the international level and re-examines those
who have already reached that level.
6.
Informs the IPF Congress, President and General Secretary via the Referee Registrar as to which
referees are eligible to referee after examination or re-examination.
7.
Organizes courses for referees before any major competition such as the World Championships. The
expense involved in organizing such courses or clinics must be borne by the organizing federation.
8.
Makes proposals to the IPF Congress for the withdrawal of an international refereeâs card when it
deems such action necessary.
9.
Publishes via the Executive, material of a technical nature that deals with training methods and
performance of competition lifts.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
10.
(a) Will be responsible for inspecting all competition and personal equipment as defined in the
handbook. Also equipment that has been submitted by various manufacturers for the sole purpose
of being able to use the words âIPF Approvedâ in their commercial advertisements. If the item or
items submitted meet all current IPF rules and regulations, and the IPF Executive Committee
agree with the decision of the Technical Committee, a fee for each item shall be levied by
the IPF Executive and a certificate of approval will be issued by the Technical Committee.
(b) At the end of each year, a renewal fee for each item as levied by the IPF Executive must be
submitted to the IPF for purposes of re-certification of approval. If the design has been changed,
the item must be submitted to the Technical Committee for inspection and re-certification.
(c) If, at any time after the certificate of approval has been issued, the manufacturer changes the
design of the competition or personal equipment that was previously submitted for approval and it
no longer meets current IPF rules and regulations, the IPF shall withdraw approval. The IPF will
not issue another certificate until changes in design have been corrected and the item or items
submitted to the Technical Committee for inspection.
WORLD RECORDS
World, Continental, Regional and National Championships
1.
World records may only be made at the above named. That is, Championships sanctioned and
recognized by the IPF,
World Records will be accepted without weighing the barbell or the lifter, provided that the lifter had
weighed in correctly before the competition and that the referees or the Technical Committee had
checked the weight of the barbell and the discs before the competition. Menâs 50-59 records
exceeding those gained in the 40-49 age group will be included in the 40-49 category. Menâs 60-69
records exceeding those gained in the 50-59 age group will be included in the 50-59 category. Menâs
70+ records exceeding those gained in the 60-69 age group will be included in the 60-69 category.
Women 50-59 records exceeding those gained in the 40-49 age group will be included in the 40-49
category.
Womenâs 60+ records exceeding those gained in the 50-59 age group will be included in
the 50-59 category.
Likewise Sub-Junior 14/18 records exceeding those gained in the Junior 19/23
age group will be included in this group.
2. Requirements for recognition of a world record are as follows :
(a) The National championship or International
competition must be held under the sanction of a
national federation affiliated to the IPF.
(b) Each of the adjudicating referees must hold a current IPF International Refereeâs Card and be a
member of a national federation affiliated to the IPF.
(c) The good faith and competence of referees of all member nations is beyond dispute. Consequently
a world record can be assured by referees of the same nation.
(d) World records can only be accepted if drug testing was carried out on the lifter immediately
following the competition for his bodyweight category and in accordance with IPF WADA drug
testing protocol. The result of the analysis must be negative and must be forwarded to the IPF
General Secretary within 3 months begining from the date of the competition.
(e) Only bars and discs that are listed on the IPF Approved list of apparel and equipment for use at
IPF sanctioned competition, as current at the time, maybe used in the setting of World Records
(f) Records on individual lifts must be accompanied by a total of the three lifts.
(g) In the event of two lifters breaking either a current individual, or total record of the same weight
the lifter with the lowest body-weight at the weigh-in will be declared the new record holder. If both
lifters register the same body-weight at the weigh-in, the lifter breaking the record first will be the
record holder.
(h) New records are only valid if they exceed the previous record by at least 1 kg.
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Technical Rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation
3
.
There is an official world record for the total of the three lifts.
It will be recognized subject to the following:
(a) It is set during National championships or International competition.
(b) It is set by a lifter registered with an affiliated nation.
(c) The record will only be valid for the bodyweight category of the lifter as determined at the official
weigh-in.
(d) Not only World records, but Continental, Regional and National records broken under the same
conditions as world records shall be recognized and registered.
4. World single lift benchpress records shall be made at National championship or International single lift
benchpress events. The same criterion applies to that of all world powerlifting records. Records may be set
if they exceed the record by at least 1 kg.
(a) Should a lifter exceed the single lift benchpress record whilst lifting in a three lift powerlifting contest,
he / she may claim the single lift benchpress record.
(b) Should a lifter in a single lift benchpress contest exceed the three lift powerlifting record he / she
cannot claim the three lift powerlifting record.
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