Bench Press

• The bench shall be placed on the platform with the head facing the front or angled up to 45 degrees.
• The lifter must lie on his back with head, shoulders and buttocks in contact with the bench surface. The feet must be flat on the floor (as flat as the shape of the shoe will allow). His hands and fingers must grip the bar positioned in the rack stands with a thumbs around grip. This position shall be maintained throughout the lift. Foot movement is permissible but must remain flat on the platform
• 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.
• Not more than-five and not less than two spotter / loaders shall be on the platform at any time. After correctly positioning himself the lifter may enlist the help of the spotter / loaders in removing the bar from the racks. The lift off if assisted by the spotter / loaders must be at arms length.
• The spacing of the hands shall not exceed 81 cm measured between the forefingers (both forefingers must be within the 81 cm marks and the whole of the forefingers must be in contact with the 81 cm marks if maximum grip is used). The use of the reverse grip is forbidden.
• After removing the bar from the racks, with or without the help of the spotter / loaders, the lifter shall wait with straight arms elbows locked for the Chief Referee’s signal. The signal shall be given as soon as the lifter is motionless and the bar properly positioned. For reasons of safety the lifter will be requested to “Re-place” 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.
• The signal to begin the attempt shall consist of a downward movement of the arm together with the audible command “Start”.
• 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 “Press”. The lifter must then return the bar to straight arms length elbows locked When held motionless in this position the audible command “Rack” shall be given together with a backward motion of the arm.Rules for the disabled competing in IRE single lift Bench press championships. Bench press championships shall be organized without a special division for disabled lifters e.g. blind, sight impaired, mobility impaired. They may be assisted to, and from, the bench. Assisted to mean “with the help of the coach or/and with use of crutches, sticks/canes or wheelchair”. “The rules of competition apply equally to that of the able bodied. For lifters who have an amputated lower limb, a prosthetic device shall be considered the same as the natural limb. The lifter shall be weighed in without the device, with compensatory weight added according to the established fraction chart. Refer to WEIGHING IN item 5. For lifters with dysfunctional lower limbs that require leg braces or similar devices for walking, the device shall be considered as part of the natural limb and the lifter shAll weighed in wearing the device.
  
  

Causes for Disqualification of a Bench press

• Failure to observe the Chief Referee’s signals at the commencement, during or completion
• Any change in the elected lifting position during the lift proper i.e. any raising movement of the shoulders, or buttocks, from the bench, or lateral movement of hands on the bar.
• Heaving, or sinking the bar into the chest after it is motionless in such a way as to make the lift easzet
• Any downward movement of the whole of the bar in the course of being pressed out
• Failure to press the bar to straight arms length elbows locked at the completion of the
• Contact with the bar or the lifter by the spotter / loaders between the Chief Referee’s sipnak,ire or tliat make the lift easier.
• Any contact of the lifter’s feet with the bench or its supports.
• Deliberate contact between the bar and the bar rests support.
• Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under the Rules of Performance.
  
  

Dead lift

• The lifter shall face the front of the platform with the bar laid horizontally in front of the Idiom lien. gripped with an optional grip in both hands and lifted until the lifter is standing erect.
• On completion of the lift the knees shall be locked in a straight position and the shoulders back.
• The Chief Referee’s signal shall consist of a downward movement of the arm and theanciteloie ienannamell “Down”. The signal will not be given until the bar is held motionless and the lifter is in finished position.
• Any rising of the bar or any deliberate attempt to do so will count as an attempt. Once the kW& begun no downward movement is allowed until the lifter reaches the erect position AV& the knees locked. If the bar settles as the shoulders come back (slightly downward on completion) II& mor be reason to disqualify the lift.
  
  

Causes for Disqualification of a Deadlift

• Any downward movement of the bar before it reaches the final position.
• Failure to stand erect with the shoulders back.
• Failure to lock the knees straight at the completion of the lift.
• Supporting the bar on the thighs during the performance of the lift. If the bar edges up the IaiL hat us not supported this is not reason for disqualification. The lifter should benefit in all decisions olden& made by the referee.
• Stepping backward or forward Or moving the feet laterally. Rocking the feet between the ha and heel is permitted.
• Lowering the bar before receiving the Chief Referee’s signal.
• Allowing the bar to return to the platform without maintaining control with both hands, – releasing the bar from the palms of the hand.
• Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under Rules of Performance- General Rules Of Powerlifting
  
  

Throughout this rule book, Owing to the reasons of brevity, wherever the words “He”or“She” occur, such reference is deemed to apply to either sex.

• (a) The International Powerlifting Federation acknowledges the following lifts which must be taken in the same sequence in all competitions that are conducted under IPF rules :A. SquatB. Bench PressC. DeadliftD.
• (b) Competition takes place between lifters in categories defined by three major factors: sex, bodyweight and age. Men’s and Women’s Open Championships allow lifters of any age-group who are more than 14 years. In an Open Championships with a Sub-Junior or Junior Championships, a lifter has the privilege of competing in either the Junior Championships, or the open, and receive the award for only that one which he/she has competed.
• (c) The rules apply to all the respective levels of competition.
• (d) Each participant is allowed three attempts for each lift. The lifter’s best and valid attempt on each lift should be counted toward his competition total. If two or more lifters get the same number, then the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter.
• (e) If two lifters have the same body weight at the time of weigh in and eventually attain the same total at the end of the competition, the lifter who made the total first, will take an edge over the otherlifter. Wherever ceremony takes place for best squat, bench press and deadlift or if a world record is broken, the same procedure will be followed. The IPF, through its member federations, conducts and sanctions the following World Championships:Men’s and Women’s combined Open World Championships
  
• Men’s and Women’s combined Sub-Junior & Junior World Championships
• Men’s and Women’s combined Master’s World Championships
• Men’s and Women’s Junior and Sub-junior combined Open Bench Press World Championships
• Men’s and Women’s combined Master’s Bench Press World Championships
  
  

• The IPF, acknowledges and registers world records for the same lifts under the following described categories:Age CategoriesMen–Open: From the day he reaches 14 years and upwards (no category restrictions need to be applied). Sub-Junior: From the day he reaches 14 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he reaches 18 years.Junior: From 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 19 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he reaches 23 years.Master I: From 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 40 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he reaches 49 years.Master II: From 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 50 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he reaches 59 years.Master III: From 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 60 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he reaches 69 years.Master IV: From 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 70 years and upwards. It must be recognized that Master IV age category is not included in class weights.Competitive lifting shall be restricted to competitors aged 14 years and older.
• 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 (and over) of age, to receive medals for placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in overall competition, based on the Wilks (points) Formula. Women both 60 years and 70 years (and over) of age (calendar year), to receive medals for placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in overall competition of their particular age category, 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 53.0 kg59.0 kg Class up to 59.0 kg66.0 kg Class from 59.01 kg up to 66.0 kg74.0 kg Class from 66.01 kg up to 74.0 kg83.0 kg Class from 74.01 kg up to 83.0 kg93.0 kg Class from 83.01 kg up to 93.0 kg105.0 kg Class from 93.01 kg up to 105.0 kg120.0 kg Class from 105.01 kg up to 120.0 kg 120.0+ kg Class from 120.01 kg up to unlimited
  
  

WOMEN

• Sub-Junior & Junior only-up to 43.0 kg
• 47.0 kg Class up to 47.0 kg
• 52.0 kg Class from 47.01 kg up to 52.0 kg
• 57.0 kg Class from 52.01 kg up to 57.0 kg
• 63.0 kg Class from 57.01 kg up to 63.0 kg
• 72.0 kg Class from 63.01 kg up to 72.0 kg
• 84.0 kg Class from 72.01 kg up to 84.0 kg
• 84.0+ kg Class from 84.01 kg up to unlimited.
  
  

• Each nation is allowed a maximum of eight competitors spread throughout the range of the eight bodyweight categories for men and seven competitors throughout the range of seven bodyweight categories for women. Junior and Sub-Junior nine for men and eight for women. There must not be more than two competitors from any one nation in any particular bodyweight category. In regard to Masters Championships, an extra five (5) lifters may be nominated in the Women’s M III and both in the Women’s M IV and the Men’s M IV to compete (only) for medals relative to their age category based on Wilks points.
• 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.
• 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 year’s International Championships in the same bodyweight category. The date and title of the competition in which the total was achieved must also be stated. These details must be submitted to the Championship Secretary of the IPF or 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 60 days before the date of the Championships. This is inclusive of reserve or alternate lifters. At this point in time each lifter must nominate the bodyweight category in which they wish to lift in these Championships. After the final selection (final nomination) no changes in the weight category in which the lifter is nominated will be allowed. Nominated lifters without results from any of the above Championships will be ranked in the first group to lift if his/her bodyweight category will be split into groups. Failure to comply with any of these requirements may result in disqualification of the offending team. A lifter cannot produce a qualifying total via his national federation for entry to World, International or Regional Championships while he is under suspension by the IPF or Region.
• 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.
• Only the point scores of the five best placed lifters of each nation will be counted for the team competition at all international championships. In case of a tie in points scored, final team placing shall be decided for team awards as in item 11.If a member of a team is found to have committed a violation of the IPF Anti-Doping Rules during an Event where a team ranking is based on the addition of individual results (points), the points of the Athlete committing the violation will be subtracted from the team result and may not be repeated by the resulting points of another team member.
• 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.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 maximum of five scoring lifters. Should teams or Nations finish equally after this procedure has been applied, then the team or Nation with the greater total number of Wilks points will be declared the higher placed.
• At all IPF Championships a “Best lifter” award shall be given to the lifter who produces the best performance based upon the Wilks formula. Awards will also be presented to second and third places.
• At International Championships, medals will be presented for first, second and third places for each category based upon totals. In addition medals or merit award certificates shall be presented for first, second and third places in the individual lifts of squat, bench press and deadlift in each category.
  
  

Should a lifter fail to succeed in either or both of the squat or bench press disciplines he/she may continue to compete for the remainder of the contest, and the lifter will be eligible for awards in any discipline in which he/she records a successful lift or lifts. To receive this award the lifter must make a bona fide attempt on each of the three disciplines.



Dress code for athletes at World Championships medal ceremonies is – full team track suit, T-shirt, athletic footwear. Compliance will be monitored by the Technical Controller for the session. Failure to adhere to these requirements shall disqualify the lifter from receiving the medal(s), although their place in contest results will stand. 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 BENCH PRESS DEADLIFT

• (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
• (blue) Failure to assume an upright position with the knees locked at the commencement and completion of the lift. 2. (blue) Any downward movement of the whole of the bar in the course of being pressed out.Failure to press the bar to straight arms length elbows locked at the completion of the lift. 2. (blue) Any downward movement of the bar before it reaches the final position. If the bar settles as the shoulders come back this should not be reason to disqualify the lift.Supporting the bar on the thighs during the performance of the lift. If the bar edges up the thighs but is not supported, this is not reason for disqualification.
• (yellow) Stepping backward or forward or moving the feet laterally. Rocking the feet between the ball and heel is permitted.Failure to observe the Chief Referees signals at the commencement or completion of the lift.Double bouncing or more than one recovery attempt at the bottom of the lift or any downward movement during the ascent.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.

• (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.Any change in the elected lifting position during the lift proper, i.e. any raising movement of the head, shoulders or buttocks from their original points of contact with the bench, or lateral movement of the hands on the bar.Contact with the bar or the lifter by the spotters/ loaders between the Chief Referees signals, in order to make the lift easier.Any contact of the 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.

• Lowering the bar before receiving the Chief Referees signal.Allowing the bar to return to the platform without maintaining control with both hands, i.e. releasing the bar from the palms of the hand.Stepping backward or forward or moving the feet laterally. Rocking the feet between the ball and heel is permitted. Foot movement after the command “Down” will not be cause for failure.Failure to comply with any of the requirements contained in the general description of the lift, which precedes this list of disqualification.



Squat

The lift starts with the lifter standing erect and the bar loaded with weights resting on the lifter's shoulders. At the referee's command the lift begins. The lifter bends his knees and lowers him into a squatting position with the hips slightly below parallel position. The lifter returns to an erect position. At the referees command the bar is returned to the rack and the lift is completed.

• 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
• Failure to assume an upright position with the knees locked at the commencement and completion of the lift.
• Stepping backward or forward or moving the feet laterally. Rocking the feet between the ball and heel is permitted.
• Failure to observe the Chief Referees signals at the commencement or completion of the lift.
• Double bouncing or more than one recovery attempt at the bottom of the lift or any downward movement during the ascent.
• 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.