Weightlifting and Powerlifting Rules

Weightlifting :

Weightlifting, also called Olympic-style weightlifting, or Olympic weightlifting, is an athletic discipline in the modern Olympic programme in which the athlete attempts a maximum-weight single lift of a barbell loaded with weight plates.

The two competition lifts in order are the snatch and the clean and jerk. Each weightlifter receives three attempts in each, and the combined total of the highest two successful lifts determines the overall result within a bodyweight category. Bodyweight categories are different for women and men. A lifter who fails to complete at least one successful snatch and one successful clean and jerk also fails to total, and therefore receives an “incomplete” entry for the competition. The clean and press was once a competition lift, but was discontinued due to difficulties in judging proper form.

GENERAL RULES FOR ALL LIFTS

The technique known as “hooking” is permitted. It consists of covering the last joint of the thumb with the other fingers of the same hand at the moment of gripping the barbell.
In all lifts, the referees must count as “No lift” any unfinished attempt in which the barbell has reached the height of the knees.
After the referees signal to lower the barbell, the lifter must lower it in front of the body and not let it drop either deliberately or accidentally. The grip on the barbell may be released when it has passed the level of the waist.
A competitor, who cannot fully extend the elbow due to an anatomical deformation, must report this fact to the three referees and the Jury before the start of the competition.
When snatching or cleaning in the squat style, the lifter may help the recovery by making swinging and rocking movements of the body.
The use of grease, oil, water, talcum or any similar lubricant on the thighs is forbidden. Lifters are not permitted to have any substance on their thighs when arriving in the competition area. A lifter who uses any lubricant is ordered to remove it. During the removal the clock goes on.
The use of chalk (magnesium) on the hands, thighs, etc., is permitted.

Powerlifting :

Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. As in the sport of Olympic weightlifting, it involves lifting weights in three attempts. Powerlifting evolved from a sport known as “odd lifts”, which followed the same three-attempt format but used a wider variety of events, akin to strongman competition. Eventually odd lifts became standardized to the current three.

GENERAL RULES OF POWERLIFTING

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

(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.Bench Press C.Dead lift D.Total

(b)Competition takes place between lifters in categories defined by sex, body weight and age. The Men’s and Women’s Open Championships permit lifters of any age in excess of 14 years. In the event of an Open Championships being combined e.g. with a Sub – Junior or Junior Championships, a lifter has the option of competing in either the Junior Championships, or the Open, and receive the award for only that in which he/she competed.

(d) Each competitor is allowed three attempts on each lift. The lifter’s best valid attempt on each lift counts toward his competition total. If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter.

(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, bench press and deadlift or if a World record is broken, the same procedure will apply.

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 Masters’ World Championships

Men’s and Women’s combined Open, Junior & Sub – Junior Bench Press World Championships

Men’s and Women’s combined Masters’ Bench Press World Championships

Men’s and Women’s combined Open, Junior & Sub – Junior Classic/Raw Powerlifting World Championships

Men’s and Women’s combined Masters’ Classic/Raw Powerlifting World Championships (in 2014 and 2015 they will

be held in conjunction with the World Classic/Raw Open & Junior & Sub – Junior Championships)

The IPF also recognizes and registers world records for the same lifts within the categories described

hereunder