Reasons for Disqualification on the Powerlifts

Reasons for Disqualification on the Powerlifts

The following list is adapted from the Technical Rules Book of the International Powerlifting Federation. The full text of the rules book is posted on the International Powerlifting Federation's Web site.

Squat

1. 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

2. Failure to assume an upright position with the knees locked at the commencement and completion of the lift.

3. Changing the position of the bar across the shoulders after the commencement of the lift. Any movement of the bar on the back more than the diameter/thickness of the bar below the lifter's chosen starting position.

4. Stepping backward or forward although lateral movement of the foot and rocking the feet between the ball and heel is permitted.

5. Failure to observe the Chief Referees signals at the commencement or completion of the lift.

6. Double bouncing or more than one recovery attempt at the bottom of the lift.

7. Contact with bar or lifter by the spotters/loaders between the Chief referees signals, in order to make the lift easier.

8. 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.

9. Any dropping or dumping of the bar after completion of the lift.

10. Failure to comply with any of the requirements contained in the general description of the lift, as described in the IPF Rulebook.

Bench Press

1. Bar is not motionless on the chest.

2. Any pronounced or exaggerated uneven extension of the arms during the lift.

3. Any downward movement of the bar in the course of being pressed out.

4. Failure to press the bar to full extension of the arms simultaneously at the completion of the lift.

5. Heaving, bouncing or sinking the bar after it has been motionless on the chest, in such a way as to aid the lifter.

6. Failure to observe the Chief Referees signals at the commencement or completion of the lift.

7. Any change in the elected lifting position during the lift proper, i.e. any raising movement of the shoulders, buttocks or feet from their original points of contact with the bench or floor or lateral movement of the hands on the bar. Slight or very minor foot movement is allowed.

8. Contact with the bar or the lifter by the spotters/ loaders between the Chief Referees signals, in order to make the lift easier.

9. Any contact of the lifters feet with the bench or its supports.

10. Deliberate contact between the bar and the bar rest supports during the lift in order to make the lift easier.

11. Failure to comply with any of the requirements contained in the general description of the lift, as described in the IPF Rulebook.

Dead Lift

1. Failure to lock the knees straight at the completion of the lift.

2. Failure to stand erect with the shoulders back

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Lowering the bar before receiving the Chief Referees signal.

6. 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.

7. Stepping backward or forward although lateral movement of the foot and rocking the feet between the ball and heel is permitted.

8. Failure to comply with any of the requirements contained in the general description of the lift, as described in the IPF Rulebook.

The diagrams below indicate the legal bar position and required depth in the squat:

Powerlifting and Back Pain

The first book is geared towards the beginner to intermediate powerlifter. It presents sound training, competition, dietary, and supplement advice to aid the reader in starting and progressing in the sport of powerlifting. The second book details how I overcame years of crippling low back and was able to return to the sport of powerlifting.

Starting and Progressing in Powerlifting: A Comprehensive Guide to the World's Strongest Sport

Overcoming Back Pain: A Mind-body Solution (Second Edition)