Rules of the United States Powerlifting Federation

Throughout this rulebook, wherever the words "he" or "his" occur, such reference is deemed to apply to either sex.

1. (a) The United States Powerlifting Federation recognizes the following lifts which must be taken in the same sequence in all competitions conducted under the USPF rules:

A. Squat B. Bench Press C. Dead Lift D. Total


(b) Competition takes place between lifters in categories defined by sex, bodyweight and age. The Men and Women's Open Championships permit lifters of any age more than 13 years.
(c) The rules apply to all levels of competition whether it is World, Regional, and international or any competition that states that it is conducted under USPF rules.
(d) Each competitor is allowed three attempts on each lift. Any exceptions are explained in the appropriate section of the rulebook. The lifter's best valid attempt on each lift, disregarding any fourth attempts for record purposes, counts toward his competition total. The winner of a category shall be the lifter who achieves the highest total. The remaining lifters shall be ranked in descending order of total.
Lifters failing to achieve a total are eliminated from the competition.
If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter.

2. The USPF through its member federations conducts and sanctions the following World and National Championships:
Men's Open World and National Championships
Women's Open World and National Championships
Men's and Women's Combined Junior World and National Championships
Men's and Women's Combined Master's World and National Championships
Bench Press World and National Championships

3. The USPF also recognizes and registers world records for the same lifts within the categories described hereunder:
Age Categories
Men - Senior: from 13 years upwards (no category restrictions need apply).
Junior: from 13 years to and including 23 years of age, with age divisions of 13 to 15, 16 &17, 18 & 19 and 20 to 23.
Master: 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, 75 to 79, and over 80.
Women - Senior: from 13 years upward (no category restriction need apply).
Junior: from 13 years to and including 23 years of age, with age divisions of 13 to 15, 16 &17, 18 & 19 and 20 to 23.
Master: from 35 years upward in five year increments.
Competitive lifting shall be restricted to competitors aged 13 years and over. The lifter must have attained minimum age on the day of the competition where age limits are imposed.

Age grouping for Juniors is determined by their actual birth date.

Age grouping for Masters is determined by their actual birth date.

Bodyweight Categories
Men
-52.0 kg Class up to 52.0 kg.
56.0 kg class from 52.01 to 56.0 kg.
60.0 kg class from 56.01 to 60.0 kg.
67.5 kg class from 60.01 to 67.5 kg.
75.0 kg class from 67.51 to 75.0 kg.
82.5 kg class from 75.01 to 82.5 kg.
90.0 kg class from 82.51 to 90.0 kg.
100.0 kg class from 90.01 to 100.0 kg.
110.0 kg class from 100.01 to 110.0 kg.
125.0 kg class from 110.01 to 125.0 kg.

140.0 kg class from 125.1 kg to 140.0 kg.
140.0+kg class from 140.0 kg + to unlimited.

Women
-44.0 kg Class up to 44.0 kg.
48.0 kg class from 44.01 to 48.0 kg.
52.0 kg class from 48.01 to 52.0 kg.
56.0 kg class from 52.01 to 56.0 kg.
60.0 kg class from 56.01 to 60.0 kg.
67.5 kg class from 60.01 to 67.5 kg.
75.0 kg class from 67.51 to 75.0 kg.
82.5 kg class from 75.01 to 82.5 kg.
90.0 kg class from 82.51 to 90.0 kg.
90.0+kg class from 90.01 to unlimited.

4. Each team is allowed a maximum of twelve competitors spread throughout the range of the twelve bodyweight categories for men and ten competitors throughout the range of ten bodyweight categories for women. There must not be more than two competitors from any one team in any particular bodyweight category.

5. Each team is allowed a maximum of two alternates or reserves. These alternates or reserves may be substituted at any time before the commencement of the weigh in for a particular bodyweight category. Each team must submit a team roster giving the name of each lifter, bodyweight category and best total achieved during the previous twelve months. The date and title of the competition in which the best total was achieved must also be stated.

These details must be submitted to the responsible official before the commencement of the weigh in for the lowest weight category, i.e. 52.0-kg for men and 44.0 kg for women. The names of the alternates or reserves with their bodyweight categories and best totals must also be submitted at this time.
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6. Point scoring for all World, Continental and Regional Championships shall be: 12, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, for the first nine 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.
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7. 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 the case of a tie in points scored, final team placing shall be decided as described for team awards in item 10.
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8.. Teams shall be nominated to the Secretary of the USPF or Region and the Meet Director at least 21 days before the date of the championships. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification of the offending team.

9. Team awards shall be given to the first three places. In the case of a tie in 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.

Part 2.
EQUIPMENT AND SPECIFICATIONS

1. Platform
All lifts shall be carried out on a platform measuring between 1.8 m x 1.8 m minimum and 4.0 m x 4.0 m maximum. The surface of the platform must be flat, firm, non-slip and level. It must not exceed 10 cm in height from the surrounding stage or floor.
The surface of the platform may be treated with an approved non-slip coating. Loose rubber mats or similar sheeting materials are not permitted. No additives may be applied to, or inserts incorporated in either the platform or its surface unless it is a specially constructed weightlifting platform. This type of platform is subject to the approval of the referees. If a lifter cannot reach the squat racks, it is permissible to build up the height of the platform.


2. Bars and Discs
For all powerlifting contests organized under the rules of the USPF, 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. Bars to be used in World or Regional Championships shall not be chromed on the knurling between the inside collars. Only bars and discs that have official USPF approval may be used at USPF World Championships.
(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 2.4 m.
2. Distance between the collar faces is not to exceed 1.48 m or be less than 1.31 m.
3. Diameter of the bar is not to exceed 32 mm or be less than 27 mm.
4. Weight of the bar and collars is not to exceed 30kg.
5. Diameter of the sleeve not to exceed 53 mm or be less than 50 mm.
6. There shall be a diameter-machined marking or the bar taped to measure 81 cm between marking and tape.
(b) Discs shall conform as follows:
1. All discs used in competition must weigh within 0.25 percent of their correct face value.
2. The hole size in the middle of the disc may not exceed 53 mm or be less than 51 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, 45 kg and 50 kg.

4. For record purposes, lighter discs may be used to achieve a weight of at least 500 gr. more than the existing record.
5. Discs weighing 25 kg and over must not exceed 6 cm in thickness. Discs weighing 20 kg and under must not exceed 3 cm in thickness.

6. Discs must conform to the following color code: 10kg and under - any color, 15 kg - yellow, 20kg - blue, 25 kg - red, 45 kg – gold, 50 kg -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 faced in; with the rest of the discs loaded face out.
9. The diameter of the largest disc shall not be more than 45 cm.

3. Collars
(a) Shall always be used in competition.
(b) Bar and collar combination must not exceed 30kg.

4. Squat Racks
(a) Squat racks shall be of sturdy construction and provide maximum stability. The base shall be of such design that it does not impede the lifter or the spotter loaders. It may consist of a one-piece unit or two separate stands designed to hold the bar in a horizontal position.
(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.

5. Bench
The bench shall be of sturdy construction for maximum stability and 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 on both adjustable and non-adjustable benches shall be a minimum of 82 cm to a maximum of 100 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. Lights
A system of lights shall be provided whereby the referees make known their decisions.
Each referee will control a white and a red light. These two colors represent a "good lift" and "no lift" respectively.

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

4. Undershorts
A standard commercial "athletic supporter" or standard commercial undershorts of any mixture of cotton, nylon or polyester (but not swimming trunks or any other garment consisting of rubberized or similar stretch material except in the waistband) may be worn under the lifting suit provided that:
(a) Any support to the body of the lifter which may be provided by the "athletic supporter" or undershorts is limited to the lifter's lower abdominal wall.
(b) The garment does not have legs and does not extend down over the lifter's thighs. (See diagram below) Groove briefs are allowed.
(c) Women may wear protective briefs or panties if they are not deemed supportive in any way. They may also wear a bra if the bra cup does not maintain its shape when placed upright upon a flat surface.
Tampons, sanitary napkins or similar articles when used for hygiene protection are also permitted.

5. Socks
Socks may be worn.
(a) They may be of any color or colors.
(b) They shall not be of such length on the leg that they meet any knee wrapping or knee cap supporter when in use.
(c) Full-length leg stockings, tights or hose are strictly forbidden.

6. 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 or vinyl in one or more laminations, which may be glued and/or stitched together.
(b) It either shall not have additional padding, bracing or supports of any material on the surface or concealed within the laminations of the belt.
(c) A standard metal buckle and studs are the only non-leather components permitted. 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 "quick release" type.
(e) A leather or vinyl tongue loop shall be attached close to the buckle by means of studs and/or stitching.
(f) The names of the lifter, the lifter’s 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 mm.
6.Distance between end of belt and far end of tongue loop maximum 15 cm.

• Correct Points of Measurement:
  

6. Shoes or Boots
Lifting shoes or boots shall be worn.
(a) Shoes shall be taken to include boots, sport shoes, trainers gymnastic slippers or any foot covering that has a patterned molding or foot type outline that provides an inner sole.
(b) Shoes with metal spikes or cleats are not permitted.

7. Wraps
(a) Only wraps or bandages of one ply commercially woven elastic that is covered with polyester, cotton or combinations of either materials; or medical crepe are permitted. Bandages of rubber or rubberized substitutes are strictly forbidden.
(b) Wraps or plasters may be used as follows:
Wrists
1.Wraps not exceeding 1 m in length and 8 cm in width may be worn. Alternatively, wristbands not exceeding 10 cm in width may be worn. A combination of the two is not permitted.
2.If wrist bands are wrap around style, with or without stitching to form a sleeve, they may have velcro patches not exceeding 30 cm in total length and 8 cm wide for securing them as well as a thumb loop. The total length of the wristband shall not exceed 50 cm. The velcro patches must be incorporated within the 50 cm total length. The thumb loop shall not be over the thumb during the actual lift. 3. A wrist wrap shall not extend beyond 10 cm above and 2 cm below the center of the wrist joint and shall not exceed a total covered width of 12 cm.

Knees
4.Wraps not exceeding 2.5 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 center of the knee joint and shall not exceed a total covered width of 30 cm. Alternatively, an elasticized knee cap supporter not exceeding 20 cm in length may be worn. A combination of the two is strictly forbidden.
5.Wraps shall not be in contact with the socks or lifting suit.
6.Wraps shall not be used elsewhere on the body.

Plasters
7.Two layers of plasters, bandages or band-aids may be worn on the thumbs. These items may not be worn anywhere else on the body without official permission of the Jury or Chief Referee. Plasters, bandages or band-aids may not be used as aids to the lifter in holding the bar.
8.Contingent upon prior approval by the Jury, the official doctor, paramedic or paramedical personnel on duty, may apply bandages 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 spot plasters.

8. Inspection of Costume and Personal Equipment
(a) In large competitions when the allotted weigh in time is likely to be insufficient to allow for the inspection of costume and personal equipment, the Jury, at its discretion, may fix a separate time for the inspection and drawing of lots. In normal circumstances this shall take place one hour before the official weigh in, but may be varied as required by the Jury.
(b) A minimum of two referees or technical officers shall be appointed to fulfill this duty. All items shall be examined and approved before being officially stamped or marked.
(c) Bandages over permitted length shall be rejected, but may be cut to correct length and resubmitted within the specified inspection time. It is the lifter's responsibility to cut bandages. The examining referee is not permitted to perform this service.
(d) Any item considered unclean or torn shall be rejected.
(e) The referees shall record each item on the official inspection sheet. The 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 or article not recorded on the inspection sheet, the lifter shall immediately be disqualified from the competition.
(g) All items mentioned previously under Costume and Personal Equipment shall be inspected prior to the competition together with any other items such as headbands, mouthpieces, ribbons, etc. that the lifter may wish to wear on the platform. Hats are strictly forbidden and may not be worn on the platform during lifting. Items such as watches, costume jewelry, eyewear and feminine hygiene articles need not be inspected.
(h) Nations or lifters wishing to take advantage of the rules regarding sponsor's 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 US $100.00 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 USPF and the nation or lifter. It may be worn for the remainder of that calendar year and the following calendar year. The fee shall only cover one sponsor and one nation. Additional fees of US $100.00 each shall be required for other sponsors wishing to add their logo to the costume or equipment. The USPF reserve the right to refuse permission if it considers that a logo falls below the required standard of good taste or contravenes any prior commitment under taken by the USPF with any other contractor such as television or championship promoter. The USPF 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 manufacturer's logos displayed upon USPF approved items of equipment for which a sanction has been paid will not require additional fees.
(I) The USPF is to maintain a register of approved logos. Sponsors fees for logos shall be divided 50% to the USPF and 50% to the regional federation of the lifter. If the lifters regional federation does not operate a separate bank account, then 50% of the fee will be paid to the lifters national federation. Lifters wishing to wear sponsors logos must present a current permit or receipt to the referee examining equipment.
(j) Any lifter successful in a world record attempt must immediately present himself to the three referees for inspection. If the lifter is found to be wearing illegal wraps or clothing, the lift shall be declared invalid and the lifter shall be disqualified from the competition.

9. General
(a) The use of oil, grease or other lubricants on the body, costume or personal equipment is strictly forbidden.
(b) The use of any form of adhesive on the underside of shoes or boots is strictly forbidden.
(c) Baby powder, pool hall chalk, liquid chalk, resin, talc or magnesium carbonate are the only substances that may be added to the body and attire.
(d) No foreign substances may be applied to the equipment or wraps.

The correct finish position in the deadlift is shown at 2 above. The lifter must be standing erect with the shoulders back and the knees locked.

(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 lifters' best totals achieved at national or international level during the previous twelve months. The lifters with the lowest totals will form the first group to lift with progressively higher totals forming further groups as necessary. Where a lifter has not provided a total for the previous twelve months, then that lifter shall automatically be placed in the first group to lift.
(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.
(f) The bar must be loaded progressively during each round on the principle of a rising bar. At no time will the weight of 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 lifter's choice of weight for that round. In the event of two lifters choosing the same weight, the lifter with the lowest lot number drawn at the weigh in, will lift first.
(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 or spotter error, the lifter will be granted a further attempt at the correct weight. However, the extra attempt can only be taken at the end of the round in which the error occurred. If the lifter also happened to be the last lifter in the round, he shall be granted a three minute rest prior to making his 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 be changed 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 group's last round of that lift. Prior notice of these deadlines shall be announced by the speaker.
(k) A lifter must submit his second and third attempts within one minute of completing his preceding attempt. If no weight is submitted within the one minute time allowance, and the lifter’s preceding attempt was successful , he will automatically be given a 2.5k increase. If the preceding attempt was not successful, he will be given the same attempt over.
(l) Weights submitted for second round attempts on all three lifts cannot be changed. Similarly third round attempts on the squat and bench press cannot be changed.
(m) In the third round of the dead lift, two weight changes are permitted. The change of weight may be higher or lower than the lifter's 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.
(n) In bench press single lift competitions the rules in general are the same as for three lift competitions. However there are two exceptions to this statement. In the third round, two weight changes are permitted as stated in 1(m) above for the deadlift apply equally here. It follows that the attempt card must be as for the normal deadlift attempt card in that provisions is made for the two permitted changes on the third attempt.
(o) If a lifting session consists of a single group, i.e. up to a maximum of 14 lifters, an interval of not less than 10 and not exceeding 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 the squat. The platform will then be set up for the bench press and the first group will complete their three rounds of the bench press, immediately followed by the second group who will similarly complete their three rounds of the bench press. The platform will then be set up for the dead lift and the first group will complete their three rounds of the dead lift, immediately followed by the second group who will similarly complete their three rounds of the dead lift. This system thus eliminates any time waste other than that necessary for arranging the platform between the lifts.

2. The organizer will appoint the following officials:
(a) Speaker/Announcer.
(b) Technical Secretary (an international referee preferably from the host nation). (c) Time Keeper (preferably a qualified referee).
(d) Marshals/Expeditors (not required when using the round system, an official seated at the administration table will be designated to receive attempts).
(e) Scorers.
(f) Spotter/Loaders.
Additional officials may be appointed as required, i.e. doctors, paramedics, etc.

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, who will in turn announce that the bar is ready and call the lifter by name to the platform. The speaker will abstain from announcing that the lift "looks good to me."
Attempts announced by the speaker should be displayed upon some form of scoreboard erected in a prominent position.
(b) The technical secretary is responsible for attending the technical meeting prior to the competition and compiling the referee schedules from the names of those referees declared available for duty throughout the competition. He will complete the necessary "Duty Referees and Jury Members" lists for the competition and inform referees of the 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, 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. He will also make out the speakers competition cards for every lifter in the category. The above paperwork together with an adequate supply of lifters attempt slips 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 other matters that may require attention. He should be a qualified international referee, preferably from the host nation and able to deal effectively with any problem that may arise due to language difficulties at the venue. It is the responsibility of the meet director to provide all the necessary blank forms and paperwork to enable the technical secretary to carry out his work.
(c)The time keeper is responsible for accurately recording the time 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 a 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 lifter's one minute allowance.
The lifter is allowed one minute in which to start his attempt after being called to the platform. 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 "rack". The lift will be declared "no lift" 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 the bench press, the start is to coincide with the Chief Referee's commencement signal. Refer to "Referees" item 3. In the dead lift, the start is when the lifter makes a determined attempt to raise the bar.
(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.
(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 is deprived of an otherwise successful attempt by the error of a spotter/loader and through no fault of his own, he may be awarded another attempt at the discretion of the referees at the end of the round.

3. Application for participation at a World or Regional Championships must include the lifter's best total, with date and competition where performed, during the past 12 months. Only totals achieved at International or National Championships will be considered.

4. During any competition taking place on a platform or stage, only the lifter and his coach, members of the Jury, officiating referees and spotter/loaders will be allowed around the platform or on the stage. During the execution of a 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.

5. A lifter shall not wrap or adjust his costume within the vicinity of the platform. The only exception to this rule is that he may adjust his belt.

6. 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.

7. In USPF recognized competitions, the weight of the barbell must always be a multiple of 2.5 kg. The progression must be at least 2.5 kg between all attempts. The weight shall be announced in kilograms.
Exceptions to this rule:
(a) In a record attempt the weight of the barbell must be at least 500 grams in excess of the current record. This record attempt must be taken in the normal sequence of increasing weight during the competition.
(b) During the course of competition a lifter may request a record attempt that is not a multiple of 2.5 kg but is to be attempted within his prescribed attempts. If the attempt is successful, then only the lower closest multiple of 2.5 kg will be recorded on the score sheet, the exact weight will appear on the record application. For example if 333 kg is requested for a squat lift on the lifter's second attempt and the lift is successful, then 332.5 kg will be entered on the score sheet and 333 kg will be entered on the record application.
(c) Record attempts may be taken on any or all of a lifter's prescribed attempts provided that he maintains a minimum increase of 500 grams. For example if the current record is 100 kg, then a lifter may take the following attempts: 1st - 100.0kg, 2nd - 101.0kg, 3rd - 101.5kg, 4th - 102 kg. Attempts 2, 3, and 4 if successful will all be records irrespective of the fact that he did not increase the weight for competition purposes from 100 kg.

8. The Chief Referee will be solely responsible for decisions taken in the case of loading errors or incorrect announcements by the speaker. His decision 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 originally requested weight 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.

9. Three unsuccessful attempts in any lift will automatically eliminate the lifter from the competition.

10. 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.

11. On the completion of an attempt, a lifter shall leave the platform within thirty seconds. Failure to comply with this rule may result in disqualification of the attempt at the discretion of the referees.

12. 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 competitor's 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.

13. 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 a Jury, may disqualify the lifter and order the coach to leave the venue. The team manager must be officially informed of both the warning and disqualification.

14. In international competition, all appeals against referee's 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, or in his absence, by the team coach. This must be done immediately following the action upon which the appeal or complaint is based.
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 Jury's verdict will be considered final and there will be no right of appeal to any other body.
Upon recommencement 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 US $100.00 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 said sum may be retained and donated to the USPF at the discretion of the Jury.

Part 7.
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:

SQUAT
Commencement:
A visual signal consisting of a downward movement of the arm together with the audible command "squat".
Completion:
A visual signal consisting of a backward movement of the arm together with the audible command "rack".

BENCH PRESS
Commencement:
A visual signal consisting of a downward movement of the arm together with the audible command "start".
Completion:
A visual signal consisting of a backward movement of the arm together with the audible command "rack".

DEADLIFT
Commencement:
No signal required.
Completion:
A visual signal consisting of a downward movement of the arm
together with the audible command "down".

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 "good lift" and red for "no lift".

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 easily visible to the lifter performing the squat or dead lift. If possible the side referees should not be seated behind the lifter nor below the level of the platform.

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.
(b) The scales work correctly and are accurate.
(c) The lifters weigh in within the limits of weight and time for their bodyweight category.
(d) The lifters' costumes and personal equipment comply with the rules in all respects.

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.
(b) On the platform the lifter's costume and personal equipment are exactly as declared, examined and marked at the weigh in. If any referee has reason to doubt a lifter's integrity in this respect, he must after completion of the lift, inform the Chief Referee of his suspicions. The three referees may then re-examine the lifter's costume and personal equipment. If the lifter is found to be wearing or using any illegal item, the lifter will immediately be disqualified from the competition

8. Prior to the commencement of a lift, if either of the side referees do not accept the bar placement or starting position of the lifter, they will raise a hand to call attention to the fault. If there is a majority opinion among the referees that a fault exists, the Chief Referee will not give the signals to commence the lift. The lifter or his coach shall on request be informed of the reason for his not receiving a start signal. Similarly the lifter or his coach may request the reason for a "no lift" decision. Such request must be made before the next lifters attempt. The Jury shall be responsible for conveying such information to the lifter. 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.

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.

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.

15. In International Competition, lots must be drawn to decide which category they will referee. 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 a side referee in another category.

17. Referees and members of the Jury will be uniformly dressed as follows:
Men:
Winter - Dark Blue Blazer with appropriate USPF badge on left breast and Grey Trousers with a White Shirt and appropriate USPF tie.
Summer – Official USPF Polo shirt and Grey Trousers, ties optional.

Women:
Winter - Dark Blue Blazer with appropriate USPF badge on left breast, Grey Skirt or Trousers and a White Blouse. The wearing of the appropriate tie is optional
Summer - Grey Skirt or Trousers and a official USPF Polo shirt.

18.Qualifications for a Referee are as follows:
(a) A national referee which is in good standing with the USPF.
(b) Must be recommended by his State Chairman.
(c) Must take the written examination at a USPF World Championship, National Championship, or National Clinic.
(d) Must achieve a passing score of 90 percent or more on both written and practical examinations.

19. The selection of a candidate for examination by the USPF 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 referees within the various nations

20. Testing Procedures are as follows:
(a) A written examination will be given only after a complete and comprehensive rules clinic has been conducted under the direction of an approved examination referee who has been appointed as Chief Examiner by the USPF.
A practical examination will be given after the written examination. During the competition, the candidate will be seated at/or near the Jury table and will adjudicate a total of 100 attempts. The candidate must be scrutinized by at least one examination referee. The candidate must score at least 90 percent on all his decisions when compared with those of the scrutinizing referee(s).

21. All examination score sheets shall be marked by the scrutinizing referee(s). When marking is complete, the Referee Committee Chairman shall be informed of the results.
Fees shall then be forward to the USPF Treasurer.

22. After receiving the examination results, the Treasurer will inform the candidate and his Federation's National Secretary.

23 Examiners' score sheets shall be marked in the following manner:
(a) All correct attempts refereed by the candidate will be marked so ( / ).
(b) All incorrect attempts will be marked so ( X ).
(c) All attempts not completed by the lifter will be marked so ( O ).
(d) All incorrect attempts will, in addition, have the number of fault or faults indicated.
(e) When an incorrect signal is given, i.e. too early or too late, the examiner must mark this with an ( X ) and the letter "S" to indicate that an incorrect signal was given.
(f) When a signal is necessary and given in an incomplete attempt, it will be marked so (O) and counted as an attempt.
(g) All of the examiners' score sheets, without any additions or alterations, will be collated and scored by the President of the Jury if for Category 1 examination, orby the scrutinizing referee(s) if for Category 2 or National examination. The marked score sheets shall be sent to the Referee Committee Chairman.


24. A candidate taking a practical examination will be scrutinized by the Jury or the appointed scrutinizing referee(s) to determine his success or failure.

25. Upon passing the examination, a referee's date of promotion shall be the date of the examination.

26. Candidates who fail the examination must wait at least six months before taking the examination again.

27. Registration:
(a) All referees must re-register with the USPF in order to maintain their current qualifications and at an acceptable standard.
(b) Re-registration shall take place during each Olympic year.
(c) A referee is responsible for sending the necessary registration fee to the USPF Treasurer together with a brief resume of his international and national refereeing experience during the previous registration period.
(d) A referee who has been inactive for a four year period or who fails to re-register will forfeit his credentials.
(e) A card which is issued within the twelve months prior to the Olympics need not be renewed until the following Olympic year.

28.The USPF Secretary shall provide each national federation with:
(a) A current list of accredited referees.
(b) A list of referees who need to re-register in order to remain accredited.

29. International referees, should referee a minimum of three international or national championships during the previous four year period between Olympic years in order to be acceptable for re-registration.

Part 8.
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 referees, the most senior of whom shall be designated President of the Jury.

3. The members of the Jury shall all be from different nations with the exception of the USPF 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. Each member of the Jury will have three red protest cards marked 1, 2, and 3 respectively. If a member wishes to query a referee's decision, he shall place the card relating to that referee in front of the President of the Jury or a system of lights may be used by the Jury for calling a referee to the Jury table. The President must consult with the other members of the Jury and take the appropriate action based upon a majority verdict.

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. The Jury shall not at any time overrule or change the decisions of the referees.

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 random draw by the Jury. If the competition does not have a Jury, then the Competition Secretary will arrange for a similar random draw to be made by an appointed official before witnesses.

13. If music accompanies the lifting, the Jury will determine the volume and when the music should terminate, e.g. when the lifter mounts the platform or when he grips the bar.

USPF Technical Committee
1. Will consist of a Chairman, who shall be a referee appointed by the President.

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 USPF Executive.

4. Appoints the Chief Referee and side referees 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 USPF Executive, President and General Secretary 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 USPF Executive for the withdrawal of an international referee's 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.

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 " USPF Approved" in their commercial advertisements. If the item or items submitted meet all current USPF rules and regulations, a fee shall be levied 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 USPF Executive must be submitted to the USPF 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 USPF rules and regulations, the USPF shall withdraw approval. The USPF will not issue another certificate until changes in design have been corrected and the item or items submitted to the Technical Committee for inspection.

Part 9.
WORLD RECORDS

World, Continental, Regional and National Championships
1. At World, Continental, Regional and National Championships sanctioned and recognized by the USPF, 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.

2. The lifter shall present himself for inspection by the three referees. Refer to "Costume and Personal Equipment" page 12, item 8 (I).

3. Requirements for recognition of a world record are as follows: (a) The competition must be held under the sanction of a national federation affiliated to the USPF.
(b) Each of the adjudicating referees must hold a current USPF International Referee's Card and be a member of a national federation affiliated to the USPF.
(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.
All Other Competitions
4. If the record is not set in one of the competitions noted above, then the following additional requirements to those listed in items 2 & 3 are also required:
(a) Immediately after a successful record attempt, the three referees must weigh the barbell and record its precise weight. They must also prepare a list of the individual weights of the bar and every disc used in the successful attempt.
(b) The three referees must sign a written report affirming on their honor that the information given to the following requirements is correct:
1. The name of the lifter. Also his date of birth in the case of a junior or master.
2. The name of the lifter's nation.
3. The title, venue and date of the competition.
4. The lifter's bodyweight.
5. The weight of the barbell and individual discs.
6. That the scales were certified accurate within the last six months preceding the record attempt.
7. A copy of the official score sheet must accompany the record application.
On completion, the record application must be signed by the three referees and the President of the Jury or Secretary of the national federation. The record application must be sent to the USPF General Secretary within one calendar month of the date of the record being set.

5. When competing in one of the competitions listed in 1 above, if the lifter on his third attempt successfully lifts a weight that falls within 20 kg of a current world record, he may at the discretion of the Jury or the Chief Referee in the absence of a Jury, be granted a fourth attempt outside the competition. In no case can further additional attempts be granted.

6. Only lifters actually competing in a competition may attempt records as fourth attempts outside the competition.

7. In no circumstances may lifters not taking part in the full competition be permitted to attempt records on individual lifts.

8. In the event of two lifters breaking either a current individual or total record of the same weight, the lighter lifter will be declared the new record holder. If both lifters re-weigh the same, both will be declared record holders.

9. New records are only valid if they exceed the previous record by at least 500 grams. Fractions of 500 grams must be ignored, i.e.87.700 kg would be registered as 87.500 kg.

10.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 an USPF recognized or sanctioned competition.
(b) It is set by a lifter registered with an affiliated nation.
(c) It can only be valid if the bar and discs used in the competition have been weighed before the competition.
(d) Although the lifter and the bar need not be weighed after the competition, a written report similar in all respects to that required in the case of individual records must be drawn up and signed by the three referees.
(e) The record will only be valid for the bodyweight category of the lifter as determined at the official weigh in.
(f) Fourth attempts may not be included in the total.

11.Not only World records, but Continental, Regional and National records broken under the same conditions as world records shall be recognized and registered.

12.Records set in individual lifts will only be valid if the lifter makes a total in the competition.

13. World Bench Press and Deadlift Championship records can only be recognized if made at the single lift World Bench Press or Deadlift Championships held annually. Records may be set if they exceed the record by at least 500 grams. Fractions of 500 grams will be ignored. A fourth attempt may be granted if the third attempts was successful and within 20 kg of the current world bench press championship record.

Part 10.
RULES FOR DISABLED LIFTERS IN SINGLE BENCH PRESS CHAMPIONSHIPS


Bodyweight Categories/Disabled Lifters

Men
-48.0 kg Class up to 48.0 kg.
52.0 kg class from 48.01 to 52.0 kg.
56.0 kg class from 52.01 to 56.0 kg.
60.0 kg class from 56.01 to 60.0 kg.
67.5 kg class from 60.01 to 67.5 kg.
75.0 kg class from 67.51 to 75.0 kg.
82.5 kg class from 75.01 to 82.5 kg.
90.0 kg class from 82.51 to 90.0 kg.
100.0 kg class from 90.01 to 100.0 kg.
100.0+kg class from 100.01 to unlimited.

Women
-40.0 kg Class up to 40.0 kg
44.0 kg Class from 40.01 to 44.0 kg
48.0 kg class from 44.01 to 48.0 kg.
52.0 kg class from 48.01 to 52.0 kg.
56.0 kg class from 52.01 to 56.0 kg.
60.0 kg class from 56.01 to 60.0 kg.
67.5 kg class from 60.01 to 67.5 kg.
75.0 kg class from 67.51 to 75.0 kg.
82.5 kg class from 75.01 to 82.5 kg.
82.5+kg class from 82.51 to unlimited.

Additions to the bodyweight will be made for amputees as follows:

For each below ankle amputation = +1/54 of bodyweight

For each below knee amputation = +1/35 of bodyweight

For each above knee amputation = +1/18 of bodyweight

For each hip disarticulation = +1/9 of bodyweight


BENCH
(a) The bench shall be of sturdy construction and provide maximum stability and conform to the following dimensions:

1. Length: shall be 2.1 m long overall and be flat and level.

2. Width: the main body of the bench shall be 61 cm. wide, but for a distance of 70.5 cm. from the head end, the width shall be 30.5 cm. leaving two equal shoulders of 15.25 cm.

3. Height: the height shall not be less than 45 cm. and not to exceed 50 cm. measured from the floor to the top of the padded surface of the bench without it being depressed of compacted.

4. Stands: the height of the uprights on both adjustable and non-adjustable benches shall be a minimum of 82 cm. to a maximum of 100 cm. measured from the floor to the bar rest position. Minimum width between insides of bar rests shall be 1.10 m.
(b) The lifter must be given the opportunity to use either the bench described above or a standard USPF bench as described in "Equipment and Specifications".

COSTUME

(a) Suit is not obligatory.

(b) A T-shirt is obligatory. Use of both a T-shirt and lifting suit is permitted.

(c) Track trousers - Track trousers, which fit tightly to both the buttocks and legs, or snug fitting shorts are the only trousers acceptable. These must be seen on the lifter and approved by the referees at the weigh-in.

(d) Lifting with prosthesis is allowed and orthosis with shoes will be allowed.


GENERAL

(a) If the lifter cannot fully stretch the arms resulting from anatomical deformation of the elbow he must report this fact to the three referees before the beginning of each attempt during the competition.

(b) If the lifter cannot fully stretch the legs resulting from anatomical or neurological disease, he must report this fact to the three referees before the beginning of each attempt during the competition.

(c) 1. Any lifter is allowed to be strapped to the bench with the official strapping belt (10cm. wide) or with his personal strapping belt.
2. Strapping is allowed on the legs from the ankles to the hips.
3. Strapping of the legs must be done by the lifter, the coach or the loaders under the supervision of the referees.

(d) The coach is allowed to help the lifter on arrival at or upon leaving the platform. Coaches shall remain within the designated coaching area as defined by the Jury or Technical Officer in charge.

(e) The lifter is allowed two minutes in which to start his attempt after being called to the platform. A warning call and time signal will be given at the one minute remaining stage.

(f) The lifter must lie supine on the bench. His head, shoulders, trunk (including buttocks), legs and both heels extended must remain in contact with the bench throughout the attempt. An exception regarding the heels is granted in the case of lower limb amputees.