A Brief Introduction to Powerlifting
Powerlifting is an intense and exciting sport representing the ultimate test of physical and physiological strength. This claim is supported by those in the athletic community as Powerlifters hoist more weight per attempt than any other Sport. It is a true test of muscle strength whereby the athlete challenges themselves with weights which exceed 3 times their own body weight in the Squat and Deadlift and 2 times their body weight in the Bench Press.
Competitors are given 3 attempts in each of the disciplines, the Squat, the Bench Press and the Deadlift. The best lift in each discipline is added together to arrive at a lifter's TOTAL for the contest, by which they are ranked. The highest TOTAL wins each weight class. Athletes are divided inot classes by weight and age. All weights are in kilograms. A kilo to pound conversion chart is included in the program guide for you to refer to. A lifter must at least one successful attempt in each of the disciplines to compile a TOTAL, otherwise they are disqualified. There are many technical rules which govern a Powerlifting contest, and reasons for disqualifying a lift are included in this guide. For an attempt to be successful, the lifter must receive at least 2 white lights from the three referees adjudicating. The lights are arranged from left to right as you view the contest, and correspond to each of the referee's location on the platform. Listed below are a few of the most common rules for disqualifying a lift. An attempt will not be passed by a referee if these and a number of other rules are not followed:
Squat
- Failing to squat deep enough (top of the thigh at the hip joint must be below the top of the knee).
- Failing to follow the referee's command at the start and end of the lift.
- The bar may stop on the way up, but there must be no downward movement of the weight.
- The lifter cannot take a step forward or backward during the attempt.
- The lifter must be standing erect with the knees locked at the start and finish of the lift.
Bench Press
- The bar must stop on the chest and be motionless with a definite and visible pause before being pressed.
- The lifters arms must extend upwards evenly to completion.
- The lifter must have arms locked at the start and finish of the lift.
- There must be no downward movement of the weight during the lift.
- Shoulders and buttocks cannot rise of the bench during the lift.
- The lifter must follow the referee's command at the start and end of the lift.
Deadlift
- The lifter must be standing erect with shoulders back and the knees locked at the completion of the lift.
- There must be no downward movement of the weight during the lift.
- The bar cannot be supported on a lifter's thighs during an attempt.
- The lifter must follow the referee's command at the end of the lift.
There is also a time restriction. Once the bar has been announced as loaded, a lifter has 1 minute to start the lift at the referee's command. Should the time clock sound prior to the start of the attempt, the lift will be forfeited. A score sheet has been enclosed fro you to keep track of the contest, in this way, you will be able to see how the battles unfold in each weight class. Don't be reluctant to voice your support for each lifter, it helps and is appreciated. Enjoy the day and the performances of BC strongest athletes.