News Letter-Mid Week Edition 6/21/07
What is going on in the USAPL? And for that matter, why does it seem that the IPF (John Stephenson) is making an attempt to re-write the rules through their Technical News Letters? Or, are the efforts being confused as an attempt to clarify them, despite causing more questions and descent?
In the most recent release of the Technical News Letter (see IPF News below), it is welcomed to read that there will hopefully be resolution to concerns about "uneven extensions" during the performance of the bench press. While I don't agree with what is being proposed (it isn't clear if the elbows need to be locked out simultaneously), the use of the technical news letter is a good resource for advising all of this development and pending proposal. Hopefully all will read the information or will receive it in other forms if they don't have access to the internet.
A similar analysis is made when reading "Referee Commands" and "Bar Not Touching the Chest." However, he looses me when he addresses "Feet and Buttocks Position." How much of the buttocks is enough when the rule states; "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." There is no mention of full, half or quarter amounts of one's butt. And to go over old ground once again, there had been an effort to include the phrase "entire buttocks" in a proposal that was reviewed and voted down at the 2006 Congress. The IPF could avoid a lot of criticism if they would only include the phrase if that is what is intended.
And, "Oscillation of the bar or a" wobbling " when at the chest is not cause for failure. Motionless maybe better interpreted as pause. No sinking after the " press " command." I've seen "oscillation of the bar" frequently occur when lifter are wearing shirts. Usually shirts that are much too tight. And on lifters with little experience. But, I don't agree with allowing "oscillation of the bar" when the rule is; "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 arms length with no excessive / immoderate uneven extension of the arms. When held motionless in this position the audible command “Rack” shall be given together with a backward motion of the arm." Motionless is motionless. How can there be two meanings of the word? Can the same be said of the rule concerning buttocks when benching?
I won't continue with picking this news letter apart because the place it should be discussed is at the message board or at one of our MSPA meetings (the next is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the bench meet on July 21st). Mark Daniel should also be contacted by the membership to receive clarification and answers to any questions.
Butt (hee-hee, a pun), in a related and unconfirmed matter, during his discussion concerning "World Open Bench Press ( Bombers )," John Stephenson notes that to minimize the number of "bomb-outs) in future bench press competition, a member of the USAPL Technical Committee has proposed that; "Unless the first attempt is a good lift, the lifter will not be permitted to continue." Which leads into the following...,
...in a post on the "Unofficial Original" USAPL message board Regina Hackney states the following:
Keller fired the whole USAPL Technical Committee last week and unless he has named a new committee this has to be coming from Robert Keller, himself. From what I was told, he thought we had an agenda and we did. We have tried for a year to keep politics out of the referee system and to get quailified referees. After the mess at the Masters Nationals 2006 and the discussion at the NBG meeting last year, we tried to get the system working right under the rules we already have on the books.
Regina
Ex Technical Committee Member
Huhhh??? Can that be done?
Unfortunately, both Robert and Regina are both out of town at the time of this writing. It is interesting that Regina would make something public as significant as "firing" of the members of the Technical Committee without a follow-up or official announcement by the EC. I'm certain once the NAPF meet in Guatemala is complete, more information will be published by the sources connected with both the proposal made to the IPF(one strike rule) and the disbanding of the USAPL Technical Committee.
Before ending this discussion, please note that thin shin guards are permitted to be worn under your socks while deadlifting. It is also important to note that over the calf socks are require at any competition competed under the sanction of the USAPL/IPF. They just can't touch your knees!
And also note that there are two proposals that will be presented for consideration when the IPF Congress next meets.
In other news:
The United Powerlifting Association (UPA) held their inaugural meet. To read about it, go to Powerlifting Watch. Results and more comments can be found here as well.
APF News:
Results from the APF Seniors competed in Daytona Beach, FL last weekend; Bench Press & Powerlifting (xls docs)
Comments made by Illinois State Chairman, Eric Stone.
IPF News:
Technical News Bulletin No 4 2007:
New T. C. Member
Joachim Lehmann e:mail lehmann_powerlifting@yahoo.de ( Germany ) has replaced Myriam Busselot ( Belgium ) as the European Regional Representative.
Myriam has taken on the role of Vice President for Europe. We welcome Joachim, and wish Myriam well as Arnulf Whalstrom's ( European President )aide-de-camp.
Bench Press:
Uneven Extension
As was mentioned in our last bulletin, the question of uneven extension would be discussed with the Executive Committee at our meeting in Denmark at the time of the Open Bench Press championships. After much debate it was decided that a proposal to Congress 2007 would read - Any uneven extension be accepted as long as the whole of the bar does not descend during the uplifting process.
Referees Commands
At a recent Regional Meet to which I was invited, several of the referees ( International ) had difficulty in speaking in English as per the IPF Rule Book, the commands, especially, - " Replace the Bar ". Many lifters interpreted the " grunt " as " start " , the Jury having to intervene and either re-start the clock, or award extra attempts. Referees who wish to be invited to world events must acquaint themselves with correct pronunciation. I am aware that at many home meets commands are given in the native language.
Bar not reaching the chest
Should the bar not reach the chest ( the obvious reason because the shirt is undersized ) then once the bar has stopped, three seconds should be silently counted, as in an
unfinished deadlift, and the Chief Referee command "Rack" - Red card. (see pages 8-9)
Feet and Buttocks positions
Many lifters are failing to receive the " start " signal. The main reasons being - feet not flat on the platform or/and the majority of the buttocks not in contact with the bench.
( Refer to illustrations in the International Powerlifter Vol 1 ) or the Web site. Although not a rule as such, it is in the lifters interest to keep the lower legs upright or forward of upright. The tendancy to lift buttocks or not keep the feet flat, is because the lower legs are slanted back, as in the photos shown as not acceptable.
Bar oscillation
Oscillation of the bar or a" wobbling " when at the chest is not cause for failure. Motionless maybe better interpreted as pause. No sinking after the " press " command.
Footwear
The rule says that the feet must be flat on the platform and that the shape of the shoe must be taken into account. It might be in the lifters interest to wear shoes with a flat sole.
World Open Bench Press ( Bombers )
At the recent Open World Bench Press Championships in Thisted Denmark, there was a 20% number of bomb outs. Apart from the usual reason ( too heavy ) the main cause was that many lifters were not in the correct position to receive the start signal. i.e. the required amount of the buttocks not in contact with the bench, as indicated in the illustrations on the Web Site and International Powerlifter Magazine, or, feet not flat. Some lifters were told to " replace the bar " three times. The clock ran out on some.
Others were completely burnt out by the time the" start " signal was given.
A simple and pragmatic way to resolve this situation has been forwarded by the USAPL Technical Committee. Unless the first attempt is a good lift, the lifter will not be permitted to continue.
Severe perhaps, but it would surely stop some lifters travelling world wide who continually bomb out.
Referees ( not to blame )
I was questioned by one or two disgruntled lifters saying that their classes were unfairly judged - NOT SO - All of the referees were briefed before taking up their postions on platform and did an excellent job in bringing the lift back to the purity it once was. Referees are instructed to give any benefit of doubt in favour of the lifter. Perhaps lessons have been learnt and training will be adjusted accordingly.
Deadlift ( Socks )
Examining referees and Technical Controllers must check the length of socks to be worn by lifters. Some appear on platform with socks that finish half way up the shin.
Not at the knee as is the rule. It has also been noticed that blood has shown through. Grazing having occurred during warm-up. If this is the case then shin guards must be checked in and worn.
Referees ( proposal to Congress 2007 )
A referee's clinic will be held every year at both the Master's World championships and the Sub -Juniors/Juniors World championships. Every International referee must participate in one of the clinics within a four year period.
Apart from obviously raising the standard it will combat the lack of officials that we are presently incurring at these meets.
The practical Category two examination will be held only in conjunction with International or Regional Championships. The theoretical examination may still be held as usual at a National level.
Referees ( Examined ) (see chart/list)
Thanks to Registrar Goran Gunnarsson for supplying the up-dated list. Congratulations to all.
John Stephenson
Chairman IPF Technical Committee
Reminders:
1) Please send your amendments according IPF-Con. 7.3.6.3 latest 15. August 2007. Please keep in mind, that at this Congress the Constitution and By-Laws can not be changed, except if the Congress decides about amendments with a 2/3-majority. At this Congress in Austria election of IPF officials and Committee Chairmen take place. Please forward your candidates to the General Secretary latest 15. August 2007.- Detlev Albrings
2) Referee registration for 2008-2011 is due by January 1, 2008
Note from Robert Keller; As a kind and gentle reminder, if you're an international referee, in order for you to renew your IPF Category I and II credentials, referees are required to have at the minimum, at least four [4] National or International Powerlifting Championships between 2004 - 2007. Please contact either Bill Clayton or myself, if you have any questions regarding re-certification of your credentials. Bill and I would like to have all of the applications to the referee registrar by October 01, 2007
USAPL News:
Men's Nationals- Harold Gaines announced the following:
The deadline for discounted hotel reservations at the Men's Nationals has been extended to Sunday. Please your reservations asap.
Arnold Sports Festival -It was announced in the recent edition of the Arnold Sports Festival news letter that tickets will be released for the 2008 "Weekend’s 37 events at ticketmaster on Monday, June 25, 2008.
2008 will mark the introduction of the USAPL as the powerlifting partner. For more information concerning participating as a lifter, go to the USAPL Web Page.
Links to Arnold Sports Festival information:
Pro Deadlift Invitational Rankings
Pro Bench Invitational Rankings
Unequipped Competition
Quest Pro American Invitational Rankings - new
News from the World Around Us:
Powerlifting Watch for news, comments and opinions.
note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Maryland Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Maryland Powerlifting.
In the most recent release of the Technical News Letter (see IPF News below), it is welcomed to read that there will hopefully be resolution to concerns about "uneven extensions" during the performance of the bench press. While I don't agree with what is being proposed (it isn't clear if the elbows need to be locked out simultaneously), the use of the technical news letter is a good resource for advising all of this development and pending proposal. Hopefully all will read the information or will receive it in other forms if they don't have access to the internet.
A similar analysis is made when reading "Referee Commands" and "Bar Not Touching the Chest." However, he looses me when he addresses "Feet and Buttocks Position." How much of the buttocks is enough when the rule states; "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." There is no mention of full, half or quarter amounts of one's butt. And to go over old ground once again, there had been an effort to include the phrase "entire buttocks" in a proposal that was reviewed and voted down at the 2006 Congress. The IPF could avoid a lot of criticism if they would only include the phrase if that is what is intended.
And, "Oscillation of the bar or a" wobbling " when at the chest is not cause for failure. Motionless maybe better interpreted as pause. No sinking after the " press " command." I've seen "oscillation of the bar" frequently occur when lifter are wearing shirts. Usually shirts that are much too tight. And on lifters with little experience. But, I don't agree with allowing "oscillation of the bar" when the rule is; "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 arms length with no excessive / immoderate uneven extension of the arms. When held motionless in this position the audible command “Rack” shall be given together with a backward motion of the arm." Motionless is motionless. How can there be two meanings of the word? Can the same be said of the rule concerning buttocks when benching?
I won't continue with picking this news letter apart because the place it should be discussed is at the message board or at one of our MSPA meetings (the next is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the bench meet on July 21st). Mark Daniel should also be contacted by the membership to receive clarification and answers to any questions.
Butt (hee-hee, a pun), in a related and unconfirmed matter, during his discussion concerning "World Open Bench Press ( Bombers )," John Stephenson notes that to minimize the number of "bomb-outs) in future bench press competition, a member of the USAPL Technical Committee has proposed that; "Unless the first attempt is a good lift, the lifter will not be permitted to continue." Which leads into the following...,
...in a post on the "Unofficial Original" USAPL message board Regina Hackney states the following:
Keller fired the whole USAPL Technical Committee last week and unless he has named a new committee this has to be coming from Robert Keller, himself. From what I was told, he thought we had an agenda and we did. We have tried for a year to keep politics out of the referee system and to get quailified referees. After the mess at the Masters Nationals 2006 and the discussion at the NBG meeting last year, we tried to get the system working right under the rules we already have on the books.
Regina
Ex Technical Committee Member
Huhhh??? Can that be done?
Unfortunately, both Robert and Regina are both out of town at the time of this writing. It is interesting that Regina would make something public as significant as "firing" of the members of the Technical Committee without a follow-up or official announcement by the EC. I'm certain once the NAPF meet in Guatemala is complete, more information will be published by the sources connected with both the proposal made to the IPF(one strike rule) and the disbanding of the USAPL Technical Committee.
Before ending this discussion, please note that thin shin guards are permitted to be worn under your socks while deadlifting. It is also important to note that over the calf socks are require at any competition competed under the sanction of the USAPL/IPF. They just can't touch your knees!
And also note that there are two proposals that will be presented for consideration when the IPF Congress next meets.
In other news:
The United Powerlifting Association (UPA) held their inaugural meet. To read about it, go to Powerlifting Watch. Results and more comments can be found here as well.
APF News:
Results from the APF Seniors competed in Daytona Beach, FL last weekend; Bench Press & Powerlifting (xls docs)
Comments made by Illinois State Chairman, Eric Stone.
IPF News:
Technical News Bulletin No 4 2007:
New T. C. Member
Joachim Lehmann e:mail lehmann_powerlifting@yahoo.de ( Germany ) has replaced Myriam Busselot ( Belgium ) as the European Regional Representative.
Myriam has taken on the role of Vice President for Europe. We welcome Joachim, and wish Myriam well as Arnulf Whalstrom's ( European President )aide-de-camp.
Bench Press:
Uneven Extension
As was mentioned in our last bulletin, the question of uneven extension would be discussed with the Executive Committee at our meeting in Denmark at the time of the Open Bench Press championships. After much debate it was decided that a proposal to Congress 2007 would read - Any uneven extension be accepted as long as the whole of the bar does not descend during the uplifting process.
Referees Commands
At a recent Regional Meet to which I was invited, several of the referees ( International ) had difficulty in speaking in English as per the IPF Rule Book, the commands, especially, - " Replace the Bar ". Many lifters interpreted the " grunt " as " start " , the Jury having to intervene and either re-start the clock, or award extra attempts. Referees who wish to be invited to world events must acquaint themselves with correct pronunciation. I am aware that at many home meets commands are given in the native language.
Bar not reaching the chest
Should the bar not reach the chest ( the obvious reason because the shirt is undersized ) then once the bar has stopped, three seconds should be silently counted, as in an
unfinished deadlift, and the Chief Referee command "Rack" - Red card. (see pages 8-9)
Feet and Buttocks positions
Many lifters are failing to receive the " start " signal. The main reasons being - feet not flat on the platform or/and the majority of the buttocks not in contact with the bench.
( Refer to illustrations in the International Powerlifter Vol 1 ) or the Web site. Although not a rule as such, it is in the lifters interest to keep the lower legs upright or forward of upright. The tendancy to lift buttocks or not keep the feet flat, is because the lower legs are slanted back, as in the photos shown as not acceptable.
Bar oscillation
Oscillation of the bar or a" wobbling " when at the chest is not cause for failure. Motionless maybe better interpreted as pause. No sinking after the " press " command.
Footwear
The rule says that the feet must be flat on the platform and that the shape of the shoe must be taken into account. It might be in the lifters interest to wear shoes with a flat sole.
World Open Bench Press ( Bombers )
At the recent Open World Bench Press Championships in Thisted Denmark, there was a 20% number of bomb outs. Apart from the usual reason ( too heavy ) the main cause was that many lifters were not in the correct position to receive the start signal. i.e. the required amount of the buttocks not in contact with the bench, as indicated in the illustrations on the Web Site and International Powerlifter Magazine, or, feet not flat. Some lifters were told to " replace the bar " three times. The clock ran out on some.
Others were completely burnt out by the time the" start " signal was given.
A simple and pragmatic way to resolve this situation has been forwarded by the USAPL Technical Committee. Unless the first attempt is a good lift, the lifter will not be permitted to continue.
Severe perhaps, but it would surely stop some lifters travelling world wide who continually bomb out.
Referees ( not to blame )
I was questioned by one or two disgruntled lifters saying that their classes were unfairly judged - NOT SO - All of the referees were briefed before taking up their postions on platform and did an excellent job in bringing the lift back to the purity it once was. Referees are instructed to give any benefit of doubt in favour of the lifter. Perhaps lessons have been learnt and training will be adjusted accordingly.
Deadlift ( Socks )
Examining referees and Technical Controllers must check the length of socks to be worn by lifters. Some appear on platform with socks that finish half way up the shin.
Not at the knee as is the rule. It has also been noticed that blood has shown through. Grazing having occurred during warm-up. If this is the case then shin guards must be checked in and worn.
Referees ( proposal to Congress 2007 )
A referee's clinic will be held every year at both the Master's World championships and the Sub -Juniors/Juniors World championships. Every International referee must participate in one of the clinics within a four year period.
Apart from obviously raising the standard it will combat the lack of officials that we are presently incurring at these meets.
The practical Category two examination will be held only in conjunction with International or Regional Championships. The theoretical examination may still be held as usual at a National level.
Referees ( Examined ) (see chart/list)
Thanks to Registrar Goran Gunnarsson for supplying the up-dated list. Congratulations to all.
John Stephenson
Chairman IPF Technical Committee
Reminders:
1) Please send your amendments according IPF-Con. 7.3.6.3 latest 15. August 2007. Please keep in mind, that at this Congress the Constitution and By-Laws can not be changed, except if the Congress decides about amendments with a 2/3-majority. At this Congress in Austria election of IPF officials and Committee Chairmen take place. Please forward your candidates to the General Secretary latest 15. August 2007.- Detlev Albrings
2) Referee registration for 2008-2011 is due by January 1, 2008
Note from Robert Keller; As a kind and gentle reminder, if you're an international referee, in order for you to renew your IPF Category I and II credentials, referees are required to have at the minimum, at least four [4] National or International Powerlifting Championships between 2004 - 2007. Please contact either Bill Clayton or myself, if you have any questions regarding re-certification of your credentials. Bill and I would like to have all of the applications to the referee registrar by October 01, 2007
USAPL News:
Men's Nationals- Harold Gaines announced the following:
The deadline for discounted hotel reservations at the Men's Nationals has been extended to Sunday. Please your reservations asap.
Arnold Sports Festival -It was announced in the recent edition of the Arnold Sports Festival news letter that tickets will be released for the 2008 "Weekend’s 37 events at ticketmaster on Monday, June 25, 2008.
2008 will mark the introduction of the USAPL as the powerlifting partner. For more information concerning participating as a lifter, go to the USAPL Web Page.
Links to Arnold Sports Festival information:
Pro Deadlift Invitational Rankings
Pro Bench Invitational Rankings
Unequipped Competition
Quest Pro American Invitational Rankings - new
News from the World Around Us:
Powerlifting Watch for news, comments and opinions.
note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Maryland Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Maryland Powerlifting.
posted by Maryland Powerlifting | 5:56 AM
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