Rules Briefing

With the Larry Garro Memorial meet just days away, I thought I'd share the following:

Competitors are advised to bring the following:
1) USAPL card
2) Driver's license or another form of acceptable ID which includes proof of age.
3) Approved one-piece lifting suit (singlet) must be worn in performing lifts.
4) Approved sport shoes (no hiking boots).
5) If a belt is to be worn, it must not be more than 5" wide along the main length.
6) Approved Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
7) Copy of the IPF rule book.
8) Baby powder, resin, talc or magnesium carbonates are the only substances that may be added to the body and attire. Not the wraps.

Squat:
1) You must wear a tee-shirt (use care in choosing one which includes graphics, only approved logos allowed)
2) Approved knee wraps and knee sleeves are allowed for both raw and equipped divisions. A combination of both is forbidden.
3) Approved wrist wraps are allowed for both raw and equipped divisions.
4) Approved lifting suits are allowed in equipped division.

Bench Press:
1) You must wear a tee-shirt.
2) Approved bench shirts are allowed in equipped division (the sleeves must not touch your elbows).
3) Approved wrist wraps are allowed in both equipped and raw divisions.

Deadlift:
1) Over-the-calf socks must be worn (they may not touch your knees).
2) A thin shin protector may be used under the sock to minimise bleeding.

General:
1) You have one minute to start your lift once "bar is loaded" is called.
2) You have one minute to turn in next attempts.
3) Your coach can be present at weigh-in or if your selected for random drug testing.
4) You can have someone lift-off for you in the bench press. Some meets will only allow meet staff (spotter/loaders) to perform this function. Be sure to ask.
5) Lifters are not allowed on the platform until the command, "bar is loaded" is given.
6) Apply chalk and powder in designated area. Not on the platform.
7) If you use ammonia capsules, do so off the platform.
8) Be sure to verify information on attempt cards. Make sure your rack heights, division, weight class/actual body weight and first attempts are correctly documented. If you decide to change a rack height, do so by informing the scorers table so that they can announce the change with your next attempt.
9) Follow referee commands!
10) Make sure you inform expediter of intent to make record attempts and if successful, be certain forms are completed if necessary.
11) Do not leave the site of the meet until you're certain you will not be asked to submit to drug testing.

Performance of Lifts

Squat:
1) Un-rack bar, step back and once under control, you will receive a command to "squat."
2) Bend your knees and set back until you feel you've reached the required depth. The top of the hip joint must be below the top of the knee.
3) Once you've reached proper depth, stand up with the weight and lock out knees. You will receive a "rack" command. Once given, the spotter loaders may "assist" you in racking the bar, but you must make a bona fied effort on your own.

Bench Press:
1) Feet must be flat on the floor and your butt, shoulders and head must remain in contact with the bench throughout the lift. (percentage of buttocks that must remain in contact is open to interpretation)
2) Once the bar is un-racked, hold at arms length (elbows locked). Once the referee is satisfied that the requirements in #1 have been met, you will receive a "start" command.
3) Bring the bar to your chest (no belly benching!) and hold for "press" command. The "press" command will be given once the bar has stopped and under control. (length of pause, like the butt rule, is subject to interpretation)
4) Press the bar to full extension (elbows locked). Hold until you receive the "rack" command.

Deadlift:
1) The lifter starts the lift without a command.
2) The lifter pulls weight until locked out (knees, hips and shoulders) and erect.
3) Hold until given the "down" command.
4) Do not drop the weight. It must be returned to the platform under control.

While this list does not cover all elements of the rules, it is advised that each lifter review the rule book and seek clarification during the rules briefing that will occur prior to the start of the meet. It is also advised, that as the day of the meet approaches, that lifters check with the meet director to verify scheduled start times and any other changes that may have occurred. Also, contact the state chairman for clarification concerning those rules noted as "subject to interpretation." While the rule book describes the rule, there have been Technical News Letters released describing what is intended by the rule. Many of those TC News Letters have been posted here at Maryland Powerlifting and interpretations highlighted in past news letters.