1. POWERLIFTING COMPETITIONS
For people interested in weightlifting and competition
POWERLIFTING COMPETITIONS
Mike Consalvi

2. Powerlifting
Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts:
Squat
Bench Press
Deadlift
Each competitor gets 3 attempts at all 3 lifts
Their highest weights for each lift are totaled
Highest total wins the weight class

3. Squat
First Lift of Competition The lift is completed when the lifter stands back up and racks the barbell
Barbell is placed on shoulders
Lifter squats down below 90 degrees

4. Second Lift of Competition
Bench Press
Second Lift of Competition
The lift is started as the lifter moves the barbell from the bench
Brings barbell down to chest, holds for a 1-2 second pause
Presses weight back up
The lift is completed when the barbell is re-racked

5. Deadlift Barbell is on the floor
The lifter bends down and grasps the barbell
The lifter then stands straight up, pulling the weight off of the floor
Lift is completed by placing the barbell back on the floor
Final Lift of Competition

6. Weight Classes (lbs) Men Women
Super Heavyweight

7. Sub-Junior (15-18 years old) Junior (19-23) Open (any age) Masters (40+)
Age Classes

8. Judging There are 3 judges
A light system is used to judge good/bad lifts
3 red lights (bad), and 3 white lights (good)
Each judge has a clicker to light up either a red or white light
The lifter must get at least 2 white lights for the lift to be considered a good lift
When a lifter has a bad lift (or “no lift”), the weight for that attempt is a zero

9. Rules and What the Judges Look For
All lifts are performed under a judge’s instruction
The judge will give 3 orders:
“Begin”
“Lift”
“Rack it”
Failure to comply with the judge’s commands result in a “no lift”

10. Rules and What the Judges Look For
Begin
Bench Press
1-2 second pause when barbell touches chest This is to eliminate bouncing off the chest and using momentum
Press
Rack It

11. Rules and What the Judges Look For
Squat
Squat
Lifter must squat below 90 degrees
Begin
Rack It

12. Rules and What the Judges Look For
Down
Lift
Deadlift
The lifter must hold the lift until the judge instructs him/her to put it down

13. Rules and What the Judges Look For
There are several rules for the bench press:
Back can be arched, but shoulder blades and butt cannot move off the bench
Feet cannot move off of floor
Must pause with barbell on chest
Other Additional Rules:
Chalk is allowed (grip)
Lifting suits are allowed
Bench shirts are allowed
Knee wraps are allowed
Ammonia snaps are allowed
You may lift barefoot if desired
No gloves or wrist straps allowed

14. Lifting Suits Made of thick, canvas-like material Does not stretch
Very tight
Provides stability and an extra push
Used for squats and deadlifts
Lifting Suits

15. Bench Shirts Made from the same material as the suit Does not stretch
Very tight
Provides stability and an extra push
Sleeves come out front of shirt
Used for Bench press
Bench Shirts

16. Knee Wraps
Chalk
Other Equipment
Weightlifting Belt

17. Scoring Sample score: Squat Bench
1st attempt – 450 lbs
2nd attempt – 475 lbs
3rd attempt – 500 lbs
Bench
1st attempt – 275 lbs
2nd attempt – 300 lbs
3rd attempt – 330 lbs
Deadlift
1st attempt – 470 lbs
2nd attempt – 510 lbs
3rd attempt – 540 lbs
Total: 1370 lbs
For each lift, the highest successful attempt is counted Squat, bench, and deadlift weights are totaled Highest total wins weight division 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places are awarded

18. World Records Squat 1267.7 lbs Jonas Rantanen (Finland) 10/8/11
Bench Press 1075 lbs Ryan Kennelly (USA) 11/8/08

19. World Records Deadlift 1015 Benedikt Magnusson (Iceland) 4/2/11
Deadlift 1015 Benedikt Magnusson (Iceland) 4/2/11
Total Donnie Thompson (USA) 8/21/11

20. There are many organizations, but these are the most prominent:
Southern Powerlifting Federation (SPF)
World Powerlifting Organization (WPO)
International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)
USA Powerlifting (USAPL)
United States Powerlifting Federation (USPF)