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

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

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

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

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

Weight Classes (lbs) Men Women 116 123 132 148 165 181 198 220 242 275 Super Heavyweight 97 105 114 123 132 148 158 165 181 198 198+

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knee Wraps Chalk Other Equipment Weightlifting Belt

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

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

World Records Deadlift 1015 Benedikt Magnusson (Iceland) 4/2/11 http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/files/PLWR-M-12-26-12.pdf Deadlift 1015 Benedikt Magnusson (Iceland) 4/2/11 Total 1360.8 Donnie Thompson (USA) 8/21/11

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)