Guidance

Lifter handbook

A digital version of the Technical Rules from the official PDF provided by the IPF. Created to ensure the rules easy for everyone to access.

This text has been edited to include gender inclusive language.

Last updated 11 April 2024

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Order of events
  3. Weighing-in
  4. Kit check
  5. Rack heights
  6. Warming up
  7. Attempts
  8. Referee commands
  9. Referee lights
  10. Lifter conduct
  11. Coach conduct

Overview

The lifter handbook is designed to serve as a guide for most IPF competitions. Some divisional, national and international bodies may elect to run their events different. Please always check with the competition organisers for details.

Please remember to bring your National Membership card and photo ID.

Order of events

The following provides an overview of timings for competition is run, what to expect and where to be.

  • Weigh in, equipment check and rack heights open 2 hours before lifting begins.
  • Weigh-in concludes 30 minutes before lifting begins.
  • Equipment check and rack heights closes 5 minutes before lifting begins.

    • Recommendation: Weigh-in first, go to equipment check second and rack heights third.

    Recommendation: begin warming up about 30 minutes before your scheduled lift-off time or when the preceding flight begins lifting.

  • Once all flights in the session have completed squats, there will be a 10 minute break before the benchpress begins, and a similar break between benchpress and deadlift.
  • Once all lifts are completed, the medal ceremony will be held (if time allows).

Weighing-in

Weigh-in is required for all International Powerlifting Federation competitions at every level and must be conducted no more than two hours before lifting commences.

You must sit at or below your weightclass. For example, a -93kg lifter must sit between 93.0kg and 83.1kg

  • Queue outside designated room until your name is called.
  • Sub-junior lifters must have a parent or adult guardian present for weigh-in.
  • Age category lifters (Sub-junior, Junior and Masters) must provide ID to verify their age. (Not applicable for open competitions).
  • You must display your British Powerlifting membership card or number (either physically or digitally).
  • Provide your first squat, bench press, and deadlift attempts.
  • Once inside the weigh-in room, you may chose to strip down to underwear and socks. An official will ask you to step on the scale for your weight to be recorded.
  • If you miss weight, you can re-weigh if necessary until weigh-in concludes (30 minutes before liftimg begins).
  • If you fail to make weight before weigh-in closes, you may still compete as a guest, but you cannot place.

Please remember to eat and drink after weighing-in.

Kit check

Rack heights

Warming up

Attempts

Referee commands

Lifter conduct

Coach conduct