Digitisted content

IPF Technical Rules Book

The unofficial digitised text of the Technical Rules taken from the official PDF version maintained by the IPF.

Last updated 09 November 2023

Getting started

• General rules

  An overview of the main powerlifting rules.

• Age classes

  The different age categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Weight classes

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

Equipment and specifications

• Scales

  Learn which scales are premitted for weigh-ins.

• Platform

  View the requires dimensions and materials for a platform.

• Bars and discs

  View the specification for all barbells and weights permitted for use in IPF competitions.

• Collars

  View the specification for colloars used in IPF competitions.

• Squat racks

  View the specifications for squat racks permitted in competition.

• Bench

  View the outlined dimensions for bench racks and benches.

• Clocks

  View the requirements for clock and timer usage in competition.

• Lights

  View the usage description and specification of referee lights.

• Failure cards and paddles

  View the usage of failure cards, paddles and reasons for failure.

• Scoreboard

  View the format for scoreboards in IPF competition.

Personal equipment

• Suits

  An overview of the main powerlifting rules.

• T-shirts

  The different age categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Supportive shirts

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Briefs

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Socks

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Belt

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Shoes or boots

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Knee sleeves

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Wraps

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Medical tape

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Headwear

  View the kinds of headwear permitted in competition. This article also includes guidance on sweatbands.

• Inspection of personal equipment

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

• Sponsor's logos

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

• General

  The different bodyweight categories in powerlifting competitions.

Rules of performance

• Squat

  View the rules and causes for disqualifiation or failure of a squat.

• Bench

  View the rules and causes for disqualifiation or failure of a bench press. This article also includes rules for the disabled competiting in IPF single lift bench press championships.

• Deadlift

  View the rules and causes for disqualifiation or failure of a deadlift.

Weighing in

• Weigh-in

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

Competition

• The round system

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Attempt cards

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Responsibility of Officials

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Coaches

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Public lifting ettique

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Alternate weight ordering

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Setting records

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Misloads

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Bombing out

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Spotter assistance

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Leaving the platform

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Pre-competition injuries

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Lifting and coach conduct

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Jury and referee disqualification

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Appealling to the Jury

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Competition suspension

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

Referees & Officials

• Somatic and verbal commands

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Referee responsibilities

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• International seelction

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Uniform

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.

• Qualifications

  Guidance for weighing-in prior to competition. This article includes adjustments for disabled and amputee lifters competiting in bench press championships, and lifters with assistances such as leg braces.