2019 IPL Rulebook - Part 2

PART 2. EQUIPMENT AND SPECIFICATIONS

Item 1. Platform
2.1.1 All lifts shall be performed on a platform measuring between 2.5 m x 2.5 m minimum and 4.0 m x 4.0 m maximum. The surface of the platform must be flat, firm, non-
slip and level. It must not exceed 10 cm in height from the surrounding stage or floor.
2.1.2 The surface of the platform may be treated with an approved non-slip coating, grip tape with a grit rating of 100 or less, or a one-piece carpet constructed of a dense tight loop material suitable for maximum traction support. It is the IPL’s recommendation that all meets are held using the approved one-piece carpet as the top surface on all platforms. Loose rubber mats or similar sheeting materials are not permitted. No additives may be applied to, or inserts incorporated in either the platform or its surface unless it is a specially constructed weightlifting platform. The platform is subject to approval by the meet director prior to the commencement of the competition.
2.1.3 If a lifter cannot reach the squat racks, it is permissible to build up the height of the platform.
2.1.4 Warm up area platforms will be stocked with an ample number of bars, plates and safety collars. There shall be a minimum of three warm up platforms provided for each of the three lifts. The only exception is meets with 10 or less lifters in each flight where a Meet Director can use two warm up platforms.

Item 2. Bars and Discs
2.2.1 For all powerlifting contests organized under the rules of the IPL, only disc barbells are permitted. The use of discs, which do not meet the current specifications, will invalidate the
contest and any records accomplished. Only those bars and discs that meet all specifications may be used throughout the entire competition and for all lifts. Bars to be used shall not be chromed on the knurling between the inside collars. Only bars and discs that have official IPL approval may
be used at any IPL competition.
2.2.2 Bars – They shall be straight and well knurled and grooved and shall conform to the following dimensions:
2.2.3 Total overall length not to exceed 2.4 m.
2.2.4 Distance between the collar faces is not to exceed 1.48 m or be less than 1.31 m.
2.2.5 Diameter of the bar is not to exceed 32 mm or be less than 27 mm.
2.2.6 Weight of the standard bar and collars are not to exceed 25 kg.
2.2.7 Weight of the specialized squat bar and collars are not to exceed 30 kg.
2.2.8 Diameter of the sleeve not to exceed 53 mm or be less than 50 mm.
2.2.9 There shall be a circumferential machine marking on the bar taped to measure 81 cm between markings.
2.2.10 The correct bar for each lift shall be used in all competitions. Meet Directors have the option of using either a 20 kg power bar or 25 kg squat bar during any squat flight and should notify all lifters well before the meet which bar will be used. During the bench press only a 20 kg power bar must be used. During the deadlift, only a deadlift specific 20 kg bar must be used.
2.2.11 Discs – They shall conform as follows:
2.2.12 All discs used in competition must weigh within 0.25 percent of their correct face value.
2.2.13 The bore hole size in the middle of the disc may not exceed 53 mm or be less than 51 mm.
2.2.14 Discs must be in kilogram weight and be within in following range: 1.25 kg, 2.5 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, 45 kg and 50 kg.
2.2.15 For record purposes, lighter discs of 0.25 kg and .5 kg may be used to achieve a weight of at least 500 grams more than the existing record.
2.2.16 Discs weighing 25 kg and over must not exceed 5 cm in thickness. Discs weighing 20 kg and under must not exceed 2.5 cm in thickness.
2.2.17. Discs must conform to the following color code: 10 kg and under – any color, 15 kg – yellow, 20 kg – blue, 25 kg – red and 50 kg -green.
2.2.18. All discs must be clearly marked with their weight and loaded in the sequence of heavier discs innermost with the smaller discs in descending weight arranged so that
the referees can read the weight on each disc.
2.2.19. The first and heaviest discs loaded on the bar must be loaded facing in; with the rest of the discs loaded facing out.
2.2.20. The diameter of the largest disc shall not be more than 45 cm.
2.2.21. Any disc missing its calibration screw cannot be used in the setting of any IPL record.
2.2.22. It is recommended that 50 kg plates should not be used during meets unless absolutely necessary.

Item 3. Collars
2.3.1 Collars will weigh 2.5 kg each and always be used in competition.
2.3.2 Bar and collar combination must not exceed 30 kg.

Item 4. Squat Racks
2.4.1 Squat racks/mono-lifts shall be of sturdy construction and provide maximum stability. The base shall be of such design that it does not impede the lifter or the spotter/loaders. It may consist of a one- piece unit or two separate stands designed to hold the bar in a horizontal position.
2.4.2 The squat racks/mono-lifts shall be designed to adjust from a minimum height of 1 m, in the lowest position to extend to a height of at least 1.70 m, in increments not to exceed 5 cm.
2.4.3 All hydraulic racks must be capable of being secured at the required height by means of pins.
2.4.4 The use of machines with swing arm levers (a.k.a. mono-lift) is permitted. However, the swing arm lever pin must be in and the swing arm lever cannot be actuated for either raw or single ply meets. Use of the movable arms is only permissible for multiply approved meets.

Item 5. Bench
2.5.1. The bench shall be of sturdy construction for maximum stability and conform to the following dimensions:
2.5.2 Length – not less than 1.22 m and shall be flat and level.
2.5.3 Width – not less than 29 cm and not exceeding 32 cm.
2.5.4 Height – not less than 42 cm and not exceeding 45 cm measured from the floor to the top of the padded surface of the bench without it being depressed or compacted. The height of the uprights on both adjustable and non-adjustable benches shall be a minimum of 82 cm to a maximum of 100 cm measured from the floor to the bar rest position.
2.5.5 Minimum width between insides of bar rests shall be 110 cm.
2.5.6 The head of the bench shall extend 22 cm beyond the center of the uprights with a tolerance of 5 cm either way.
2.5.7 Soft, expansive foam bench pads (“pillow tops”), are not allowed.
2.5.8 All benches used on the platforms during a competition must have a face saver that is adjustable for each lifter’s individual setting.

Item 6. Judging Lights
2.6.1. A system of lights shall be provided whereby the referees make known their decisions. Each referee will control a white and a red light. These two colors represent a “good lift” and “no lift” respectively.
2.6.2. The lights shall be arranged horizontally to correspond with the positions of the three referees. They must be wired in such a way that all lights remain off
until all three officials have made their decision and then all lights come on simultaneously.
2.6.3. For emergency purposes (e.g. a breakdown in the electrical system) the referees will be provided with small white and red flags or cards with which to make known their decisions on the Head Referee’s audible command “flags”.