2019 IPL Rulebook - Part 6

Part 6. RULES OF COMPETITION

Item 1. The Round System
6.1.1 At the weigh in, the lifter or his coach must declare a starting weight for all three lifts in kilos using increments of 2.5kg unless it’s for a record. These must be entered on the lifter’s official meet card, initialed by the lifter or his coach and retained by the official conducting the weigh in. Having made or missed the first attempt at a lift, the lifter or their coach must decide upon the weight required for the second attempt within the one-minute allotted time. Responsibility for submitting attempts within the time limit rests solely with the lifter or his coach. Failure to submit the lifter’s next attempt on time will result in the lifter’s next attempt being repeated at the same weight if they missed the last attempt or increasing it 2.5 kilos if the lift was successful. The requested weight will be filled in on the lifter’s official meet card by the appointed official. The same procedure is to be used for third attempts, and any fourth attempts that may be granted under the rules regarding record attempts. At no time may a lifter request an attempt that is less than any attempt previously un-successful.
6.1.2 Where 16 or more lifters are competing in a competition or flight, individual flights must be formed consisting of approximately equal numbers of lifters per flight. A flight can have a minimum of 8 lifters or a maximum of 15 lifters competing in the same flight. A flight can be composed of a single bodyweight category or any combination of bodyweight categories at the discretion of the organizer for purpose of presentation. Flights should be classified using letters A, B, C, etc.
6.1.3 Flights shall be determined by lifter’s bodyweight categories, age group categories and first attempts they listed during the weigh-ins. The lifter grouping with the lowest bodyweight categories, in conjunction with the lowest first attempt numbers will form the first flight (Flight A). The next lifter groupings will be with progressively higher bodyweight categories, in conjunction with the lowest first attempt numbers to form further flights (Flights B, Flight C, etc.) as necessary.
6.1.4 Each lifter will take his first attempt in the first round, his second attempt in the second round and his third attempt in the third round. All fourth attempts will follow the end of the third round for each lift.
6.1.5 When a flight consists of less than 10 lifters, compensatory time allowances shall be added at the end of each round as follows: for 9 lifters add 1 minute; 8 lifters add 2 minutes; 7 lifters add 3 minutes. Three minutes is the maximum time allowance permitted at the end of a round.
6.1.6 The bar must be loaded progressively during each round on the principle of a rising bar. At no time will the weight of the bar be lowered within a round except for errors. Based on the type of error (clerical, loading, spotter / loader, etc.), the Head Referee will determine when the attempt will be taken during that round.
6.1.7 Lifting order within each round will be determined by the lifter’s choice of weight for that round. In the event of two lifters choosing the same weight, the lifter with the lower lot number will lift first. If lot numbers are not being used, then the lighter weighing lifter will lift first.
6.1.8 If unsuccessful with an attempt, lifters must wait until the next round before they can make another attempt at the same weight or go up in weight.
In a round where, an attempt is unsuccessful due to a wrongly loaded bar or spotter error, the lifter will be granted a further attempt at the correct weight. However, the extra attempt can only be taken at the end of the round in which the error occurred. If the lifter was the last lifter in the round, they shall be granted a three-minute rest prior to making their attempt; second to the last lifter in the round, a two-minute rest period; and, third to the last lifter in the round, a one-minute rest period will be given.
6.1.9 A lifter is permitted one change of weight on the first attempt of each lift. The change of weight may be higher or lower than that originally submitted and the order of lifting in the first round will be changed accordingly. If the lifter is in the first group, this change may take place at any time up to within five minutes before the start of the first round of that lift. The following groups are accorded a similar privilege up to within five attempts from the end of the previous group’s last round of that lift. Prior notice of these deadlines should be made by the announcer.
6.1.10 A lifter must submit his second and third attempts within one-minute of completing his preceding attempt. If no weight is submitted within the one-minute time allowance and the lifter’s preceding attempt was successful, he will automatically be given a 2.5 kg increase. If the preceding attempt was not successful, he will be given the same attempt over.
6.1.11 Weights submitted for second round attempts on all three lifts cannot be changed. Similarly, third round attempts on the squat and bench press cannot be changed.
6.1.12 In the third round of the dead lift, two weight changes are permitted. The change of weight may be higher or lower than the lifters previously submitted third attempt. However, these are only permitted provided that the lifter has not been called to the bar already loaded to his previously submitted weight, and the new weight is not less than the lifter’s weight on the bar that just lifted before them.
6.1.13 In the single lift bench press, deadlift, and push/pull competitions the rules in general are the same as for three lift competitions. However, in the third round, two weight changes are permitted as stated in Item 6.1.12 above for the deadlift.
6.1.14 If a lifting session consists of a single group, i.e. up to a maximum of 15 lifters, an interval of not less than 30 minutes shall be allowed between the squat, bench and deadlift. This is to ensure adequate time for all lifters and personnel to prepare the platform for the next lift.
6.1.15 When two or more groups take part in a session upon a single platform, it will be up to the Meet Director to decide if any additional breaks will be given between lifts for staff and Referee breaks.

Item 2. Appointed Officials

Speaker/Announcer responsibilities are as follows:
6.2.1 The speaker acts as Master of Ceremonies (MC) and is responsible for the efficient running of the competition. MC announces the weight required for the next attempt and the name of the lifter. Additionally, the MC announces, in order, the three lifters succeeding the lifter called to the platform. Attempts announced by the MC will be taken from projector/TV screen.
6.2.2 When the bar is loaded, and the platform cleared for lifting, the Head Referee will indicate the fact to the MC that “the platform is ready”, who will in turn announce, “the platform is ready”, and call the lifter by name to the platform.
6.2.3 The MC will abstain from announcing that the lift “looks good to me.”

6.2.4 At all meets, regardless of the sanction level, any lift that will be either a Regional/State, National, or World record will be announced to the platform judges and audience prior to the lift. If the appropriate officials are not seated to validate a record, a reasonable amount of time will be allowed to fulfill the requirements necessary for that level record.

Technical Chair responsibilities are as follows:
6.2.5 The Technical Chair will oversee all activity on and off the platform. The Technical Chair may act alone in his/her authority to ensure all IPL rules are being correctly implemented and interpreted. In the absence at any meet, the highest-ranking Official designated by the meet director will then be responsible for performing his duties.
6.2.6 He will work with all staff members, Referees, and lifters to resolve any disputes during the course of the meet based on the IPL rule book and his interpretation.
6.2.7 He will constantly evaluate and suggest additions or corrections to the IPL rule book.
6.2.8 Will be entrusted with the examination of all requirements and proposals of a technical nature.
6.2.9 Decisions are subject to approval of the IPL president or executive committee.
6.2.10 Will be responsible for inspecting all competition and personal equipment as defined in the handbook. Based upon activities, he may delegate some inspection responsibilities to a qualified referee to expedite the overall process.

Referee Chairman responsibilities are as follows:
6.2.11 To write and administer all written exams for both new referees and for the advancement of current Referees to the next level. When possible, he will oversee the practical exam given at meets, or ensure that a qualified National or International referee does so in his absence.
6.2.12 He and the President of the Association will constantly evaluate all Referees performances while on and off platform, to ensure consistent fair judging, as well as professionalism.
6.2.13 Informs the IPL President as to which referees are eligible to referee after examination or re- examination.

Expeditors responsibilities are as follows:
6.2.22 Expeditors are responsible for collecting the weight of required attempts from the lifters or
their coaches and passing the information on without delay to the score keeper. The lifter is allowed one minute between completing his last attempt and informing the expeditor of their next attempt. The expeditor will have a clip board, kilo conversion chart, and a lifter flight sheet available. All expeditors must be certified officials.

Scorekeeper responsibilities are as follows:
6.2.23 Scorekeepers, in conjunction with the meet director, are responsible for accurately recording the progress of the competition.
6.2.24 In conjunction with the score keeping software, the scorekeepers are responsible for the data input of all the lifters’ personal information (weight class, scale weight, age, category entered, etc.), the lifters’ attempts, the structuring of the lifting flights and the completion and accuracy of the final score sheet.

Spotter / Loaders responsibilities are as follows:
6.2.25 All spotter / loaders (S/L) shall work together as a team and should be neatly dressed in clean appropriate attire including the official meet t-shirt.
6.2.26 Spotter / loaders are responsible for loading and unloading the bar, adjusting squat racks, and/or benches as required, cleaning the bar or platform at the request of the Head Referee, and generally ensuring that the platform is well maintained and presents a neat appearance at all times.
6.2.27 Except for the deadlift, which requires one back spotter, there shall be no less than two, nor more than 4 spotter / loaders on the platform during the execution of the bench press, and not less than 3, nor more than 5 during the execution of the squat.
6.2.28 When the lifter prepares for his attempt, the spotter / loaders may assist him in removing the bar from the racks. They may also assist in replacing the bar after the attempt. However, they shall not touch the lifter or the bar during the actual attempt (i.e. during the period of time that elapses between the commencement and completion signals). The only exception to this rule being that if the lifter is in jeopardy and likely to result in injury to the lifter, the spotter / loaders may, either at the request of the Head Referee or the lifter himself, or it is obvious to the spotter / loader the lifter is in serious trouble and is at risk of possible injury, step in and relieve the lifter of the bar.
6.2.29 If the lifter is deprived of an otherwise successful attempt by the error of a spotter/loader and through no fault of his own, he may be awarded another attempt at the discretion of the referees at the end of the round.
6.2.30 Every spotter / loader should be routinely rotated out, and / or into different positions so they have personal time. This will ensure they stay alert while on the platform at all times, possibly averting any potential accidents that could be due to fatigue.
6.2.31 All spotter / loaders must report any equipment malfunctions at once to the Head Referee, so they may assess the problem and take any necessary action to rectify it.
6.2.32 During the performance of all three lifts there should never be any unnecessary movement around the bar or platform by any official or spotter / loader that could distract the lifter.
6.2.33 It is the spotter / loaders responsibility to establish a rapid pace that will keep the meet moving, but one that is both safe while efficient. Remember, during some lifts the lifters will have painfully wrapped their knees or wrists ahead of time in preparation for their upcoming attempt. Any delay in the process could have an effect on their lift or delay the meet if we have to award additional time because of an extended delay caused by the platform personnel.
6.2.34 It is important that the platform manager reads the Projector/TVscreen for the rack and safety heights to prevent further delays or for errors that could result in the lifter having to re-lift at the end of the round.
6.2.35 The loaders should listen to the Head Referee for the correct plates that will be needed for each lift. If a projector and screen is being used, they should also visually verify the load is correct.
6.2.36 At any time, should there be a question about any load or safety issue, it must be brought to the Head Referee’s attention immediately.
6.2.37 All spotters/loaders are official meet personal, and therefore cannot at any time, while working on the platform, make any comments of any type to a lifter prior to or during the lift.
6.2.38 Any additional spotters that a lifter may need must be identified prior to the start of the meet and receive a spotter/loader briefing 30 minutes before the meet begins. The additional spotters must be available to all lifters for specific events.

Squat
6.2.39 While back spotting for the squat, the hands should never be around the lifter’s side protruding out the front or holding the chest. The spotter should be directly behind the lifter with their arms bent up at the elbows just behind the lifter’s back, hand height approximately just below the lifter’s arm pits. The spotter’s body should follow the lowering and raising of the lifter’s body during the lift. Should the lifter get into trouble the back spotter will then immediately come under the lifter’s arm pits with their arms, taking control of the lifter while returning to the rack. The back spotter should position his hands to provide the critical support in the rapid manner, but not to obstruct the side referees view of the depth in the squat. The side spotters should stabilize the weights during the process. If the back spotter has their arms protruding under the lifter’s arms and the lifter suddenly dumps the weight for whatever reason, this could result in very serious injury to the back spotter’s arms or wrists.
6.2.40 During the performance of the squat there may be up to five spotter / loaders on the platform.

Bench
6.2.41 While spotting for the bench, both side spotters must keep both hands directly under the bar at all times. They must also never be distracted from the lifter during their lift, keeping their eyes on the bar.
6.2.42 The center handoff man must immediately step completely off the platform after the hand off, and must lift the bar to full arms extension and avoid any appearance of a “soft hand off”. If there is a camera set up to film the event, the center spotter must exit the opposite side of the camera.
6.2.43 The center spotter shall remain close to the platform and lifter in case of emergency, so they may re-enter and assist with the bar.

Deadlift
6.2.44 The bar loader apparatus will not be left directly behind the lifter on or off the platform where the lifter could lose their balance during the lift, or pass out after, and fall on it. The center spotter / loader during the deadlift should stand directly behind the lifter on, or just off the edge of the platform to assist the lifter should they start to lose control or fall.

Platform / Bars
6.2.45 The first plate must always be loaded facing in, all others will be loaded facing out, followed by the required collars.
6.2.46 The platform is to be kept free from any objects being set on or near it at all times. This includes plates of any size, water bottles, snacks, towels, brushes, etc.
6.2.47 After the bar has been loaded it is the head S/L’s job to ensure that the bar is centered in the rack (squat and bench) and is ready for the lifter. For the deadlift the bar will also be centered side to side, and parallel on the platform.
6.2.48 The collars must be tightened during every load, this includes spinning and tightening the inside collar so there are no gaps between any plates or the bars inside collar.
6.2.49 The deadlift bar will be wire brushed and wiped down prior to the start of each flight, and at the Head Referee’s discretion prior to the start of the third attempts. The lifter or the lifter’s coach may also request the cleaning of the bar prior to the bar being declared loaded and ready.
6.2.50 When cleaning the deadlift bar, it should be moved to a portion of the platform not used during any lifter’s performance, so the chalk or baby powder dust does not get on any lifter’s shoes. It may also be necessary to clean off the platform after cleaning the bar if there is a concern that the chalk or baby powder dust could remain an issue for any lifter.
6.2.51 At any time during the meet should any lifter, coach, official, or spotter / loader see any blood or other foreign material on the bar or platform, the meet must be stopped immediately so the bar or platform can be properly sanitized with the required solution as per the rule book.

Records Chairman
6.2.52 The National Records Chairman is accountable for all new National records set at sanctioned IPL meets. The Regional Records Chairman is responsible for all new Regional records (whose lifters reside within their Region) set at sanctioned IPL meets.
6.2.53 Upon the completion of the competition, the Meet Director must assure all Records Chairmen that all successful record attempts have been properly verified, met all IPL requirements, and are noted within the official score sheet.
6.2.54 The meet director will have 5 business days to submit an official copy of the score sheet to the World Office (see rule 9.1.9).
6.2.55 All Records Chairman will work with the President of the Association to establish all guidelines used to maintain records.
6.2.56 All Records Chairmen will at all times maintain accurate records, along with all supporting documentation that may be required for future research.
6.2.57 All new records will be updated on the appropriate web sites within 30 days after the official results are posted.

Regional Chairman
6.2.58 Each Regional Chairman is responsible for the referees within their Region. The Regional Chairman is responsible to keep track of referees and nominate them for promotion when eligible.
6.2.59 Regional Chairmen will recruit, as needed, those qualified individuals that would like to become referees within a given Region. The Regional Chair will ensure the prospective referee meets all the eligibility requirements outlined in section 7.2.1 through 7.2.12.
6.2.60 Regional Chairmen will help in promoting meets in their Region along with coordinating referees to help support those meets. They will also communicate with all meet directors in their Region making sure they are following the IPL rules.

Item 3. Competition Rules
6.3.1 During any competition taking place, only the lifter and his coach, officiating referees and spotter/loaders will be allowed around the platform or on the stage. During the execution of a lift, only the lifter, spotter/loaders and the referees are permitted to be present on the platform. Coaches shall remain within the designated coaching area as defined by the Head Referee in charge.
6.3.2 A lifter shall not wrap or adjust any part of his costume or equipment while on the platform. The only exception to this rule is that he may adjust his belt. At no time may any person step on the platform or lean in and assist the lifter in any way, with the exception of a designated spotter
handing off for the bench press and centering the bar on the lifter’s back for the squat. Items such as inhalants, ammonia caps, etc. cannot be utilized within the vicinity of the platform or in view of the audience.
6.3.3 In all IPL recognized competitions, the weight of the barbell must always be a multiple of 2.5kg. The progression must be at least 2.5kg between all attempts. The weight shall always be announced in kilograms. Exceptions to this rule are as follows:
6.3.4 In a record attempt, the weight of the barbell must be at least 500 grams in excess of the current record. This record attempt must be taken in the normal sequence of increasing weight during the competition.
6.3.5 During the course of the competition, a lifter may request a record attempt that is not a multiple of
2.5 kg but is to be attempted within his prescribed attempts.
6.3.6 Record attempts may be taken on any or all of a lifter’s prescribed attempts provided that they maintain a minimum increase of 500 grams. For example, if the current record is 100 kg, then a lifter may take the following attempts: 1st – 100.0 kg, 2nd – 101.0 kg, 3rd – 101.5 kg, 4th – 102 kg. Attempts 2, 3, and 4 if successful will all be records irrespective of the fact that he did not increase the weight the minimum of 2.5 kilos per attempt for competition purposes from 100kg.
6.3.7 The Head Referee will be solely responsible for decisions taken in the case of loading errors or incorrect announcements by the MC. His decision will be given to the MC who will make
the appropriate announcement.
6.3.8 If the bar is loaded to a lighter weight than originally requested and the attempt is successful, the lifter may accept the successful attempt or elect to take the attempt again at the originally requested weight. If the attempt is not successful, the lifter will be granted a further attempt at the originally requested weight. In both the above cases, further attempts may only be taken at the end of the round in which the error occurred.
6.3.9 If the bar is loaded to a heavier weight than originally requested and the attempt is successful, the lifter will be granted the attempt. However, the weight may be reduced again if required for other lifters. If the attempt is not successful, the lifter will be granted a further attempt at the originally requested weight at the end of the round in which the error occurred.

6.3.10 If the loading is not the same on each end of the bar; or any change occurs to the bar or discs during the execution of the lift; or the platform is disarranged, if despite these factors, the lift is successful, the lifter may accept the attempt or elect to take the attempt again. If the successful attempt is not a multiple of 2.5 kg, then the lower closest multiple of 2.5 kg will be recorded on the score sheet. If the attempt is unsuccessful, the lifter will be granted a further attempt. Further attempts may only be taken at the end of the round in which the error occurred.
6.3.11 If the MC makes a mistake by announcing a weight lighter or heavier than that requested by the lifter, the Head Referee will make the same decisions as for errors in loading.
6.3.12 If for any reason it is not possible for the lifter or his coach to remain in the vicinity of the platform in order to follow the progress of the competition and the lifter misses his attempt because the
MC omitted to announce him at the appropriate weight, then the weight will be reduced as necessary and the lifter allowed to take his attempt, but only at the end of the round. Three unsuccessful attempts in any lift will automatically eliminate the lifter from the competition.
6.3.13 Other than initial removal of the bar from the racks, the lifter will not receive any help from the spotter/loaders in positioning himself for an attempt.
6.3.14 On the completion of an attempt, a lifter shall leave the platform within thirty seconds. Failure to comply with this rule may result in disqualification of the attempt at the discretion of the referees. The only exception to this rule is if a lifter’s equipment is being inspected after a record attempt. The lifter is required not to leave the platform for this inspection to certify the records attempt.
6.3.15 If, during warm up or competition, a lifter suffers injury or in any other way exhibits signs of a condition which may unduly or significantly jeopardize the competitor’s health and well-being, the official doctor, Meet Director, or Head Referee has the right to examination. If considered inadvisable for the lifter to continue, the lifter and / or their coach will be notified of the decision and the lifter will be removed from the meet.
6.3.16 Any lifter or coach, who by reason of his misconduct before, during, or after the competition is likely to discredit the sport, shall be officially warned. If the misconduct continues, the Meet Director or Head Referee may disqualify the lifter and order the coach to leave the venue. This includes any lifter, coach, or the lifter’s support personal, from arguing, using foul language, or becoming abusive with any Referee or official about the outcome of any lifts, or the legality of equipment determinations.
6.3.17 At all competitions, all appeals against referee’s decisions, complaints regarding the progress of the competition or against the behavior of any person or persons taking part in the competition must be made to the Technical Chairman, Head Referee, or Meet Director.
6.3.18 If deemed necessary, they may temporarily suspend the progress of the competition to consider the verdict. After due consideration, and upon reaching a verdict, they will return to inform the complainant of the decision. The verdict will be considered final and there will be no right of appeal to any other body.
6.3.19 Upon recommencement of the competition which has been suspended, the next lifter shall be given three minutes in which to commence his lifting.
6.3.20 If a lifter missing a minimum of 50% of their total fingers, including the thumb, in which that hand is responsible for gripping a bar in the deadlift, is permitted the use of a strap. However, this strap may be used only on that hand and attached at the wrist only.
6.3.21 Banging the head on the bar before squatting or benching will not be permitted. The lifter will be warned once. Any further violations will result in the disqualification of the lifter.
6.3.22 Any physical abnormality, handicap, or incapacity of a lifter that may cause an inability to fully comply with the rules should be brought to the attention of, and explained to, the appointed Contest Officials. This should be in advance of the start of the lifter’s Flight. The lifter, Contest Officials, and the platform referees for the particular lifter will then confer on the matter to best accommodate any special considerations for the lifter. Deafness, blindness, limb, or joint abnormalities that prevent proper straightening or extension, are examples for such special considerations.

6.3.23 Within a 30-day period of all IPL sanctioned meets, should clear and credible video of any
record lift become available to the IPL that demonstrates a lift was misloaded, it will be reviewed by the Executive Committee and a ruling will be made within 14 days as to the validity of the amount of the lift. If the bar was determined to be under loaded the correct weight will be credited. If this amount is still a new record, the record will be awarded at the new lower amount. If the bar was determined to be over loaded the correct weight will be credited and the new record will stand at the correct amount of weight as determined by the Committee.
6.3.24 The use of video review will only be used for the purpose of determining whether the incorrect weight was loaded on the bar. It will never be used to determine if an official’s judgement was correct or incorrect.
6.3.25 If an official verbally warns a lifter, they must immediately inform all other officials on the platform that an official warning was given, and the reason for it, so the three officials can work together as a team at all times. A repeated violation by a lifter will result in a mandatory red light by all officials.
6.3.26 Meet Directors are not allowed to compete in their own meet or perform any other duty outside of what is required to run their meet. Their entire focus should be to professionally run a successful meet, and to always make themselves available to their lifters, and staff at all times.
6.3.27 A lifter who competes in a contest that requires a qualifying total, who we subsequently learn
wasn’t qualified, will be reclassified as a guest lifter on the official contest results and any Regional, national or world record lifts will be disqualified.