Texas High School Powerlifting Association
"the Strongest Association in Texas"
Texas
High School Powerlifting Association
P.O.
Box 1072
Crowley,
TX 76036
Table
of Contents
I.
General
Rules of Competition-
II.
Team
Competition-
III.
Individual
Competition-
IV.
Equipment
and Specifications-
V.
Costume
and Personal Equipment-
VI.
Powerlifts
and Rules of Performance-
VII. Weighing-In-
VIII. Lifting Progression, Bar Loading, Weight Changes-
IX.
Order
of Competition-
X.
Loading
Errors-
XI.
The
Referees-
XII.
Drug
Testing Policies-
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL
POWERLIFTING ASSOCIATION
I.
GENERAL RULES OF COMPETITION
A.
The T.H.S.P.A.
recognizes the following lifts, which must be taken in the same sequence in all
competitions conducted and approved by the T.H.S.P.A.
1. Squat
2. Bench Press
3. Deadlift
B. Each competitor is allowed three attempts on each lift. The lifter’s best valid attempt on each lift, disregarding any fourth attempts for record purposes, counts toward his competition total. The winner of a category shall be the lifter who achieves the highest total. The remaining lifters shall be ranked in descending order of total. Lifters failing to achieve a total are eliminated from the competition. If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter.
C. All T.H.S.P.A. competitors must be enrolled in a Texas Education Agency certified high school in the state of Texas, grades 9-12, and must be eligible for competition under the current U.I.L. standards.
D. All competitors must be sponsored and coached by a full time staff member of his school. Training for competition is to be done using school facilities and under the direction of the above-mentioned coach. Competitors who use private clubs or gyms as their primary training site may be declared ineligible for competition.
E. Body weight categories consist of the following eleven weight classes:*
114.5 lbs. 148.5 lbs. 198.5 lbs. 275.5 lbs.
123.5 lbs. 165.5 lbs. 220.5 lbs. Superheavyweight
132.5 lbs. 181.5 lbs. 242.5 lbs.
*Each of these weights is the maximum legal body weight to lift in that particular weight class.
II.
TEAM COMPETITION
A.
Each school must pay a
$60.00 associational fee each year for its athletes to be eligible for
competition in the T.H.S.P.A. The payment of T.H.S.P.A. dues must be postmarked
no later than February 7, 2003. Payments received that are postmarked after
February 7, 2003 will be considered late and a $200.00 fine will be assessed.
The fined school must then pay the fine prior to the last qualifying date or
the school’s lifters will not be eligible for Regional or State Competition. No
exceptions will be made.
B. T.H.S.P.A. competition is divided into two divisions on the regional and state levels. All class 4A-5A schools that qualify lifters for the regional and state meets will compete separately from the second division, which consists of class A-3A schools. Results from invitational meets will be sent to each regional director and rankings for regional qualification will be kept separate by divisions.
C. Division classification (Division I or Division II) will be determined when a school’s state governing body of athletic competition (UIL, TAPPS, TCIL, etc.,) reclassifies based on average daily attendance.
D. Each school is allowed a maximum of eleven competitors spread throughout the range of the eleven weight classes. No more than three competitors from any one school may lift in any particular weight class for team points except at the regional or state meets. Schools may enter “A” or “B” teams if approved by the meet director in advance, but each will be designated at weigh-in and will compete as separate teams. Those competitors designated as “B” team or “extra lifters” will be eligible for all individual awards, but cannot receive the team points. If a “B” team lifter places in the top five in any particular weight class, the points earned for that placing will vanish. At regional and state meets, those qualifiers competing for team points must be designated at the weigh-in (maximum of eleven).
E. Team point scoring for all individual, regional, and state meets will be 7, 5, 3, 2, 1 for the first five finishers in each weight class. Places are awarded on the TOTAL weight lifted in the three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift.
F. Team awards shall be given to the first three or five places. In case of a tie, the team having the largest number of first place finishers will be ranked in the highest spot. If teams are also tied in points, and first place finishes, then the team with the most second place finishers will be classified first, and so on. If the schools are still tied after comparing all top five finishers of both schools, then the Schwartz numbers of each team’s medal winners/point scorers will be averaged to break the tie.
G. Any school hosting a T.H.S.P.A. certified meet on the last regional qualifying date of the invitational meet season must provide certified referees for each of the three referee positions at each platform.
H. An invitational meet must consist of no less than three (3) teams, having no less than seven (7) competitors per team. All judges at a Tri- or Quad- meet must be T.H.S.P.A. certified. During the week of the last qualifying date for regional competition (beginning on the Monday prior to the regional meet), an invitational meet must consist of at least five (5) teams.
III.
INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION
A.
Each lifter must
establish a qualifying total in a T.H.S.P.A. certified invitational meet prior
to the regional qualifying deadline. These meets are invitational meets in
which each meet director can vary the structure of the meet. Examples might
range from open meets with schools from all classifications competing together,
to meets with separate divisions. A meet director might choose to host a meet
with Class A, 2A and 3A schools competing separately from Class 4A and 5A
schools. Another option is to have a single division meet, for example Class
A-3A schools only.
B. Reporting of invitational meet results. All invitational meet results must be received by the regional director(s) by 4:00 p.m. on the Monday following the invitational meet, or arrangements must be made with the regional director(s). If meet results are not turned in by this time, and no arrangements have been made, the regional director will have the option of refusing the results. The regional director must receive results from meets held on the last qualifying date by 12:00 midnight on that last qualifying date. If meet results are not received by this time, they will not be recorded.
C. Lifters who rank in the top ten totals for their weight class in each region and in each division will qualify for regional meets. Rankings are listed and certified by the T.H.S.P.A. regional directors
D. Declaration of weight class for regional competition: Any lifter who qualifies in more than one weight class must declare to the regional director which class he intends to compete in at the regional level. This declaration must be made by the Monday following the deadline qualifying date before 4:00 p.m. If no declaration is made, the regional director will assign the lifter to the heaviest class in which he has qualified. Also, at this date and time, each school becomes responsible for the entry fee for each lifter they have qualified.
E. Lifters may only compete in the weight class in which they qualify at both the regional and state level. Failure to make proper weight will eliminate the lifter from all competition.
F. A lifter who qualifies for the regional meet may qualify for the state meet by either finishing first or second in his weight class or by posting a qualifying total for his class as follows:
114 – 850 123 – 950 132 – 1100 148 – 1200 165 – 1300
181 – 1350 198 – 1400 220 – 1450 242 – 1475 275 – 1500 SHW – 1550
Totals posted at invitational meets cannot be used as criteria for state meet qualification.
G. Each lifter, coach, and school must provide certified proof of scholastic eligibility under U.I.L. guidelines prior to competition at the regional and state level.
H. Random drug tests will be administered at the state meet to discourage the use of substances that may be harmful to the athlete’s physical, and psychological development. Any lifter refusing this test, or any lifter who tests positive, will be disqualified from competition. In cases where team and individual awards and points are involved, these points and/or awards will be given to the next highest finisher in the competition.
I. Approved suits of some type must be worn in regional and state meets (one-piece singlet type).
J. Coaches are required to notify regional directors if a regional or state qualifier cannot participate in these meets so the alternates may be allowed the opportunity to lift.
K. State records may only be established by lifts performed at the state meet.
L. At the Head Judge’s discretion, a lifter who intentionally drops or dumps a bar in the squat or deadlift events shall be disqualified from further competition. No previous warning is required; this rulebook and/or coaches pre-competition meeting shall serve as a “first-warning”.
IV.
LIFTING EQUIPMENT AND SPECIFICATIONS
A. PLATFORM
All lifts shall be carried out on a platform measuring between 5’x5’ minimum and 8’x8’ maximum. The surface of the platform may be treated with an approved non-slip coating. Loose rubber mats or similar materials are not permitted. Interlocking rubber mats are permitted, provided they allow for firm footing and are not loose. No one is allowed on the platform except the lifter, the designated spotter/loaders, the platform referees, and other meet officials as designated if the need arises. Any cleaning, mopping, brushing, or adjusting of the platform shall be handled solely by these official personnel unless otherwise designated by the Chief Referee.
B. BARS AND DISCS
For all powerlifting contests organized under the rules of the T.H.S.P.A., only disc barbells are permitted. The use of bars or discs that do not meet the correct 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. The bar shall not be changed during the competition unless it is bent or damaged in some way as determined by the referees.
1. The BAR shall be straight and well knurled or grooved and shall conform to the following dimensions:
a. Total overall length not to exceed 7’,
b. Distance between the collar faces must not be less than 4’,
c. Weight of the bar and collars is to be 55 pounds,
d. Diameter of the sleeve is 2”,
e. There shall be a diameter machine marking or the bar taped so as to measure 23” between machining or tape.
2. DISCS shall conform as follows:
a. All discs used in competition must weigh within .25 percent of their correct face value,
b. The hole size in the middle of the disc may be a maximum of 2.25” to 2” minimum,
c. All discs must be clearly marked with their weight and loaded in the sequence of heavier discs innermost with the small discs in descending weight arranged so that they can read the numbers of each disc,
d. The first and heaviest discs loaded on the bar must be loaded face in, with the rest of the discs loaded face out as weight is loaded,
e. The diameter of the largest disc shall be no more than 20”.
C. COLLARS
1. Shall always be used in competition.
2. Collars must weigh 5 pounds each.
D. SQUAT RACKS
1. Squat racks shall be of a 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. The squat rack shall be designed to adjust.
3. Height adjustments must be made in incremental stages not to exceed 2 inches.
4. All hydraulic racks must be capable of being secured at the required height by means of pins.
5. Power racks were used for the first time at the State Championships during the 1996 season. It is suggested that your lifters use power racks at invitational meets to give those lifters a chance to adjust. Any contact with the lateral support during a lift will disqualify that lift.
E. BENCH
1. The bench may be of a sturdy construction and provide stability and conform to the following dimensions:
a. Length – not less than 4’ and shall be flat and level,
b. Width – 11” to 12.25”,
c. Height – 16” to 18” measured from the floor to the top of the padded surface of the bench without being depressed or compacted.
d. Minimum width between insides of bar rests shall be 4’.
F. LIGHTS
1. A system of lights shall be provided whereby the referees make known their decisions.
2. Each referee will control a white and a red light, representing a “good lift” or “no lift”.
3. The lights shall be arranged horizontally to correspond with the positions of the three referees. They should be wired in such a way that they light up together and not separately when activated by the three referees.
4. For emergency purposes, i.e., a breakdown in the electrical system, the referees will be provided with small white and red flags with which to make known their decisions.
V.
COSTUME AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
A.
The lifting costume
shall consist of a one-piece full-length suit of a one-ply stretch material
without any additional patches or padding. The straps must be worn over the
shoulders at all times while lifting in competition. The lifting suit shall
also be subject to the following requirements:
1. It must be of one basic color with an insignificant contrasting edging being permitted.
2. Emblems may be worn on the lifting suit if they meet the following criteria:
a. Seams and hems must not exceed 1.25 inches in width and 1/16” in thickness
b. Seams may be protected or strengthened by a narrow gauge webbing or stretch material not exceeding 1 inch in width and 1/16” in thickness.
c. Length of the leg must not exceed 6” from the middle of the crotch. Measurement is to be taken by making a line from the top seam of the crotch and measuring down the leg from this line.
3. Any alterations to the costume, which exceed the established widths, lengths or thicknesses previously mentioned, shall make the suit illegal for competition.
4. Denim and/or canvas have been deemed to be non-stretch, non-elastic materials. Squat suits and/or singlets make of denim and/or canvas have been judged to unduly compromise the joint integrity of the young lifter, and so will not be allowed in T.H.S.P.A. competition.
5. Leotards with sleeves or high cut leg lines are not permitted.
B. A T-SHIRT with short sleeves a minimum of 4” in length may be worn under the lifting suit. When worn, the T-shirt must remain at least .25” above the elbow, but shall not be pushed up to the deltoid. The T-shirt must be made of cotton, polyester or a combination of the two.
1. It may have a “V” or “U” shaped collar.
2. It shall be of one basic color with an insignificant edging permitted.
3. It shall not have any pockets, buttons, zippers or collar.
4. Bench press shirts of a common commercially accepted design will be allowed. However, denim and/or canvas have been judged to unduly compromise the joint integrity of the young lifter, and so will not be allowed in T.H.S.P.A. competition.
5. Measure 10 cm. Minimum down from the top of the seam to the end of the sleeve.
6. Deadlift or upper torso support shirts of a common commercially accepted design will be allowed.
7. Emblems may be worn on the T-shirt only if they meet certain requirements. In T.H.S.P.A. competition, emblems will not advertise any product, or include obscene or suggestive designs.
C. An ATHLETIC SUPPORTER or standard cotton or nylon briefs of a single ply shall be worn under the lifting suit. Swimming trunks or any other garment consisting of rubberized or similar stretch material are not permitted. The garment shall have no legs. Girdles or tights in conjunction with the lifting suit are strictly forbidden. Lifting briefs may be worn as underwear in conjunction with the lifting suit. A combination of underwear and briefs is not allowed.
D. SOCKS
1. They shall be of one basic color and may have insignificant contrasting edging or minor banding to the approval of the referees.
2. They shall not be of such length on the leg that they are underneath the knee wrapping or one-piece kneecap supporters when in use. This does not pertain to the piece of knee wrapping that is used to tie off the knee wrap.
3. Tights or hose are strictly forbidden.
E. SHOES OR BOOTS shall be worn; the heels of which shall not extend laterally beyond the upper edge of the shoes
1. Shoes shall be taken to include boots, sport shoes, trainers, gymnastic slippers or any foot covering that has a patterned molding or foot type outline that provides an inner sole.
2. Shoes with metal, rubber or molded cleats or spikes are not permitted.
F. BELTS
A competitor may wear a belt. If worn it shall be on the outside of the lifting suit.
1. MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
a. The main body may be made of leather in one or more laminations that may be glued and/or stitched together.
b. It shall not have any padding, bracing or supports of any material either on the surface or concealed within the laminations of the belt.
c. A standard metal buckle and studs are the only non-leather components permitted. The buckle shall be attached at one end of the belt by means of studs and/or stitching.
d. A leather tongue loop shall be attached close by means of studs and/or stitching.
e. The name of the lifter’s nation, state, school, mascot, or club may appear on the outside of the belt.
f. The lifter’s name only may be inscribed on the inside of the belt
g. A one or two-prong buckle may be used.
h. Belts with lever action buckles are allowed as long as they meet all other requirements mentioned above and below.
i. Belts with velcro strapping are also allowed as long as they meet all requirements mentioned above and below.
2. DIMENSIONS
a Width of belt – 4 inches ONLY.
b. Thickness of belt – maximum of .5” along the main length.
c. Inside width of belt – maximum of 4”.
d. Outside width of buckle – maximum of 5”.
e. Tongue loop – maximum width of 1.25”.
f. Distance between end of belt and the far end of tongue loop – 6” maximum.
G. WRAPS
1. Only wraps or bandages of one-ply commercially woven elastic that is covered with polyester, cotton or a combination of either materials, or medical crepe are permitted. Bandages of rubber or rubberized substitutes are strictly forbidden.
2. Wraps may be used as follows:
a. WRISTS – Wraps not exceeding 39” in length and 3” in width may be worn. Alternately, wristbands not exceeding 4” in width may be worn. A combination of the two is forbidden.
(1) If wristbands are wrap-around type, they may have a thumb loop and Velcro patch securing them. The thumb loop may be worn over the thumb during the actual lift if it is a commercially made wrist wrap of elastic material, no more than 3/8” in width, and is not deemed supportive by the meet director or chief referee.
(2) A wrist wrap shall not extend beyond 4” above and 1” below the center of the wrist joint, not exceeding a total of 4.75” in both directions.
b. KNEES – Wraps not exceeding 84” in length and 3” in width may be used. A knee wrap shall not extend beyond 6” below the center of the knee joint and not to exceed 12” in both directions. Alternately, an elasticized kneecap supporter not exceeding 8” in length may be worn. A combination of the two is forbidden.
H. PLASTERS
1. Two layers of plaster, bandages or band-aids may be worn on the thumbs, but nowhere else without official permission of the Jury or Chief Referee. No plaster, bandage or band-aid may be used as a strap to help the lifter hold the bar.
2. With permission of the Jury or Chief Referee, the official doctor or paramedic on duty, may apply plasters, bandages or band aids to injuries on the inside of the hand, but in no circumstances must the plaster, bandage or band aid continue around the back of the hand.
3. The official doctor or paramedic on duty shall inform the chief Referee and the President of the Jury immediately after applying plasters, bandages or band-aids to the injuries. He may also give advice regarding additional plasters, bandages, or band-aids that he may consider necessary. However, these may only be applied with the permission of the Jury.
4. At all competitions where a Jury may not be present and no medical personnel are on duty, the Chief Referee shall have jurisdiction over the use of spot plasters.
I. INSPECTION OF COSTUME AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
1. In large competitions when the allotted weigh-in time is likely to be insufficient to allow for the inspection of the costume and personal equipment, the Jury, at its discretion may fix a separate time for the inspection. In normal circumstances this shall take place one hour before the official weigh-in, but may be varied as required by the Jury.
2. A minimum of two referees shall be appointed to fulfill this duty. All items shall be examined and approved before being officially stamped or marked.
3. Bandages over length shall be rejected, but may be resubmitted within the specified inspection time after cutting the regulation length. It is the lifter’s responsibility to cut bandages. The examining referee is not permitted to perform this service.
4. Any item considered unclean or torn shall be rejected.
5. If after the inspection, a lifter appears on the platform wearing or using any illegal item not recorded on the inspection sheet, the lifter shall immediately be disqualified from the competition.
6. All items mentioned previously under Costume and Personal Equipment shall be inspected prior to the competition together with any other items to be worn on the platform by the lifter such as headbands, mouthpieces, ribbons, etc. Hats are strictly forbidden and may not be worn on the platform during lifting. A competitor while on the platform shall wear no jewelry. Any competitor wearing hats or jewelry during competition shall be given a “no lift” after completion of the lift due to incorrect attire.
7. Any lifter successful in a world record attempt must immediately present himself to the three referees for inspection in a place decided by the Chief Referee. If the lifter is found to be wearing illegal wraps or clothing, the lift shall be declared invalid and the lifter shall be disqualified from the competition.
8. A competitor participating in a certified T.H.S.P.A. meet may be subject to an official inspection of his costume or personal equipment. However, any costume or equipment that might be considered questionable should be brought to the meet director for approval.
9. IN GENERAL:
a. The use of oil, grease or other lubricants on the body, costume or personal equipment is strictly forbidden.
b. No foreign substances may be applied to any wrapping material or equipment.
c. Powder is prohibited. Chalk (Magnesium Carbonate) may be applied and used only in areas designated by the meet director.
d. No sniffing of any substance is allowed. No slapping by coaches or teammates is allowed.
e. A violation of any of the above general rules may result in disqualification of the lifter from competition.
VI.
POWERLIFTS AND RULES OF PERFORMANCE
A. SQUAT
1. The bar shall be held horizontally across the shoulders with the hands and fingers gripping the bar and the feet flat on the platform with the knees locked.
2. After removing the bar from the racks, the lifter must move backwards to establish his position. The lifter shall wait in the position for the Chief Referee’s signal. The signal will be given as soon as the lifter is motionless and the bar properly positioned. If mechanical racks that withdraw are used, the lifter must remove the weights from the racks before they are withdrawn and wait motionless for the Chief Referee’s signal. The Chief Referee’s signal shall consist of a downward movement of the arm and audible command “Squat.”
3. Upon receiving the Chief Referee’s signal, the lifter must bend the knees and lower the body until the top surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the top of the knees.
4. The lifter must recover at will without double bouncing or any downward movement to an upright position with the knees locked. When the lifter is motionless, the referee will give the signal to replace the bar.
5. The signal to replace the bar will consist of a backward motion of the hand and the audible command “Rack.” Once the “Rack” command has been given, the spotters may assist the lifter in racking the weight. The lifter must continue to support the bar, but the first step does not have to be forward as long as the lifter is making a bonafide attempt to return toe bar to the racks.
6. The lifter shall face the front of the platform
7. The lifter shall not hold the collars, sleeves, or plates anytime during the performance of the lift. However, the edge of the hands gripping the bar may be in contact with the surface of the sleeve.
8. No more than five and no less than three spotter/loaders shall be on the platform at any time.
9. The lifter may enlist the help of the spotter/loaders in removing the bar from the racks; however, once the bar has cleared the racks, the spotter/loader shall not assist the lifter any further with regards to proper positioning, foot placement, bar positioning, etc.
10. The lifter may be given an additional attempt at the same weight at the Chief Referee’s discretion if failure in an attempt was due to an error by one or more of the spotter/loaders.
B. CAUSES FOR DISQUALIFICATION OF A SQUAT
1. Failure to observe the Chief Referee’s signals at the commencement or completion of a lift.
2. Changing the position of the hands or fingers on the bar after receiving the signal
to commence the lift.
3. Double bouncing or more than one recovery attempt at the bottom of the lift.
4. Failure to assume an upright position with continuous motion and the knees locked at the commencement and completion of the lift.
5. Any shifting of the feet laterally, backwards or forward, during the performance of the lift.
6. Failure to bend the knees and lower the body until the surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the tops of the knees.
7. Changing the position of the bar across the shoulders after the commencement of the lift.
8. Contact with the bar by the spotter-loaders between the referee’s signals.
9. Contact of the elbows or upper arms with the lets.
10. Failure to make a bonafide attempt to return the bar to the racks.
11. Any intentional dropping or dumping of the bar.
12. If a lifter initiates his squat attempt prior to the “Squat” command, the Head Judge will wait until the lifter finishes his “unofficial” attempt and demonstrates motionless control of the bar before giving the “squat” command. Thus, the judges will only judge an attempt that is started after the “squat” command. If the lifter racks the bar after an “unofficial” attempt, that attempt is disqualified, and the lifter forfeits that attempt.
C. BENCH PRESS
1. The front of the bench press bench must be placed on the platform facing the Chief Referee.
2. The lifter must lie on his back with head, shoulders and buttocks in contact with the flat bench surface. His shoes must be flat on the floor. The position must be maintained throughout the attempt.
3. If the lifter’s costume and the bench surface are not of a significant color contrast to enable the referee to detect possible movement at the points of contact, then the bench surface may be covered accordingly.
4. To achieve firm footing the lifter may use plates or blocks, not exceeding 7” in height, to build up the surface of the platform. Whichever method is chosen, the entire foot must be flat on the surface. If blocks are used, they shall not exceed 18”x18”. The use of footplates will be allowed only if they are necessary for the lifter to reach the floor. The Chief Referee will make the final decision.
5. No more than four and no less than two spotter-loaders shall be in attendance. The lifter may enlist the help of the spotter-loaders in removing the bar from the racks. The lifters’ coach or teammate may be enlisted in removing the bar from the racks, but may not coach or encourage the lifter in any way during the course of the attempt. The lift-off must be to arm’s length and not down at the chest.
6. The spacing of the hands shall not exceed 81 cms. measured between the forefingers.
7. After receiving the bar at arm’s length, the lifter shall lower the bar to his chest and await the referee’s signal.
8. The signal shall be the audible command “Press” and will be given when the bar is motionless on the chest.
9. After the signal to commence the lift has been given, the bar is pressed vertically to straight arm’s length and held motionless until the audible command “Rack” is given.
D. D. CAUSES FOR DISQUALIFICAITION OF A BENCH PRESS
1. Failure to observe the referee’s signals at the commencement or completion of the lift.
2. Any change in the elected lifting position during the lift proper, i.e. any raising movement of the head, shoulders, buttocks, or feet from their original points of contact with the bench or the floor, or lateral movement of the hands on the bar.
3. Allowing the bar to sink into the chest after receiving the referee’s signal.
4. The bar stopping or either end of the bar descending in the course of being pressed out.
5. Any uneven lockout of the arms during the press, as judged by whether either end of the bar descends in the course of being pressed out.
6. Contact with the bar by the spotter-loaders between the referee’s signals.
7. Any contact of the lifter’s feet with the bench or its supports.
8. Deliberate contact between the bar and the bar-rest uprights during the lift to make the press easier.
E. DEADLIFT
1. The bar must be laid motionless, horizontally in front of the lifter’s feet, gripped with an optional grip in both hands, and lifted with one continuous movement until the lifter is standing erect.
2. The lifter shall face the front of the platform.
3. On completion of the lift, the knees shall be locked and the lifter standing in an erect position.
4. The Chief Referee’s signal shall consist of a movement of the hand and the audible command “Down”. The signal will not be given until the bar is held motionless and the lifter is in the apparent finished position.
5. Any raising of the bar or any deliberate attempt to do so will count as an attempt.
F. CAUSES FOR DISQUALIFICATION OF A DEADLIFT
1. Any stopping of the bar before, or downward movement before it reaches the final position (called a hitch).
2. Failure to stand erect with the knees locked.
3. Supporting the bar at the thighs during the performance of the lift.
4. Any lateral movement of the feet, or stepping backward or forward.
5. Lowering the bar before receiving the Chief Referee’s signal.
6. Allowing the bar to return to the platform without maintaining control with both hands.
VII.
WEIGHING-IN
A. Weighing-in of the competitors must take place no earlier than two hours before the start of the competition for a particular category. All lifters in the category must attend the weigh-in, which will be carried out in the presence of three appointed officials for that category.
B. The weigh-in period will last one and one half-hours. The remaining half-hour before the commencement of the lifting will be used for the purpose of final competition preparation.
C. Any weigh-in procedure which does not take place “on-site” (i.e. “honor system weigh-in”, “call-in weigh-in”) is strictly prohibited. A Regional Director must not accept results from an invitational where the weigh-in procedure is in conflict with T.H.S.P.A. Rules and By-laws.
D. Lifters must be weighted nude or in appropriate underwear, which complies with the specifications, set out in the appropriate section of the rulebook and which does not effectively change the lifter’s weight. If a question exists regarding weight of undergarments, a re-weigh in the nude may be requested.
E. If not previously carried out, the inspection of the costume and personal equipment will take place during the weigh-in period. The equipment will only be checked after all lifters have made their first visit to the scales. The three appointed referees will be responsible for inspecting, measuring and recording on the inspection form, details of all items listed under Costume and Personal Equipment. The items shall be approved and marked accordingly. The referee responsible for this inspection will also be responsible for ensuring that the details recorded correspond directly with the items worn and used by the lifter on the competition platform.
F. Each lifter may only be weighed once. Only those whose body weight is heavier or lighter than the category limits of the category entered are allowed to return to the scales. They must return to the scales and make weight within the limits of the hour and one half allowed for the weigh-in, otherwise they will be eliminated from the competition for that body weight category. A lifter can only be re-weighed after all lifters in the same body weight category have been weighed once. Lifters trying to make weight may be reweigh as often as time and orderly progressio