I.P.F. TECHNICAL RULES
Part 2.
EQUIPMENT AND SPECIFICATIONS
1. Platform
All lifts shall be carried out 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.Itmust not exceed 10 cm in height from the surrounding
stage or floor.
The surface of the platform may be treated with an approved non-slip
coating.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.
This type of platform is subject to the approval of the referees. If a lifter
cannot reach the squat racks, it is permissible to build up the height of
the platform.
2. Bars and Discs
For all powerlifting contests organized under the rules of the IPF, 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.The bar shall not be changed during
the competition unless it is bent or damaged in some way as determined by
the referees.Bars to be used in World or Regional Championships shall not
be chromed on the knurling between the inside collars.Only bars and discs
that have official IPF approval may be used at IPF World Championships.
(a) The bar shall be straight and well knurled and grooved and shall conform
to the following dimensions:
1. Total overall length not to exceed 2.2 m.
2. Distance between the collar faces is not to exceed 1.32 m or be less than
1.31 m.
3. Diameter of the bar is not to exceed 29 mm or be less than 28 mm.
4. Weight of the bar and collars is to be 25 kg.
5. Diameter of the sleeve not to exceed 52 mm or be less than 50 mm.
6. There shall be a diameter machined marking or the bartaped so as to measure
81 cm between marking or tape.
(b) Discs shall conform as follows:
1. All discs used in competition must weigh within 0.25 percent of their
correct face value.
2. The hole size in the middle of the disc may not exceed53 mm or be less
than 51 mm.
3. Discs must be within the following range: 1.25 kg, 2.5 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg,
15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 50 kg.
4. For record purposes, lighter discs may be used to achieve a weight of
at least 500 gr more than the existing record.
5. Discs weighing 25 kg and over must not exceed 6 cm in thickness. Discs
weighing 20 kg and under must not exceed 3 cm in thickness.
6. Discs must conform to the following colour code: 10kg and under - any
colour, 15 kg - yellow, 20kg - blue, 25 kg - red, 50 kg -green.
7. 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.
8. The first and heaviest discs loaded on the bar must beloaded face in;
with the rest of the discs loaded faceout.
9. The diameter of the largest disc shall not be more than 45 cm.
3. Collars
(a) Shall always be used in competition.
(b) Must weigh 2.5 kg each.
4. Squat Racks
(a) Squat racks shall be of sturdy construction and providemaximum 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.
(b) The squat racks shall be designed to adjust from a minimum height of
1.00 m in the lowest position to extend to a height of at least 1.70 m in
5 cm increments.
(c) All hydraulic racks must be capable of being secured at the required
height by means of pins.
5. Bench
The bench shall be of sturdy construction for maximum stability and conform
to the following dimensions:
1. Length - not less than 1.22 m and shall be flat and level.
2. Width - not less than 29 cm and not exceeding 32 cm.
3. 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.
4. Minimum width between insides of bar rests shall be 1.10 m.
5. The head of the bench shall extend 22 cm beyond the centre of the uprights
with a tolerance of 5 cm either way.
6. Lights
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 colours represent
a "good lift" and "no lift" respectively.
The lights shall be arranged horizontally to correspond with the positions
of the three referees. They must be wired in such a way that they light up
together and not separately when activated by the referees.
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 on the Chief Referee's audible command "flags".