Travis AFB Power lifting By-laws

1. General<= /span>

a. &n= bsp; The WPA and affiliate federations recognize the following lifts, which must be taken in the same sequence in all competitions: 1) Squ= at, 2) Bench Press, 3) Dead lift, and 4) Total (addition of the best lift of ea= ch of the first three categories). This program is designed to encoura= ge participation by eligible personnel and promote a healthy activity in a rel= axed atmosphere.

2. Organiza= tion

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a. &n= bsp; The program will be organized into the Rounds System with two divisions, male and female, and with various weight classes in each. Separate standings will be kept for= male and female competitors. Each = lifter makes his first attempt in the first round. The lifter takes his second and thi= rd attempt in the respective rounds even though any of these may have been uns= uccessful in the previous rounds. If the lifter misses an attempt due to a misloaded bar or error of a spotter provi= ded by the meet director, the lifter will be granted another attempt at the same weight at the end of the current round. The bar must be loaded on a progres= sive basis during a round from lightest to heaviest. The lifter is never allowed to mak= e an attempt at a lower weight on his next lift in the following round.

b. &n= bsp; Lifting order is determined by the weight on the bar. Each lifter must give starting wei= ghts for all three lifts at the official weigh-in. The lifter is allowed to change, b= ut only once, the first attempt for each lift. If he is in the first group this w= eight may be changed up to 5 minutes before the first round for that lift. If he is lifting in the following = group, the weight may be changed up until the time when not less than 5 attempts remain for the previous group. An exception to this rule is the deadlift, where the lifter may change his att= empt up until the point that the lifters name is called as being in the hole.

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3. Eligibil= ity

a. &n= bsp; Authorized participants include active duty, reservists,= DOD civilians, NAF employees, military dependants and off base participants. All members participating must always have in their possession a valid military= I.D card or similar ID indicating their employment with Travis. Off base participants must have so= me form of identification to show for entry onto Travis.

4. Equipmen= t and Specifications

= a.&n= bsp; Platform: must be large and secure enough to assure safety for the lifter, spotters and loaders. Boundaries shall be clearly marked= for the knowledge of coaches and officials.&nb= sp; No coaches or spectators are allowed in this area, only the lifter, designated spotters/loaders and referees. Other event officials will be allow= ed in the platform area as needed.

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b. &n= bsp; Bars must be of the Olympic style and not the standard 1= 1/8 inch type. The bar with collars shall weigh 55 pounds. Discs must be used in= the following weight range: 100lb, 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, 2.5. Discs must be clearly marked and loaded in the sequence of heavier discs innermost and smaller di= scs in descending weight arranged so the referee’s can read the numbers on each disc. The first and heaviest disc on the bar must be loaded face in, w= ith the rest of the discs loaded face out as the weight is loaded.

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c. &n= bsp; Collars: will always be used and shall be tightened snug= to the discs. They must weigh 5 = lbs except when using the special squat bar, in which case they may be lighter.=

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d. &n= bsp; Squat Racks: shall be adjustable to accommodate the lifters. Hydraulic racks must= be capable of being secured at the required height by pins.<= /p>

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e. &n= bsp; Lights: A system of lights or flags shall be provided whereby referee’s decisions are made known. White represents a good l= ift, red represents a bad lift.

5. Attire

<= span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:Arial'>= a.&n= bsp; A tee shirt may be worn with short sleeves or no sleeves. Sleeves cannot cover the elbow. Women= may wear protective briefs or panties and also a bra provided it does not conta= in wire or support. Bench press = shirts and dead lift shirts are allowed. Shirts made of canvas are not permitted in WPA competition nor are home made shirt= s.

b. &n= bsp; Socks: may be worn and shall be of such a length that th= ey cannot touch any knee wrapping or one-piece kneecap supporter when in use.<= o:p>

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c. &n= bsp; Emblems and logos: are allowed to be worn, provided that they are not profane in any way and do not offend any particular group of people or culture.

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d. &n= bsp; Belt: may be worn provided it is no more than 4 inches in width or ½ inch thick and shall contain no additional padding, braci= ng or supports of any material, either on the surface or concealed within the laminations of the belt.

e. &n= bsp; Foot Attire: shoes must be worn. Metal cleats or spikes are forbidde= n.

f. &n= bsp; Shin guards: are not permitted while performing t= he dead lift.

g. &n= bsp; Wrist Wraps: shall not exceed 39 inches in length and 3 inches wide. Alternately, wristbands may be worn but may not exceed 4 inch width. A combination of the two is forbidd= en. Wrap around style may contain a thumb loop.&nbs= p; The thumb loop may be worn during the performance of the lift if the lifter desires. The loop must= be the standard loop that comes with the wraps and not an insert sewn on by the lifter. The loop may not in a= ny way be utilized to wrap around the bar or otherwise used for the lifter to obta= in leverage during the performance of a lift.

h. &n= bsp; Knee Wraps: must not exceed 3.5 meter length or 3 inches width. Elasticized kneecap ma= y be worn. A combination of the tw= o is forbidden. When the knees are wrapped, the wraps cannot extend beyond 5.9 inches above the center of the = knee joint or 5.9 inches below the center of the knee joint for a total of 11.81 inches.

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i. &n= bsp; Wraps are only allowed on the wrist of knees. Hats are not allowed on the platfor= m. Only wraps of one ply commercially = woven elastic that is covered with polyester, cotton or a combination of the two,= or medical crepe are permitted. Rubberized substitutes are not allo= wed.

j. &n= bsp; Canvas Material Lifting Gear: canvas material lifting ge= ar is not allowed.

k. &n= bsp; Denim and Canvas material Squat Suits: denim and canvas squat suits are not allowed.

l. &n= bsp; All lifters must wear suitable athletic attire.

m. &n= bsp; Lifters = shall be briefed at the rules meeting as to what equipment/attire is permissible. It is the lifter= s’ duty to attend this meeting. The meet Director is under no obligation to ch= eck the equipment. It is up to the lifter to attend the meeting and listen to the briefing, which explains thi= s. If the lifter appears on the platfo= rm with a major equipment violation that appears to be deliberate, he/she will= be disqualified from the event.

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n. &n= bsp; If a lifter bleeds on the platform or equipment, the meet shall be stopped until the area/equipment in question has been cleaned with= bleach or a strong disinfectant.

6. Foreign Substances

a. &n= bsp; Foreign substances cannot be applied to platform or equipment. Spray stick-um may= be applied to the lifter or his uniform only.= Oil, grease, and other lubricants on the body, costume, or personal equipment are prohibited. Only powder is allowed. Powder inc= ludes Chalk, Talc, Resin, Magnesium Carbonate, Baby Powder, or Pool Hall Block Ch= alk.

7. The Powe= rlifts and Rules of Performance

a. &n= bsp; SQUAT

= 1. &n= bsp; The lifter shall assume an upright position with the top= of the bar not more than 1 inch below the top of the anterior deltoids. The bar should be held across the shoulders with the hands and/or fingers gripping the bar and the feet flat = on the platform with the knees locked.

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= 2. &n= bsp; After removing the bar from the racks the lifter must mo= ve backwards to establish his position (unless using a monolift type device). = The lifter waits in this position f= or the center referee’s signal, which is given as soon as the lifter demonstrates control with the bar properly, positioned. The signal is a downward movement o= f the arm and verbal command “SQUAT”.

= 3. &n= bsp; Upon receiving the signal, the lifter must bend the knees and lower the body until the top of the thigh at the hip (not the hip joint= ) is lower than the top of the knee (not kneecap). Locking and unlocking of the knees = after the signal is not defined as a descent, however, the knees must be locked at the start and completion of the lift. Only one descent attempt is allowed= .

= 4. &n= bsp; The lifter must recover from the deepest point, without double bouncing or any downward movement (stopping is allowed), to an uprig= ht position with the knees locked. When the lifter demonstrates control, the referee gives the command to “RACK” (replace the bar).

= 5. &n= bsp; The signal to replace the bar is a backward motion of the hand and the verbal command “RACK”. The lifter must make a bonafide eff= ort to replace the bar. This is defi= ned as a step towards the racks, after this the lifter may receive aid in replacing the bar. If the lifter drops = the weight after making a bonafide effort to replace the bar he will be granted= the attempt. However, if the lift= er deliberately dumps the bar, or walks out from under the bar leaving the spotters holding the bar, the lifter will automatically be disqualified for jeopardizing the safety of those on the platform.

= 6. &n= bsp; The lifter shall face the front of the platform.

= 7. &n= bsp; Not more than 5 or less than 2 spotters are permitted on= the platform.

= 8. &n= bsp; The lifter is allowed to enlist the aid of the spotters = in removing the bar and walking out with the bar. However, when the lifter has estab= lished his starting position to perform the lift the spotters may not assist him w= ith regard to holding weight while foot position, bar position, etc. is established. Monolifts are al= so allowed for the Squat. These rules have been established for the lifters safety.

= 9. &n= bsp; If the lifter is using meet provided spotters and not his own, and an error is made by a spotter which causes failure of his lift, he will be given an additional attempt. The lifter may request that he be allowed to use his personal spotte= rs rather than meet spotters if he wishes.&nb= sp; He will not be granted an additional attempt if his own spotters cau= se him to miss a lift.

= 10. The lift= er cannot hold the collars, sleeves, or plates during the performance of the lift. The edge of the hands gripping the bar may come in contact with the inner surface of the collar.<= o:p>

= 11. Causes f= or disqualification of a Squat:

a. &n= bsp; Failure to observe signals at the commencement and completion of lift.

b. &n= bsp; Double bouncing or more than one recovery attempt at bot= tom of lift.

c. &n= bsp; Failure to assume an upright position with knees locked = at start and finish of the lift.

d. &n= bsp; Failure to obtain required depth for proper performance = of the lift.

e. &n= bsp; Changing position of the bar on shoulders after the lift= has begun.

f. &n= bsp; Contact with the bar by spotters during the lift except during a safety issue.

g. &n= bsp; Contact of the elbows or upper arms with the legs.<= /o:p>

h. &n= bsp; Failure to make a bona fide effort to return the bar to = the racks.

i. &n= bsp; Intentionally dropping/dumping bar or walking out from u= nder bar when the spotters grab the bar.

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b. BENCH PRESS=

= 1. &n= bsp; The front of the bench must be placed on the platform fa= cing the center referee.

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= 2. &n= bsp; Lifter’s starting position is with the back of his head, shoulders, and buttocks in contact with the flat bench surface. His shoes must be on the floor.

= 3. &n= bsp; Plates or blocks not exceeding 18cms height may be used = to build up the surface of the platform, but some part of the foot must remain= in contact with the surface. If = blocks are used they shall not exceed 45cms by 45cms.

= 4. &n= bsp; Not more than 4 nor less than 2 spotters/loaders shall b= e in attendance. The lifter may ob= tain help from the spotters in removing the bar from the racks. The lift off must be to arms length= and not down to the chest. The lifter may utilize his own spotter/hand-off pers= on if requested.

= 5. &n= bsp; The spacing of the hands will not exceed 31 7/8 inches (= 81 cms) measured between the forefingers, or if using a reverse grip lift, the measurement is between the little fingers.

= 6. &n= bsp; After receiving the bar at arms length, the lifter lowers the bar to his chest and awaits the referee’s signal, which is a verb= al command of “press”. Adjustments can be made without pen= alty before the command.

= 7. &n= bsp; The signal to press is given when the bar is motionless = on the chest and under control.

= 8. &n= bsp; After the press command is given, the bar is pressed upw= ard to straight arms length and held motionless until the audible command “rack” is given.

= 9. &n= bsp; The bar is allowed to stop in its upward movement, but no downward movement is permitted.

= 10. Head mov= ement is allowed. This includes tur= ning or raising the head.

= 11. Foot mov= ement is allowed within reason. This includes rising on toes or heals. The feet cannot leave the floor. Shuffling of the feet is not allowe= d.

= 12. After the command to press is given the buttocks must remain on the flat bench surfac= e. As long as some portion of the butt= ocks remains on the bench and a side referee cannot see straight through, it is a legal lift. If a referee can = see under the buttocks he shall give the lifter a red light.<= /p>

= 13. If the l= ifter does not want a hand-off and chooses to lift the weight off himself, he does not have to start off at straight arm length but may go straight down to the chest if he wishes.

= 14. There ca= n be no downward motion of the bar after the press command has been given, nor c= an there be a major change in the arch of the back. The bar may be sunk into the chest = before the press command has been given; however, further sinking into the chest a= fter the command is given is not allowed.

= 15. Major un= even extension of the bar at the completion of the lift is not allowed (except i= n a proven, medically documented disability).

= 16. Delibera= te contact with the bar and the bar rest uprights is not allowed. If it is obv= ious that the contact was unintentional and did not assist the lift, the attempt will be granted to the lifter.

= 17. The lift= er’s feet may not come into contact with the upright supports of the bench.=

= 18. Causes f= or disqualification of a Bench Press:

= a. &n= bsp; Failure to follow the commands at the commencement and completion of the lift.

= b. &n= bsp; Raising the buttocks off the bench surface.

= c. &n= bsp; Heaving or bouncing the bar off of the chest or a major change in the arch of the back.

= d. &n= bsp; Sinking the bar into the chest after the press command.<= o:p>

= e. &n= bsp; Major uneven extension of the bar at the completion of t= he lift.

= f. &n= bsp; Downward movement of either hand during the uplifting.

= g. &n= bsp; Deliberate contact with the bar and bar rest uprights du= ring the performance of the lift.

= h. &n= bsp; Contact of the feet with the upright supports of the ben= ch.

= i. &n= bsp; Contact of the bar by the spotters/loaders between the referee’s signals.

= j. &n= bsp; Raising the foot completely off the floor or excessive shuffling movement of the feet after the press command has been given.=

= k. &n= bsp; It is the responsibility of the lifter to inform his hand-off man to clear the area in front of the center referee immediately a= fter the lift off. As this is a ma= jor safety issue, the center referee may at his discretion tell the spotter to = take the bar. If this occurs, the = lift will be declared no good.

= l. &n= bsp; Spacing of the hands that exceeds 31 7/8 inches.

= m. &n= bsp; If the l= ifter receives a hand off and does not begin at straight arms length, the lift ma= y be declared no good if the referees feel the violation was very flagrant.=

c. DEADLIFT

1. &n= bsp; The bar must be laid horizontally in front of the lifter= ’s feet, gripped with an optional grip in both hands, and lifted upward with o= ne movement until the lifter is standing erect. Stopping movement of the bar is all= owed, but only if there is no downward movement.

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2. &n= bsp; The lifter will face the front of the platform

3. &n= bsp; On completion of the lift, the knees shall be locked in a straight position and the lifter shall be standing erect. The shoulders will not be forward or rounded. It is not necessary that they be thrust back past the erect positi= on, although it is permissible if they are and all other criteria is met

4. &n= bsp; The center referee’s signal is a downward motion of the hand and the verbal command “down”. The signal shall be given when the = bar is motionless and the lifter is in the apparent finished position. There will be no signal to be= gin the lift. The lifter begins t= he lift on his own when he feels he is ready.

5. &n= bsp; Any raising of the bar or deliberate attempt to do so wi= ll count as an attempt. The lift= er is allowed one pull per attempt only.

6. &n= bsp; Causes for disqualification of a Deadlift:

a. &n= bsp; Downward movement of the bar during the uplifting.<= /o:p>

b. &n= bsp; Failure to stand erect with shoulders held in an erect position at the completion of the lift.

c. &n= bsp; Failure to lock knees at completion of the lift.

d. &n= bsp; Stepping backward or forward during the performance of t= he lift.

e. &n= bsp; Lowering the bar before receiving center referee’s signal.

f. &n= bsp; Supporting the bar on the thighs during the lift in any manner that lets the lifter obtain leverage (hitching).

g. &n= bsp; Returning the bar to the platform without maintaining control with both hands.

8. General Notations – All= Lifts

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a. After the “rack” command is given in the Bench Press and the Squat, the spotters may guide t= he bar back into the racks. Once the= rack command has been given, the lift is officially over. This helps promote safety on the platform.

9. Weighing In

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a. &n= bsp; The mandatory weigh in is one hour before the time of competition.

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b. &n= bsp; Lifters must be weighed in the nude or underwear. The we= igh-in procedure will insure that lifters are weighed in by officials, or appointed non-referee representatives of their own sex.

= 10. Order Of Competition

a. &n= bsp; The organizer appoints the following officials: Speaker/Announcer, Marshals/Expeditors, Scorers, Spotter/Loaders, and other positions as needed.

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b. &n= bsp; The speaker is responsible for the efficient running of = the competition. He acts as maste= r of ceremonies and arranges the attempts chosen by the lifters in an orderly fashion, announces the weight required for the next attempt, the rack setti= ngs, and the name of the lifter.

c. &n= bsp; When the bar is loaded and the platform is cleared for lifting (neat, tidy, and safe), the center referee will indicate the fact to the speaker, who in turn will announce that the bar is loaded and call the lifter to the platform, and tell the timer to start the one minute clock.

d. &n= bsp; If the lifter does not start his attempt within the time allowance, the timekeeper will call time, the lift will be declared “= no lift” and the attempt forfeited. When the lifter starts the lift wit= hin the time allowance, the clock will be stopped. If a lifter appears on the platform in violation of the uniform/equipment rules, the lifter shall be warned by a referee and will have whatever time is left on the clock to cor= rect the violation and start his attempt. If this is not accomplished within = the remaining time allowance, the timekeeper will call time and the lift will be declared “no lift”

e. &n= bsp; Scorers are responsible for accurately recording the pro= gress of the competition, and upon completion of the competition, ensuring that t= he three referees sign the official score sheets, record certificates, or any other documents which require signatures.

f. &n= bsp; Spotters/loaders are responsible for loading and unloadi= ng weighs on the bar, adjusting squat racks or benches as required, cleaning the bar = or platform at the request of center referee, and assuring that the platform is well maintained and presents a neat and tidy appearance at all times. At no time shall there ever be less= than two or more than five spotter/loaders on the platform. When the lifter prepares for an att= empt, the spotter/loaders may assist in removing the bar from the racks, and also= in replacing the bar after the attempt. They shall not touch the lifter or the= bar during the actual attempt except if the lifter is in jeopardy of being inju= red (they may touch the bar only at the request of the lifter, the center refer= ee, or when it is very obvious to the spotter/loaders that the lifter will most likely be injured if the lift is to continue). The lifter shall stay with the bar = and aid in its replacement in the rack, unless an injury prohibits him from assisting.

g. &n= bsp; If the lifter is deprived of an attempt by an error of a spotter, and through no fault of his own, he will be granted another attemp= t if he wishes. The correction mus= t be made at the end of the round. If the error occurs on the last lifter of the round the center referee shall assign a time for the lifter to retake his attempt. The lifter will be given ample tim= e to recuperate before a retake of the attempt.

h. &n= bsp; During the actual execution of a lift, only the three referees and the spotter/loaders are permitted to be present on the platform. Coaches shall not be allowed at the back or sides of the platform during the lift. Coaches must remain outside of the designated lifting area.

i. &n= bsp; Adjusting equipment while on the platform: A lifter shall not adjust his costume or wrap within the vicinity of the platform. The only exception to this rule is = that he may adjust his belt.

j. &n= bsp; Progressive loading of the bar: The bar shall be loaded progressively. The lifter req= uiring the lightest attempt will be first. The bar, except in rare situations, cannot be reduced in weight once a lift has been performed with the announc= ed weight. It is a necessity that the lifter or his coach observe the progress= ive loading of the bar and be ready for his attempt at the chosen weight.<= /o:p>

k. &n= bsp; Attempt priority rule: A lifter taking his first attempt must precede lifters taking their second and third attempts with the same weight. Also, a lifter taking= his second attempt must precede lifters taking their third attempts with the sa= me weight. All first attempts mu= st be taken in round one, all second attempts must be taken in round two, and all third attempts in round three. Fourth attempts may be taken at the end of the third round. Fourth attempts may be taken for pu= rposes of setting a world