LAW ENFORCEMENT GAMES
RULES & SPECIFICATIONS

POWERLIFTING

GUIDING BODIES:
Law Enforcement Games
United States Powerlifting Federation

EVENTS:
The following weight categories are offered for men in the Open Division, 40-49 Division, and 50 & Up Division:
132 lbs.
148 lbs.
165 lbs.
181 lbs.
198 lbs.
220 lbs.
242 lbs.
275 lbs.
Unlimited
Women compete in a lightweight (up to 165 3/4 lbs) and a heavyweight (165 3/4 lbs. +) division using the Malone Formula (body weight). 

COMPETITION DURATION:
The weigh-ins varies. Competition may last up to eight (8) hours.

GENERAL RULES:

1)  Competition will be completed in one day.
2)  The lifts will be performed in the following order: squat, bench and deadlift
3)  Olympic bars and weights shall be used in the competition and warm-up areas
4)  One-piece weight lifting or wrestling suit must be worn. Shoes must be worn. A lifting belt is optional and cannot exceed 1 centimeter in width.  Bench shirts are allowed but NO 2-ply. All commercially made bench shirts, INZER and other makes are allowed.  Both poly and denim are allowed.  Velcro and pull over type shirts are allowed.  Basically, not alterations to shirts that came from the factory.
5)  Wraps many be worn on the knees (3"x79") and wrists (3"x39")
6)  Only powder may be used – lubricants are prohibited
7)  One minute will be allowed between lifts. If a lifter does not start his/her lift before the one minute limit, the lift will not be allowed. A lifter attempting the second or third lift will be given three minutes unless the round system is being used.
8)  The lift must be declared a lift and the lifter may be disqualified if the weights are dropped intentionally.
9)  Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.  Lifter will be asked to leave.

INFRACTIONS FOR THE THREE POWERLIFTS

SQUAT:

1)  Bar going back down after the recovery attempt
2)  Lifter did not wait for the referee’s signal, (upright and motionless with bar horizontally across shoulders) –"Squat" and /or "Rack"
3)  Depth not low enough. Surface of the legs at the hip joint is to be lower than the tops of the knees
4)  Movement of the bar on back after the referee’s signal – "Squat:
5)  Bar too low on back. Not more than 3 cm (an inch and three eighths) below the top of the anterior deltoids.
6)  Failure to stand upright with knees locked
7)  Shifting of the feet during the lift
8)  Touching of the legs with the elbows or upper arms
9)  Lifter intentionally dropped the weights (may be disqualified)
10)  Lifter ran out of time (one minute to start the lift from the time his/her name is called) or, lifter is out of turn.
11)  Lifter, after the equipment check, changes part of his/her costume, belt, or bandages or puts on anything, which is contrary to the rules, shall be immediately disqualified from the competition. The rule book states this very clearly and doesn’t give any choice to the referees. Also, any lifter who, by his conduct on the platform, can be said to be bringing the sport of powerlifting into disrepute may be disqualified. Or, a lifter who is found to have not met the qualifying standards of the contest.
12)  Spotter touched the bar after the weight was out of the squat stands and before the referee’s signal to "rack". Lifter may be guided back after rack signal.
13)  After the lifter completes or fails the lift (show of lights by the referee) he/she has thirty (30) seconds in which to leave the platform at the risk of having the lift disqualified.
14)  Hands changing position on the bar. (Hands must be gripping the bar). Could also be hands opening up or hands touching (on top) of collars.

BENCH PRESS:

1)  Bar went back down after the referee’s signal "Clap" (double dipping).
2)  Lifter did not wait for the referee’s signal, (bar absolutely motionless at the chest then motionless at arms length), "Clap" or "Rack".
3)  Lift off not given to the lifter at arms length.
4)  Spacing of the hands too wide on bar. No part of the tape or paint showing the measurements of 81 cm can show on the inside of the forefingers.
5)  Lifter’s butt or head came off the bench after the referee’s signal – "Clap"
6)  Lifting shoes not flat on floor, and/or movement of feet.
7)  Feet touching against bench support during the lift proper.
8)  Uneven extensions of the arms
9)  Lifter ran out of time (same as squat and deadlift rules #13)
10)  Lifter changes part of his costume (same as squat and deadlift rules #11)
11)  Spotter touched the bar after the lift off and before the signal to "Rack"
12)  Lifter has thirty (30) seconds to leave platform (same as squat & deadlift #13)
13)  Shoulder touched uprights of bench.
14)  Any change of elected lifting position after the referee’s signal – "Clap"
15)  Ride uprights with bar on way up.

DEADLIFT:

1)  Weights raised off platform and back down again (like a double bounce) before the actual attempt taken and/or weight didn’t raise with the deliberate attempt to do so.
2)  Lifter didn’t wait for the referee’s signal to lower the bar – "Down"
3)  Bar supported on thighs, even though it keeps moving (re-dipping)
4)  Shoulders not thrusts back at the completion of the lift
5)  Lift did not stand erect, and/or knees were not locked at completion.
6)  Shifting of feet during lift (same as squat rule #9).  May go up/down in same place.
7)  Bar returned to platform without maintaining control with both hands.
8)  Lifter intentionally dropped the weight (same as squat rule #9)
9)  Lifter ran out of time (same as squat and bench rule #10)
10)  Lifter changes costume (same as squat and bench rule #11)
11)  Spotter touched bar during lift for some unusual reason.
12)  Lifter has thirty (30) seconds to leave (same as squat and bench rule #13)
13)  Main rule:  No hitching pf the bar.  Movement may stop on way up, but may not go back down or be shrugged.


 
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09/22/08 - Last updated