Welcome to the Texas Powerlifting Federation

TEXAS POWERLIFTING FEDERATION
RULES


1) The meets shall consist of three lifts.
a) The Squat
b) The Deadlift
c) The Benchpress
d) The highest total of these three lifts will be the winner.


2) The meet can be conducted in pounds or kilos,

3) Competition is determined by sex, age and body weight. The men and women Open Classes permit lifters of any age over 12.

4) Each competitor is allowed thee attempts for each lift. The total is calculated by adding the successful amount done in each lift. A forth attempt is allowed for setting records which will not be counted for a total. The winner of a class will be determined by the highest total. If a tie occurs the lighter lifter will be the winner. If a total does not occur because of a lifter does not make a successful lift in any of the three lifts he is eliminated from the meet.

5) The TPF age categories are
a) Men – 13 and up
b) Junior – from 13 to 23 with divisions of 13 to 15, 16 & 17, 18 & 19 and 20 to 23.
c) Master – 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 – 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, 75 to 79 and over 50.
d) Women – same as men.
e) Competition will be restricted to ages 13 and older. Age on meet day will determine eligibility.

6) Body weight Categories

MEN
a) up to 52 kg (114 lb)
b) 56.0 kg class from 52.01kg up to 56.0 kg (123 lb)
c) 60 kg class from 56.01 kg to 60.0 kg (132 lb)
d) 67.5 kg class from 60.01 kg to 67.5 kg (148 lb)
e) 75 kg class from 67.51 kg to 75 kg (165 lb)
f) 82.5 kg class from 75.01 kg to 82.5 kg (181lb)
g) 90 kg class from 82.51 kg to 90 kg (198 lb)
h) 100 kg class from 90.01 kg to 100 kg (220 lb)
i) 110 kg class from 100.01 to 110 kg (242 lb)
j) 125 kg class from 110.01kg to 125 kg (275 lb)
k) 140 kg class from 125.01 kg to 140 kg (308 lb)
l) 140+ kg class from 140 kg to unlimited (superheavy)

WOMEN
a) -44 kg class up to 44 kg (97 lb)
b) 48 kg class from 44.01 kg to 48 kg (105 lb)
c) 52 kg class from 48.01 kg to 52 kg (114 lb)
d) 56 kg class from 52.01 kg to 56 kg (123 lb)
e) 60 kg class from 56.01 kg to 60 kg (132 lb)


 

f) 67.5 kg class from 60.01 kg to 67.5 (148 lb)
g) 75 kg class from 67.51 kg to 75 kg (165 lb)
h) 82.5 kg class from 75.01 kg to 82.5 kg (181 lb)
i) 90 kg class from 82.51 kg to 90 kg (198 lb)
j) 90+ kg class from 90.01 kg to unlimited (Superheavy)

TEAMS
8) Each team is allowed a maximum of twelve competitors spread throughout the range of the twelve bodyweight classes for men and ten competitors spread throughout the range of the ten bodyweight classes for women. There cannot be more than two lifters in any weight class for either team.

Each team can have a maximum of two alternates. These alternates can be substituted at any time before the lifter to be replaced weighs in. Each team is to submit a roster giving the names of the
lifter, bodyweight class best total made in the previous twelve months, the date and title of the contest the total was done in.

These documents must be submitted to a met official before weigh in starts.

7) Team point scoring for meets shall be graduated down from first place 12, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point for a lifter that totaled.

Points will only come from the highest six placed lifters. These can come from any weight class. If teams tie, first place will be awarded to the team with the highest placed lifters, most first, most seconds, etc:

EQUIPMENT and SPECIFICATIONS
8) All lifts will be performed on a platform not less than 2.46 m X 2.46 m (8’-0” X 8’-0”).and secure enough to ensure the safety of all participants, spotters, loaders and lifters. The surface of the platform shall be flat, no seams that can trip the lifter or any other worker on the platform. Rubber mats, carpet or some other non slip material is recommended. Bleach to clean the bar of blood, wet rags to clean talc off the lifting surface to prevent slippage will be in the vicinity of the platform at all times. No one is permitted on the platform during the lift except the lifter and spotters. Loaders may stay in the vicinity, but not obscure the judges’ view. Lifter’s coaches are not allowed on platform. Taking off wraps, taking down straps will be done off the platform. Any cleaning done to the platform will be done by the authorized personnel.

BARS
9) a) Only discs barbells are to be used. Bars and discs that do not meet the following specifications will invalidate the meet and any records set will be voided. Bars will not be chrome, Bars will be straight and well knurled and grooved and will conform to the below.

i) Total overall length not to exceed 2.2m, except for specialized squat bar.
ii) Distance between the inside collar is not to exceed 1.32m or less than 1.31m except for
specialized squat bar.
iii) Diameter of the bar is not to exceed 29mm or be less than 1.31mm, except for specialized
squat bar.
iv) Weight of the bar and collars is to be 25kg
v) Diameter of the sleeve 49.2mm – 52mm.
vi) There shall be a diameter – machine marking or the bar to be taped to measure 81 cm
the markings

 

 

vii) Specialized squat bar shall have a maximum diameter of 32mm ; a maximum sleeve length
of 508mm; distance between inside collar faces not to exceed 1434mm ; a maximum
overall of 2400mm. Weight 30kg include collars.
DISCS
i) All discs used in competition must weigh within .25% of their face value.
ii) The hole size in the middle of the disc shall be that the plate fits on the bar without
excessive looseness.
iii) Discs must be in the following ranges: 1.25kg, 2.5kg, 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, 20kg, 45kg and
50kg. For record setting purposes discs or 0.5kg and 0.25kg shall also be available.
iv) 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.
v) The first and heaviest plate will be loaded face in with the rest of the plates loaded face
in descending order.
vi) The diameter of largest disc shall be no more than 45cm.
vii) It is recommended that the discs confirm to following colors: 10kg and lighter-any color;
15kg – yellow; 20kg – blue; 25kg – red; 45kg – gold; 50kg – green.
COLLARS
i) Will always be used in competition.
ii) Must weigh 2.5kg each unless specialized squat bar is used. Collars made especially for
that bar will be used.
iii) Should blood appear on the bar using one part bleach and one part water.
SQUAT RACKS
i) 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 loaders/spotters. It may
consist of a one piece unit or two separate stands designed to hold the bar in a horizontal
plane.
ii) The design of the squat racks shall allow adjustments for all lifters.
iii) Height adjustments should be at increments not exceeding 5cm
iv) For safety all hydraulic racks should be capable of being secured at the chosen height
by pins.
BENCH
The bench shall be of sturdy construction for maximum stability and conform to the
following dimensions.
i) Length – not less than 1.22mm and shall be flat and level.
ii) Width – 29-32cm
iii) Height – 42-45cm measured from the floor to the top of the padded surface of the bench
without being depressed or compacted
iv) The height of the uprights on adjustable benches should be from a minimum of 82cm to
a maximum of 100cm measured from the floor to the bar rest. On non adjustable
benches the height of the uprights shall be 87cm to 100cm from the floor to the bar rest.
v) The minimum width between the inside of the uprights shall be 1.10 m
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, representing a “good lift” or “no lift” respectively.
The lights must be wired in such a way that they light up together and not separately when
Activated by the three referees. It is preferable that the lights be arranged horizontally corresponding with the positions of the three referees. For emergency purposes, ie a breakdown in the in the electrical the referees should also be provided with small white and red flags with which to make their decisions, or using thumbs one or down.


 

 

 

COSTUME and PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

 

Lifting suits

A one piece lifting suit shall be worn It must be an individual full length article of cloth fabric. Its construction may consist of multiple pliers to any thickness but must, as a whole, be a singular component. The straps must be worn over the shoulders at all times while lifting in competition. It may be of any color or colors. The length of the leg, must not go below mid-thigh . Women may wear a one piece suit of comparable design to the lifting suit. Leotards with sleeves or high cut leg lines are not permitted

Undershirt

One undershirt (of a design consistent with what is commonly called a T-shirt) with or without sleeves, must be worn under the lifting suit during the squat and optional during the deadlift. It must be an individual article of cloth fabric. Its construction may consist of multiple plies but must, as a whole, be a singular component. The Sleeves must be short and remain above the elbows. It may be of any color or colors, but shall not portray indecency or be offensive to the spirit of the competition.

Briefs

A pair of briefs of any design may be worn, provided the length of the legs do not exceed mid thigh and that the waist does extend past approximately mid torso. The briefs must be an individual article of cloth fabric. The construction may consist of multiple plies to any thickness but must, as a whole, be a singular component. Athletic supporters are permitted under the briefs.

Socks

One pair of socks may be worn. When worn they may not extend over the knees nor on the leg so that they touch the knee wraps. Full length leg stockings, tights or hose are not permitted.

Special Considerations

Women may wear additional protective briefs or panties. Women may wear related articles used for feminine hygiene protection also wear a bra provided it contains no special support.

Belt

A competitor may wear a belt. If worn, it shall be on the outside of the lifting suit.

Width to be maximum of 10cc and thickness to be a maximum of 13mm.

 

 

 

 

Footwear


Footwear more substantial than basic socks must be worn. The only restrictions to such footwear is that no metal cleats or spikes are permitted.


Wraps

The fabric nature shall be elastic weave of polyester, cotton or medical crepe singly or any combination.

Wrists
Wraps not exceeding 1m in length and 8cc in width may be worn. Wrist bands may be used.
Knees
Wraps not exceeding 3m in length and 8c in width.
Elbows
Elbow wraps may be used in the squat and deadlift only.

General
There will be no swearing on the platform

 

INSPECTION of COSTUME and PESONAL EQUIPMENT


There will be no head covers on the platform (hats)

There will be no equipment checks

It will be the lifters responsibility to be present on the platform outfitted in accordance with the rules governing costume and personal equipment.

Items of personal attire not covered in the rules governing costumes and personal equipment such as: Headbands, mouthpieces, ribbons, watches, jewelry, eyewear, and feminine hygiene articles as permitted. However hats, bandanas or headbands worn as to cover the head as a hat are not permitted to be worn on the platform.

Any items worn on the platform considered objectionable by virtue of being unclean, torn or tattered, indecent or offensive to the spirit of the competitions shall be rejected before the lifter is permitted to proceed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POWERLIFTS and RULES of PERFORMANCE


SQUAT

 

After removing the bar from the racks while facing the front of the platform, the lifter may move forward or backward to establish the lifting position. The top of the bar not more than 3cm below the top of the anterior deltoids. The bar shall shall be held horizontally acreww the shoulders with the hands and/or fingers gripping the bar and the feet flat upon the platform with the knees locked..

The lifter shall wait in this position for the head referee’s signal. The signal will be given as soon as the lifter is set and demonstrates control with the bar properly positioned. The head referee’s signal shall consist of a downward movement of the arm and audible command “Squat”

Upon receiving the head referee’s signal the lifter must bend the knees and lower the body until the to surface of the legs at the hip are lower than the top of the knees. (see diagrams 1, 2, 3 and 4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lifter must recover at will, without double bouncing, to an upright position with the knees locked. The bar may stop, but there must be no downward motion during recovery. As soon as the lifter demonstrates a controlled final position, the head referee will give the signal indicating completion of the lift and to replace the bar.

The signal to replace the bar will consist of a backward motion of the arm and audible command “rack”. The lifter must then make a bona fide attempt to return the bar to the racks

 

 

 

 

The lifter shall face the front of the platform, towards the head referee.

The lifter shall not hold the collars or discs at any time during the performance of the lift. However, the edge of the hands gripping the bar may be in contact with the inner surface of the collar.

Not more than five and not less than two loaders/spotters shall be on the platform at ant time.

The lifter may enlist the help of spotters in removing the bar from the racks. However once the bar is clear from the racks the lifter cannot be be assisted getting into position to squat The spotters may assist the lifter to maintain control should the lifter stumble or demonstrate and evident instability.

The lifter will be allowed only on commencement signal per attempt.

The lifter may be given an additional attempt at the same weight at the head referee’s discretion if failure in an attempt was due to any error by one or more of the spotters.

Causes for disqualification of a Squat

Failure to observe the head referee’s signals at the commencement or completion of a lift.

Double bouncing or more than one recovery attempt at the bottom of the lift.

Failure to assume an upright position with knees locked at the commencement and completion of the lift.

Movement of the feet laterally, backward or forward that would constitute a step or stumble.

Failure to bend the knees and lower the body until the surface of the legs at the hip are lower than the tops of the knees. (Refer to Diagrams 2, 3 and 4)

Any resetting of the feet after squat signal.

Contact with the bar by the spotters between the referees signals.

Contact of elbows or upper arms with the legs.

Failure to make a bona fide effort to rerack the bar.

Any intentional dumping of the bar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BENCH PRESS


The front of the bench must be placed on the platform facing the head referee.

The lifter must lie backward with shoulders and buttocks in contact with the flat
Bench surface. The elected position of the buttocks shall be maintained throughout the attempt. The lifters shoes or toes must be in solid contact with the platform or surface. The position of the head is optional.

To achieve firm footing, a lifter of any height may use discs or blocks to build up the surface of the platform. Whichever method is chosen, the shoes must be in solid contact with the surface. If blocks are used, they may not exceed 45cm x 45cm

Not more than five and not less than two loaders/spotters shall be in attendance. The lifter may enlist the help of one or more of the designated spotters or enlist personal spotters, in removing the bar from the racks. Only designated spotters may remain on the platform during the lift. The lift off must be to arms length and not down to the chest. A designated spotter, having provided a center lift off, must immediately clear the area in front of the head referee and move to either side of the bar. If the personal spotter does not immediately leave the platform area and/or in any way distracts or impedes the head referee’s responsibilities, the referee may determine that he lift is unacceptable and be declared “no lift” by the referee and given three red lights.

The spacing of the hands shall not exceed 81cm, measured between the forefingers. The bar shall have circumferential machine markings or tape indicating the maximum grip allowance. If the lifter should use an offset or unequal grip on the bar, whereby one hand is placed outside the marking or tape, it is the lifter’s responsibility to explain this to the head referee, and allow inspection of the intended grip prior to making an attempt. If this is not done until the lifter is on the platform for an official attempt, ant necessary explanation and/or measurements will be done on the lifter’s time for that attempt. The reverse or underhand grip is permitted.

After receiving the bar at arms length, the lifter shall lower the bar to the chest and await the head referee’s signal.

The signal shall be an audible command “Press” and given as soon as the bar is motionless on the chest.

The lifter will be allowed only on commencement signal per attempt.

After the signal to commence the lift has been given, the bar is pressed upward. The bar shall not be allowed to sink into the chest or move downwards prior to lifter’s attempt to press upward. The lifter will press the bar to straight. Arm’s length and hold motionless until the audible command “Rack” is given. Bar may move horizontally and may stop during the ascent, but may not move downwards the chest.


 

 

 

 

Causes for Disqualification of a Bench Press

Failure to observe the referee’s signals at the commencement or completion of the lift.

Ant change in the elected lifting position or the raising of the buttocks or lateral movement of the hands during the lift. Any excessive movement or change of contact of the feet during the lift.

Bouncing the bar off the chest.

Allowing the bar to sink into the chest after receiving the referee’s signal.


DEAD LIFT


The bar must be laid horizontally in front of the lifters fee, gripped with an optional grip in both hands and until the lifter is standing erect. The bar may stop but there must be no downward motion of the bar.

The lifter shall face the front of the platform.

On completion of the lift, the knees shall be locked in a straight position and the lifter shall be standing erect

The head referee’s signal shall consist of a downward movement of the arm and audible command “Down”. The signal will not be given until the bar is held motionless and the lifter is in an apparent finished position.

Any raising of the bar or any deliberate attempt to so will count as an attempt


Causes for Disqualification of a Deadlift

Any downward motion of the bar before it reaches the final position.

Failure to stand erect.

Failure to lock the knees straight at the completion of the lift

Supporting the bar on the thighs during the performance of the lift. ”Supporting” is defined as a body position adopted by the lifter that could not be maintained without the counterbalance of the weight being lifted.

Movement of the feet laterally, backward or forward that would constitute a steep or stumble.

Lowering the bar before receiving the head referee’s signal.

Allowing the bar to return to the platform without maintaining control with both hands.