II. Team Competition

1. Each school must pay a $75.00 association fee each year for its athletes to be eligible for

T.H.S.W.P.A. competition. Dues MUST BE POSTMARKED February 1^st. NO LATE FEES will be

accepted and there is no late fine.

2. Schools are not limited on the number of lifters, nor the number of teams they may have. A team consists of no more than 11 lifters spread throughout the range of the weight classes. No more than three team members may represent any one particular weight class. Schools may enter more than one team if approved by the meet director in advance. Teams must be designated “A”, “B”, and so on before competition begins. Same school teams will compete as separate teams earning separate team points.

3. T.H.S.W.P.A. team sport scoring will be 7,5,3,2,1 for the first five finishers in each weight class. Places are awarded based on the lifters total.

4. Team awards shall be given to the first three 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 first place finishes, then the team with the most second place finishes will be classified first and so on.

5. Each lifter, coach, and school must provide proof of scholastic eligibility under U.I.L. guidelines prior to competition at regional and state meets.

6. Approved lifting apparel must be worn at the regional and state meets.

7. State records may only be established at the state meet.

III. Regional Qualifications

1. Each lifter must establish a qualifying total at a T.H.S.W.P.A. sanctioned invitational meet prior to the regional qualifying deadline.

2. Invitational meet results must be reported by the meet hosts to the regional director(s). Unless prior arrangements are made, results should be received no later than 4:00 pm on Monday following the meet. Regional directors may refuse late results.

3. Regional competition will include the region’s top 12 lifters from each weight class. (there may only be a tie at the 12^th position). Lifters are ranked based on their highest TOTAL achieved at T.H.S.W.P.A. sanctioned invitational meets.

4. Regional directors will ensure that all U.I.L. classifications are represented in each weight class at the regional meet. If the top 12 lifters in a weight class do not include lifters from class 1A-5A, then the strongest lifter from the classification not represented in the top 12 will advance to regional competition. This is the same process used to advance lifters to state. This process eliminates the need for Division I and II while providing a more just opportunity for all lifters.

5. Any lifter who qualifies for regional competition in more than one weight class must declare to her regional director which class she intends to compete in at the regional level. This declaration must be made on Monday following the last qualifying date deadline. If no declaration is made, the regional director will assign the lifter to the heaviest weight in which she has qualified.

6. At both regional and state competitions, lifters may only compete in the weight class in which they have qualified. Failure to make proper weight will eliminate the lifter from competition.

7. Coaches are required to notify their regional director if a regional or state qualifier cannot participate in these meets. Schools will be billed for any qualified lifter who does not give notice of non-participation.

IV. Equipment and Specifications

1. All lifts shall be performed on a platform measuring between 5’ X 5’ minimum and 8’ X 8’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, provide, they allow for firm footing and are not loose

2. No one is allowed on the platform except the lifter, the designated spotters/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.

3. The bar shall be straight and well knurled or grooved and shall conform to the following dimensions:

· Total overall length not to exceed 7’

· 2” sleeve diameter

4. Collars shall always be used in competition.

5. Squat racks may consist of a one-piece unit or two separate stands but must provide maximum stability. All squat racks must meet the following standards

· Designed to adjust

· Height adjustments must be made in incremental stages not to exceed 2 inches.

· All hydraulic racks must be capable of being secured at the required height by means of pins.

· The base shall be of such design that it does not impede the lifter or the spotter/loaders.

6. The bench may be of sturdy construction, provide stability and conform to the following dimensions:

· Bench length must be at least 4’

· There should be a minimum of 4’ between the insides of the bar rests

7. Lights should be provided and arranged to correspond with the position of the referees, whereby the referees make known their decisions. For emergency purposes the referees will be provided with small flags.

8. Lifters shall wear appropriate lifting attire.

a. Lifting suit:

· One-piece lifting suit of one-ply material without any additional patches or padding.

· Straps must be worn over the shoulders at all times during lifting. Seams and hems must not exceed 1.25” in width and 1/16” in thickness. If shoulder straps will not stay over the shoulders, alterations may be made by sewing the straps at the top of the shoulders only. No tacking down of excess strap will be required. Straps may not be taped, banded, or otherwise connected.

b. Bench shirt/ lifting shirt: shall be commercially made, sleeved, and of one-ply, single-stitched, stretch material. If a lifting shirt is worn, then a t-shirt may not be worn under or over the lifting shirt during the performance of a lift. No Velcro shirts will be allowed.

c. Belts: may be worn by a competitor and shall be subject to the following requirements:

· The main body shall be made of leather and may be glued or stitched together.

· Belts shall not have any additional bracing or supports on the surface or concealed within.

· One or two pronged buckles, Velcro fasteners, and lever action buckles may all be used as long as the belt meets all requirements.

· Width of the belt may not exceed 4”

· Padded belts are allowed as long as they meet all other requirements. Thickness of the belt may not exceed 0.5”.

d. Wraps: may be worn on the wrists and knees. Wraps shall be made of one-ply commercially woven elastic that is covered with polyester, cotton, or a combination of both materials. Wraps shall meet the following requirements:

· Wrist wraps may not exceed 3” in width and 39” in length.

· Wrist wraps may have Velcro to secure them and a thumb loop which may be over the thumb during the actual lift.

· Wrist wraps 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.

· Knee wraps may not exceed 84” in length and 3” in width.

· Knee wraps shall not exceed beyond 6” below the center of the knee joint, not to exceed a total of 12” in both directions.

e. Braces & Bandages: Any type of knee brace, non-prescribed knee wrap, athletic tape, or any type of bandage that may be used to help the lifter hold the bar is strictly prohibited. Ankle braces are allowed.

f. Standard underwear: cotton, nylon, or a combination of the two materials of single ply material shall be worn under the lifting suit. Any garment consisting of rubberized or similar stretch material is not permitted. No one-piece under garments, girdles, or tights are allowed. Grooved Briefs will be allowed.

g. Footwear: socks shall not be of such length that they touch any knee wrapping. (This does not pertain to the piece of knee wrap that is used to tie of the wrapping). Shoes shall be worn on the lifting platform. Shoes shall be taken to include any foot covering that has a patterned molding or foot type outline that provides an inner sole. Heels shall not exceed laterally beyond the upper edge of the shoes/boots. No cleats or spikes are permitted.

h. T-shirts: If a lifter is not wearing a lifting shirt, she shall wear a sleeved t-shirt under her lifting suit with the sleeve remaining at least 0.25” above the elbow. Sleeves must remain unrolled and not be pushed up to the deltoid. The shirt must be made of cotton, polyester, or a combination of the two materials. Emblems may be worn but may not advertise any product or include obscene or suggestive designs. This includes alcohol, drugs, and sexual connotations.

i. Handicapping conditions: any physical handicapping condition must be brought to the attention of the Chief Referee prior to the start of the meet for a decision.

j. Personal items: A violation of any of the following rules may result in disqualification of a lifter.

· Hats are strictly prohibited and may not be worn on the lifting platform. This includes dew-rags, headbands, and bandanas. No hard plastic or metal hair accessories may be worn on the lifting platform.

· No jewelry may be worn on the lifting platform.

· The use of oil, grease, or other lubricants on the body, costume, or personal equipment is strictly forbidden

· Powder is prohibited. Chalk (magnesium carbonate) may be applied to the hands, buttocks, and shoulders but not the legs.

· No sniffing of any substance is allowed.

V. Lifts and Rules of Performance

1. Squat

a. The lifter shall assume an upright position with the top of the bar not more than 3 cm below the top of the anterior deltoids. The bar shall be held horizontally across the shoulders with the hands gripping the bar and the feet flat on the platform with the knees locked.

b. After moving the bar from the racks, the lifter will be given the signal as soon as she is motionless and the bar properly positioned. (If mechanical racks are used, the lifter must remove the weights from the racks before they are withdrawn). The Chief Referee’s signal shall consist of a downward movement of the arm and an audible command “squat”. This will officially begin the lift.

c. Upon receiving the Chief Referee’s signal, the lifter must bend the knees and lower body until the top surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the top of the knees – the lifter must break parallel.

d. 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.

e. The signal to replace the bar will consist of a backward motion of the hand and the audible command “Rack”. The lifter must then make a bona fide attempt to return the bar to the racks. One step toward the rack constitutes a bona fide attempt to rack

f. The lifter shall face the front of the platform.

g. The lifter shall not hold the collars, sleeves, or plates 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 bar.

h. No more than five and no less than three spotter/loaders shall be on the platform at any time.

i. 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/loaders shall not assist the lift any further with regards to proper positioning, foot placement, bar positioning, etc.

j. The lifter maybe 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.

k. Causes for a lift disqualification in the squat are as follows:

· Failure to observe the Chief Referee’s signals once the squat command has been given and the lift has officially begun.

· Changing the position of the hands or fingers laterally on the bar after the “Squat” command and prior to receiving the “Rack” command. Opening and closing of the hands or fingers will be allowed as long as they are returned to their original position.

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

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

· Any shifting of the feet laterally, backwards, or forward, during the performance of the lift.

· 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.

· Changing the position of the bar across the shoulders after the commencement of the lift.

· Contact with the bar of the lifter by the spotter/loaders between the referee’s signals.

· Contact of the elbows or upper arms with the legs.

· Failure to make a bona fide attempt to return the bar to the racks.

Bona Fide attempt to rack squat bar: 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 until it is safely returned to the rack, but the first step does not have to be forward as long as the lifter is making a bona fide attempt to return the bar to the racks

· Obvious and intentional dropping of the bar will be cause for disqualification from the meet when determined by a consensus of the judges.

· Once the lifter begins an upward motion, there may be no downward movement of the bar before it reaches the final position.

2. Bench Press

a. The front of the bench press must be placed on the platform facing the Chief Referee.

b. The lifter must lie on her back with head, shoulders, and buttocks in contact with the flat bench surface. Her shoes must be flat on the floor. The position must be maintained throughout the attempt.

c. If the lifter’s costume and the bench surface are not of a sufficient color contrast to enable the referee to detect possible movement at the points of contact, then the bench surface may be covered accordingly.

d. To achieve firm footing the lifter may use plates or blocks, to build up the surface of the platform. Whichever method is chosen, the entire foot must be on the flat surface. If blocks are used, they shall not exceed 18” X 18”.

e. 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 lift off must be to arm length and not down at the chest.

f. The spacing of the hands shall not exceed 81 cm measured between the forefingers.

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

h. The signal shall be the audible command “Press” and will be given when the bar is motionless on the chest.

i. After the signal to commence the lift has been given, the bar is pressed vertically to a straight arms length and held motionless until the audible command “Rack” is given.

j. Causes for a lift disqualification in the bench press are as follows:

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

· 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.

· Allowing the bar to sink into the chest after receiving the referee’s signal – no bouncing.

· Any uneven extension of the arms or uneven lockout.

· Contact with the bar by the spotter/loaders between the referee’s signals.

· Any contact with the lifter’s feet with the bench or its support’s.

· Deliberate contact between the bar at the bar rest uprights during the lift to make the press easier.

· Either end of the bar descending, or the bar descending during the course of the lift.

3. Deadlift

a. The bar must be laid horizontally in front of the lifter’s feet griped with an optional grip in both hands, and lifted with one continuous movement until the lifter is standing erect.

b. The lifter shall face the front of the platform. (where the Head Judge is seated)

c. On completion of the lift, the knees shall be locked and the lifter standing in an erect position.

d. The Chief Referee’s signal shall consist of a movement of the hand and the audible command “Down”. The signal shall not be given until the bar is held motionless and the lifter is in the apparent finished position.

e. Any upward movement of the bar or any deliberate attempt to raise the bar will count as an attempt.

f. Causes for disqualification in the deadlift are as follows:

· Any downward movement of the bar before it reaches the final position - the bar cannot descend. If the bar descends, judges will stop the lift.

· Failure to stand erect with the knees locked.

· Supporting the bar at the thighs during the performance of the lift.

· “Hitching” i.e.; allowing the bar to descend, rest, or gain leverage from the thighs. Similar to “bouncing” in the bench press.

· Any lateral movement of the feet, or stepping backward or forward.

· Lowering the bar before receiving the Chief Referee’s signal.

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

· Lifters must wear socks that are at least over the calf.

· Obvious and intentional dropping of the bar will be cause for disqualification from the meet when determined by a consensus of the judges

VI. Declaration procedures

1. Opening attempts for all three lifts (squat, bench press, and deadlift) shall be declared at the time of the weigh-in and cannot be changed. Thereafter, lifters will be allowed two changes of weight on second or third attempts only during competition. Each lifter will be allowed a maximum of two weight changes throughout the course of the meet. At Regional and State meets, “bump sheets” requiring a coaches initials will be used.

2. Second and third attempts must be declared within one minute of the completion of the previous lift. If the time expires without a declaration, the lifter’s next attempt will remain at the same weight as a missed attempt, or five pounds will be added to successful prior attempts.

3. Changes of weight (bumps) are only permitted provided that the lifter has not been called to the bar. All attempts shall conform to increasing weight and increasing lot numbers or alphabetical order when the attempts of two lifters are the same.

4. All attempts shall be given to the expeditor. All attempts shall be recorded with the expeditor prior to the start of a round.

5. When it is apparent that a lifter will be following himself/herself from one round to another, the lifter shall be given 3 minutes to prepare for her next lift. The one minute declaration time still applies.

6. All repeat attempts due to a scorekeeper’s error, misload, or for any other reason shall be performed at the end of the round in which that error occurred. If the error occurs with the last lifter in a round, the lifter shall be given a three-minute delay before repeating the lift.

7. All rounds shall be governed by the order of increase in weight: therefore, the lifting order will change from round to round. The order in lifting is always from the lowest to the highest weight, and with regard to lot numbers or alphabetical order for duplicating attempts.

8. All attempts in the second and third rounds shall be equal to or greater than the previous attempts.

9. Lifters shall he responsible for checking their squat rack heights and foot blocks prior to the start of competition. It is to be noted on the lifters card and turned in at weigh in.

VII. Weighing In

1. THSWPA 24 Hour Rule: The THSWPA allows weigh-ins to occur at specified times the afternoon or night before any regional competition and the State Championship Meet. The Meet Director will be responsible for setting up weigh-in times and notifying each coach about these specified weigh-in times. No honor system weigh-ins.

2. Duration Of Weigh-In Sessions: If specified on the entry blank, additional weigh-in sessions of any duration may be conducted during the 24 hour period before the lifting session begins as long as they are open to all lifters and teams; however, during the last 2 hours before the start of the competition, a standard weigh-in session of up to 2 hours, but no less than 1 ½ hours will be used. The meet will begin in an expedient fashion after the weigh-in.

3. Weigh-In Procedure: Each individual lifter’s body weight shall not be made public until all lifters competing in the meet have finished weighing in. The following guidelines and rules shall be followed during weigh-In:

· A listing of body weight category limits shall be posted near the scale.

· Lifters must be weighed-in in no more than standard underwear (bra and panties for women). Lifters may choose to weigh-in in the nude.

· No clothing and/or other items such as jewelry may be worn on the scales during weigh-in.

· The weigh-in procedure shall ensure that lifters are weighed in by officials or knowledgeable non-referee representatives of their own sex appointed by Regional or State Meet Director.

· Any attempt to circumvent the weigh-in procedure may be cause for disqualification. Example: Lifting of hair, wetting hair, standing on edge of scale, etc.

· No persons will be allowed within 6 ft. of scale during weigh-in. A boundary mark should be placed 6 ft. behind the scale. All lifters not weighing will be behind this point.

4. Explanation Of “Officially” Making Weight: Each lifter may be (officially) weighed only once. Only those lifters whose body weights are heavier or lighter than the limits of the bodyweight category that they are trying to get into are allowed to return to the scales. After a lifter makes weight, she must surrender her expeditor card to the Official in charge of that weigh-in session. Lifters who do not make their weight category must return to the scales and make weight within the 2 hours allowed for that weigh-in. A lifter may be allowed to weigh-in outside the two-hour time limit only if they present themselves to the weigh-in official within the time limit, but due to the number of competitors trying to make weight, they have been denied the opportunity of being weighed during the time allotted. Lifters in this situation may he weighed-in during the 1^st 15 minutes of the last ½ hour prior to the start of the meet.

· A lifter may try to make weight as many times as necessary until the weigh-in time expires. When a lifter does not want her weight officially recorded, the lifter is responsible to tell the official weighing in the lifters that they are simply “checking their weight”. The lifter is also responsible for telling the official weighing in the lifters that they are on the scale for an official recording of their body weight.

· If a lifter enters a particular weight class, steps on the scales, and officially makes weight within the upper and lower limits of the weight category, they will not be re-weighed under any circumstances.

· At regional and state competitions, a lifter who is too heavy or too light for the class entered, shall not be allowed to lift.

5. If two lifters register the same bodyweight at the weigh-in and eventually achieve the same total at the end of the competition, they will re re-weighed and the lighter person will take precedence over the heavier person. If both lifters weigh the same after re-weighing, they shall then share the placing and each will receive an award. The two lifters in question will tie for that place position in the competition and split the points for that place and the next order place for team points.

VIII. Meet Officials and Order of Competition

1. Persons/Officials Allowed On The Platform: during the competition taking place on a platform or stage, only the lifter and her coach, the Referee-in-Charge, Officiating Referees, and the spotters/loaders will be allowed on or around the platform. Coaches may lift off and then must get off of the platform. During the execution of a lift, only the lifter, spotters/loaders, and the referees are permitted on the platform A coach’s box must be provided on each side of the platform. Coaches are allowed to coach and provide positive encouragement for his lifter/s from within the designated are & Coaches are also allowed to coach from outside the area marked off for competition.

2. Adjusting Equipment While On The Platform: A lifter shall not wrap or dress while on the platform. The lifter may adjust her belt on the platform.

3. Progressive Loading Of The Bar: In normal competition, the bar is loaded progressively and the lifter requiring the lightest weight is first in the lifting order. The weight of the bar, except in rare circumstances, cannot be reduced once a lift has been performed at that weight. It is necessary for a lifter or her coach to observe the progressive loading of the bar and be ready to make his/her attempt at the chosen weight.

4. Order Of Lifters Taking The Same Weight: When two or more lifters are taking the same attempt and declare their wish to take the same weight, they shall lift in the order determined by the drawing of lots or by alphabetical order.

5. Attempt Priority: When using the progressive loading system, a lifter taking his/her first attempt shall precede lifters taking their second and third attempts with the same weight. In the “Round System”, all first attempts are taken in Round One, second attempts in Round Two, and third attempts in Round Three. Any record attempts within the first three rounds shall he taken in its normal round

6. Minimum Amount Of Weight Increase Between Successful Attempts: In THSWPA recognized competitions, the weight of the barbell shall always be a multiple of 5 pounds. The progression must be at least 5 pounds between successful attempts.

7. Loading Errors Or Incorrect Announcements By The Speaker: The Meet Director or the Chief Referee shall be responsible for corrective action when loading errors or incorrect announcements by the speaker occur. His/her decision will be given to the speaker who shall make the appropriate corrected announcement. Examples of

8. Errors in Loading and Proper Correction Measures: If the bar is misloaded to a heavier or lighter weight than requested by the lifter, and the lift is successful, the lifter may accept the attempt, or she may take the attempt again at the proper weight. If the lift is not successful, the lifter shall be granted an additional attempt at the originally requested weight. The attempt will be given at the end of the Round. If a lifter misses his/her attempt because the speaker omitted announcing his/her name at the appropriate weight, lifter shall be allowed to take his/her attempt at the end of that particular round.

9. Disqualification For Failure To Successfully Make An Attempt In Each Of The Three Contested Lifts: Three unsuccessful attempts in any lift will automatically eliminate the lifter from the competition and the lifter shall not be allowed to continue participating in the meet. Any records set shall be null and void.

10. Allowable Spotter Aid: Other than the initial removal of the bar from the racks, the lifter shall not receive any verbal or physical help from the spotter/loaders in positioning himself/herself for an attempt. Any cheering, and or coaching from the spotter/loaders is cause for the lifter’s attempt to be disqualified.

11. Lifter Time Allotment For Removal From The Platform: At the completion of an attempt, the lifter shall leave the platform within 30 seconds. Failure to comply with this rule may result in disqualification of the attempt at the discretion of the referees.

12. Disqualification Procedure For Misconduct: Any conduct, by a coach or lifter, unbecoming to the sport may be cause for disqualification. Disqualification will be based on a concensus decision by a panel comprised of the Chef Referee, the Meet Director, and a neutral party.

13. Appeals Or Complaint Procedure: All appeals against a referees’ decisions, complaints regarding the progress of the competition or complaints against the behavior of any person or persons taking part in the competition shall be made in writing to the Head or Chief Referee-In-Charge or the Meet Director. The Coach or Assistant Coach of the team shall lodge the appeal or complaint. This shall be done immediately following the action for which there is a complaint or appeal. Chief Referee or Meet Directors’ Authority for Formal Complaints. If deemed necessary, the Chief Referee or Meet Director may temporarily suspend the progress of the competition and retire to consider a decision on a Formal Complaint. The Chief Referee and the Meet Director may enlist the help of the platform referees to consider a complaint. Once a decision has been made, it shall be considered final and there will be no right of appeal.

14. Break Time Between Each Contested Lift: A compulsory break of 5 minutes shall take place between the completion of one lift and the commencement of another (i.e. between the squat and the bench press and between the bench press and the deadlift). This rule applies to platforms, not events.

15. Prohibition Of Attempt Change when The Lifter Is Called To The Platform: When the bar is loaded correctly to the weight requested, the lifter’s name has been called, and the clock has been started, the lifter shall not be permitted to change his/her attempt

16. Recommended Size Of Flights Using The Round System: When using the Round System, the number of lifters in flight should be no more than 20- and no fewer than 10 if possible. When fewer than 10 lifters are in a flight, it may be necessary to add time to the flight for each vacancy below 10 lifters to give the participants in the small flights ample time to recover and to prepare for their next attempts.

17. The lifter may not “touch” the bar in order to satisfy the one-minute, rule, then back-off and adjust equipment.

IX. Referees

1. Designation Of The Head Referee-in-Charge: for service at the THSWPA State Meet, the meet director shall choose the Head Referee-In-Charge. At the Regional Meet level it is the responsibility of the Meet Director to appoint the most qualified referee available at the meet to serve as the Head Referee-in-Charge. This name of the person in this position should be announced at the Regional business meeting prior to the start of the lifting session.

2. Duties Of The Head Referee-in-Charge: The Head Referee-In-Charge shall handle all matters pertaining to refereeing assignments, conduct, disputes and rules interpretations and will work with the Meet Director, who will have the responsibility for the technical direction of the meet. At the Regional/State competition head referee will assist with all state record attempts.

3. Designation Of Platform Referees: The chair referees shall be three in number: the Chief Referee (center), and the two side referees.

4. Duties Of The Chief Referee: The Chief Referee is responsible for giving the necessary signals for all three lifts, and is in charge of the platform and all decisions regarding loading errors.

5. Procedure For Announcing The Platform Referee’s Decision: Once the bar has been replaced in the racks or on the platform at the completion of the lift, the referees will announce their decision by activating the lights. White for a “good lift” and red for “no lift”.

6. Signals Required For The Three Lifts:

Lift	Commencement	Completion
Squat	A visual signal consisting of a downward movement of the arm together with the audible command “SQUAT”.	A visual signal consisting of a movement of the arm towards the referee with the audible command “RACK”.
Bench Press	Audible command “PRESS”. If the lifter is deaf the Chief Referee may give a visual signal to the lifter.	A visual signal consisting of a movement of the arm towards the referee together with the audible command “RACK”.
Dead Lift	No signal required.	A visual signal consisting of a movement of the together with audible command “DOWN”.

7. Prior to the contest, referees shall ascertain that:

· platform and competition equipment complies with T.H.S.W.P.A. specifications.

· The lifter weigh-in is conducted within the given time limits setup by the Meet Director.

· The scales work correctly and are accurate.

8. During the contest the referees shall assure that:

· The weight of the loaded bar agrees with the weight announced by the speaker or the weight shown on the overhead.

· That while on the platform the lifters costume and personal equipment are legal and within THSWPA rules.

9. Lifter Notification Of Infraction(s): A lifter receiving a red light(s) for a lift may send her coach to the Chief Referee to request the reason for the red light(s). The Chief Referee shall investigate and inform the coach why the red light(s) was given. A coach requesting additional information of the Chief Referee’s investigation and response must immediately leave the platform and go to the Head Referee-In Charge for further clarification.

10. Unwitnessed Lift: During the lift, if a spotter(s) unintentionally gets in the way of a referee’s view of the lift so that he does not actually see the lift, the referee should give the lifter a white light and warn the spotter.

11. Non-Influence Of Referees Toward Each Other: A referee shall not attempt to influence the decisions of the other referees. They shall not veto or overrule each other. For apparent reasons, all three judging lights shall be activated at the same time.

12. Acceptable Referee Communication: The Chief Referee may consult with the side referees, Head Referee-In-Charge or any other official as necessary to expedite the competition, or to correct faults.

13. “On-Deck” Referee Inspection: Visual inspection of lifters in the “On Deck” area will be done by an appointed platform worker.

Mission Statement

I. General Rules