Powerlifting - Benchpress

• The lifter is not allowed to enter the rack from the head side of the bench press rack.
• The lifter must lie on his back with head, shoulders, and buttocks in contact with the bench surface. The feet must be flat on the floor (as flat as the shape of the shoe will allow).
• Hands and fingers must grip the bar positioned in the rack stands with a thumb around grip. This position shall be maintained throughout the lift.
• Foot movement is permissible but must remain flat on the platform.
• During the set-up on the bench, the athlete is not allowed to place his/her feet on the bench.
• The hair must not hide the back of the head when lying down on the bench. The Jury or Referees may require the lifter to affix his/her hear accordingly.
• Blocks are not allowed.
• After correctly positioning himself, the lifter may enlist the help of the spotter/loaders in removing the bar from the racks.
• The lift off if assisted by the spotter/loaders must be at arms’ length.
• The spacing of the hands shall not exceed 81 cm measured between the forefingers (both forefingers must be within the 81 cm marks and the whole of the forefingers must be in contact with the 81 cm marks if maximum grip is used).
• The use of the reverse grip is forbidden.
• After removing the bar from the racks, with or without the help of the spotter / loaders, the lifter shall wait with straight arms elbows locked for the Chief Referee’s signal. The signal shall be given as soon as the lifter is motionless and the bar properly positioned. For reasons of safety the lifter will be requested to “Replace” the bar, together with a backward movement of the arm, if after a period of five seconds he is not in the correct position to begin the lift. The Chief Referee will then convey the reason why the signal was not given.
• The signal to begin the attempt shall consist of a downward movement of the arm together with the audible command “Start”. After receiving the signal, the lifter must lower the bar to the chest or abdominal area (the bar shall not touch the belt), hold it motionless, after which the Chief referee will signal the audible command “Press “.
• The lifter must then return the bar to straight arms’ length elbows locked. When held motionless in this position the audible command “Rack” shall be given together with a backward motion of the arm.
• If the bar is lowered to the belt or does not touch the chest or abdominal area, the Chief Referee´s command is “Rack”.
• The height of the safety racks can be adjusted by the jury for safety reasons. 

Causes for Disqualification of a Bench Press

• Failure to observe the Chief Referee’s signals at the commencement, during 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, or buttocks, from the bench, or lateral movement of hands on the bar.
• Heaving, or sinking the bar into the chest or abdominal area after it is motionlessin such a way as to make the lift easier.
• Any downward movement of the whole of the bar in the course of being pressed out.
• Bar is not lowered to chest or abdominal area i.e. not reaching the chest or abdominal area, or the bar is touching the belt.
• Failure to press the bar to straight arms’ length elbows locked at the completion of the lift.
• Contact with the bar or the lifter by the spotter/loaders between the Chief Referee’s signals, in order to make the lift easier.
• Any contact of the lifter’s feet with the bench or its supports. Lifting of the feet is not allowed. Foot movement is permissible but must remain flat on the platform.
• Deliberate contact between the bar and the bar rests support.
• Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under the Rules of Performance.