Bench Press Standards

The bench press is the second movement in a powerlifting competition.  The movement is performed laying on a horizontal bench with the lifter lowering the bar down to the chest, pausing the weight, and then pressing the bar upward to a locked out position.  Athletes are given one minute from when the speaker announces that the "bar is loaded" to set-up the bench press, receive a lift-off, and get the "start" command from the Chief Referee. 
The following is an example of a proper starting position on the bench press.  These technical rules are required before receiving the "start" command.

  • Feet are flat on the floor

  • Buttocks in contact with the bench

  • Shoulders in contact with the bench

  • Head in contact with the bench

  • Arms/elbows locked

  • Thumbs around the bar

GOOD bench press set-up
BAD bench press set-up
After receiving the “Start” command, the athlete must bring the bar in contact with their chest, holding it motionless until the referee issues the “Press” command, at which point the bar can be pressed upward.  The movement is finished when the arms/elbows are locked, and the athlete receives the "rack" command from the Chief Referee.  
Picture


Causes for Disqualification:

  1. Failure to observe the Chief Referee's Signals at the commencement, during or completion of the lift. 
  2. Any change in the elected lifting position during the lift i.e. any raising or movement of the head, shoulders, or buttocks from the bench, or lateral movement of hands on the bar.
  3. Heaving, or singking the bar into the chest after it is motionless in such a way as to make the lift easier. 
  4. Any downward movement of the whole of teh bar in the ourse of being pressed out. 
  5. Bar is not lowered to chest i.e. not reaching the chest or is touching the belt.
  6. 6.  Failure to press the bar to straight arms length with elbows locked at the completion of the lift. 
  7. Contact with the bar or the lifter by the spotters / loaders between the Chief Referee's signals in order to make the lift easier. 
  8. Any contact of the lifter's feet with the bench or its supports. 
  9. Deliberate contact between the bar and the bar rests supports. 
  10. Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under the Rules of Performance in the IPF Technical Handbook.