IPF

Section 1: Introduction

This rulebook summarizes the IPF Technical Rulebook 2026 of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), effective 1 March 2026 (cover date 01.03.2026). Section numbers below refer to that document. The official text is maintained in English and the English version prevails in any conflict.

Section 1(a) recognizes the following lifts, which must be taken in the same sequence at every competition held under IPF rules:

1. Squat
2. Bench Press
3. Deadlift
4. Total

Competition is between lifters in categories defined by sex, body weight and age (Section 1(b)). The rules apply to all levels of competition (Section 1(d)). The IPF runs Equipped and Classic (raw) World Championships, including Open, Sub-Junior and Junior, Masters and Bench Press events (Section 1(2)).

Age categories (Section 1.1)

• Open: from 1 January of the calendar year in which the lifter reaches 19 years.
• Sub-Juniors: from the day the lifter reaches 14 years, through the full calendar year in which they reach 18.
• Juniors: from 1 January of the year they reach 19, through the full calendar year in which they reach 23.
• Master 1: 40 to 49 years, using the same calendar-year rule.
• Master 2: 50 to 59 years.
• Master 3: 60 to 69 years.
• Master 4: 70 years and upwards.

Competitive lifting below the age of 14 is allowed only at National competitions. Masters 3 and 4 are not permitted to compete in the Open Class (Section 1(c)).

Bodyweight categories (Section 1.2)

• Men: up to 53.0 kg (Sub-Junior and Junior only), 59.0, 66.0, 74.0, 83.0, 93.0, 105.0, 120.0 kg, and 120.0+ kg.
• Women: up to 43.0 kg (Sub-Junior and Junior only), 47.0, 52.0, 57.0, 63.0, 69.0, 76.0, 84.0 kg, and 84.0+ kg.

Section 2: Equipment

Equipment specifications are in Section 2 (Equipment and Specifications) and Section 3 (Personal Equipment) of the Technical Rulebook.

Bar and discs (Section 2.3)

Only disc barbells are permitted. Only bars and discs that meet all specifications may be used throughout the entire competition and for all lifts. The bar is not changed during the competition unless it is bent or damaged, as determined by the Technical Committee, Jury or Referees. Only bars and discs with official IPF approval may be used at IPF World Championships or for setting World Records, and the knurling may not be chromed.

Section 2.3(a): the bar must be straight, well knurled and grooved, and conform to these dimensions:

• Total overall length not exceeding 2.2 m.
• Distance between the collar faces not more than 1.32 m and not less than 1.31 m.
• Bar diameter not more than 29 mm and not less than 28 mm.
• Weight of the bar and collars: 25 kg.
• Sleeve diameter not more than 52 mm and not less than 50 mm.
• Machined diameter markings spaced 81 cm apart.

Section 2.3(b): discs must conform as follows:

• Every disc must weigh within 0.25 percent or 10 grams of its face value.
• The centre hole must be not more than 53 mm and not less than 52 mm.
• Permitted disc weights: 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 kg.
• Discs of 20 kg and over must not exceed 6 cm in thickness. Discs of 15 kg and under must not exceed 3 cm.
• Colour code: 10 kg and under, any colour; 15 kg yellow; 20 kg blue; 25 kg red.
• Discs must be clearly marked with their weight and loaded heaviest innermost, descending in weight, so the referees can read each disc.
• The first and heaviest discs are loaded face in, and the rest face out.
• The largest disc diameter must not exceed 45 cm.

Collars (Section 2.4)

Collars must always be used and must weigh 2.5 kg each.

Squat racks (Section 2.5)

Only squat racks from commercial manufacturers registered and approved by the Technical Committee may be used at International Powerlifting Championships. Racks must adjust from a minimum height of 1.00 m in the lowest position to at least 1.70 m in 2.5 cm increments, and must be securable at the required height by pins.

Bench (Section 2.6)

• Length not less than 1.22 m, flat and level.
• Width not less than 29 cm and not more than 32 cm.
• Height of the padded surface from the floor not less than 42 cm and not more than 45 cm.
• Upright height adjustable, from a minimum of 75 cm to a maximum of 110 cm to the bar rest position.
• Minimum width between the insides of the bar rests: 1.10 m.
• The head of the bench extends 22 cm beyond the centre of the uprights, with a tolerance of 5 cm either way.
• Attached safety stands must be used in all events.

Lifter attire (Section 3)

• Singlet (Section 3.1): worn in Classic/Raw competitions. It must be one-piece and form fitting, with straps over the shoulders at all times. It must be fabric or synthetic textile that gives no support to the lifter. Legs must extend a minimum of 3 cm and a maximum of 25 cm from the top of the crotch down the inside of the leg. Only singlets from manufacturers on the "Approved List of Apparel and Equipment for Use at IPF Competitions" are permitted. A supportive lifting suit may be worn only in Equipped competitions.
• T-shirt (Section 3.2): must be worn under the singlet by all lifters. It must have tight-fitting sleeves that end below the deltoid and not at or below the elbow, and a round neck collar.
• Briefs (Section 3.4): standard commercial briefs or an athletic supporter must be worn under the lifting suit. Supportive undergarments are illegal.
• Socks (Section 3.5): may be worn. Shin-length socks must be worn to cover and protect the shins while performing the deadlift.
• Shoes or boots (Section 3.7): must be worn. They must be indoor sports shoes or weightlifting/powerlifting boots, with a sole thickness of no more than 5 cm and a flat underside.
• Belt (Section 3.6): optional, and worn outside the lifting suit. Maximum width 10 cm, maximum thickness 13 mm, buckle inside width maximum 11 cm.
• Knee sleeves (Section 3.8): optional. Maximum thickness 7 mm and maximum length 30 cm.
• Wraps (Section 3.9): wrist wraps are limited to 1 m by 8 cm. Knee wraps (Equipped only) are limited to 2 m by 8 cm. A combination of knee wraps and knee sleeves is forbidden.

Section 3.14: lubricants on the body or equipment are strictly forbidden. Baby powder, resin, talc or magnesium carbonate may be added to the body and attire but not to the wraps.

Section 3: Playing Area

Platform (Section 2.2)

All lifts are carried out on a platform measuring between 2.5 m x 2.5 m minimum and 4.0 m x 4.0 m maximum. It must not exceed 10 cm in height from the surrounding stage or floor. The surface must be flat, firm and level, covered with non-slip smooth carpet free from irregularities and projections. Rubber matting or similar sheeting is not permitted.

Scales (Section 2.1)

Scales must be electronic digital and register to the second decimal place. They must be able to weigh up to 180 kg. A calibration certificate must be valid within one year of the competition date.

Clocks, lights and scoreboard (Sections 2.7, 2.8, 2.10)

• Timing clocks visible to all (venue, platform, warm-up area) must operate continuously for at least twenty minutes and display elapsed time. A clock showing the time left to enter next attempts should also be visible to the coach or lifter.
• Each referee controls one white and one red light. White is a "good lift" and red is a "no lift". The lights must light up together when activated by the three referees. Small white or red flags or paddles are provided for emergencies.
• A clearly visible scoreboard lists lifters by lot number for each session and shows the current record.

Foot blocks (Section 4.2)

In the bench press, a lifter may use flat-surfaced plates or blocks not exceeding 30 cm in total height, with a minimum dimension of 60 cm x 40 cm, to build up the platform surface for footing. Blocks of 5, 10, 20 and 30 cm should be available at international competitions.

Coaching area (Section 6.3)

During a lift on a platform or stage, only the lifter and one coach, Jury members, officiating referees, spotter/loaders and the Technical Controller may be around the platform. During the lift itself, only the lifter, spotter/loaders and referees may be on the platform. The coaching area should be no more than 5 meters from the stage.

Section 4: Players & Officials

Lifters

Each competitor is allowed three attempts on each lift (Section 1(e)). Weigh-in (Section 5) takes place no earlier than two hours before the start of the competition for that category. The weigh-in period lasts one and a half hours, and each lifter may only be weighed once, with exceptions for lifters who must return to the scales to make weight. Lifters must identify themselves with an ID/Passport. A lifter may only weigh in at the category in which they were nominated 21 days before the meet date (Section 5(7)).

Referees (Section 7)

• There are three referees: the Chief (Center) Referee and two side referees (Section 7(1)).
• The Chief Referee gives the signals for all three lifts (Section 7(2)).
• Referees may sit in the positions they consider best for viewing, within 4 meters of the platform (Section 7(5)).
• Before and during the contest, the referees jointly verify equipment, scales, weigh-in limits, personal equipment, and that the loaded weight matches the weight announced (Section 7(6) and 7(7)).
• A referee may not attempt to influence the decisions of the other referees (Section 7(10)).

Jury (Section 8.1)

At World and Continental Championships, a Jury of three or five Category 1 referees presides over each session. The Jury ensures the technical rules are correctly applied. If a serious mistake in refereeing occurs contrary to the technical rules, the Jury may take appropriate action to correct it and may grant the lifter a further attempt (Section 8.1(8)). A decision may be reversed only in extreme circumstances for an obvious or blatant mistake, by unanimous vote with a three-member Jury or majority vote with a five-member Jury (Section 8.1(9)). Under Section 6.3(16), the Jury may use instant replay at IPF-sanctioned competitions where the technical equipment and personnel are available, and its decision after review is final and binding.

Other officials (Sections 6.1 and 6.2)

• Speaker/Announcer: announces the weight and the lifter for each attempt. The clock begins when the Speaker announces that the bar is ready and calls the lifter to the platform.
• Technical Secretary: prepares the score sheets, order of weigh-in and speaker cards.
• Time Keeper: records the time between the announcement that the bar is ready and the lifter starting the attempt.
• Marshals/Expeditors: collect the weights for the next attempts and pass them to the Speaker.
• Scorers record the progress of the competition.
• Spotter/Loaders: load and unload the bar and adjust racks and benches. There must be no fewer than two and no more than five on the platform at any time.
• Technical Controller: a qualified international referee who confirms that the lifter is properly attired before mounting the platform.

Section 5: Rules of Play

Referee signals (Section 7(3))

• Squat: commencement is a downward arm movement with the audible command "Squat". Completion is a backward arm movement with the audible command "Rack".
• Bench press: commencement is a downward arm movement with the audible command "Start". After the bar is motionless on the chest, the command is "Press" with an upward arm movement. Completion is "Rack" with a backward arm movement.
• Deadlift: no commencement signal is required. Completion is a downward arm movement with the audible command "Down".

When a lifter fails to complete a squat or bench press, the command is "Rack". Once the bar is replaced, the referees announce their decisions by lights, white for a good lift and red for a no lift, and raise cards to show the reasons (Section 7(4)).

The squat (Section 4.1)

• The lifter faces the front of the platform with the bar placed horizontally across the shoulders, at a height no lower than the posterior deltoid level. Hands, thumbs and fingers must remain in complete contact with the bar for the duration of the lift. Hands may be placed anywhere on the bar, inside or in contact with the inner collars.
• After removing the bar from the racks, the lifter moves backwards to establish the starting position. When motionless and erect with knees locked, the Chief Referee gives the "Squat" signal. If the lifter is not in the correct position after five seconds, they are asked to "Replace" the bar.
• On the signal, the lifter bends the knees and lowers the body until the top surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the top of the knees. Only one descent attempt is allowed.
• The lifter recovers at will to an upright position with knees locked. When motionless, the Chief Referee gives the "Rack" signal and the lifter returns the bar to the racks.
• The lifter may not walk out through the front of the rack after completion.

The bench press (Section 4.2)

• The bench is placed on the platform with the head facing the front or angled up to 45 degrees. The lifter must not enter the rack from the head side of the bench press rack.
• The lifter lies on their back with head, shoulders and buttocks in contact with the bench surface for the whole lift. The feet must be flat on the floor. Foot movement is permissible but the feet must remain flat on the platform, and the lifter may not place their feet on the bench.
• Hands, thumbs and fingers must completely grip the bar with a thumb around grip. The hand spacing may not exceed 81 cm measured between the forefingers. Reverse grip is forbidden.
• After removing the bar, the lifter waits with straight arms and elbows locked for the "Start" signal.
• On "Start", the lifter lowers the bar to the chest or abdominal area so that the underside of both elbow joints is level with or below the top surface of each respective shoulder joint (the bar may not touch the belt), holds it motionless, then waits for "Press". The lifter returns the bar to straight arms' length with elbows locked and, when motionless, receives "Rack".

The deadlift (Section 4.3)

• The lifter faces the front of the platform with the bar laid horizontally in front of the feet, gripped in both hands (an optional grip may be used), and lifts until standing erect.
• On completion, the knees must be locked straight and the front bundle of the deltoid muscle placed behind the imaginary projection of the bar.
• The "Down" signal is not given until the bar is held motionless and the lifter is in the apparent finished position.
• Any rising of the bar or deliberate attempt to rise counts as an attempt. Once begun, no downward movement is allowed until the lifter reaches the erect position with locked knees. If the bar settles as the shoulders come back, this is not a reason to disqualify the lift.

Order of competition and attempts (Section 6.1)

• At weigh-in the lifter or coach declares a starting weight for all three lifts. After the first attempt, the next weight must be submitted within one minute of the lights being activated (Section 6.1(j)). If no weight is submitted, the lifter gets a 2.5 kg increase on the next attempt (or the bar is loaded to the failed weight, if the previous attempt failed).
• Each lifter takes their first attempt in the first round, second in the second round and third in the third round (Section 6.1(c)).
• The bar is loaded progressively during each round on the principle of a rising bar. Within a round, lifting order is decided by the weight chosen, and ties go to the lifter with the lowest lot number drawn at weigh-in (Section 6.1(e), (f)).
• A lifter may change the weight of the first attempt of each lift once (Section 6.1(i)). Second-round attempts on all three lifts and third-round attempts on the squat and bench cannot be changed once submitted (Section 6.1(k)). In the third round of the deadlift, two changes are permitted provided the lifter has not yet been called to the bar loaded to the submitted weight (Section 6.1(l)).
• The lifter has one minute to begin the attempt after the Speaker calls them to the bar. If the attempt is not started in that time, the lift is declared "no lift" and the attempt is forfeited (Section 6.2(d)).
• An interval of 20 minutes is allowed between lifts when a session is a single group of up to 14 lifters (Section 6.1(n)). With two or more groups on a platform, a 10-minute interval is given between disciplines (Section 6.1(o)).
• In IPF recognized competitions, the barbell weight must be a multiple of 2.5 kg, and progression must be at least 2.5 kg between attempts unless the attempt is for a record (Section 6.3(4)). A record attempt must be at least 0.5 kg above the current record.

Section 6: Scoring

Section 1(e): the lifter's best valid attempt on each lift counts toward their competition total. The total is the sum of the best squat, bench press and deadlift. If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter.

Section 1(f): if two lifters register the same body weight at weigh-in and achieve the same total, the lifter who made the total first takes precedence over the other. The same procedure applies where awards are presented for the best squat, bench press and deadlift, or where a world record is broken.

Section 1(4): placing for all age groupings is determined by the totals of the lifters in accordance with the standard rules of lifting, and medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place are awarded in each weight class across all age divisions.

Section 1(13): at International Championships, medals are presented for first, second and third places in each category based on totals. Medals or merit certificates are also presented for the individual lifts of squat, bench press and deadlift. To receive an individual-lift award, a lifter must make a bona fide attempt on each of the three disciplines.

Section 1(12): at all IPF Championships a "Best Lifter" award is given to the lifter who produces the best performance based on the IPF formula, with second and third place also recognized. Categories with fewer than 3 lifters do not receive any "Best Lifter" awards.

Section 6.1(6) and 6.3(6): three unsuccessful attempts in any lift automatically eliminate the lifter from the overall competition, though they may still compete for individual-lift awards if they make bona fide attempts.

A lift is valid when at least two of the three referees show white lights (a majority good-lift decision under Section 7(4)).

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Section 2.9 sets out the numbered failure cards: 1 = red, 2 = blue, 3 = yellow. After the lights show, the referee raises the card showing the reason for failure. The causes are listed in Sections 4.1.1, 4.2.1 and 4.3.1.

Causes for disqualification of a squat (Section 4.1.1)

1. Failure to observe the Chief Referee's signals at the commencement or completion of a lift.
2. Double bouncing at the bottom of the lift, or any downward movement during the ascent.
3. Failure to assume an upright position with the knees locked at the commencement or completion of the lift.
4. Stepping backward or forward or moving the feet laterally. Rocking the feet between ball and heel is permitted.
5. Failure to bend the knees and lower the body until the top surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the top of the knees.
6. Contact with the bar or lifter by the spotter/loaders between the Chief Referee's signals in order to make the lift easier.
7. Contact of the elbows or upper arms with the legs. Slight contact is permitted if there is no supporting that might aid the lifter.
8. Any dropping or dumping of the bar after completion of the lift.
9. Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under Rules of Performance for the squat.

Causes for disqualification of a bench press (Section 4.2.1)

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 proper, i.e. any raising movement of the head, shoulders or buttocks from the bench, or lateral movement of the hands on the bar.
3. Sinking the bar into the chest or abdominal area after it is motionless in such a way as to aid the lift.
4. Utilizing upper body thrust to initiate upward movement of the bar from the chest.
5. Any downward movement of the whole of the bar in the course of being pressed out.
6. The bar is not lowered to the chest or abdominal area, or the bar is touching the belt.
7. Failure to press the bar to straight arms' length, elbows locked, at the completion of the lift.
8. Contact with the bar or lifter by the spotter/loaders between the Chief Referee's signals in order to make the lift easier.
9. Any contact of the lifter's feet with the bench or its supports. Lifting of the feet is not allowed.
10. Deliberate contact between the bar and the bar rest supports.
11. Failure to lower the underside of both elbow joints level with or below the top surface of each respective shoulder joint.
12. Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under the Rules of Performance.

Causes for disqualification of a deadlift (Section 4.3.1)

1. Any downward movement of the bar before it reaches the final position.
2. Failure to stand erect with the shoulders back.
3. Failure to lock the knees straight at the completion of the lift.
4. Supporting the bar on the thighs during the lift. If the bar edges up the thigh but is not supported, this is not a reason for disqualification. The lifter benefits in all decisions of doubt made by the referee.
5. Stepping backward or forward or moving the feet laterally. Foot movement after the command "Down" is not a cause for failure.
6. Lowering the bar before receiving the Chief Referee's signal.
7. Allowing the bar to return to the platform without maintaining control with both hands, i.e. releasing the bar from the palms of the hands.
8. Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under the Rules of Performance.

Other penalties

• Illegal equipment (Section 3.12(f)): if a lifter appears on the platform wearing or using an illegal item, other than something inadvertently passed by the examining referees, the lifter is disqualified from the competition. Under Section 7(7)(b), if the lifter was wearing an illegal item that was passed in error and the lift was successful, the lift is rejected and a new attempt is granted at the end of the round.
• Time (Section 6.2(d)): failure to start the attempt within the one-minute allowance results in a "no lift".
• Leaving the platform (Section 6.3(8)): a lifter must leave the platform within 30 seconds of completing an attempt. Failure may result in disqualification of the attempt at the referees' discretion.
• Misconduct (Section 6.3(12), (13)): a lifter or coach whose misconduct is likely to discredit the sport is officially warned. If it continues, the Jury (or the Referees in its absence) may disqualify the lifter or coach and order them to leave the venue. The Jury and Referees may disqualify immediately by majority decision if the misconduct is serious enough.
• Appeals (Section 6.3(14), (15)): in international competition, appeals against referees' decisions must be made to the Jury immediately, lodged with the Jury Chairman by the team manager, coach or lifter. A complaint against a lifter or official of an opposing team must be accompanied by the sum of Euro 75 or its equivalent. The Jury's verdict is final.

Section 8: Safety Considerations

• Spotter/loaders (Sections 6.2(g), 4.1(6)): between two and five spotter/loaders must be on the platform at all times. They may help remove the bar from the racks and replace it, but may not touch the lifter or the bar during the actual attempt. The only exception is when the lift is in jeopardy and likely to result in injury, in which case they may step in at the request of the Chief Referee or the lifter and relieve the lifter of the bar.
• Safety racks (Section 2.6): attached safety stands must be used in all bench press events, and their height can be adjusted by the Jury for safety reasons (Section 4.2(9)).
• "Replace" command (Sections 4.1(2), 4.2(6)): for reasons of safety the lifter is asked to "Replace" the bar if they are not in the correct position to begin after five seconds.
• Medical (Sections 1(15), 6.3(11)): at all IPF events, the organizer must provide a qualified medical person on duty throughout the championships. If a lifter suffers injury or exhibits a condition that may significantly jeopardize their health, the official doctor has the right to examine them. If the doctor considers it inadvisable for the lifter to continue, they may, in consultation with the Jury, insist that the lifter retire from the competition.
• Blood and bodily fluids (Section 6.3(11)): a solution of one-part household bleach to 10 parts water is recommended to clean blood or tissue from the bar or platform.
• Lifter substances (Section 3.14): oil, grease or other lubricants on the body or equipment are forbidden. Adhesives on the underside of footwear are forbidden.
• Medical tape (Section 3.11): two layers of medical tape may be worn around the thumbs. Elsewhere on the body it needs permission from the Jury or Chief Referee, and it must not be used as an aid to the lifter in holding the bar.
• Equipment inspection (Section 3.12): a minimum of two referees inspect all personal equipment for each lifter before the lifter's category starts, and any item that is unclean or torn is rejected.
• Jewellery and hair (Sections 3.14(f), 6.3(9)): no part of a necklace or accessory may be placed in the mouth on the platform, and a referee may require a pendant to be secured under the T-shirt or removed if it creates a safety concern. Hair must be fixed so as not to interfere with the referees' ability to judge the lift.