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.