Editing Powerlifting (section)

=== Bench press ===
With the lifter resting on the bench, the lifter takes the loaded bar at arm's length. At the discretion of the referee's signal, the lifter lowers the bar to the chest. When the bar becomes motionless on the chest, the referee gives a press command. Then the referee will call 'rack' and the lift is completed as the weight is returned to the rack.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacques |first=Heather |date=2022-11-01 |title=Powerlifting Rules & Commands for Squat, Bench & Deadlift |url=https://liftvault.com/resources/powerlifting-commands/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=Lift Vault |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Padilla |first=Sebastian |title=Possible Reasons for Red Lights in Powerlifting |url=https://www.socalpowerlifting.net/post/possible-reasons-for-red-lights-in-powerlifting |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=SoCal Powerlifting}}</ref>

The bench equipment will be placed on the platform with the head facing the front or angled up to 45 degrees. The head referee will be positioned on the head side of the bench press discipline.<ref name=":11">{{Cite journal |date=January 23, 2024 |title=IPF Technical Rules Book 2024 |url=https://www.powerlifting.sport/fileadmin/ipf/data/rules/technical-rules/english/IPF_Technical_Rules_Book_2024_24_Jan.pdf |journal=International Powerlifting Federation |pages=21}}</ref>

To achieve firm footing, a lifter of any height may use discs or blocks to build up the surface of the platform. Whichever method is chosen, the shoes must be in a solid contact with the surface.<ref name=":11" />

A lift off may be used by the discretion of the lifter to arm's length. A designated spotter, having provided a centre lift off, must immediately clear the area in front of the head referee. If the personal spotter does not immediately leave the platform area and/or is in any way which impedes the head referees' responsibilities, the referees may determine that the lift is unacceptable, and be declared "no lift" by the referees and given three red lights.<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite journal |title=WPC Official Rule Book 2016 Edition |url=https://worldpowerliftingcongress.com/wp-content/uploads/rules/WPC_Rule_book_Official.pdf |journal=World Powerlifting Congress |pages=8}}</ref>

==== Causes for disqualification ====
*Failure to observe the referee's signals at the commencement or completion of the lift.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |date=January 23, 2024 |title=IPF Technical Rules Book 2024 |url=https://www.powerlifting.sport/fileadmin/ipf/data/rules/technical-rules/english/IPF_Technical_Rules_Book_2024_24_Jan.pdf |journal=International Powerlifting Federation |pages=12}}</ref>
*Any change in the elected position such as shoulders, glutes, and head after the 'start' and before the 'rack' command.<ref name=":8" />
*Allowing the bar to sink into the chest after receiving the referee's signal.<ref name=":8" />
*Pronounced uneven extension of the arms during or at the completion of the lift.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Move United Para Powerlifting Rulebook 2023 |url=https://moveunitedsport.org/app/uploads/2023/02/2023-Move-United-Para-Powerlifting-Rules.pdf |journal=Move United |pages=6}}</ref>
*Any downward motion of the bar during the course of being pressed out.<ref name=":10">{{Cite journal |date=January 23, 2024 |title=IPF Technical Rules Book 2024 |url=https://www.powerlifting.sport/fileadmin/ipf/data/rules/technical-rules/english/IPF_Technical_Rules_Book_2024_24_Jan.pdf |journal=International Powerlifting Federation |pages=11}}</ref>
*Contact with the bar by the spotters between the referee's signals.<ref name=":8" />
*Any contact of the lifter's shoes with the bench or its supports.<ref name=":8" />
*Deliberate contact between the bar and the bar rest uprights during the lift to assist the completion of the press.<ref name=":8" />
*Failure to lower both elbow joints to the level with or below the top surface of both shoulder joints.<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |date=January 23, 2024 |title=IPF Technical Rules Book 2024 |url=https://www.powerlifting.sport/fileadmin/ipf/data/rules/technical-rules/english/IPF_Technical_Rules_Book_2024_24_Jan.pdf |journal=International Powerlifting Federation |pages=10}}</ref>