TECHNICAL NEWS BULLETIN NO 3 2007

World Records (Rewording)

The section entitled WORLD RECORDS in the Technical Rules has received some adjustment, mainly for the purpose of clarification.

We are sure that the Regions (IPF Geographical Areas) follow the same ruling as that referring to World Records, but to allay any mis-understanding the word INTERNATIONAL has been included, which should now confirm.

"One or Two" passages have also been either included or deleted which in no way has changed the rules but does make the article more understandable.

Incidentally, an International can be a competition between at least two separate nations contesting.

Records (0.5 kg increase)

If the attempted new record is divisible by 2.5 kg then a minimum of 0.5 kg increase is acceptable. e.g. current record 299.5kg the new record attempt bringing it to a round 300 kg. As increments of not less than 2.5 kg is the progression other than for a record, this anomaly has arisen and is likely to occur, perhaps even without the lifter's knowledge. Other than in these circumstances a minimum increase of 1 kg on the old record is the new rule. All records which have to be made within the three attempts on each lift (no more fourths) are now added to the total. Not as in the past, the lowest multiple of. 2.5 kg

Bench Press (Uneven Extension)

The rule which says - The lifter must then return the bar to arms length with no excessive/immoderate uneven extension of the arms - is somewhat ambiguous to say the least. Where do referees draw the line? Having observed this closely since the rule was introduced, replacing that which said, - - - - - then press upwards with an even extension of the arms - it is noticeable that the slightest sign of uneven extension will bring forth red lights followed by the raising of the blue card.

A suggestion that any uneven extension be accepted as long as no part of the bar descends during the process, presumably would oppose a law of physics which says that the end of the bar on the "lagging" arm must descend. It will be an agenda item for discussion in Denmark in May. A proposal to return the former rule was defeated by Congress in 2003.

Bench Press (New rules)

Since the introduction of the new rules - head on bench - feet flat no movement - signal at the chest, we have heard encouraging remarks that the lift may be returning to the purity that it once was, from those Nations that have already held championships this year.

Referees (World Championships)

Finding enough referees to officiate at World Events other than the combined Men's and Women's Open which is now generally over subscribed (56 referees making themselves available for the 2006 meet) is a problem that must be rectified. Some form of inducement maybe an encouragement e.g. accommodation and food for the duration of the championships provided by the organiser. One other option is to impose a penalty in the form of a reduction in the number of referees selected for the "assumed" premier event from Nations who enter many lifters in the other World competitions but fail to provide referees.

Many competing teams include referees who do receive funding on the same basis as their lifters. They are the lucky ones! Might I say that when I represented Great Britain in this capacity for almost twenty years no funding was available. This situation will also be discussed in May.

New Racks

A complete set of racks produced by METAL GYM of Finland and named (METAL VIKING POWERLIFTING RACK) have been approved by the Technical Committee and added to the IPF Approved List. They may be used at all International Competitions.

New Referees

Thanks to Referee Registrar Goran Gunnarsson who has forwarded the names of referees successful in passing the required International standard as from June of last year. This will be up-dated within the bulletin on a regular basis.

CATEGORY ONE

South Africa         Hannie Smith                06.09.2006

Sweden               Bengt Winbladh            07.11.2006

Finland                Kimmo Jouhki               08.11.2006

Bulgaria               Emil Ivanov                  10.11.2006

CATEGORY TWO

Sweden               Patrik Thur                    03.03.2007

France                 Beatrice Perrier            10.03.2007

France                 Jacques Perocheau      10.03.2007

Sweden               Joakim Lakso                17.03.2007 

Sweden               Patrik Bjork                   17.03.2007

Bench Safety Stands

Having received requests for designs in respect of the now mandatory safety stands which must be attached to the rack up-rights, the pictures shown here is one of those recommended by the Technical Committee, and the other which is not.

All manufacturers wishing to receive IPF Approval of their racks must now include safety stands of an approved standard.  There must be no shortcuts to safety!

Recommended

Not recommended

John Stephenson

Chairman IPF Technical Committee