Abbreviated Rules for Pinnacle Performance Powerlifting

Unsanctioned!

No membership fees!

No politics!

Pinnacle Performance powerlifting entails the three common movements of the sport: 1) squat, 2) bench press, and 3) deadlift. In a full powerlifting meet, they must be taken in the same sequence. Categories are defined by sex, age, bodyweight, raw and/or equipped divisions, and movement. The raw division is allowed to use wraps up to 2.5 m and belt only, while the equipped division may also use up to two-ply gear.

Each competitor is allowed three attempts on each lift. The best attempt on each lift counts toward his or her total. Fourth attempts are allowed for record breaking attempts, only when the previous three lifts have been successful. If a lifter fails to make a single attempt, he or she will be disqualified from the competition.

Weight classes include:

Men’s Lightweight <181

Men’s Middleweight 182-242

Men’s Heavyweight 242+

Women’s Lightweight <148

Women’s Heavyweight 149+

Schwartz and Malone formulas will determine the top three places in the above weight classes, as well as Best Lifter, for both raw and equipped divisions. Individual Louisiana resident records will be recorded for the following weight classes and age categories:

Open Men 114 ½, 123 ½, 132 ¼, 148 ¼, 165 ¼, 181 ¼, 198 ¼, 220 ¼, 242 ½, 275 ½, 308 ¾, 341 ½, and 341 ½+

Master’s Men (40-49, 50-59, 60+) per Open Men weight classes

Open Women 97, 105 ¾, 114 ½, 123 ½, 132 ¼, 148 ¾, 165 ¼, 181 ¾, 198 ¼, 198 ¼+

Master’s Women (40-49, 50-59, 60+) per Open Women weight classes

The rounds system is used to conduct each flight of lifters. Each lifter takes his or her first attempt in the first round. The lifter takes his second and third attempt in the respective rounds, even if there were unsuccessful attempts in the previous round(s). If the lifter misses an attempt due to a misloaded bar or an error of a spotter, the meet director may grant the lifter another attempt at the same weight at the end of the current round. The weight on the bar must remain the same or be increasingly loaded during the rounds. The lifter is never allowed to take a lower attempt.

The weight on the bar determines lifting order. First attempts may be changed up to five minutes before the flight begins, but can only be changed once. Other attempts can be changed up until the time that a lifter’s name is called as being “in the hole.”

Rules for Squat

The lifter must stand erect with only a slight bend of the torso and knees locked at the start of the lift. The Head Official will give a verbal “start” command and motion his or her hand downward to begin the movement. Once the initial commands are given, the lifter’s feet may not move. The lifter must descend until the crease of the hip travels below a horizontal line at the top of the knee, then return to the start position. Double bouncing or any downward movement during the ascent is not allowed. Stopping is allowed if the movement resumes an upward ascent. At the end of the movement, the Head Official will give a verbal “rack” command and motion for the lifter to return to the rack, where the lifter must move forward to make a bonafide attempt at replacing the bar to the rack. He or she may not step backwards.

Rules for Bench Press

Spotters will give the lifter a weight at arms’ length, elbows locked. The Head Official will give a verbal “start” command to begin the movement. Once the initial command is given, a lifter’s shoulders and butt must remain in contact with the bench at all times. His or her feet are not allowed to move. The bar must descend until it touches the lifter’s chest/upper abdomen and make a visible pause in motion. The Head Official will then give a verbal “press” command. Double bouncing or any downward movement during the ascent is not allowed. Stopping is allowed if the movement resumes an upward ascent. Although there may be an uneven attempt, the arms must reach lockout at the same time. At the end of the movement, the Head Official will give a verbal “rack” command and motion for the lifter to return to the rack, where the lifter must make a bonafide attempt at replacing the bar to the rack with the spotter’s assistance.

Rules for Deadlift

A lifter can begin the deadlift at any time after the Head Official states that the “bar is loaded.” Once the initial movement begins, his or her feet are not allowed to move. The bar must ascend until the lifter stands erect with knees locked and chest up. Hitching or any downward movement during the ascent is not allowed. Stopping is allowed if the movement resumes an upward ascent. Upon reaching a vertical position, the Head Official will then give a verbal “down” command and motion his or her hand downward. The lifter must control the weight back to the platform.

Profanity is strictly prohibited.

Pinnacle Performance reserves the right to update rules at any time.