John Stephenson
IPF TC Chairman
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IPF TECHNICAL COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER
See Also a Features Page on Rule Change Proposals
FOOT PLACEMENT IN THE BENCH PRESS
It would appear that the relaxed rule, which was brought about because of the injustices by referees failing lifters for not having their feet perfectly flat on the floor or even when the shape of the shoe could bring forth red lights, has been taken to exaggeration / excess by some lifters.
In our "interpretation" we wrote - The sole and heel or part thereof of the sole and heel must stay in contact with the platform or blocks.
The photo shows only the welt/rim of the shoe in contact and in my humble opinion, the lifter should not have received the "start" signal or redlighted if it occurred during the course of the lift.
AGE CATEGORIES
Once again we are in receipt of questions in respect to age categories, Junior and Sub Junior. The most recent - can a Sub Junior who is 18 prior to the Sub Junior Championships then have a 19th birthday prior to the Junior Championships (in between) lift in both?
No. It is the calendar year in which the birth date comes about. Only the Queen of England has two birthdays a year.
Perhaps it is the translation from the English which is confusing?
KNEE SLEEVES (MEDICAL/SURGICAL)
It has been brought to our notice that some contradiction may be read into the rules pertaining to Athlete/Weightlifter type knee sleeves. Only wraps of one ply commercially woven elastic, covered with polyester, cotton or a combination of both or medical crepe are permitted.
RATCHET BELT (REJECTION)
The belt manufactured by Bruce Levenson and sent to us for approval for use in IPF recognized meets was rejected by both the T.C. and the E.C. The grounds for the rejection is the danger the lifter may experience in the release mechanism. Examining referees are asked not to accept this belt at gear check!
TITAN SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
Pete Alinez, MD of the above company, has informed us that the support shirt which gained approval for use in IPF sanctioned competitions is to be traded as "Titan Fury". It has been added to the approved list.
JUNIOR AND SUB JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Starting in 2004, Junior and Sub Junior competitions will be held together. This is referring to World Championships. Apparently insufficient lifters are entering the Sub Juniors not making it financially viable.
It must be noted that this was a discussion subject at the recent E.C. meeting and confirmation has not been received by the T.C.
20 KG DISCS
Our opinion has been asked in respect of the use of 20 kg plates as the maximum to be used at the forthcoming Women's European Championships to be held in Finland.
The question asked is it within the rules? The answer is yes. The only rule in regard to configuration is that the heaviest disc be loaded first!
Apparently the Finns have used this method successfully in the past, finding the procedure quicker and less tiring for the spotters/loaders. Personally I fully endorse their initiative.
A little bit of simple arithmetic will determine that the Finnish LEOKO IPF approved bar will cope with 265 kg made up of 20 kg discs.
Amount of bar from outside of inner collars = 41 cm. Removable collar and legal handhold for spotters = 16 cm. Therefore, 25 cm space for discs. The average thickness of a disc is4 cm. 6 x 4 cm = 24 cm.
Six 20 kg plates x 2 is 240 kg plus bar = 265 kg
BENCH PRESS COPETITIONS - DISABLED COMPETITORS
At the recent Women's World Open Championships held in Reisa, Germany, the Executive Committee of the IPF held a meeting. One of the subjects on the agenda was IPF rules for disabled clarification.
A recommendation to the Technical Committee for the following changes to accommodate disabled competing in non-disabled competitions. Athletes must be able to walk to the apparatus (e.g. bench) but may be assisted. This is consistent with sight-impaired athletes who may be led to the bar.
It had been brought to the attention of the IPF that they may be in breech of humanitarian rights and discriminatory towards the disabled lifters competing in non-disabled bench press competitions by not allowing lifters to be assisted to and from the bench.
Obviously, the blind or sight-impaired lifters need guidance/assistance. Therefore, it is felt that impaired mobility lifters should receive equality in this respect. We, the Technical Committee, feel that this is a common sense issue and may or may not need Congress approval.
Perhaps, unless we hear contrary to the recommendation and bona fide objection, the wording in the second sentence of rules for the disabled competing in IPF single lift Bench Press Championships could read - "Disabled lifters may be aided in walking to and from the bench."
Further to the above, it has been mentioned that the disabled may require further assistance, e.g. sticks, crutches. For this Congress approval must be sought.
INZER ADVANCED DESIGNS
Peter Thorne of Inzer has submitted a new Support shirt for approval.
This soft back shirt complies with all the IPF technical specification and is approved for use in IPF competitions from 1st. August, 2002.
The new bench shirt is call the PHENOM and has been added to the Approved List
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