Robert Keller
IPF Cat 1 Referee
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International Powerlifting Federation - Technical News
Dear colleagues;
I would like to first begin this technical newsletter, by congratulating the following USAPL members for passing their IPF Category I examinations. Each person has worked long and hard to receive their credentials. No easy task at all. The examination is rigorous and demanding, which each can attest to. These individuals are;
Dr. Larry Maile
William "Bill" Clayton
Al Siegel
Ruth Welding
Lucian Gilles
Secondly, quite a few national level referees have inquired about testing for their IPF Category II referees card. Currently, the internal guidelines and process within the USAPL of 'qualifying' national referees for consideration as a Category II referee is being re-evaluated and reviewed by Bill Clayton, USAPL Referee Chairman, Dr. Larry Maile, and myself. Information pertaining to this matter will be forthcoming. Any questions, or concerns, please contact Bill Clayton.
Thirdly, there has, again, been lengthy discussion on the USAPL "unofficial" Powerlifting Forum, regarding the use of footwear that a lifter can or cannot wear on the platform at local and state level championships. As an IPF Technical Committee member, it is my strong recommendation that lifters should follow the IPF rules and guidelines regarding footwear, whether you are at the local or international level. I understand for the need for flexibly in particular cases as they arise; however, in this case, lifters should follow the IPF rules. Please refer to the recent article that was published in Powerlines regarding this matter. The URL is as follows:
http://www.usapowerlifting.com/newsletter/13/features/features.html
Finally, the following items are important updates provided to me from John Stephenson, the IPF Technical Secretary, concerning the rules, and other related matters involving the practical aspects of the sport. As such, I would like to pass them your way. Please take the time to read the material that I have provided below - Thank you for your assistance!
They are:
Head movement (Bench Press)
"The letter of the rule says you cannot move your head once the lift has started. If a decision has been made saying that you can, the rule needs to physical change in the rule book". So says a gentleman on his Powerlifting Website. Then, he quotes from the rule book:-
1) The lifter must lie on his back which shoulder and buttocks in contact with the bench surface:
a. Mention of the head was purposely deleted from the old rule in this respect. The only reference in the new January 2001 Rule Book is that the head must be over and above the bench.
b. In the rule interpretation - Bench Press 2.
i. This body position shall be maintained throughout the lift. Referring to the "Torso" shoulders to buttocks.
c. Failure card 3
i. Any change in the elected lift proper, i.e. any raising of the shoulders, buttocks or feet from their original points of contact with the bench or floor or lateral movement of the hands on the bar. Slight or very minor foot movement is allowed.
d. THE HEAD MAY MOVE (be raised) BEFORE OR AT ANY TIME DURING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LIFT.
Marathon
The licensing fees not having been paid; all MARATHON lifting apparel is illegal as from 1st January 2004.
Mobile Telephones
I knew it had to come. A referee answering his mobile phone while on platform. Heaven forbid!! Mobiles must be switched off while on platform. This applies equally to the Jury.
IPF Referee Re-registration (Criteria)
Referee registrar Goran Gunnarsson has informed the Committee that some referees re-newing their credentials for 2004-2007 are unable to meet the criteria as laid down, in as much as they have not officiated at four "Open" National Championships within the last four years but have officiated at Junior or Master Nationals. The T.C. Membership are in agreement that the word "Open" should be deleted from the rule, and that all Nationals - Full Meets, will be taken into account. It will be added to the list of proposals to Congress 2004. In the meantime Goran is accepting (for re-registration) all referees who have completed at least any four Full Nationals in the last four year period.
Pre-Contest referee briefing
Due to the fact that at many Championships it is difficult to organize a "proper" referee's meeting, e.g. Referees housed at different hotels and many not showing up until later in the meet, a complete " running order " (from selection to the signing of the recorder's sheet) has been published on the IPF Website and may be loaded down for reference.
Rules Interpretations
Some small up-dates and adjustments have been made to the Rules Interpretation. These can also be found within the pages of the IPF Web Site.
"Club" rules
The Committee recently received a passionate plea from a lifter who is keen to compete under IPF rules, but unfortunately due to religious considerations cannot fully comply with the rules on lifting apparel. We sympathize with this gentleman and have made an effort to accommodate him, but - He understands that one cannot be in a club and not accept its rules! To set a precedent in his case would open the door to many factions.
Proposals (Rules Congress 2004)
Details of the proposals already received and accepted as beneficial to our sport, will be published in forthcoming T.C. News Letters for the consideration of delegates to Congress - Capetown, RSA in November. We welcome further proposals from member nations National Secretaries that the Technical Committee may discuss and possibly add to the list. We suggest that the 31st July be the closing date, giving us ample time to publish, and delegates to digest -- John Stephenson, Chairman - IPF Technical Committee
As always, if there are any comments or questions, please let me know.
Sincere regards,
Robert Keller
IPF Category I Referee
IPF Technical Committee
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