Heats

Participants will be designated a heat according to their target weights. The heat will start with lighter weights and will progress through the heavier weights.

The 2 Lifts

The Snatch

The barbell is centred horizontally on the competition platform. The athlete takes the start position behind the barbell. The athlete grips the barbell and bends at the knees. The barbell is gripped, palms downward and pulled in a single movement from the platform to the full extent of both arms above the head, while either splitting or bending the legs. During this continuous movement upward the barbell should remain close to the body and may slide along the thighs. No part of the body other than the feet may touch the platform during the execution of the Snatch. The athlete may recover in his / her own time, either from a split or a squat position. The lifted weight must be maintained in the final motionless position, with both arms and legs fully extended and feet on the same line and parallel to the plane of the trunk and the barbell. The athlete waits for the Referees’ signal to replace the barbell on the competition platform. The Referees give the signal to lower the barbell as soon as the athlete becomes motionless in all parts of the body.

The Clean

The barbell is centred horizontally on the centre of the competition platform. The athlete takes the start position behind the barbell. The athlete grips the barbell and bends at the knees. The barbell is gripped, palm downward and pulled in a single movement from the platform to the shoulders, while either splitting or bending the legs. During this continuous movement upward the barbell should remain close to the body and the barbell may slide along the thighs. The barbell must not touch the chest before it stops at the final position either on the clavicles, chest or on fully bent arms. The athlete’s feet must return to the same line and the legs must be fully extended before starting the Jerk. No part of the body other than the feet may touch the platform during the execution of the Clean. The athlete may recover in his / her own time and must finish with the feet on the same line and parallel to the plane of the trunk and the barbell.

The Jerk

The athlete must become motionless with the knees fully extended before starting the Jerk. The athlete bends and dynamically extends the legs and arms simultaneously to move the barbell upward in one motion to the full extent of the arms, while either splitting or bending the legs. The athlete returns his / her feet to the same line parallel to the plane of the trunk and the barbell with his / her arms and legs fully extended. The athlete waits for the Referees’ signal to replace the barbell on the competition platform.

The Referees give the signal to lower the barbell as soon as the athlete becomes motionless in all parts of the body.

Before the Jerk, the athlete may adjust the position of the barbell for the following reasons:
a) to withdraw or “unhook” the thumbs
b) if breathing is impeded
c) if the barbell causes pain d) to change the width of the grip 

The barbell adjustments noted above are not considered to be an additional attempt at the Jerk.

General rules for all lifts 

1. The technique known as “hooking” is permitted. It consists of covering the thumb with the other fingers of the same hand at the moment of gripping the barbell.
2. In both lifts, the Referees must count as “No lift” any unfinished attempt in which the barbell has reached the height of the knees.
3. After the Referees’ signal to lower the barbell, the athlete must lower it in front of the body. The grip on the barbell must only be released when it has passed the level of the shoulders.
4. An athlete, who, for any reason, cannot fully extend the elbow(s), must report / display this fact to all on-duty Referees as well as the Jury prior to the start of competition and may remind them of this fact prior to the start of each lift when on the platform. This is the sole responsibility of the athlete. The Jury may call the Competition Doctor to examine it.
5. When snatching or cleaning in the squat style, the athlete may assist their recovery by swinging or rocking their body while in the squat position.
6. The use of chalk (magnesium carbonate) is permitted.
7. The use of grease, oil, water, talcum, cream or any other lubricant on the athlete’s thighs is forbidden. An athlete who uses forbidden lubricant(s) is ordered to remove it immediately. If during the removal, the clock is running for that athlete, the clock remains running.
8. It is the sole responsibility of the athlete to complete each lift in accordance with the IWF TCRR and to the satisfaction of the on-duty Technical Officials.

Incorrect movements

1. Incorrect Movements for All Lifts
2. Pulling from the hang, defined as: stopping the upward movement of the barbell during the pull.
3. Touching the platform with any part of the body other than the feet during the execution of the lift.
4. Pause during the extension of the arms.
5. Leaving the competition platform or touching the area outside the competition platform with any part of the body before the complete execution of the lift.
6. Touching the barbell with his / her footwear. If an athlete touches the barbell with his / her footwear before the attempt the Referees must press Red. If the barbell is touched after a successful attempt with his / her footwear the Referees decision will not be reversed, however the Jury will give a warning to the Athlete, if the Athlete repeats this action on a subsequent lift, the lift will be a No Lift.
7. Resting or placing the barbell on the chest at an intermediate point before its final position producing a “double clean”; often referred to as a “dirty clean”.
8. Touching the thighs or the knees with the elbows or the upper arms.
9. Any apparent effort to jerk which is not completed; including, lowering the body or bending the knees.
10. Any deliberate oscillation of the barbell to gain advantage. The athlete must become motionless before starting the Jerk.

Warm-up area

In preparation of the main lifts we will provide designated warm-up areas for athletes. These areas will be equipped with barbells, plates, collars, and other equipment necessary for warming up.