Weightlifting: assignment of sports categories and titles

Types of ranks and titles, from what age

Titles and categories in weightlifting are awarded to athletes for fulfilling the norms and requirements of the Unified All-Russian Sports Classification.

Sports titles and sports categories are assigned to athletes according to age groups:

• no upper age limit - men, women;
• with an upper age limit - juniors and juniors, boys and girls, boys and girls.

The minimum age for an athlete to receive a rank is 10 years.

Sports titles in weightlifting:

• Master of Sports of Russia of international class - from 15 years old;
• Master of Sports of Russia - from the age of 14.

Sports categories in weightlifting:

• Candidate for Master of Sports - from 13 years of age;
• first sports category - from 12 years old;
• second sports category - from 12 years old;
• third sports category - from 12 years old;
• first youth sports category - from 10 years old;
• second youth sports category - from 10 years old;
• third youth sports category - from 10 years old.

Deadlift Standards

The technique of performing a deadlift in powerlifting is quite close to a regular deadlift with a barbell. The method of performing the exercise is “sumo” or classic deadlift, the width of the legs or grip is at the discretion of the athlete. The shoulders should go beyond the plane of the bar; the downward movement of the barbell during shoulder abduction does not count as a double movement. However, supporting the barbell with your thighs or using straps is not permitted.

From the judges' point of view, any lifting of the barbell or any conscious attempt to lift it is considered a deadlift. Once the lift has begun, no downward movement of the barbell is allowed until the lifter reaches a vertical position with knees straight.

• WPC and AWPC Deadlift Standard Tables (pdf)

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The standards for powerlifting given in the material (and for individual exercises - bench press, barbell squats and deadlifts) are relevant for 2022. Please note that the information is for informational purposes only—before taking part in the competition, it is strongly recommended to obtain standards from the organizing committee.

Validity period and by whom assigned

After two years, the athlete confirms the rank or receives a higher one, having fulfilled the established standards and requirements.

How to get a title and rank in sports

To obtain a rank or title in weightlifting, you must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Take part in competitions and physical education events in motor sports included in the Unified Calendar Plan of interregional, all-Russian, international physical education and sports events.
2. Fulfill the standards for the sport “weightlifting” specified in the requirements of the EVSK. The norm for assigning a sports title or sports category contains indicators in accordance with which the qualifications of an athlete are determined.

When assigning a title and sports category, the following are taken into account:

• competition status;
• athlete's age;
• sports discipline;
• occupied place in competitions.

After successful competitions, a package of documents is collected to make a decision on assigning the appropriate category or title to the athlete.

Squat standards

Powerlifting squats are also different from bodybuilding barbell squats. First of all, the position of the barbell on the back is strictly regulated - although the width of the legs is at the discretion of the athlete. During IPF competitions, the start of the exercise and the return of the barbell to the racks after its completion is carried out only at the command of the judge.

T-shirts and overalls with a varying number of layers (1, 2 or 3 layers), as well as bandages 2 or 2.5 meters long, depending on the powerlifting federation, are allowed as equipment.

• IPA Squat Guidelines (pdf)

Sports disciplines

Sports disciplines in accordance with the All-Russian Register of Sports:

• weight categories - biathlon: 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 40, 41, 45, 49, 55, 59, 61, 64, 67, 71, 73, 76, 81, 81+, 87, 87+, 89 , 96, 102, 102+, 109, 109+;
• weight categories - snatch: 40, 45, 49, 55, 59, 61, 64, 67, 71, 73, 76, 81, 81+, 87, 87+, 89, 96, 102, 102+, 109, 109+ ;
• weight categories - clean and jerk: 40, 45, 49, 55, 59, 61, 64, 67, 71, 73, 76, 81, 81+, 87, 87+, 89, 96, 102, 102+, 109, 109+ .

Weight categories

Competitions are held in the following weight categories and the following sequence:

• men and juniors: 55, 61, 67, 73, 81, 89, 96, 102, 109, 109 + kg;
• boys 17 and 18 years old: 49, 55, 61, 67, 73, 81, 89, 96, 102, 102 + kg;
• boys 13 years old and 15 years old: 49, 55, 61, 67, 73, 81, 89, 96, 102, 102 + kg;
• boys 10 years old and 12 years old: 33, 35, 37, 41, 45, 49, 55, 61, 67, 67 + kg;
• women, juniors: 45, 49, 55, 59, 64, 71, 76, 81, 87, 87 + kg;
• girls under 17 and 18 years old: 40, 45, 49, 55, 59, 64, 71, 76, 81, 81 + kg;
• girls 13 years old and 15 years old: 40, 45, 49, 55, 59, 64, 71, 76, 81, 81 + kg;
• girls 10 years old and 12 years old: 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 40, 45, 49, 55, 55 + kg.

Weight categories for men and women approved by the IWF

• 10 men's weight categories: 55 kg, 61 kg, 67 kg, 73 kg, 81 kg, 89 kg, 96 kg, 102 kg, 109 kg, 109+ kg.
• 10 weight categories for boys: 49 kg, 55 kg, 61 kg, 67 kg, 73 kg, 81 kg, 89 kg, 96 kg, 102 kg, 102+ kg.
• 10 women's weight categories: 45 kg, 49 kg, 55 kg, 59 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 76 kg, 81 kg, 87 kg, 87+ kg.
• 10 weight categories for girls: 40 kg, 45 kg, 49 kg, 55 kg, 59 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 76 kg, 81 kg, 81+ kg.

Olympic weight categories for men and women

• 7 men's weight categories: 61 kg, 67 kg, 73 kg, 81 kg, 96 kg, 109 kg, 109+ kg.
• 7 women's weight categories: 49 kg, 55 kg, 59 kg, 64 kg, 76 kg, 87 kg, 87+ kg.

Rank standards for women

Nature of the competition

In individual competitions, the results (points) and places are counted for each athlete.

The winner of the competition is determined by the heaviest weight lifted in:

• jerk;
• push;
• biathlon.

The team classification among the constituent entities of the Russian Federation is calculated separately among men and women according to the amount of points awarded to athletes for their place in each exercise and combined event, subject to the fulfillment of qualification requirements.

Points are awarded to athletes competing in the team competition among the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. In the event of a tie in points, advantage is given to the team with higher placed athletes in the program.

Bench press standards

The bench press technique in powerlifting is significantly different from the bench press technique in bodybuilding. In order to meet the standards and squeeze the greatest weight, the triceps, anterior deltoid muscles and latissimus dorsi muscles are tensed - while the role of the pectoral muscles is reduced. Depending on the athlete's physique and the length of his arms, different grip widths are used.

Another important difference between the bench press in powerlifting is the presence of a characteristic back arch (“bridge”) - during normal strength training, the lower back should be pressed against the bench. The reason for such modifications is the need to work with extremely heavy weight. Each powerlifter refines the mechanics of the exercise, ensuring both maximum strength output and safety of the joints and ligaments.