Coach responsibilities
This is a plain-English guide. The official IPF Technical Rules are the final word.
A coach helps their lifters do their best, encourages new people into the sport, and stays in charge in the team areas.
How many coaches
The number allowed in the warm-up area depends on how many lifters you have, from one coach for a single lifter up to a maximum of six. On the platform, only one coach per lifter is allowed near the stage, and during the lift only the lifter, spotters and referees are on the platform.
Coaches stay in the coaching area, within about 5 metres of the stage, where they can see the lift and signal to their lifter.
Dress code
At big events, coaches wear a team tracksuit or sport shorts with a team or IPF t-shirt. No hats, and no photos or filming in the competition area.
The head coach
The head coach makes sure each assistant is properly dressed and badged, that lifters bring the right documents to weigh-in, that all kit is checked, and that the team areas are left clean. They also make sure no children or family are in the warm-up area, and no alcohol.
Filming in warm-up
Filming lifts in the warm-up area is allowed and can be a useful coaching tool.
Anti-doping
Every coach must follow the IPF anti-doping rules and sign to confirm it. See anti-doping and clean sport.