Referee roles during competition
This is a plain-English guide. The official IPF Technical Rules are the final word.
The three referees do more than decide on lifts. They check the equipment, the weights and the lifters.
Before the competition
The referees check together that the platform and equipment meet the rules, the scales are accurate, every lifter weighed in correctly, and all kit has been checked. It is your job to get your kit checked, an unchecked item can cost you an attempt.
During the competition
They check the weight on the bar matches what the speaker announced, and that kit on the platform meets the rules. Before the squat and bench press, the two side referees raise their arms until you are set, so the chief referee knows you are ready.
Where they sit
Referees sit within about 4 metres of the platform, where they can see clearly. The chief referee must always be visible to you in the squat and deadlift.
Bar cleaning
The bar or platform can be cleaned at the chief referee's say-so. In the last round of the deadlift, the bar is cleaned before every attempt. Referees must stay impartial and not discuss the competition.