Officials' roles and responsibilities
This is a plain-English guide. The official IPF Technical Rules are the final word.
A team of officials keeps the competition moving and fair.
Speaker
The MC. Calls each lifter and weight, arranges the order, and keeps the day on track. When the speaker calls you, the clock starts.
Technical secretary
Prepares the score sheets, kit-check sheets, rack-height sheets and weigh-in order, and advises referees on procedure.
Timekeeper
Runs the one-minute clock. It starts when the bar is announced ready and stops when you start your attempt. If you do not start in a minute, the attempt is lost.
Marshals
Collect your next weight from you or your coach and pass it to the speaker.
Scorers
Record every attempt and result, and get the referees to sign the official sheets at the end.
Spotters and loaders
Load the bar, set up the bench, and keep you safe. Between two and five are on the platform. They help you take the bar out and put it back, but not during the lift, unless a lift is in danger.
Technical controller
Checks each lifter is who the speaker announced, and is dressed correctly, before going on the platform.