Belt – Must not exceed 10 cm. in width and the maximum thickness will be no more than 13 mm; the lifting belt must be outside the singlet.  

Wrist Wraps - Must not exceed one meter in length and 8 cm. in width.  Thumb loop is okay.  No adhesive wraps of any kind may be used.  Wrist wraps cannot be on the palm where they would come in contact with the bar.  

SINGLETS must be worn and may not be excessively loose.  Any singlet that sags excessively will cause a lift to be automatically disqualified.  Shorts cannot be worn over the singlet.  Straps need to be up.  State, National, or World Records cannot be set without a singlet.  Spandex is allowed under singlets (but not for dead lift.)

Equipment will be checked again by a platform judge immediately after setting a world record; if the lifter has any illegal gear or unauthorized support (such as tape on hands, arms, wrists, legs, or chest) the record will be forfeited.

T-shirts cannot be worn under a bench shirt; however, a sports bra for women is okay.  If you are lifting “raw” then a T-shirt may be worn under the singlet. 

Elbow sleeves, pads, and wraps are not allowed.

Caps and any head covering are allowed.

No reverse grip is allowed

No “stickem spray” is allowed on the bench or on the lifting attire

The belt must be worn outside the singlet.

 Specifications for bench: The steel support that the pads sits on can be no higher than 15½ inches from the floor and the pad can be no higher than 3½ inches and can not be excessively soft; therefore, the maximum height from pad to floor is 19 inches.

Belt – Must not exceed 10 cm. In width and the maximum thickness will be no more than 13 mm. 

Knee Wraps – not to exceed 2 meters (6’ 6”) in length and 8 cm (3”) in width.  A knee wrap shall not extend beyond 15 cm (6”) above or below the center of the knee joint for a maximum of 30 cm (approximately 12 “) in both directions.  Alternately, an elasticized kneecap supporter not exceeding 20 cm. (8”) in length may be worn.  A combination of the two is NOT ALLOWED. 

Shoes – any type of non-cleat shoes are allowed, including dead lift slippers.  However, thongs or open-air slippers are not allowed. 

Wrist Wraps – not to exceed one meter in length and 8 cm. in width.  No adhesive tape of any kind may be used.

Equipment will be checked again by a platform judge immediately after setting a world record; if the lifter has any illegal gear or unauthorized support (such as tape on hands, arms, wrists, legs, or chest) the record will be forfeited.

Caps and any head covering are allowed.  

Dead lift suits may be pulled up, but not rolled up

Personal spotters are allowed, however THEY MUST GET OUT OF THE HEAD JUDGES LINE OF VISION OR THE LIFT MAY BE TURNED DOWN.

In other federations the signal to begin is given.  WABDL does not give a signal to begin.  The lifter takes the handoff and lowers the bar to his chest.  The head referee will say “Press” and then the lifter presses to lockout. When the referee says, “Rack it”, the lifter puts the weight back into the rack. The spotter can’t have his hands on the bar during the descent to the chest and he must get out of the way so the judges can view the lift.  The personal spotter can’t yell excessively at his lifter so as to distract the head judge.

The “suicide grip” is NOT ALLOWED UNLESS A LEGAL WAIVER IS SIGNED BEFORE THE CONTEST.

Once the bar is loaded, a lifter has a maximum time of seventy seconds to lie down and grab the bar and take it out of the rack.  (A lifter who is on the platform or just sitting on the bench does not meet this qualification; (s)he must being lying down and taking the bar out of the rack within this time frame.)

In a flight of fourth attempts where there are FIVE or fewer lifters, the flight will not start until THREE minutes after the bar is loaded for the first attempt of that flight.

No one will be allowed on the stage or lifting platform other than the lifter, the three judges, the spotter-loaders, the lifter’s hand-off person, and the official photographer during the performance of the lift.

The toes can’t rise, but the heel can rise.  However, once the heel is in the raised position, it must stay in that position throughout the lift.  If a lifter elects to start with feet flat, the feet must remain flat throughout the lift.  Excessive movement of the feet is cause for disqualification.

If the butt comes off the bench after the signal to press is given.

The head may be up or down.  A lift will not be denied for any movement of the head.

Uneven extension – It’s okay if the bar is crooked at the start, as long as there is a smooth lockout without a distinct left-arm, right-arm lockout. 

Excessive sinking or heaving – once the signal is given to press, the bar cannot sink into the chest.

Ratcheting on the ascent: i.e., left arm pushes up, then the right arm, then the left, etc.

Double dipping – The bar has to continue upwards in one smooth motion.  Double dipping, which is the only way the bar can come down other than wavering back and forth on the bench with extremely heavy poundage, is described as either one elbow or both elbows collapsing causing the bar to drop and then go back up.  Wavering due to heavy poundage is not a reason to disqualify the lift.  In wavering, one side of the bar or the other may dip down but the elbow doesn’t collapse.   Both arms have 
to be moving together, not right then left.  Sometimes in double dipping, it’s just one arm involved.

Not waiting for the signal to rack the bar.

Beating the audible signal to press.

The spotter-loader doesn’t release the bar before the descent begins and/or doesn’t get out of the way The bar hitting the uprights is okay as long as it bounces off and doesn’t slide up the uprights or go back down.

The feet cannot be touching any part of the bench apparatus.

Hand spacing – exceeding a maximum of 32 inches or 81 centimeters; REGARDLESS OF THE GRIP, THE INDEX FINGER HAS TO ABUT THE OUTSIDE OF THE  RING.  It does not have to cover, the ring.  "Abut" means next to - not a half inch outside of the ring.

Un-sportsman-like behavior – for example, disrespectful comments to the judges, swearing, throwing the bar or weights intentionally.  The head judge will give ONE warning before disqualifying the lifter.

The lifter will raise the bar in a continual upward motion.  Shoulders need to be erect, not thrust back and the knees need to be locked.  Then the head referee will give the lifter the down signal.

Once the bar is loaded, a lifter has a maximum time of seventy seconds to grab the bar and clear the floor.  

In a flight of fourth attempts where there are FIVE or fewer lifters, the flight will not start until three minutes after the bar is loaded for the first attempt of that flight.  

Any downward movement during the lift

Failure to stand erect and achieve your normal walking posture 

Failure to lock the knees 

Supporting of the bar on the thighs during the performance of the lift.  (If your back is straight in the vertical position and thighs are bent, it’s thigh support.) 

Stepping backward or forward. 

Lowering the bar before receiving the head referee’s signal, which is a downward motion of his/her hand and the audible signal “down” 

Allowing the bar to return to the platform after the signal without maintaining control with both hands (Both hands have to be gripping the bar all the way to the floor)  Losing your grip is okay, but throwing the bar down in disgust or jubilation will cause the lift to be turned down

Using water on the thighs 

Hitching – slight stop-and-go movements 

Any jerking of the bar, which causes the weight to leave the floor unintentionally while “psyching up” for an attempt is an attempt. 

Non-sportsman-like behavior – for example, disrespectful comments to the judges, swearing, throwing the bar or weights intentionally.  The head judge will give ONE warning before disqualifying the lifter.

Bench Press Class I Men: Any male lifter who has lifted less than the following in any and all sanctioned 
contests: 105–242#, 114–275#, 123– 308#, 132 –336#, 148–369#, 165–391#, 181–418#, 198–435#, 220–451#, 242– 473#, 259– 485#, 275–501#, 308– 523#523#, SHW–540#

Any lifter can challenge another lifter to take a drug test as long as that lifters is in his/her division.  The lifter who challenges another  lifter must also be tested, and (s)he has to pay for both tests.  Tests are $98.50 each. 

WABDL will pay for drug tests at all meets.

Names of lifters who fail drug tests will not be publicized.  However, if a lifter fails a drug test, (s)he automatically will lose any record (s)he may have set in the contest and will be suspended for one year.  The next contest the lifter enters, (s)he will be automatically tested again.  
If two drug tests in a row are failed, (s)he will be suspended for life.  WABDL will suspend any lifter who fails another federation’s drug test if the name is published.

A lifter will need to stay in the drug-testing room until a urine sample is collected, regardless of the length of time it takes.  

Changing Attempts – A lifter may change an attempt on the first and second attempts once before the flight begins, but not after the flight begins.  On a third attempt, a lifter may change an attempt once before the flight begins.  On the third attempt, one change may be made after the flight begins as long as the lifter is at least four attempts from being on the platform.  In other words, an “in-the-hole,” an “on-deck,” or lifter who is “up” may not change his/her attempt. 

A lifter has 90 seconds to report his/her next attempt to the scorekeeper.  If a lifter exceeds this deadline, (s)he will forfeit the attempt.  

A lifter may not drop down in weight if an attempt is missed, nor may (s)he use chips unless going for a record. 

World Record Attempts – These may be done at any WABDL meet as long as there are two World Judges and one National Judge officiating.  Established World Records may be broken by ¼ kilo or 1.1 pounds on any attempt.  The first person to set a record becomes the record holder, and any lifter who follows must exceed the record by ¼ OR ½ kilo (or 1.1 OR 2.2 pounds) to set a new record.  On first or second attempts, lifts can’t be changed after the flight 
begins.  A lifter may change his/her attempt once after the third flight begins as long as (s)he is not an “in-the-hole,” an “on-deck,” or the lifter who is “up.”  

As of January 1, 2004, World Records can only be set with the following conditions: a certified kilo barbell set is used for the meet; a certified scale slip is sent to the president within one week of the meet; two world judges and one national judge are on the platform judging the world record attempt.   

A world judge must be in the head chair at all times during a meet where world records are set.

4th Attempts – A lifter is granted a 4th attempt for a World, National or State record if either the 2nd or 3rd attempt is successful and that attempt was within 16 kilos or 35.2 pounds of the record.  THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS EVEN IF THE LIFTER IS THE CURRENT RECORD HOLDER.  If by mistake a lifter is given a fourth attempt when (s)he doesn’t have one coming, the record will not stand.

The ¼ kilo chips and the ½ kilo chips (1.1 or 2.2 pounds) will only be allowed for setting state, national, or world records.

State Record Attempts – a 4th attempt for a state record is not allowed at the World Championships, but it is allowed at all other meets. 

A lifter who lifts as a guest lifter in a WABDL-sanctioned meet, may NOT set records or place in the 
contest.

Any lifter competing in a WABDL-sanctioned meet must have a current WABDL membership card.  Currently, the cost is $30 for adults and $20 for teens effective April 3, 2006.  Applications may be obtained from the website (www.wabdl.org), from Powerlifting USA, from the secretary, or from Gus Rethwisch.  Effective December 1, 2001, ALL WABDL CARD FEES MUST BE SENT TO Gus Rethwisch, P.O. Box 27499, Golden Valley, MN 55427 and not to meet directors.   Cards may be purchased at the meet, but the lifter should retain one copy of the application form as a receipt.   Please send a check or money order, not cash.

Lifters who withdraw from a competition ten days or less from the contest date will have their fees applied to the next competitive WABDL meet promoted by the same meet director in which they choose to compete; refunds are given only eleven (11) or more days before a contest.

At world competition, a lifter must compete in the weight class in which (s)he qualified; if the lifter cannot make weight, (s)he may go UP a weight class before the weight-change dead line, but NOT DOWN.  IF A LIFTER DOESN’T MAKE WEIGHT AT WORLDS AND IF THERE IS NO ONE  ELSE IN THE NEXT HIGHER WEIGHT CLASS, THE LIFTER MAY BE ALLOWED TO LIFT AND SET RECORDS.  IF A LIFTER DOESN’T MAKE WEIGHT AND THERE ARE OTHER LIFTERS IN THE NEXT HIGHER WEIGHT 
CLASS, A LIFTER MAY LIFT BUT WILL NOT PLACE AND MAY NOT RECEIVE RECORDS OR A TROPHY.

At a world competition, all lifters are responsible for their own entry blank.  Fill it out carefully and be sure to put down the correct weight and division.  A lifter must also know what the opening attempt(s) will be when coming to weigh-ins.  Lifters, who say their coach, gym or spouse sent in their entry and it hasn’t been received, will not be able to lift.  If an entry is lost in the mail, a very remote possibility, the issue will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

All decisions by the judges are final.  Camcorder or instant replay is not allowed in order to override a decision by the judges.  Every lifter has a right to question all judges about a call.  If a judge gives the wrong interpretation of a rule, then the head judge or the meet director may overrule the decision.

The official weigh-in period for a WABDL meet is not to exceed six-hours. Weigh-ins must take place the afternoon or evening before the lifting competition, not two or more days before.  A lifter may NOT lift in one division and then be re-weighed to lift in a second division or weight class lifting the same day.  However, if a lifter is entered in two different divisions, (s)he has the option of lifting a second time in the second division.  In that case, lifts from the first division WILL NOT carry over to the second division.

AT WORLD COMPETITION, a lifter may lift in two different divisions and in two different weight classes, as long as those divisions are scheduled to lift on different days and as long as the lifter re-weighs at the scheduled time for the second division.

Beginning in 2006, the Teen Men and Teen Women divisions will be divided as follows: Teen Men and Women: 12-13 and Teen Men and Women: 14-15, and Teen Men and Women: 16-19.  Teen lifters ages 12-15 will only be allowed to lift in the teen division. No person under the age of twelve (12) may lift in a WABDL-sanctioned meet unless (s)he will turn 12 during the current calendar year.  Teens, ages 12-15 may only lift in the teen divisions.

Weigh-ins must be done on a scale certified within the previous six months and be conducted by an approved, qualified WABDL representative.  

A lifter may have three attempts maximum to make weight for a competition.  If (s)he does not make weight, (s)he may lift and set records in the new weight category, but may receive no trophy at the competition.  THE EXCEPTION IS AT WORLD COMPETITION. IF A LIFTER DOESN’T MAKE WEIGHT AT WORLDS AND IF THERE IS NO ONE ELSE IN THE NEXT HIGHER WEIGHT CLASS, THE LIFTER MAY BE 
ALLOWED TO LIFT AND SET RECORDS.  IF A LIFTER DOESN’T MAKE WEIGHT AND THERE ARE OTHER LIFTERS IN THE NEXT HIGHER WEIGHT CLASS, A LIFTER MAY LIFT, BUT WILL NOT PLACE and MAY NOT RECEIVE RECORDS. 

All gear must be brought to the weigh-ins.  Please Note: A lifter’s equipment will be checked again by a platform judge immediately after setting a world record; if a lifter has any illegal gear or unauthorized support (such as tape on arms, wrists, legs, or chest) the record will be forfeited. 

Lifters must give opening lifts to the weigh-in room staff at the time of weigh-in.  If a coach hasn’t given the lifter the openers, the lifter will need to wait before weighing in.  

ALL LIFTERS MUST TAKE OFF THEIR SHOES AND JACKETS .  THE MAXIMUM A LIFTER CAN WEAR IS SOCKS, PANTS, AND T-SHIRT.  A LIFTER MUST STRIP TO THE WAIST IF (S)HE IS WEARING A LONG SLEEVED SHIRT, SWEATSHIRT, ETC.  LIFTERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO EMPTY THEIR POCKETS OF KEYS, COINS, ETC.  ALL HEAVY JEWELRY MUST BE REMOVED.

The schedule of events on the entry form and/or in the program are only estimates of the time schedule.  This may vary due to any number of factors (no shows, speed of a flight etc.)  Lifters are responsible for checking the progress of flights, and no lifter will be allowed to lift out-of-order unless it is something beyond the lifter’s control, such as an airline flight problem or a mistake by staff.

Any company selling weight lifting apparel that meets the requirements of the World Association of Benchers and Dead Lifters (WABDL) and that wants its apparel sanctioned by this federation must pay a one-time $2500 licensing fee.

Once a contestant has lifted more IN ANY SANCTIONED MEET than the weight stated in Class 1 Men for either bench press or dead lift, he may no longer lift in the Class 1 division in the meet type (bench press or dead lift) in which he exceeded the limit.  If the lifter qualified in Class 1 and lifted more than the stated weight, he may attend world competition, but he must lift in another division rather than in Class 1 Men.  For example, a lifter may still qualify to lift in Class 1 bench if he hasn’t exceeded that limit even though he exceeded the limit in Class 1 dead lift; however, he would have to lift in a different division for dead lift once that limit had been surpassed.

A lifter may NOT qualify for a WABDL World competition at any meet which is non-sanctioned or at any meet where a kilo set is not used. AT WORLDS ONLY, there will be a two week window in either direction for a lifter to change division due to a birthday.  For example, if a lifter qualified in Master 40-46 or Master Women 40-46, but turns 47 either two weeks before or two weeks after the world competition, (s)he has the option of going 40-46 or 47-53.  At all other meets, A lifter must lift in the division appropriate for the lifter’s age on the day of the contest.

NO MEET DIRECTOR MAY LIFT IN HIS/HER MEET.  

THERE WILL BE NO GUEST LIFTERS AT WABDL-SANCTIONED MEETS.

A LIFTER HAS THE RIGHT TO REQUEST THAT A JUDGE OR JUDGES EXPLAIN WHY A LIFT WAS NOT GOOD.  OBVIOUSLY, BOTH THE LIFTER AND THE JUDGE(S) NEED(S) TO KEEP THIS EXCHANGE BRIEF AND POLITE.

A LIFTER MUST BE 16 OR OLDER TO ENTER ANY DIVISIONS OTHER THAN TEEN DIVISIONS.

WABDL LIFTERS ARE FREE TO LIFT IN ANY OTHER FEDERATION.