What makes a good lift in para powerlifting?
B · Beginner · The lift · 3 of 3A good lift has four parts. Body position: shoulders, buttocks and extended legs stay on the bench, hands within 81 cm. Down: after the chief referee's start, the bar is lowered under control. Stop: it is held still on the chest, without sinking. Press: it goes up evenly to locked elbows, and is racked on the rack command.
How it works
- Position: shoulders, buttocks and legs on the bench.
- Grip: thumbs round the bar; no reverse grip.
- Hand spacing: within 81 cm.
- Start: the chief referee's call and arm down.
- Down: controlled lowering.
- Stop: still on the chest.
- Press: even, to locked elbows.
- Rack: only on the command.
The glossary has the good lift, the body position (para powerlifting), the start and rack commands, the Bar Stop System, the spotter loaders and the referees (para powerlifting).
Tricky cases
The Bar Stop System makes no sound. Did the bar stop?
No.
Can the lifter wriggle on the bench before the start?
Yes, if the start position does not change.
Do spotters touch the bar?
Only to help take or rack it, or if asked.
Can a side referee stop the start?
They raise an arm if the position is wrong.
Why the rule exists
The stop on the chest proves the athlete pressed the weight from dead still, not bounced it. The commands make the start and finish clear.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Body position | Turquoise | 23.1 |
| Down and stop | Blue and orange | 23.1 |
| Press | Purple | 23.1 |
From the rule book
World Para Powerlifting, Rules and Regulations 2025, version 1 (1 May 2025), rules 10.4, 22 and 23.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WPPO Rules and Regulations 2025.