Can a para powerlifter challenge a no lift?
I · Intermediate · The lift · 2 of 2Three referees judge each lift: two or three white lights make it good, two or three red a no lift, with failed parts shown by colour. Starting early, bouncing, not stopping, pressing unevenly or racking early fail. An athlete may challenge their own no lift with a 100 euro card within one minute; only a unanimous video review overturns it.
How it works
- Referees: chief and two side referees.
- Good: two or three white.
- No lift: two or three red.
- Colours: show the failed sequence.
- Common faults: early start, bounce, no stop, uneven press.
- Challenge: own no lift only.
- Cost: 100 euro card, within one minute.
- Overturned: only if all three reviewers agree.
The glossary has the no lift, the referees (para powerlifting), the lift challenge, the errors on the field of play, the Bar Stop System and the start and rack commands.
Tricky cases
The challenge succeeds. Is the fee lost?
No. The card and fee are returned.
A spotter touches the bar during the lift. What happens?
An error; the lift is repeated with three minutes.
Can a lifter challenge another lifter's good lift?
No. Only their own no lift.
Is the review outcome open to protest?
No. It is final.
Why the rule exists
Three judges reduce single-judge error. The challenge fee stops lifters challenging every call.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Referees | Majority decides | 23.3 |
| Challenge | Unanimous review | 24 |
| Field errors | Repeat with three minutes | 25 |
From the rule book
World Para Powerlifting, Rules and Regulations 2025, version 1 (1 May 2025), rules 23.2, 23.3, 24 and 25. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WPPO Rules and Regulations 2025.