What happens if the wrong weight is put on the bar?
A · Advanced · Attempts, order and the clock · 2 of 4If the bar is loaded lighter than the lifter asked, the lifter may accept a successful lift at the weight really lifted or refuse it and take the attempt again. If it is loaded heavier, a successful lift may be kept. A failed one is replayed automatically at the weight requested.
How it works
| The bar was | The lift was | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Lighter than requested | Successful | The lifter may accept it at the weight on the bar (if that was a multiple of 1 kg) or refuse it and take an additional attempt at the weight requested |
| Heavier than requested | Successful | The lifter may accept it, if the bar was a multiple of 1 kg |
| Heavier than requested | Unsuccessful, or not a multiple of 1 kg | An additional attempt at the weight requested is granted automatically |
Other grounds for an additional attempt, decided by the jury:
- the bar was not equally loaded;
- the platform was damaged or the barbell came apart during the lift;
- there was an incursion or other outside interference;
- the speaker made a serious error in announcing the lifter's name or the calling order that led to a no lift.
Loading: the heaviest discs go on first and lighter ones in descending order towards the outside, so that the referees and jury can read the weight of each disc. The referees check that the bar matches the weight announced.
Tricky cases
The bar was 5 kg too heavy and the lifter made it. Must they take the heavier result?
No. The lifter "may" accept it. The result recorded then is the weight that was on the bar.
One side of the bar had an extra disc and the lifter missed. Do they get the attempt back?
Yes. If a lift is failed because the bar is not equally loaded, the jury must grant an additional attempt.
A spectator runs on to the stage during a lift, which fails. Is the attempt lost?
No. Outside interference is a ground for an additional attempt.
Why the rule exists
A lifter trains for months to lift an exact number. An error by the loaders must not cost an attempt, and a lift made with more than was asked for is still a lift that the lifter did.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The rule book read | As above | BWL 6.6.2; BWL 7.4.11; BWL 7.4.12 |
| Events without a jury | The rule book read gives these powers to the jury and does not say who acts in its absence | BWL 7.4 |
From the rule book
British Weight Lifting Technical and Competition Rules and Regulations (updated 22 July 2026), rules 3.3.3, 6.6.2, 7.4.11, 7.4.12 and 7.5.5. A national rule book that follows the IWF rules. The IWF document itself was not read. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: BWL Technical and Competition Rules and Regulations 2026 (PDF).