When and how are weightlifters weighed?
I · Intermediate · Categories and the weigh-in · 6 of 7The weigh-in for each group begins two hours before its competition starts and is allowed at least an hour. Lifters are called in start-number order and weighed on an official electronic scale. A lifter outside the category limits may come back as often as needed within the time to make the weight.
How it works
- When: in the rule book read, two hours before the competition for that group starts, with a minimum of 60 minutes allowed.
- Order: lifters are called one at a time by start number. A lifter not present when called is weighed at the end.
- Who is in the room: two technical officials of the same sex as the group, and one coach or chaperone of the same sex if wanted.
- Identification: photographic identification must be shown.
- In the category: a lifter within the limits is weighed only once.
- Outside the category: a lifter under or over may return as many times as necessary within the time, without waiting for their turn in the order.
- Opening attempts: the lifter or coach submits the first snatch and first clean and jerk at the weigh-in.
- The scale: electronic, weighing up to 200 kg, precise to 10 grams.
- Afterwards: the list of bodyweights and openers is made available to everyone concerned.
Tricky cases
A lifter is 300 grams over with 20 minutes of the weigh-in left. What can they do?
Try again. A lifter may return to the scale as many times as necessary before the weigh-in period ends.
What happens to a lifter who cannot make the weight?
In the British rule book they may compete only as a guest at national events, or be moved to another category at club events at the organiser's discretion. Under international rules they are generally understood to be out of the competition, which needs checking against the IWF rules.
Can a lifter be too light for their category?
Yes. The rule speaks of a lifter who is "under or over" the entered category.
Does the lifter choose their opening weights before or after seeing the scales?
At the weigh-in itself. They can still be changed later, and each change counts against the two allowed.
Why the rule exists
Two hours leaves enough time to eat and drink after weighing in but not enough to regain many kilograms, which keeps lifters close to their true competing weight.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The rule book read | As above | BWL 6.4; BWL 3.3.4 |
| British events | Lifters are weighed in their lifting costume and 250 grams is deducted. International weigh-ins are generally understood to be without clothing or in underwear | BWL 6.4.14; C |
| British club events | Later groups may weigh in at any time that ends at least one hour before lifting | BWL 6.4.2 |
From the rule book
British Weight Lifting Technical and Competition Rules and Regulations (updated 22 July 2026), rules 3.3.4, 6.4 and 6.5. 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).