The purpose of a high school program is to introduce high school athletes to the sport of powerlifting, teach them the proper techniques and training methods, and to give them an opportunity to test their skills in a competitive format.

We would like the students to compete in a safe, fair, and equitable manner. OPA referees keep the competition safe and fair and applying specifics regarding equipment and allowable attire maintains an equitable platform.

Several school districts across the province are offering programs and competitions so it seems that a standard set of rules may be appropriate so that we can end with an annual provincial championship.

All IPF Technical Rules (except those specifically listed herein) will be used.

IPF Technical Rules

Reasons for failing a lift

General

All lifters registered in high school at the time of the competition will be eligible to enter high school competitions.

All lifters will compete in the same age category.

Weight classes

Lifters will compete in 9 weight classes corresponding to IPF wight classes.

Men
	53.0 kg class – up to 53.0 kg
	59.0 kg class – from 53.01 kg up to 59.0 kg
	66.0 kg class – from 59.01 kg up to 66.0 kg
	74.0 kg class – from 66.01 kg up to 74.0 kg
	83.0 kg class – from 74.01 kg up to 83.0 kg
	93.0 kg class – from 83.01 kg up to 93.0 kg
	105.0 kg class – from 93.01 kg up to 105.0 kg
	120.0 kg class – from 105.01 kg up to 120.0 kg
	120.0 + kg class – from 105.01 kg up to unlimited
Women
	43.0 kg class – up to 43.0 kg
	47.0 kg class – from 43.01 kg up to 47.0 kg
	52.0 kg class – from 47.01 kg up to 52.0 kg
	57.0 kg class – from 52.01 kg up to 57.0 kg
	63.0 kg class – from 57.01 kg up to 63.0 kg
	69.0 kg class – from 63.01 kg up to 69.0 kg
	76.0 kg class – from 69.01 kg up to 76.0 kg
	84.0 kg class – from 76.01 kg up to 84.0 kg
	84.0 + kg class – from 84.01 kg up to unlimited

Lifting classifications

Lifters will only compete in the Classic classification similar to the IPF classification.

Knee sleeves are not allowed.

Supportive personal equipment (squat suits, bench press shirts, deadlift suits, and knee wraps) are strictly prohibited.

Equipment and Procedures

All scales, platforms, bars, discs, collars, racks, and benches must conform to IPF standards.

All lifts, rules of performance, and causes (reasons) for disqualification (failure) will be as in IPF Technical Rules.

All procedural systems (the round system, lights, clocks, timing requirements, loading errors, and referee signals) will be as in IPF Technical Rules.

Personal Attire

General

All lifters mist wear either a non-supportive suit (singlet) with a t-shirt or a pair of shorts with a t-shirt for all lifts in competition.

Female Muslim lifters shall be allowed to wear a long sleeve t-shirt and tight fitting, non-supportive leggings under their suit or shorts to cover their arms and legs.

Non-Muslim female lifters are not allowed to lift in leggings, they must wear shorts.

Female Muslim lifters may wear a Hijab (head scarf) while lifting.

Non-supportive Suits

A non-supportive suit may be worn for all lifts in competition. The suit straps must be worn over the lifter’s shoulders at all times in all lifts in competition.

The non-supportive lifting suit must conform to the following specifications:

The suit shall be one-piece and form fitting without any looseness when worn.
The suit must be constructed entirely of fabric or a synthetic textile material, such that no support is given to the lifter by the suit in the execution of any lift.
The suit’s material shall be of a single thickness, other than a second thickness of material of up to 12 cm x 24 cm allowed in the area of the crotch.
There must be legs to the suit, extending a minimum of 3 cm and a maximum of 25 cm, from the top of the crotch down the inside of the leg, as measured when worn by the lifter in a standing position.
The suit may bear the logos or emblems:
- of the manufacturer of the suit
- of the lifter’s name
- of the lifter’s club/school of individual sponsor.

Shorts

A pair of shorts may be worn for all lifts in competition.

Standard gym shorts may be worn but the leg must not extend past the knee when worn by the lifter in a standing position.

Shorts must not be rolled up at the waist in a manner that provides extra support.

The shorts (other than standard gym shorts) must conform to the following specifications:

The shorts shall be one-piece and form fitting without any looseness when worn.
The shorts must be constructed entirely of fabric or a synthetic textile material, such that no support is given to the lifter by the shorts in the execution of the lift.
There must be legs to the shorts, extending a minimum of 3 cm and a maximum of 25 cm, from the top of the crotch down the inside of the leg, as measured when worn by the lifter in a standing position. The leg of the shorts must not extend past the knee when worn by the lifter in a standing position.

T-Shirts

A t-shirt must be worn under the lifting suit by all lifters in the Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift.

A t-shirt must be worn by all lifters when wearing shorts in the Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift.

The t-shirt must be worn tucked into the shorts for all lifts in competition.

The t-shirt must conform to the following specifications:

The t-shirt must be constructed entirely of fabric or a synthetic textile and shall not consist, in whole of part, of any rubberized or similar stretch material (ie. no UnderArmour), nor have any reinforced seams or pockets, buttons, zippers or be of other than a round neck collar.
The t-shirt must have sleeves. Those sleeves must terminate below the lifter’s deltoid and must not extend onto or below the lifter’s elbow. The sleeves may not be pushed or rolled up onto the deltoid when the lifter is competing.
The t-shirt may be plain ie. of a single colour and with no logos or emblems, or may bear the logo or emblem:
- of the lifter’s name
- of the event in which the lifter is competing
- of the lifter’s club/school or individual sponsor.

Briefs

A standard commercial “athletic supporter” or standard commercial briefs (not boxer shorts) of any mixture of cotton, nylon, or polyester shall be worn under the lifting suit or shorts.

Women may also wear a commercial or sports bra.

Swimming trunks or any garment consisting of rubberized or similar stretch material except in the waistband, shall not be worn under the lifting suit or shorts.

Any supportive undergarment is not legal for use.

Socks

Socks may be worn.

They may be of any colour and may have manufacturer’s logos.
They shall not be of such length that they come into contact with knee sleeves. (c) Full length stockings, tights, or hose are strictly forbidden.

Knee length socks must be worn to cover and protect the shins while performing the Deadlift.

Belts

Competitors may wear a belt.

If worn, it shall be on the outside of the lifting suit or shorts.

Belts must conform to IPF standards.

Belts must conform to the following specifications:

Materials and Construction:

The main body shall be made of leather, vinyl, or other similar non-stretch material in one or more laminations which may be glued and/or stitched together.
It shall not have additional padding, bracing, or supports of any material either on the surface or concealed within the laminations of the belt.
Belts with Velcro fasteners shall not be allowed.
The buckle shall be attached at one end of the belt by means of studs and/or stitching.
The belt may have a buckle with one or two prongs or “quick release” type (“quick release” referring to lever).
A tongue loop shall be attached close to the buckle by means of studs and/or stitching.
The belt may be plain ie. of a single or two or more colours and with no logos, or may bear the logo or emblem:
- of the lifter’s name
- of the lifter’s club/school or individual sponsor.

Dimensions:

Width of the belt – maximum 10 cm
Thickness of the belt – maximum 13 mm along the main length
Inside width of the buckle – maximum 11 cm
Outside width of the buckle – maximum 13 cm
Tongue loop width – maximum 5 cm
Distance between the end of the belt and the far end of the tongue loop – maximum 25 cm

Shoes or Boots

Shoes or boots shall be worn.

Shoes shall be taken to include only indoor sports shoes/boots; weightlifting/powerlifting boots or deadlift slippers. The above is referring to indoor sports e.g. wrestling/basketball. Hiking boots do not fall into this category.
No part of the underside shall be higher than 5 cm
The underside must be flat ie. no projections, irregularities, or a doctoring from the standard design.
Loose inner soles that are not part of the manufactured shoe shall be limited to 1 cm thickness.

Wrist Wraps

Wrist wraps must conform to IPF standards.

A wrist covering shall not extend beyond 10 cm above and 2 cm below the centre of the wrist joint, and shall not exceed a width of 12 cm.

Standard commercial sweatbands may be worn, not exceeding 12 cm in width. A combination of wrist wraps and sweatbands is not allowed.

Knee Sleeves

Are not allowed to be worn.

Thumbs

Two layers of medical tape may be worn around the thumbs. These must be shown to the Chief Referee prior to lifting.

Inspection of Personal Equipment

In High School lifting competitions, the lifter shall present all items of Personal Attire to the referees conducting the weigh-in for their class, during that weigh-in. Any items not meeting the specifications of the Technical Rules, or considered by the referees to be unclean or torn shall be rejected at that point and the lifter shall have the option of re-submitting alternative items.

During the conduct of the competition the Technical Controller shall also examine items of personal equipment worn by lifters in the warm up or preparation areas and shall reject any items not meeting the specifications of the Technical Rules.

Should a lifter go onto the lifting platform and/or perform a competitive lift wearing an item of personal equipment not meeting the specifications of the Technical Rules, the referees shall proceed according to IPF rule “Referees “ 6(d).

Underwear will not be checked. Referees may at weigh-ins ask lifters about the style of their underwear to ensure that it meets specifications.

Weigh-ins

High school lifters must wear their competition suit and t-shirt or competition shorts and t-shirt when being weighed in.

The Rule of 2 applies. A second adult must be in attendance with the weigh-in referee whenever an athlete is being weighed in.

Scoring

Any lifter who does not complete a successful lift in any discipline will be allowed to complete the event. No total shall be recorded for that lifter and no award given.

Records

Lifters will be eligible to set records at the Ontario High School Provincial Championships.

Rankings will be maintained for each of the 3 lifts and a 3 lift total for all competitions.

Records will be maintained on the OPA web site.

Athlete Identification

Lifters will be required to provide proof of identity.

A valid high school student ID card will be acceptable identification.

Coach (teacher) from each lifter’s school may confirm each lifter’s identity and eligibility.

Drug Testing

High school athletes are currently exempt from drug testing.

Appendix

At the equipment check conducted during the weigh-in period the referees will officially inspect the following items of personal attire:

non-supportive suits (singlets)
shorts
t-shirts
socks
belts
shoes and/or boots
wrist wraps

Underwear will not be checked.