How many referees are present during a powerlifting competition?

During a powerlifting competition, three referees are present to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the judging process. This triad of referees is essential for making decisions on various aspects of each lift, such as whether the lift meets the standards set by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) for technique and form. Having three referees allows for a majority decision on any contentious issues that may arise, providing a balanced and fair assessment of each performance. The presence of three referees helps to mitigate the risk of bias, as it requires a consensus for any decision, thereby enhancing the integrity of the competition.