What color card is issued for failing to lock the elbows on a bench press?

In powerlifting, each color card signifies a different type of infraction, and understanding these can help clarify what issues referees are looking for during a lift. A failure to lock the elbows during a bench press is a specific technical violation.

In the context of bench pressing, the rule requires that the lifter's elbows be fully locked out at the top of the lift before the lift is considered successful. If the elbows are not fully extended, it suggests that the lift was performed improperly, which is why a colored card is issued as a form of caution and to signify the error.

The blue card is designated for this particular infraction. This system allows referees to communicate the nature of the fault to the lifter and other officials clearly. In contrast, other cards represent different infractions such as a red card for disqualification of the lift, which occurs for more severe violations like not following the commands of the referee or improper equipment usage.

Understanding the specific color associated with elbow locking failures helps competitors and officials maintain clarity and consistency in judging lifts.