What happens if a lifter fails to follow the referee’s commands during their lift?

In powerlifting, adherence to the referee's commands is essential for the lift to be considered valid. Each lift is subject to specific commands that indicate when the lifter should initiate and complete their movement. If a lifter fails to follow these commands, such as not waiting for the "start" command or prematurely lowering the bar before receiving the "rack" signal, it contravenes the protocols established for fair competition.

This structured approach ensures that all lifters are operating under the same conditions and that the lifts are performed in a safe and regulated manner. Therefore, if a lifter does not comply with the referee's commands during their lift, the lift is automatically invalidated and will not count toward their total score. Such a ruling reinforces the importance of discipline and respect for the competition rules within the sport.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the process established by the International Powerlifting Federation. A lift cannot be considered valid if the commands are not followed, nor is it appropriate to assign a zero score automatically without taking into account the nature of the infraction. Additionally, disqualification for safety reasons, while possible, is typically reserved for severe and repeated violations or unsafe behavior, rather than simply failing to follow commands during a single