What is the role of the chief referee at a powerlifting meet?

The role of the chief referee at a powerlifting meet is crucial as they are responsible for overseeing the entire event and making final decisions on the validity of lifts. The chief referee ensures that all competition rules and regulations are followed, maintaining the integrity of the competition. This individual has the authority to determine if a lift is successful or fails based on the criteria set forth by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).

The chief referee typically leads the team of referees who assist in judging the lifts and may also be involved in coordinating the competition schedule. This includes managing conflicts or disputes that may arise if a lifter or coach questions a lift’s ruling. The other choices do not accurately capture the full scope of responsibilities held by the chief referee; for instance, supporting lifters or coaching them falls outside the official duties, which focus primarily on adjudicating the competition.