What should referees observe during a lift?

Referees in powerlifting have a crucial role in ensuring that all lifts are performed in accordance with established rules and regulations, as outlined by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). This involves a comprehensive observation of the lifter's technique and adherence to the specific standards set for each lift, whether it be the squat, bench press, or deadlift.

During a lift, referees must focus on several key aspects. They need to evaluate whether the lifter has properly executed the lift according to the technical rules, such as the positioning of the feet, the completion of the motion, and whether any part of the lifter's body has lost contact with the lifting platform. This vigilant observation is essential to determine if the lift is valid and if it should receive a "white light" (a successful attempt) from the referees.

Focusing solely on the lifter's expressions, the reactions of the spectators, or the lifter's previous performance does not align with the primary responsibility of the referees. Their main task is to uphold the integrity and fairness of the competition by assessing each lift against the technical standards, making sure that all lifters are held to the same criteria regardless of any external factors or previous results. This ensures that every