rules to play weightlifting

In addition to the rubber bumpers, smaller competition iron plates can be used to add weight in small increments to the bar. The colour designations for these iron plates are as follows: 1kg is green, 1.5kg is yellow, 2kg is blue, 2.5kg is red, 5kg and 0.5kg are white. It is useful to note the colour assignment of these iron plates is consistent with the heavier bumper plates (i.e. 1kg and 10kg are green, 1.5kg and 15kg are yellow, etc.).

Weight plates are secured to the bar using collars on each sleeve that weigh exactly 2.5 kg each.

Lifters typically wear a one piece, close fitting leotard often called a singlet. The wearing of a t shirt underneath the singlet is optional.

A weightlifting belt of 120mm maximum width may also be worn to provide lower back support.

Chalk is regularly used by Olympic lifters, generally prior to each attempt at a lift. Lifters rub their hands with the chalk to promote dryness and prevent the bar moving in their hands. In addition to the hands, chalk can be applied to the neck, usually above the collarbone, which is a key point of contact for the bar during a clean and jerk.

Olympic lifters frequently use tape to cover the areas of their bodies exposed to friction while completing Olympic lifts. Tape is most commonly found on the Olympic lifters thumb. A taped thumb not only lessens the risk of calluses, it reduces the pain associated with the hook grip.Olympic lifters also tape their wrists, preventing exaggerated and uncomfortable joint movement during lifts. For particularly heavy overhead lifts, a taped wrist enables the lifter to regulate wrist extension and delimit the translation of the radius and ulna distal heads. However, while taped wrists can prevent wrist and forearm injuries in the short term, excessive use can lead to weakened connective tissue in the area, increasing the risk of pain and injury.

Perhaps the type of shoes worn by Olympic weightlifters is their most distinctive piece of equipment. Weightlifting shoes are typically designed with a raised heel of 0.5 to 1.5 and one or two metatarsal straps that tighten across the instep of the shoe. The raised heel helps the lifter maintain an upright torso while catching the bar and also allows for a deeper squat under the bar. The soles of the shoes are also quit rigid, helping to resist compression while under heavy loads. These firm soles also allow the even distribution of load onto the platform, thereby maximizing the lifters force. The shoes are designed for maximum stability while remaining flexible in the toebox. This allows the lifter to come up on their toes and catch the weight on the ball of their back foot during the jerk movement of their lift.

An electronic timing clock with countdown mode in increments of one (1) second must be used. The timing clock must be able to be set to any time up to fifteen (15) minutes.

A scoreboard must be set up in a prominent place in the FOP in order to record and display the progress and results of the specific category as it happens.

The records of the category contested must be displayed on the FOP. The information on the records must be available throughout the entire group and must be updated immediately when a new record is set.