South Carolina Strength Coaches Association
Rules and Minimum Qualifying Standards for State Strength Meet
(revised January 2005)
|
Below 130 Pounds* |
130 |
195 |
18” |
5.40 |
|
131 To 145 Pounds* |
145 |
220 |
18” |
5.40 |
|
146 To 160 Pounds* |
160 |
240 |
18” |
5.40 |
|
161 To 170 Pounds* |
170 |
255 |
18” |
5.40 |
|
171 To 180 Pounds* |
180 |
270 |
18” |
5.50 |
|
181 To 190 Pounds* |
190 |
285 |
18” |
5.60 |
|
191 To 205 Pounds* |
205 |
305 |
18” |
5.70 |
|
206 To 220 Pounds* |
220 |
330 |
18” |
5.80 |
|
221 To 235 Pounds* |
235 |
350 |
16” |
5.90 |
| 236 To 260 Pounds* | 260 |
375 |
16" |
6.00 |
|
UNLIMITED |
265 |
400 |
15" |
6.10 |
*Athletes are permitted a two pound weight gain between region and state meets.
GENERAL COSTUME(added 1/04)
No lifter at any time of the competition shall wear jewelry on any part of the body to include but not limited to earrings, nose rings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc. This includes the popular trend of wearing rubber bands as jewelry.
Lifters are not permitted to wear headwear or a head covering including but not limited to do-rags, hats, bandanas, headbands, etc. during the competition. Competition is defined as the time an athlete enters the facility (weigh-ins) through closing ceremonies. Any competitor in violation of either of the above rules can and will be disqualified by the judge(s).
1. The athlete must represent a school that is a member in good standing of the South Carolina High School League.
2. All eligibility requirements are in effect at both the Region and State levels.
3. All athletes must have a valid physical to compete.
4. All athletes must have medical insurance to compete.
5. All athletes must have parental permission to compete.
6. Eligibility is determined by the individual athlete’s coach.
7. The athlete should be in good standing with the school and the coach.
8. The athlete must be enrolled in a minimum of the 7th grade and a maximum of the 12th grade.
9. All athletes must have a coach present to compete.
10. Age requirements:
Athletes below the age of 13 may not compete.
Athletes who have attained the age of 19 prior to August 1st of the present school year may not compete.
The athlete’s coach is responsible for determining acceptable age.
11. Academic Eligibility may be required by the Governing Body at a later date if competition becomes a fully sanctioned sport by the South Carolina High School League. There are no academic requirements at this time other than those imposed by coaches at individual schools.
Qualifying for State Competition
1. The top three (3) finishers in each weight class of a region meet will qualify for competition at the All- State Strength Meet.
2. It is the responsibility of the director of each region to make sure that each of the top three finishers of a class have met the minimum qualifying standards as stated above.
3. Region Directors are responsible for forwarding results of their region meet to the State Director.
4. Qualifying of At-Large competitors for the All-State Strength Meet:
a. In addition to the top three finishers of each class, who automatically qualify for the State competition, each Region Director will be responsible for forwarding finishing results for the fourth place finisher, in each class, to the Director of the State Meet.
b. The forwarded results should include the lifter’s body weight, his 40 time, vertical jump, and totals from the bench and squat competition.
c. At-Large competitors in the State Meet will be chosen from these fourth place finishers.
d. Using the established scoring system, the Director of the State Meet, will rank order, for each class, all fourth place finishers nominated by Region Directors to determine At-Large Competitors.
e. It will be the responsibility of the Director of the State Meet to fill any openings using the resulting rank order of fourth place region finishers to determine at-large qualifiers for the State Meet.
f. The number of At-Large berths for each weight class will be determined by the number of openings available after the 10 Region Competitions.
g. The maximum number of competitors per class is limited to 30 at the State Meet.
1. Athletes must declare opening lifts in bench and squat at weigh-in
2. Competition will be done in weight classes
3. Weigh-ins must take place in the confines of the dressing area out of the sight of spectators
4. Athletes may wear only shorts and t-shirts to weigh in. Athletes may wear less to weigh in but not more. No shoes, sweats, or hats may be worn
5. Athletes will compete in the next highest weight class above their weight. EXAMPLE: Athlete weighs 169 pounds, competes at 170.
6. All athletes should meet minimum standards in their weight class to compete in the state meet. This is the responsibility of each individual’s strength coach
7. At weigh-in the lifter must declare an opening attempt. It may be changed to another weight (higher or lower) before competition begins. Judges will notify athletes at lifting stations of the last opportunity to change weights before competition begins at that station. No weights may be changed by the athletes, coaches, or judges after the beginning of the first round of competition through the completion of the second round.
8. The athlete’s opening lift at the region level may be below the minimum qualifying standard for the state meet. However, at some time during the meet, either on the second or third attempt, the athlete must attempt to meet the minimum qualifying standard.
9. Opening lifts in the state competition must begin at or above the minimum qualifying standard with no exceptions.
10. All weigh-ins will be done by a region director. Decisions are final. However, athletes may weigh-in a second time if failing to make designated weight with permission of the meet director and before all other weigh-ins are completed or before the beginning of the first event.
11. All lifters will compete in the weight class determined by their weight at the final weigh-in. Weigh-ins will be determined to the nearest quarter pound at the Region Meets and to the nearest tenth at the State Meet to avoid ties.
12. Athletes must compete in the state meet in the weight class they qualified in the region meet. Athletes may not drop a weight class, nor may they compete in a higher weight class. If an athlete cannot make weight in the class the qualified for in the region meet, he will be disqualified for the state meet.
13. Athletes are permitted a two (2) pound weight gain between the region qualifying meet and the state meet.
14. Ties in the strength events will be determined by the lifters body weight. If two lifters have the same total, the lighter man wins.
15. Ties in the vertical jump and 40 will also be determined by body weight, if the two athletes are tied, the heaviest athlete wins.
16. If there is a tie on the final point total, the decision will go to the lighter of the two athletes since there are three strength categories and only two agility categories.
1. Once an athlete is called to the rack, he is allowed two minutes to perform his lift. Time limits are enforced to the discretion of each situations judge.
2. Touch and go style
3. Lifter must control the bar in the up position before being given the command to lift. The spotter may assist the lifter to the control position.
4. Attempt begins on the downward descent of the bar. Attempt ends when the bar is properly replaced on the rack.
5. Lifter must maintain control at all times. If the bar is touched by the spotter or if the bar touches the rack during an attempt, the lift is disqualified.
6. Slow and controlled descent at the judges discretion
7. No excessive bounce at the judges discretion.
8. A locking grip with the thumb securely wrapped around the bar must be used in competition. Open grips are forbidden.
9. Feet must maintain contact with the floor during attempt and may not slide form their original position.
10. Tail must maintain in contact with the bench during attempt
11. Lifter’s arms must lock at the same time. No excessive uneven extension at the judge’s discretion
12. Lifter must rack the bar only on the judge’s command. To rack the bar before the “rack” command will result in the lift being disqualified.
13. Ammonia and other inhalants are banned from use in the region and state weightlifting meets.
14. Approval must be received from the meet director if prescribed medicines are being used during the region or state weightlifting meets
15. Best lift of three attempts taken counts
16. So there will be no question over the legality of the lift, coaches should have all athletes practice the lift in the described manner
17. At weigh-in the lifter must declare an opening attempt. It may be changed to another weight (higher or lower) before competition begins. Judges will notify athletes at lifting stations of the last opportunity to change weights before competition begins at that station. NO weights may be changed by the athletes, coaches, or judges after the beginning of the first round of competition through the completion of the second round.
18. The lifter may change declared weight at any time, during the third round only, prior to his “on deck” call. The lifter may only increase the previously declared weight.
19. The athlete’s opening lift at the region level may be below the minimum qualifying standard for the state meet. However, at some time during the meet, either on the second or third attempt, the athlete must attempt to meet the minimum qualifying standard.
20. Opening lifts in the state competition must begin at or above the minimum qualifying standard with no exceptions
21. The lifter is responsible for providing his own spotters
22. The lifter is responsible for the correct weight on the bar
23. No repeat attempts will be allowed unless the judges and/or the executive committee feel it is necessary due to interference. There is a two minute time limit to repeat the lift.
24. Disqualification of the lift must occur during the time of the lift.
25. Rules are subject to the interpretation of the Grievance Committee made up of the Board of Directors.
26. Any willing violation of the rules by an athlete or a coach can result in disqualification from the meet.
1. Costume Rules:
a) wrist may be wrapped. Elbows may not be wrapped. Double wrapping of joins is not allowed, each individual joint may be wrapped only once. Wrappings on the wrist may not include the thumb or palm.
b) Bench press shirts may not be used. Lifters are required to compete in a shirt of some kind
c) Shoes must be worn. Shoes are subject to the approval of the judge
d) Shorts must conform to the body and may not sag to disguise lifter arch from the judge of the event
e) Padding the chest area either inside or out of the lifters shirt is not allowed
f) Lifter may wear a lifting belt but this is to the discretion of the lifter and his coach
g) Lifting gloves may not be worn
h) The lifter must be properly attired to the judges discretion
i) Failure by the lifter to comply to the preceding rules will result in disqualification after one warning
2. Equipment rules
a) Standard bar must weigh 45 pounds
b) All weight discs must be calibrated in pounds, not kilos
c) Collars must be used during each attempt
1. These two lifts will be conducted on the “round method”
2. There will be three rounds
3. Lifters must declare opening attempts at weigh-in
4. Lifters declared lifts will be placed in order from lowest weight to the highest weight
5. All athletes will the lift in that order
6. The weight on the bar cannot be lowered while a round is in progress
7. Athletes will declare their attempt for the second round immediately after completing their first round attempt
8. At the end of the first round declared attempts for the second round will again be placed in order from the lowest declared attempt
9. Athletes will declare their attempt for the third round immediately after completing their second round attempt
10. At the end of the second round declared attempts for the third round will again be placed in order from the lowest weight to the highest weight and the bar dropped to the lowest declared attempt.
11. At weigh-in the lifter must declare an opening attempt. It may be changed to another weight (higher or lower) before competition begins. Judges will notify athletes at the lifting stations of the last opportunity to change weights before competition begins at that station. No weights may be changed by the athletes, coaches, or judges after the beginning of the first round of competition through the completion of the second round
12. The lifter may change declared weight at any time, during the third round only, prior to his “on deck” call. The lifter may only increase the previously declared weight
13. The athletes opening lift at the region level may be below the minimum qualifying standard for the state meet. However, at some time during the meet, either on the second or third attempt, the athlete must attempt to meet the minimum qualifying standard
14. Opening lifts in the state competition must begin at or above the min. qualifying standard with no exceptions
15. Athletes may change their declared weight once if they desire after the second round is over, but before they receive their “on deck” call. This rule is designed to enhance the spirit of competition during the final round.
16. By using this method it is hoped that each lifter will be rested for maximum effort.
17. If warm-up stations are not provided, athletes may take practice lifts at lower weights while the round is in progress.
1. Once an athlete is called to the rack, he is allowed two minutes to perform his lift. Time limits are enforced to the discretion of each station’s judge.
2. All squats must be parallel.
3. Parallel is defined from the point of the middle of the hip joint extending to the middle/hinge of the knee joint. The line between these two points must be parallel to the ground..
4. No mirrors allowed.
5. No prompt from the coach or the judge will be allowed. The penalty will be the disqualification of the attempt.
6. Lifter must control the bar in the up position before being given the command to lift. The two side spotters and the one back spotter may assist the lifter out of the rack to the control position.
7. Lifter must face into the rack to lift.
8. Free squat outside the rack is allowable only with permission from the athlete’s coach and requires three (3) spotters. A free squat should only be used if the safety rack would prevent a full parallel squat.
9. Attempt begins on the judge’s command to lift. If the lifter begins the attempt before the judge’s command, the lift is disqualified.
10. During the attempt, the lifter must maintain control at all times. If the side spotters touch the bar, the judge’s discretion, the lift will be disqualified. If the back spotter touches the lifter, at the judge’s discretion, the lift will be disqualified.
11. Lifter may rack the bar only on the judge’s command. To rack the bar before the “rack” command will result in the lift being disqualified.
12. Ammonia and other inhalants are banned from use in the region and state weightlifting meets.
13. Approval must be received from the meet director if prescribed medicines are being used during the region or state weightlifting meets.
14. Best lift of three attempts taken counts.
15. So there will be no question over the legality of the lift, coaches should have all athletes practice the lift in the described manner.
16. At weigh-in the lifter must declare an opening attempt. It may be changed to another weight (higher or lower) before competition begins at that station. No weights may be changed by the athletes, coaches, or judges after the beginning of the first round of competition through the completion of the second round.
17. The lifter may change declared weight at any time, during the third round only, prior to his “on deck” call. The lifter may only increase the previously declared weight.
18. The athlete’s opening lift at the region level may be below the minimum qualifying standard for the state’s meet. However, at some time during the meet, either on the second or third attempt, the athlete must attempt to meet the minimum qualifying standard.
19. Opening lifts in the state competition must begin at or above the minimum qualifying standard with no exceptions.
20. The lifter is responsible for providing his own spotters.
21. The lifter is responsible for the correct weight on the bar.
22. No repeat attempts will be allowed unless the judges and/or the executive committee feel it is necessary due to interference. There is a two minute time limit to repeat lift.
23. Disqualification of the lift must occur during the time of the lift.
24. Rules are subject to the interpretation of the Grievance Committee made up of the Board of Directors of the SCSCA.
25. Any willing violation of the rules by an athlete or a coach can result in disqualification from the meet.
1. Costume rules:
Knee, ankle, and wrist joints may be wrapped. Double wrapping of joints is not allowed, each individual joint may be wrapped only once.
One piece power or lifting suits are NOT allowed.
Shoes must be worn. Shoes are subject to the approval of the judge.
Padding is not allowed on the squat bar either in the form of a commercially available squat pad or by wrapping the bar with any type of foreign object. Also the lifter may not wear a hooded sweatshirt or several shirts in layers if the intent is to pad the squat bar to give the lifter an advantage.
A lifting belt is mandatory for the squat competition. The dimensions of this belt are limited to six (6) inches in width at the back of the belt and four (4) inches in width at the front of the belt. However, narrower belts may be used. Belts are subject to the approval of the judge.
Lifting gloves may not be worn.
The lifter must be properly attired to the judge’s discretion.
Failure by the lifter to comply to the preceding rules will result in disqualification after one warning.
2. Equipment rules
Standard bar must weigh 45 pounds.
All weight discs must be calibrated in pounds, not kilos.
Collars must be used during each attempt.
When possible, it is desirable to use safety squat racks during this phase of the contest.
These two lifts will be conducted on the “round method”.
There will be three (3) rounds.
Lifters must declare opening attempts at weigh-in.
Lifters declared lifts will be placed in order from lowest weight to the highest weight.
All athletes will then lift in that order.
The weight on the bar cannot be lowered while a round is in progress.
Athletes will declare their attempt for the second round immediately after completing their first round attempt.
At the end of the first round declared attempts for the second round will again be placed in order from the lowest weight to the highest weight and the bar is dropped to the lowest declared attempt.
Athletes will declare their attempt for the third round immediately after completing their second round attempt.
At the end of the second round declared attempts for the third round will again be placed in order from the lowest weight to the highest weight and the bar dropped to the lowest declared attempt.
At weigh-in the lifter must declare an opening attempt. It may be changed to another weight (higher or lower) before competition begins. Judges will notify athletes at lifting stations of the last opportunity to change weights before competition begins at that station. No weights may be changed by the athletes, coaches, or judges after the beginning of the first round of competition through the completion of the second round.
The lifter may change declared weight at any time, during the third round only, prior to his “on deck” call. The lifter may only increase the previously declared weight.
The athlete’s opening lift at the region level may be below the minimum qualifying standard for the state meet. However, at some time during the meet, either on the second or third attempt, the athlete must attempt to meet, either on the second or third attempt, the athlete must attempt the minimum qualifying standard.
Opening lifts in the state competition must begin at or above the minimum qualifying standard with no exceptions.
Athletes may change their declared weight once if they desire after the second round is over, but before they receive their “on deck” call. This rule is designed to enhance the spirit of competition during the final round.
By using this method it is hoped that each lifter will be rested for maximum effort.
If warm-up stations are not provided, athletes may take practice lifts at lower weights while the round is in progress.
1. Standing measurement will be taken with five point contact to wall. Heel, hip, tricep, flat palm and end of middle finger with arm held at vertical must touch wall to measure athlete’s reach.
Athletes may stand with inside foot no farther than one (1) foot from wall to begin jump.
Both feet should be even. There will be no drop step or side step allowed. This will disqualify your athlete’s attempt.
Athlete will then jump and mark.
Measurement will be the difference between the standing mark and the jumped mark. If at all possible measurements should be taken to the nearest half-inch to avoid ties.
Athlete must mark within the six (6) inch width of the measuring board to avoid disqualification of attempt.
All three (3) jumps are to be taken consecutively without alternation of athletes.
Best of three (3) jumps taken counts.
Rules are subject to the interpretation of the Grievance Committee made up of the Board of Directors of the SCHSSCA.
No repeat attempts will be allowed unless the judges and/or the executive committee feel it is necessary due to interference.
Disqualification of the attempt must occur during the attempt.
Any willing violation of the rules by an athlete or a coach can result in disqualification from the meet.
A Region Director must be present at each Vertical Jump station to certify measurements and competition.
Costume And Equipment Rules For The Vertical Jump
1. Costume rules
Shirts must be worn.
Shoes must be worn.
2. Equipment rules
When possible, vertical jump should be measured using a chalkboard strip no wider than six (6) inches running vertically up the wall.
Magnesium carbonate or some other form of chalk should be used to half only the athlete’s middle finger to measure and mark reach.
A standard yardstick should be used to measure to the nearest half inch between the top of the jumped mark and the top of the reached mark.
A standard school eraser attached to the end of the yardstick can be used to erase previous athlete’s attempts.
1. The 40 yard dash may be eliminated if weather or facilities are inadequate to the director’s discretion. In this event, the athlete’s coach must certify that the athlete does meet the minimum qualifying standard. On this occasion, scoring for the 40 yard dash will be discarded and all winners will be determined by the scoring of the remaining three (3) events.
2. Except in the case of inclement weather, to be determined by the meet director, the 40 yard dash will be run on grass.
3. The qualifying times listed in the MINIMUM QUALIFYING STANDARDS are an absolute maximum. By example: 5.40 in the 160 class is acceptable, but 5.41 shall result in disqualification.
4. A set command may be given. However, no verbal command is allowed.
5. Athlete must be motionless in his chosen start position prior to start. Two (2), three (3), and four (4) point stances are allowed.
6. Forward point or points of contact must be behind line.
7. Clocks start on the first movement of the athlete.
8. Clocks stop when the athlete’s torso breaks the vertical plane of the finish.
9. There should be two clocks on each athlete with the average of the two times recorded to minimize individual error.
10. Athletes will run individually and not in pairs.
11. Best time of three (3) attempts taken counts.
12. Times will be counted to the nearest .01 of a second to avoid ties. Qualifying times listed for each weight class are absolute maximum allowable.
13. An athlete may pass remaining 40 attempts after qualifying.
14. Slips are not considered reason to grant another attempt.
15. Rules are subject to the interpretation of the Grievance Committee mad up of the Board of Directors of the SCHSSCA.
16. No repeat attempts will be allowed unless the judges or the executive committee feel it is necessary due to interference.
17. Disqualification of the attempt may only occur during the actual attempt.
18. Any willing violation of the rules by an athlete or a coach can result in disqualification from the meet.
19. A Region Director must be present at each 40 yard dash station to certify measurements and competition.
1. Costume rules
Shirt must be worn.
Shoes must be worn. Football cleats are allowed, however, metal or hard plastic cleats or spikes usually found on baseball or track spikes are not. The judge should check all athletes shoes prior to the contesting of the event.
2. Equipment rules
When at all possible separate lanes should be provided for each weight class.
Stop watches must be capable of timing to the hundredth of a second.
1. Highest bench press plus highest squat of successful attempts equals total.
2. The total is not part of the qualifying but is part of the scoring.
1. Any arguing with the judges will result in the following:
a) 1st Offense: warning from judge
b) 2nd Offense: disqualification of best lift, time, or measurement.
c) 3rd Offense: disqualification from meet!
2. Unsportsmanlike conduct by the athlete or the coach will result in the following:
a) 1st offense: warning from judge
b) 2nd offense: disqualification of best lift, time, or measurement.
c) 3rd Offense: disqualification from meet!
3. Any willful violation of rules by an athlete or coach can result in automatic disqualification of an athlete from the meet.
4. Other than the preceding cases, disqualification of a lift, time, or measurement must occur during the actual attempt and before the judges decision.
5. No extra attempts will be granted in any category unless the judge deems the athlete’s effort was impeded by circumstances beyond his control. In such case, an athlete may be granted a repeat attempt within a two minute time limit.
6. All judges’ decisions are FINAL.
7. Based on the preceding rules, judges have the right to disqualify an athlete’s attempt at their discretion.
1. Scoring will be done in three (3) categories.
a) vertical jump
b) 40 yard dash
c) total weight lifted (bench press plus squat)
2. Points will be awarded only to athletes who meet minimum qualifying standards in each area. Athletes not meeting minimums will not earn points or be included in final scoring.
1. At the discretion of the State Director, individual awards for the highest vertical jump, fastest 40 yard dash, highest bench, highest squat, highest total, and best lifter may be awarded.
2. Highest vertical jump will be awarded to the athlete having the highest vertical jump in all ten classes. If there is a tie, the heaviest athlete wins.
3. Fastest 40 yard dash will be awarded to the athlete having the fastest 40 yard dash time in all ten classes. If there is a tie, the heaviest athlete wins.
4. Highest bend will be awarded to the athlete having the highest bench in all ten classes. If there is a tie, the lightest athlete wins.
5. Highest squat will be awarded to the athlete having the highest squat in all ten classes. If there is a tie, the lightest athlete wins.
6. Highest total will be awarded to the athlete having the highest total in all ten classes. If there is a tie, the lightest athlete wins.
7. Best lifter will awarded to the individual athlete having the highest total to body weight ration from the tip four totals from each weight class dividing body weight into total.
8. Plaques will be given out to all First Place finishers and certificates will be given to Second, Third, and Fourth places members of the South Carolina All – State Strength Team.
1. The top three (3) finishers in each weight class of a region meet will qualify for competition at the All – State
Strength Meet.
2. It is the responsibility of the director of each region to make sure that each of the top three finishers of a class
have met the minimum qualifying standards as stated above. (see Rule # 4: Qualifying for State Competition.)
3. Region Directors are responsible for forwarding results of their region meet to the State Director.
4. At the All – State meet, the top four finishers in each class will be named to the South Carolina All – State Strength Team.
5. Results of meet will be mailed to all coaches having participating athletes.
1. Record lifts for the state meet in each weight class will only recognized as state records if accomplished in state
competition.
2. Record vertical jumps for the state meet in each weight class will only be recognized as state records if accomplished in the state meet.
3. Record 40 yard dash times in the state meet in each class will only be recognized if accomplished in the state meet.
4. A record may only be recognized if the athlete meets minimum requirements in all four areas tested. (bench, squat, 40, and vertical)
5. It is recommended that records be kept on the regional level as well. The above rules for the consideration of state records also apply on the regional level.
6. Current records and body weights will be posted at each station to help athletes and judges determine if a record lift is being attempted.
7. It is the lifter’s responsibility to notify the judge of his attempt to tie or set a new state weightlifting records.
8. Three judges are required to judge and validate record tying or record breaking attempts. These judges will consist of the Lead Judge who is currently judging the events and an additional two members of the Board of Directors. Record attempts without the required three judges in the bend and squat events will be considered invalid.
9. Two of the three judges must judge in favor of the lift to validate it as a new state weightlifting record.
1. During the squat event, the judge should take a position on the side of the squat rack, not the front, to make calls.
2. During the bench event, the judge must assume a position that will allow vision of the following points: feet, seat, arms, and rack. A ¾’s position slightly below the feet of the lifter is recommended.