Para Powerlifting Rules at the Paralympics

Para powerlifting is a Paralympic sport that tests the upper body strength of athletes with physical disabilities. The only discipline in para powerlifting is the bench press. Here are the key rules for para powerlifting at the Paralympic Games:

Eligibility

Para powerlifting is open to athletes with a minimum level of physical disability who can extend their arms within 20° of the full extension during a lift. Athletes compete individually in different bodyweight categories for men and women.

Equipment

• Lifters use leg/bench straps 7.5-10 cm wide without padding, loops or metal buckles to secure their legs to the bench for stability
• The bench is 2.1 m long, 61 cm wide, around 48-50 cm high, narrowing to 30 cm at the head position
• Only equipment from World Para Powerlifting Approved Suppliers is permitted at recognized competitions

The Lift

1. The lifter lies backward with head, shoulders and thighs resting on the bench
2. They take the barbell from the rack at arms’ length and wait for the referee’s “start” signal
3. The lifter lowers the bar until it touches their chest, then presses it back up
4. The lifter holds the bar at arms’ length until the referee’s “rack” signal to place it back on the rack

Officials

• Referees give commands to athletes like “start” and “rack” and supervise the competition
• Judges evaluate each lift and determine if it was successful
• Spotters assist lifters to remove the bar from the rack and replace it after the lift
• A timekeeper operates the competition clock

Scoring

• Prior to 2022, only the best lift was awarded a medal
• Since 2022, medals are awarded for both the best lift and the total of all three attempts

Weight Categories

There are 20 powerlifting events, corresponding to 10 weight classes each for men and women. The current weight categories are:

The rules and regulations for para powerlifting are published by World Para Powerlifting and were most recently updated in March 2022 after a 3-year consultation process with stakeholders.