11/05/2026
Official Bench Press Rule sheet
Early June we will hold the testing/comp. You have about 30-40 days to get your strength up and aim to hit your 'peak' pressing weight. These are the details you'll need to know so start to practice for these rules now
The Three Mandatory Commands
• "START": Given when the lifter holds the bar with locked elbows after the hand-out.
• "PRESS": Given once the bar is lowered and held completely motionless on the chest.
• "RACK": Given when the bar is pressed back to a full, steady lockout at arm's length
Technical Standards
(The "Legal" Position)
• Contact Points: The head, shoulders, and buttocks must remain in contact with the bench surface throughout the entire lift.
• Footing: Feet must remain flat and motionless on the floor (or on provided blocks/plates).
• Grip: Hands must use a "thumbs around" grip (no su***de grips). Spacing must not exceed 81cm between the index fingers, typically marked by the rings on the bar
Automatic Disqualifications
(Red Lights)
• Early Movement: Lowering, pressing, or racking before the referee's command.
• Downward Motion: Any downward movement of the bar once the upward press has begun.
• Unstable Finish: Failure to reach full extension or uneven lockout of the arms.
• Heaving: Bouncing or "sinking" the bar into the chest after the press command to gain momentum
LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS FOR PREFERENCE OF TIMES
FRIDAY NIGHT
SATURDAY MIDDAY TO EARLY PM
SUNDAY MIDDAY TO EARLY PM