Go to this link to learn more:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kFTcv7z-dQXZG-_jn6pcnE_n09yCjYlfksFPZA52b20/edit?usp=sharing

This will be a bench bash that you won't soon forget!

Competitors can bring their BIGGEST BENCH with a slingshot, benchdaddy, widowmaker or similar bench press device. There will be three opening attempts at each division.  Competitors are free to choose the division they want to compete in, for this contest. 

Each competitor MUST pass the three opening weights in order to choose their next attempts. Competitors are allowed "one missed lift" during the competition. Missed lifts MUST be re-taken and passed as "good lifts" by the judges to move on with the next bar loads. After the three opening attempts have passed by the judges as good lifts, competitors may choose as many attempts as they wish. A missed lift at any time (either during the opening attempts or chosen bar loads) must be re-taken and passed as a good lift, in order to move on with competition. 

Allowed Equipment:

• Slingshot
• BenchDaddy
• F8 Widowmaker
• Titan Ram
• Wrist Wraps
• Chalk
• 1 Belt

 - or any other "slingshot style" of equipment. 

Competitors may change bench devices during the competition. For example: Mike wants to do his opening attempt in a slingshot, but then wants to change to his F8 WidowMaker for his second, third and ongoing attempts - this is allowed. Sharing of equipment is allowed. We want competitors to feel a sense of community and belonging. 

Wrist wraps: Only one wrap is allowed on each wrist. Velcro wrist wraps with thumb strap may be worn. Thumb loops on wrist wraps must be removed from any finger before executing the lift. The wrist wrap may not be located more than 6 inches above the wrist. Wrist wraps may not touch the elbow.

Tee Shirts - tank tops or any other type of short sleeve pullover shirt (sleeve is above the elbow) may be worn. Any emblem or logo may be displayed on a shirt as long as it is not obscene or profane. Competitors may choose to lift without a shirt. Be warned about slipping on the bench with your sweaty back! 

Singlets are NOT required. Competitors may lift in gym clothes. We will be paying special attention to excessive butt lift on the bench. If a competitor excessively lifts his or her butt from the bench pad, it will be deemed a missed lift. 

Rules of the Bench Press

1. The rack end of the bench press must be placed on the platform facing the center referee. 

2. The lifter assumes a starting position on his/her back with head, shoulders, and buttocks in contact with the flat bench surface. His/her feet must be on the floor. 

3. To achieve firm footing, the lifter may use plates or blocks to build up the surface of the platform. However, some part of the foot must remain in contact with the surface. 

4. No more than six or fewer than two spotters/loaders shall be on the platform. The lift-off must be released at arms-length and NOT while moving down to the chest. If the lifter chooses, he may utilize his own hand-off person who may remain on the spotting platform acting as an additional spotter as long as the judges’ view is not impeded. 

5. The spacing of the hands shall not exceed 81 cm. (or 32 inches), measured between the forefingers. A reverse grip is permissible, providing the distance between the little fingers does not exceed 81 cm. A thumbless grip is permissible, providing the distance between the forefingers does not exceed 81 cm. 

6. Should the lifter choose to use a thumbless grip the lifter assumes all responsibility for any liability to him/herself or anyone on the platform as a result of using this grip. If the lifter cannot show safe control of the bar with a thumbless grip, they will be notified by any platform judge to change grip for any remaining attempts. If the lifter refuses to change grip from a thumbless grip to standard or reverse grip, they will forfeit any remaining attempts. 

7. After receiving the bar at arms-length, the lifter shall lower the bar touching his chest in a controlled manner and await the referee’s signal. 

8. The signal is a vocal command of “PRESS” and is given when the center of the bar touches the chest in a controlled manner. 

9. After the signal to commence the lift is given, the bar is pressed upward to straight arms-length, elbows locked, and held in control until the audible ‘RACK” command is given. During the ascent, the bar may be extended unevenly (no more than 5 inches), but arms must extend to a locked-out position simultaneously and evenly at the completion of the lift. 

10. The bar is allowed to stop in its upward motion, but is not allowed any downward movement. 

11. Head movement is allowed which includes turning or raising the head. 

12. The feet may move in any direction without penalty, but may not slide or lose contact with the floor. 

13. The buttocks must remain in contact with the flat bench surface during the entire range of motion. 

Causes for Disqualification

 1. Failure to observe the referee’s signals at the commencement and completion of the lift. 

2. Raising the buttocks from the bench press surface or losing foot contact with the floor. 3. Heaving or bouncing the bar off the chest (heaving or bouncing is defined as any excessive downward movement of the bar after the signal to "PRESS" is given). 

4. Allowing the bar to sink into the chest after receiving the "PRESS" command. 

5. Any uneven extension of the bar at the completion of the lift. An exception to this is if the lifter has demonstrated a legitimate physical handicap to the referees prior to the lift. 

6. Any downward movement by either hand once the "PRESS" signal is given. 

7. The bar may make incidental contact with the uprights and still be considered a good lift, however, if the lifter uses the uprights deliberately for leverage, the lift is disallowed. 

8. Contact of the lifter's feet with any part of the bench. 

9. Lifting of the bar by the spotter/loaders between the referee's PRESS and RACK signals. 

10. It is the responsibility of the lifter to inform his hand-off person to clear the bench area in front of the referee. Failure to do so may be cause for disqualification of the lift.