Personal Equipment

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Singlet

All lifters are required to wear a one-piece suit (singlet, onesie). Exceptions to wearing the singlet may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis due to the special need or physical restriction of individual lifters. An non-compressive undergarment may be worn to extend the length of leg covered by fabric. The length of the leg of the singlet or undergarment may not cover the knee. All brands/Manufacturers are legal, if a Brand/Manufacturer releases /sells a specific style that is deemed inappropriate or the Brand violates the Standards & Beliefs of RPS/PAVA, They will be then listed on the BANNED equipment page.

***A referee MUST do a visual inspection of the lifter’s uniform, attire and equipment, etc. after a successful world record attempt is made. The referee must check the lifter’s equipment on the platform immediately following the lift. If the lifter is wearing illegal attire, the record will not count and the attempt will be disqualified.

Lifters may be subject to random equipment checks as well as speculative equipment checks performed by any authorized RPS Committee Member, Event Staff or Referee.

For “Geared” Lifting

1. SQUAT SUIT
   1. Squat suit leg may not exceed six (6) inches from the middle of the crotch to the knee when worn. Squat briefs are allowed and are limited to the same number of plies as the squat suit. The squat suit qualifies as the one-piece lifting suit during the event.
      Any suit containing natural or synthetic rubber either sewn in, glued or bonded are deemed illegal in Multi or Single Ply – See Unlimited. Rubber in the form of rubber bands similar to resistance training bands, rubber in a cylindrical form similar to a bungee cords and a “poured mold ” fashion whether adhered or woven into the fabric are not permitted. Use of rubber or similar materials are allowed for seam protection or repair as long as the rubber does not span between weight bearing areas of the garment.
   2. SINGLE PLY – one knit or woven layers is allowed. All single ply equipment will be inspected and tagged at weigh-in and checked again on the platform in the event of a record. Squat briefs are limited to being legless and cannot extend above the navel.
   3. AMATEUR DIVISION – a maximum of two (2) sewn layers is allowed.
   4. PROFESSIONAL DIVISION – any number of sewn layers is allowed.
2. BENCH SHIRTS
   1. SINGLE PLY – one knit or woven layers is allowed. All single ply equipment will be inspected and tagged at weigh-in and checked again on the platform in the event of a record.
      AMATEUR DIVISION – a maximum of two (2) sewn layers is allowed.
      PROFESSIONAL DIVISION – any number of sewn layers is allowed as long as it is constructed as one shirt.
      Any shirt containing natural or synthetic rubber either sewn in, glued or bonded are deemed illegal in Single or Mutli Ply – See Unlimited. Rubber in the form of rubber bands similar to resistance training bands, rubber in a cylindrical form similar to a bungee cords and a “poured mold ” fashion whether adhered or woven into the fabric are not permitted. Use of rubber or similar materials are allowed for seam protection or repair as long as the rubber does not span between weight bearing areas of the garment.
   2. Sleeves must be pulled up and must rest above the elbow and expose the entire joint. A lifter is not permitted to wear multiple shirts in an attempt to gain an unfair advantage. Bench shirts will be permitted only 1 collar or “Superneck”. A shirt that has more than 1 collar or “Superneck” will be deemed illegal. Bench shirts cannot have any sewn banding that runs along or around the sleeve mimicking a harness. Shirts demonstrating such alterations will be deemed “illegal” and lifter will not be permitted to wear the garment. Repairs to shirts where the neckline has been damaged may be done in a fashion to add fabric to maintain the safety of use and function of the shirt.
   3. Sleeves can be bunched up, but no extra material can be sewn onto the sleeve itself. Referees have the authority to ask a competitor to change bench shirts if they deem it unsafe or the lifter demonstrates an inability to control the lift due to their equipment. Lifters are not permitted to place an object beneath their bench shirt in an effort to artificially shorten their bench stroke.
   4. Women are permitted to wear a sports bra and/or tank top under their equipment. Men may only wear a tank top with straps not to exceed 3 inches under their shirts with the exception of when extremely hot weather is present and excessive sweating would prevent a lifter from obtaining a proper base. Permission can be granted by either a Senior Referee or Member of the Executive Committee for a lifter to wear a t-shirt covering the complete shoulder.
   5. If any Bench shirt model has been deemed to contain illegal modifications or circumvent the spirit of fair play, a master list of “Banned” equipment will be made available to the general membership.
   6. The Bench shirt MUST be worn INSIDE the singlet not outside. See Belt section on buckle visibility during the bench.
3. A Belt may be worn by a competitor at their discretion.
   SQUAT and DEADLIFT – A lifter may wear their belt either on the inside or outside of their suit, with the buckle in any position.
   BENCH PRESS – 3 methods are acceptable
   1. Outside of lifters singlet.
   2. Inside of singlet with the front of singlet cut from the neckline to the belt buckle to allow judges can see the belt buckle.
   3. Inside of singlet with a hole is cut in the singlet to allow the buckle to be exposed.
   4. Maximum width of the belt is not to exceed 4 ½ inches. Thickness of the belt may not exceed 1/2 inch. Material construction of the belt or closure type is not restricted.
4. Wrist wraps cannot exceed 48 inches long or 3 inches wide. A wrist wrap may come in contact with the palm, but cannot overlap it coming in direct contact with the bar. Only one wrap is permitted per wrist. “Casting” where wrapped past mid-forearm to “mimic” a hard cast is not permitted.
5. Knee wraps/sleeves shall not exceed three (3) meters in length or three (3) inches in width and must be of a single layer construction. Multiple ply/layer knee wraps or sleeves are not allowed. A single layer knee sleeve can be worn, but wraps and sleeves may not be combined. Knee wraps must be secured by using the “cinch” method. Securing knee wrap with Velcro is not acceptable. Knee wraps may not overlap the socks or the lifting suit when upright. Contact is allowed during the execution of the lift. No objects are allowed under the single knee wraps.
6. Footwear is optional during all lifts. Cleated or spiked shoes are not permitted. Socks may not overlap the knee or the knee wrap in an upright position. Contact is allowed during the execution of the lift. Full leg coverings are only permitted with meet director and head judges consent during competition.
7. T-shirts – Shirts with sleeves that end above the elbow or no sleeves may be worn. Shirts may be decorated with any design or logo provided it is not obscene or profane.
8. Elbow Sleeves – Single layer elbow sleeves are permitted during the squat and deadlift, but not in the bench press.
9. Mouth/Teeth Guards are optional and not regulated.
10. Taped Fingers – Fingers may be taped when using the hook grip only for deadlift. Taping must be approved by the referrees, any excessive taping must be removed prior to the start of the lift within the one minute lift clock.
11. Shin Protection for Deadlift
    1. Knee high socks
    2. Plastic shinguards
    3. Neoprene sleeves on the shins
    4. Nothing at all.
    If the skin becomes broken and begins to bleed First Aid is required and will be the lifters responsibility to maintain the bandage to prevent any further transferring of blood onto the bar.
    Meet Directors are required to have a bottle of Bleach solution and rags or towels to clean up the blood and ensure the bar is clean for the next competitor.

For “Unlimited” Lifting –  Complete Rules for Unlimited

All Rules apply as for “Geared” Lifting with the exceptions to the material allowed, recognized class and required safety.

1. Unlimited Equipment is eligible in pro divisions only.
2. The equipment used must be constructed to the definition of suits and briefs for squat and the definition of shirt for bench
3. Suits are defined as having straps that are over the shoulder and legs that extend from the body of the garment.
4. Briefs do not have straps and may or may not have legs.
5. Shirts are defined as sleeves that encompass the upper arm attached to a torso covering or chest plate.
6. All items, regardless of material, must be constructed to be a unified garment that is in contact with the lifter throughout the performance of the lift. All item dimensions must meet the established multi ply personal equipment measurements.
7. Construction material is unlimited and maximum Number of Layers for this Division is 3 in total. The maximum thickness of seams, hems, collars  and binding is 1 inch.
8. If the judges feel at anytime the lifter has not shown control and command of the weight attempted, they have the authority to deny any remaining attempts.
   All safety precautions must be in effect: safety straps/chains on monolifts and face savers on benches. Should the platform bench provided not have a catch device and the attempted weight heavier than safely spotted by two side spotters, then the lifter must provide their own spotting team who must also sign waivers.

For “RAW” Lifting

1. Squat and dead lift equipment is limited to belt, wrist wraps. Elbow sleeves are permitted in both Classic and Modern Divisions.
   1. Raw Classic – Nothing on knee during competition lifts. Lifter may wear neoprene or elastic knee sleeves during warm-ups and in between official attempts. But once summoned to the platform, the sleeves must be pulled down onto competitors shin and calf. Knee wraps are not permitted, if knee wraps are to be worn, the Raw Modern division applies.
   2. Raw Modern – Knee wraps/sleeves shall not exceed three (3) meters in length or three (3) inches in width and must be of a single layer construction. Multiple ply/layer knee wraps or sleeves are not allowed. A single layer knee sleeve can be worn, but wraps and sleeves may not be combined. Knee wraps must be secured by using the “cinch” method. Securing knee wrap with Velcro is not acceptable. Knee wraps may not overlap the socks or the lifting suit when upright. Contact is allowed during the execution of the lift. No objects are allowed under the single knee wraps.
      *Knee Sleeves will still classify lifters in RPS as Raw Modern, however for national rankings, those who wear a single layer knee sleeve during the squat will be identified in the results to be eligible for the “Raw Without Knee Wraps” division. It is the responsibility of the lifter to inform the Scoring Table of their intent to be classified for the sans wrap rankings. At the completion of each successful squat the lifter will demonstrate to the head referee by peeling down their knee sleeve with minimal effort to establish that they are wearing the appropriate knee sleeve. The head judge will signify to the scoring table that the equipment has passed inspection.
2. Bench equipment is limited to belt, wrist wraps. No support may be worn on the elbows, forearms or chest.
3. Belt maximum width is not to exceed 4 ½ inches. Thickness of the belt may not exceed 1/2 inch. Material construction of the belt or closure type is not restricted.
4. Wrist wraps cannot exceed 48 inches long or 3 inches wide. A wrist wrap may come in contact with the palm, but cannot overlap it coming in direct contact with the bar. Only one wrap is permitted per wrist. Thumb loops on wrist wraps must be removed from any finger before executing the lift. “Casting” where wrapped past mid-forearm to “mimic” a hard cast is not permitted.
5. Footwear is optional during all lifts. Cleated or spiked shoes are not permitted. Socks may not overlap the knee or the knee wrap in an upright position. Contact is allowed during the execution of the lift. Full leg coverings are only permitted with meet director and head judges consent during competition.
6. T-shirts – Shirts with sleeves that end above the elbow or no sleeves may be worn. Shirts may be decorated with any design or logo provided it is not obscene or profane.
7. Elbow Sleeves – Single layer elbow sleeves are permitted during the squat and deadlift, but not in the bench press.
8. Mouth/Teeth Guards are optional and not regulated.
9. Taped Fingers – Fingers may be taped when using the hook grip only for deadlift. Taping must be approved by the referrees, any excessive taping must be removed prior to the start of the lift within the one minute lift clock.
10. Shin Protection for Deadlift
    1. Knee high socks
    2. Plastic shinguards
    3. Neoprene sleeves on the shins
    4. Nothing at all.
    If the skin becomes broken and begins to bleed First Aid is required and will be the lifters responsibility to maintain the bandage to prevent any further transferring of blood onto the bar.
    Meet Directors are required to have a bottle of Bleach solution and rags or towels to clean up the blood and ensure the bar is clean for the next competitor.

GENERAL RULES

1. No foreign substance may be applied to the platform or equipment.
2. The use of oil, grease or other lubricants on the body, suit or personal equipment is forbidden. Powder may be used including chalk, talc, resin and magnesium carbonate or baby powder (pool hall “block chalk” is also allowed).
3. Powder shall only be applied in designated lifting areas.
4. Water is not permitted for lubrication for the dead lift.
5. Meet directors will provide chalk to lifters in the warm-up area and on the platform.
6. Lifting Gloves and Straps (items wrapped around the bar) are not permitted for any lift.