Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Attempt Structure
Each athlete receives 3 attempts in the snatch and 3 attempts in the clean & jerk. The snatch is always contested first. After all athletes complete their snatch attempts, there is a 10-minute break before the clean & jerk begins. The best successful attempt from each lift is summed to produce the Total.
5.2 Weight Declaration and Changes
- Athletes declare their opening weight before the session begins (during the weigh-in period).
- The barbell is loaded progressively — weight can only increase, never decrease during a session.
- Minimum increment: 1 kg between attempts (0.5 kg increments are permitted only for record attempts).
- Athletes may change their declared weight up to 2 times per attempt, with the final change permitted no later than 30 seconds before the clock starts for that attempt.
5.3 Lifting Order
The athlete requesting the lightest weight goes first. If multiple athletes request the same weight, the athlete with the lower lot number (drawn at weigh-in) goes first. If an athlete is following themselves (back-to-back attempts), they receive 2 minutes instead of the standard 1 minute.
5.4 Time Limits
Once the athlete's name is announced and the barbell is loaded, the competition clock starts:
- Standard time: 1 minute to initiate the lift (bar must leave the platform)
- Consecutive attempts: 2 minutes if the same athlete is attempting again immediately
If the athlete fails to initiate the lift within the time limit, the attempt is declared a "no lift" and the clock resets for the next athlete.
5.5 The Snatch — Technical Requirements
- The barbell must be pulled from the platform to overhead in one continuous motion without stopping or pausing at any point.
- The athlete may squat, split, or power-receive the bar. Any receiving position is legal provided the lift is completed in one motion.
- At the finish, the athlete must stand fully upright with feet in line (parallel), arms locked overhead, and the bar motionless.
- The centre referee gives the "down" signal (audible buzz and visible light). The athlete must lower the bar under control — it may be dropped from overhead but not behind the lifter's body plane.
5.6 The Clean & Jerk — Technical Requirements
- Clean: The barbell is pulled from the platform to the shoulders. The athlete receives the bar on the shoulders/upper chest (front rack). The elbows must not touch the knees or thighs during the clean recovery. The athlete must stand fully upright before initiating the jerk.
- Jerk: From the front rack position, the athlete drives the barbell overhead using leg drive. The bar must finish with arms fully locked, feet in line, and the athlete standing motionless. Split jerk (lunging under the bar), push jerk (pressing overhead with a slight knee dip), and squat jerk are all legal.
- The "down" signal applies identically to the jerk finish as to the snatch.