WEIGHTLIFTING

BASICS

Otago Weightlifting competitions follow International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) rules. The two lifts are performed in this order: Snatch, then Clean & Jerk.

IWF Technical & Competition Rules & Regulations (TCRR)

WHAT IS WEIGHTLIFTING

Weightlifting is a strength sport based on one rep max attempts in the Snatch and the Clean & Jerk. You get three attempts per lift. Your best Snatch plus your best Clean & Jerk makes your Total. A Total is only achieved if you successfully complete at least one Snatch and one Clean & Jerk.

New lifter tip: Your first goal is to post a Total. Open with something you can make comfortably, then build.

COMPETITION DAY

  • Weigh in, accreditation, equipment check
  • Rules briefing
  • Lifting in groups (Snatch → Clean & Jerk)
  • Results / awards

Important: In Total-only events, if an athlete fails all Snatch attempts, they are eliminated and cannot continue to the Clean & Jerk.

REFEREE SIGNALS

Weightlifting doesn’t use spoken “start” commands like powerlifting. You lift when you’re ready. After you complete the lift, you must wait until the referees give the signal to lower the bar.

Snatch

  • One continuous movement from platform to overhead
  • Show control and hold the final position
  • Wait for the referees’ signal before lowering the bar

Clean & Jerk

  • Clean the bar to the shoulders, then jerk it overhead
  • Show control and hold the final overhead position
  • Wait for the referees’ signal before lowering the bar

ATTEMPTS

  • Attempt 1: Make a safe opener
  • Attempt 2: Solid progression
  • Attempt 3: Push for a PB if the day feels good

AGE GROUPS & WEIGHT CLASSES

Competition is organised by age and bodyweight. Your weight category is determined by your official weigh in on the day of competition.

AGE GROUPS (IWF)

The IWF recognises three age groups for weightlifting, and they are calculated from the athlete’s year of birth:

  • Youth: 13–17
  • Junior: 15–20
  • Senior: 15+

BODYWEIGHT CATEGORIES

Current IWF bodyweight categories (in effect from 1 June 2025) are listed below. Note: the IWF has also published updated categories to take effect from 1 August 2026 for IWF competitions.

Senior & Junior Men:

60 | 65 | 71 | 79 | 88 | 94 | 110 | +110

Senior & Junior Women:

48 | 53 | 58 | 63 | 69 | 77 | 86 | +86

Youth Men:

56 | 60 | 65 | 71 | 79 | 88 | 94 | +94

Youth Women:

44 | 48 | 53 | 58 | 63 | 69 | 77 | +77

FIRST COMPETITION CHECKLIST

  • Weightlifting shoes (if you have them) and comfortable training gear
  • Lifting belt / wrist wraps (optional)
  • Food, water, and something warm between lifts
  • Arrive early and ask for help with attempts if you’re new