Bench Press Rules

Each player must present a Rowan ID card before each contest to be eligible to participate. No other forms of identification will be accepted.

All intramural participants are responsible for their own medical expenses. Any student unsure of their physical condition should check with their family physician or the Student Infirmary before participating in intramural sports.

1. The lifter will tell the judge what weight he/she will attempt before his/her lift. Additionally the participant will tell the judge what their next attempt will be immediately after their lift. The best of three attempts will be calculated. Three minutes are allowed between each attempt.
2. Only one shirt may be worn. A bench press jacket may not be worn, nor can weightlifting gloves or wrist straps be worn.
3. A weight belt may be worn.
4. Wrist straps, gloves and other equipment may not be used.
5. The shoulders and buttocks must be in contact with the bench at all times with no excessive movement.
6. The feet must stay flat on the floor (heels must and balls of feet must be in contact with the floor at all times) with no excessive movement.
7. Personal spotters and loaders may be used. However, they must be at least a foot away from the bar during the entire lift. The spotter may only help when instructed by the lifter and during lift-off and racking phases.
8. The lift begins with the arms fully extended and the bar must be still. The judge will then give the “start” signal. The bar may not be dropped during this phase.
9. The lifter must then bring the bar to his/her chest for one full second and wait for the “press” signal. The bar may not be lowered at any point during the pressing phase.
10. The lifter must fully extend arms and wait for the “rack” signal before racking.
11. The lifter may not tilt the bar excessively or he/she will be disqualified.
12. Failure to comply with any of these rules will result in disqualification.
13. The referee makes all decision final at his/her discretion.