I’ve been meaning to write about this for a while but it keeps escaping my mind. Comparing Olympic weightlifting competitions ran in 2007 to 2015, I believe the number of lifters and audience members have doubled, at least in the NYC surround area. This is great for our sport but this also brings a lot of unknowns.
The last few weightlifting competitions we’ve been at there has been a lot of delays and day of changes. Preparing for the unknown and keeping a cool head is the main reason I wanted many of our lifters to compete and the reason for this post.
So here are few tips that I’d suggest for other coaches and new weightlifters.
Communicate with the Meet Director
Most of the time, at least in our experience, the meet sticks to it’s time table- ex: 56-77 weigh-in 7am, 85-105+ weigh-in 10am, etc… However at the last meet we, the schedule was constantly changing. If this happens make sure that you email/call the meet director to make sure that you have the correct times for each weigh-ins and lifting time. This will save your lifters a lot of time and energy.
Day of Changes
Sometimes they change up the order and the meet director will give an announcement. If you see anything going on, make sure to keep in touch with them. We had an issue where the schedule stated and was confirmed that the 94,105, and 105+ will be lifting as one class. However, they split the class so that the 94s will lift as one group and then 105 and 105+ will lift in another with little notice.
When the announcement hit I was coaching a different session and made the assumption that they were sticking to the plan. Looking back, it looked like the lifters warming up were too small for the 105’s. I should’ve double checked if anything changed with the meet director, especially with all the changes that were already happening before that.
So the lesson, if you see anything fishy talk to the director and make sure to keep communicating with them.
Ask to See the Cards
When the meet is running quick and there’s another group on the platform, you need to see where your lifter is in comparison to the other weightlifters in their class. Instead of waiting for the table to layout the cards, simply ask to see if you can see the cards ahead of time. The cards SHOULD already be organized to the order of attempts.
This will allow you to better prepare your lifters attempts. But before the weightlifter starts their warm up, make sure to find out how long the break is between session, if there is any. We had this issue where it wasn’t clear if they were passing out the medals prior to one of our sessions, which could throw off the warm up attempts.
The Final Call
The final call rule means the lifter MUST lift after the 30sec countdown. Basically, if you want to change the weight you must notify the official before the 30second marker, otherwise your weightlifter must take their attempt or miss it. Keep in mind that they do NOT have to complete their lift within that time but the bar must be off the platform.
The problem with the “Final Call” rule at a local weightlifting competition is that the announcer usually as a lot to keep up with, especially if they are handling two platforms.
In one situation, there was 4 weightlifters in front of us, I didn’t expect much movement so we stepped aside to have quick pep talk, and suddenly we heard our name called. All 4 lifters jumped! The clock said 34sec, I asked for a jump, and it was denied. So our lifter had to put on her belt, wraps, and take her 3rd attempt. She made the clean but missed the jerk because she thought the lift had to be completed before the timer ran out.
This was completely my fault, I underestimated what the “coaches” would do at a local level and I placed the announcer on a questionable call. I assume by the time the announcer heard me, looked at the card, and then looked at the time it was at the 30second marker.
Lesson, don’t leave anything up in the air, make sure that there is PLENTY of time to bump up. If anything set yourself up for success by giving them a heads up. It’s the same in the NFL, for a planned time coach is next to the ref. No questions about it.
Elbows
If you have some funky elbows or a weird lock out, make sure to report it to all 3 referees and jury, if there is one. According to the IWF technical rule book 2.3.4
“A competitor, who cannot fully extend the elbow due to an anatomical deformation, must report this fact to the three referees and the Jury before the start of the competition.”
After you’ve already informed them, I’d also make sure to show them what a lockout overhead looks like for you, once you’re on the platform. This is gives them a clear perspective of what your lock out looks it and it’s also a kind reminder.
Weightlifting Competition Etiquette
Stay in the Viewing Area
If you’re not competing or coaching move to the viewing area. Technically that’s the rules but at a local competition they’re pretty slack about it. While it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, when it gets too crowded the lifters competing have to navigate around the crowd to chalk up, have to search to find a seat or in our case ask a spectator to take the limited chairs, and/or deal with many people hovering around them. The area also needs to be clear for the coaches that don’t have runners, to freely move between the warm up area and the table.
Sportsmanship
I understand that coaches want to have their lifters do their best however, playing games to mess with the time of a lifters rest, that’s not even competitive, is completely unprofessional. Second, if your weightlifter isn’t lifting near their maximum potential, you don’t have to milk the clock, this is needlessly prolonging the meet. Finally, RESPECT the equipment and the other weightlifters. There is absolutely no reason for you to drop 5k PLASTIC training plates from the overhead position, fully load training plate, or slam down an empty bar. I don’t care what you’ve seen on YouTube, if that was your plate set or $800+ bar, would you like it to be treated in that manner? I think not.
In the end, most of us are competing for the FUN of it. Not many of us are fighting to make it to the international stage.
Train smart,
Team Fusion Weightlifting