No Stupid Rules

The 2026 World Powerlifting Rules Of Competition have been released and these stand out amongst others as clear and sensible. Changes as from 1 January include –

• in the Squat fingers must now be around, not just touching, the bar but this rule still excludes the thumb; this follows a number of serious accidents due to the bar rolling forward onto the lifter’s neck

• Referee uniform is simplified to being any dark trousers or skirt plus a WP monogramed white shirt, with red or blue tie — no jacket; stand by for the release of the official WP referee shirt

• lifter’s shoes must be tied or affixed when on the platform

• lifter apparel rules are essentially unchanged (aside from some clarification on rubber on wrist wraps and grip socks being made legal) but general wording is tightened to ensure strict adherence to apparel items being clean and tidy and official nation uniforms being compulsorily worn by lifters when nominated by their nation

• amputee weigh-in and bench press rules are clarified to be consistent with IPC/WPPO rules.

There are otherwise no changes to Bench Press rules, but World Powerlifting continues to monitor the scourge of zero range benches, with a view to a 2027 rule adjustment.

Below is the 2026 World Powerlifting Rules of Competition. Coming soon will be a revamped WP website and release of our 2026 roster of international events.