Powerlifting 7 Lift Format

7 Lift Format

Rule 1: Seven allowable attempts in the meet potentially contributing to total.

Rule 2: No more than 3 attempts in any lift event.

Rule 3: Regular round system rules apply.

Rule 4: Heaviest successful attempt in each event contributes to total.

Rule 5: There must be one successful attempt in each event to qualify for total and stay in the meet.

Rule 6: It is the athletes’ discretionary option to take the seven attempts distributed through the squat, bench, and deadlift in whatever pattern they choose. The athlete chooses attempts as the meet progresses. They do not have to declare prior to the meet. For example, 2 squats, 2 bench, and 3 deadlifts; 3 squats, 1 bench, and 3 deadlifts; 3 squats, 3 bench, and 1 deadlift.

Rule 7: The lifter must report all passed attempts to the score table. If a pass is given in the second round of an event, no more attempts can be made in that event.

Rule 8: In the deadlift, if the lifter has only one attempt left after the bench press, he must lift in the first round of deadlift. Also, if the lifter has only two attempts left after the bench press, he must lift in the first two rounds of the deadlift.

Rule 9: A lifter may change the final deadlift twice no matter what round the final deadlift is attempted.

The 7 attempt meets have been successfully run and result in a net saving of 20-25% of the normal contest time. They also introduce a strategic element, which should bring added excitement and spectator participation to contests.