Revised: 09.25.2023 www.usapowerlifting.com Page 64
Powerlifting website. Technical secretaries are not mandated at state/local competitions. For
meets without a TS, the meet director and/or state chair will assign the officials and their duties.
6.4.3. Time Keeper. The time keeper is responsible for accurately recording the lapse between the
announcement that the bar is ready and the lifter starting their attempt. They are also responsible
for recording time allowances whenever required (e.g., after an attempt the lifter shall leave the
platform within 30 seconds). Once the clock is running for a lifter, it can only be stopped by the
completion of a time allowance, by the start of the lift, or at the discretion of the chief referee or
jury. Consequently, it is of great importance that the lifter or their coach check the height of the
squat and bench racks prior to being called, as once the bar is announced as being ready, the
clock will be started. Any further adjustments to the racks must be made within the lifter’s one-
minute allowance, unless the lifter has nominated a rack height that has been incorrectly set by
the spotters/loaders. It is therefore essential that the rack height sheet be signed or initialed by
the lifter or coach. This is an official document, which should verify in any dispute. The lifter is
allowed one minute in which to start their attempt after the announcer calls the lifter to the bar.
If the lifter does not start their attempt within this time allowance, the time keeper (or chief referee)
will give the audible command “time.” If a lifter chooses to intentionally “time out” (i.e., purposely
not show up on the platform and forfeit the attempt), the one-minute clock must be run in its
entirety. When the lifter starts the lift within the prescribed time allowance, the clock will be
stopped. The definition of the start of an attempt depends upon the particular lift being performed.
In the squat and bench press, the start is to coincide with the chief referee’s commencement
signal. In the deadlift, the start is when the lifter makes a genuine attempt to raise the bar.
6.4.4. Expeditor. The expeditor is responsible for collecting the weight of required attempts from the
lifters or their coaches and passing the information without delay to the scorer(s). The lifter is
allowed one minute between completing their last attempt (defined as the moment the referee
decision lights are illuminated) and submitting their next attempt to the expeditor.
6.4.5. Scorer. The scorer is responsible for accurately recording the progress of the competition both
in hard copy form (lifter scorecards) and electronically (computer scoring program). Duties of
scorers include the following: entering attempt selections, make attempt changes where allowed
by the rule (e.g., third attempt deadlifts), recording attempt outcomes (good lift or no lift),
managing re-lifts in the scoring program, and determining final placings.
6.4.6. Note: The time keeper, expeditor, and scoring responsibilities can be combined and managed
by one or two people provided these people can handle the combined responsibilities. Though
not required, it is recommended that staff assigned to the time keeper, expeditor, and scoring
roles be certified referees owing to the fact that a thorough understanding of the rules is
imperative to successfully carrying out these duties.
6.4.7. Spotters/Loaders. Spotters/loaders are responsible for loading and unloading the bar, adjusting
squat racks and benches as required, cleaning the bar or platform at the request of the chief
referee, retrieving and placing foot blocks (in the bench press), and generally ensuring that the
platform is well maintained and presents a neat and tidy appearance at all times. At no time shall
there be fewer than two or more than five spotters/loaders on the platform. When the lifter
prepares for their attempt, the spotters/loaders may assist them in removing the bar from the
racks. They may also assist in replacing the bar after the attempt. However, they shall not touch
the lifter or the bar during the actual attempt (i.e., during the period of time that elapses between