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Southern Powerlifting Federation (SPF) Rule Differences

Writer: Michael Elrod-EricksonMichael Elrod-Erickson

The Southern Powerlifting Federation (SPF) has a few unusual rules that you should be aware of if you are competing in or coaching at one of their meets. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for how the SPF rules differ from other powerlifting feds.


Spotting a bench press in an SPF powerlifting

General

-It’s the meet director’s choice if they use lbs or kg, so come prepared for both.

-You can change your first attempt up until your flight starts lifting.


Squat

-All SPF meets should have a monolift. But you’re still allowed to walkout if you’d like; just inform the officials prior to getting under the bar.

-SPF doesn’t do a squat/start command, so the ONLY command for squats is “rack” after the lift.

-You’re allowed to rerack the bar twice on squats (if you aren't satisfied with your setup).


Bench Press

-SPF doesn’t have a start command, but they do still have “press” and “rack”.

-If you have someone lift off for you, they are allowed to stay and spot the lift, unlike in most feds.


Deadlift

Deadlift is normal. They have a “down” command, and you can’t drop the bar.



Hopefully you found this helpful! Best of luck at your upcoming SPF meet.


Sincerely,

Michael Elrod-Erickson

Founder and Head Coach, Premier Power & Performance


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