All very correct observations James. The first version of the Virtualmeet rules were drawn up before the IPF banned heels up benching and took a stricter stance on the arch and buttocks placement. But even then our rules allowed a few things the IPF did not, for example touching the bar lower and using a reverse grip. The goal behind the Virtualmeet rules has always been to be strict regarding execution (squat depth, proper pauses on the bench press and so on) but to allow those lifting techniques which are commonly legal in the major federations in order to provide an avenue where lifters will feel welcome regardless of background.
For example, I don't see us following the feet flat rule change because that would force many coming from non-IPF backgrounds to change their benching style in our meets. As anyone who ever switched between these two styles knows, it takes quite a lot of time and practice to get back up to previous weights with the new style. Extreme arching has so far very rarely been seen in our meets. Personally, I do feel that extremely limited motion bench presses which amount to little more than partials go against the spirit of competition and in that respect I for one would be more than happy to discuss whether we would want to cap the most extreme forms without going as far as banning heels up benching.
As a side-note, the virtual format also necessitates more lenient lifting equipment rules. For example to allow one to compete in most any garage gym we obviously cannot require competition line bars or plates nor should we outlaw the use of safety measures which makes lifting alone safer (the IPF has been moving in this direction of late too by mandating the use of safety stands in all bench press events). Nor does everyone have a singlet hanging around. Here our rules are lenient regarding what you lift with but strict about what you lift in (belt only, no wraps).
In the end, juggling between providing a warm home for lifters from all walks of life while still keeping the line tight enough to provide credible meets on the Internet is not always easy and there is no set of rules which would please everyone. I will continue to make adjustments when it is clear that they are largely wanted, but I think that in general the current approach has worked quite well.
Seems like this video was made based on the official IPF example document posted ahead of the rule change:
www.powerlifting-ipf.com/fileadmin/data/Technical_Rules/Examples_to_the_new_Bench_Press_rules.pdfVirtualmeet rules say bar must touch above upper abs (doesn't mention sternum) so it sounds like the rule is not as strict as this IPF video? The picture in the video that is labeled Below Sternum Not Legal doesn't look all that low to me, would it be legal by Virtualmeet rules?
Definitively legal here. It is still above the upper abs.
Some of the pictures labeled as not legal due to buttocks also seem really close.
The male lifters' positioning would all be ok both here and, I believe, under the older IPF rules. But the female lifter is already in a gray area. Personally I think her buttocks are not fully in touch with the bench and I would flag her down for that reason.
With military, feet need to be in the air above the bench the whole time? (also not allowed to place feet on the bench, right)?
Correct. The feet may be on the bench during the setup and unracking of the bar, but once the bar starts to descend towards the chest they must be up as specified in the rules:
The feet must be elevated higher than the bench surface at
all times during the lift, i.e. feet are held in the air. The feet and legs may move
during the course of the lift as long as the action is not deemed to aid the
execution of the lift and the feet are kept above the bench surface.
Thanks!
Thank you for taking the time to ask these questions.
In terms of the military bench meet judging, it is also never wrong to take a peek at previous meets, for example
this and
this. For the full list of held meets, please see the
meet index. If you have any more questions or any suggestion, don't hesitate to bring them forward.
If anyone is interested in a deeper comparison, here is the link to the official IPF rules:
http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/50.html
