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WeightliftingWeightlifting (AWA) Referee Clinic Info Pt. II 6 OFFICIALS OF THE COMPETITION
6.3 TECHNICAL CONTROLLER
6.3.1 Technical Controllers are appointed to assist the Competition Secretary and Competition Director in the supervision of the running of the competition. They attend to their duties with the referees appointed for the competition. [1984, 2005] Level - N+. Interpretation - Strict above this level. The TC is the connection between the LOC and the sanctioning Federation. While most of the technical information personnel is under the responsibility of the Competition Director and/or Competition Secretary, it is the TC who assists him/her by actually watching over the competition. (See the diagram in 6.2). The TC ensures that all equipment is working as required, that referees and athletes are dressed properly, that only the required persons are in the warm-up and competition areas, etc. History - The Technical Controller position was first used in Great Britain in the days of former IWF General Secretary Oscar State. It was noticed that several duties were not mentioned in the rules but were still needed and also that some of these duties required a mobile official. At the time all the officials were seated during the competition and so could not perform some of the duties required. So a catch-all type of official was added first in Britain, then internationally in 1980. Don Schoures (ONT) was the first Canadian to serve in this capacity, at the 1980 Nationals in Regina. Over time the duties have been more fully defined. The Technical Controller wears the IWF uniform or approved Games uniform. National - A Technical Controller shall be appointed to National level competitions but is only optional below that level.
6.3.2 At World Championships and Olympic Games, the Technical Controllers must be international category 1 referees. [1996] Level - W+. Interpretation - Strict at this level, analogous below it. History - The old rule did not mention “World Championships and Olympic Games”. Now at other competitions they presumably may be of lower level, i.e., the same level as the referees. Reason - Due to their importance TCes must have the highest qualifications. They are considered to be higher in status than the referees.
6.3.3 At World Championships, the Technical Committee appoints the Technical Controllers; at Olympic Games, the Executive Committee appoints them, two (2) per category. In other international Games or tournaments, the IWF’s official delegate appoints them. [1984] Level - R+. Interpretation - Strict. Reason - Two are used since they often have to cover a large area. There will usually be two to four teams of TDs who work alternate sessions. Once each team is selected there is a division of labour between the two. One will be stationed at the competition platform (front) area while the other will work the warm-up (back) area. Although both have equal powers under the rules the front area TC has more duties during the competition. Due to the importance of the Olympics the IWF prefers that such appointments be made by these higher authorities. National - these are appointed by the Officials Committee Members prior to the competition.
The duties of the Technical Controllers are as follows:
6.3.4 Check the competition platform, the barbell, the scales, the electronic referee light system, the timing clock, the warm-up room and the other facilities of the competition. [1980] Level - R+. Interpretation - Strict. These items should be checked before each session. Both TCs should be involved in this inspection. Reason - To ensure that all equipment conforms to the relevant rules of the IWF. Anything not complying with the rules should be taken up with the LOC.
6.3.5 Check if the referees wear the correct uniform. [1980] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict. This should be done by the TCs some time before the presentation for each session. Violators should then either correct their uniform or be replaced. Reason - To ensure that all referee uniforms conform to the relevant rules of the IWF and are thus presentable to the public.
6.3.6 Before the competition, place their international referee card on the jury table in front of the President and collect it at the end of the competition. [1988] Level - All. Interpretation - Analogous procedures, if a TC and a jury are used. Reason - The jury needs to be sure of the TCs' identity and are then able to sign their cards at the end of the competition. This provides the TCs with a documented record of their activity.
6.3.7 Before the competition, inspect the outfits of the competitors and enforce the rules when necessary. When a correction has to be made on the athlete's outfit or a lubricant has to be removed and the athlete has already been called, rule 2.3.6 applies. [1980] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict, when TCs are used. Both should be involved in the inspection. The TC has to use some discretion in enforcing this rule. Once an athlete is on the platform the lift should not be stopped for a minor uniform infraction. This would be a case of killing an ant with a sledgehammer. The infraction can be corrected after the lift so that concentration is not lost and the competition is not slowed down. More serious infractions may warrant more serious action. Use your judgment. Reason - To ensure that all equipment conforms to the relevant rules of the IWF.
6.3.8 During the course of the competition ensure that only the accredited number of officials accompany the athletes in the competition and warm-up areas. [1988] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict, when a TC is used. Reason – This duty is split between the two TCs one in the front area and the other in the back area. It is a security measure designed to keep unwanted persons away from the stage area.
6.3.9 Ensure that while the athlete is on the stage, nobody - including the Technical Controller is seen in that area (in view of the audience and/or TV cameras). [1980] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict, when a TC is used. Reason - This rule, similar in intent to 6.3.9, is included so that extraneous personnel do not hinder the view of the competition (as well as the neophyte audience's overall opinion of our sport's presentation). Again, this is done by the front area TC.
6.3.10 During the course of the competition checks the information of the scoreboard (correct lifter, attempt, weight, time, records) and allows lifters to go on stage once the announcements are complete. [2005]
Level - All. Interpretation - Strict, when a TC is used. This addition finally makes a de jure situation out of a de facto one as far as the board checking goes. The latter part injects a gate-keeping function into the job not previously present. It seems to be taking a page out of Powerlifting’s rule book where the chief referee shouts “Bar is ready” to signal to the lifter that all is in order and he may go step onto the platform and start his lift. Now the TC will allow lifters on to the platform only when the conditions in 6.5.3 are fulfilled, i.e., weight announced or loaders leave the platform, whichever is last.
6.3.11 Control the cleaning of the bar and the platform. [1988] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict, when a TC is used. Reason - This rule ensures that the coaches do not ask for too many "time-outs" in order to buy time. It is now incumbent upon the front area TC to ensure that the platform is always clean. Coaches - While this may not always work it may be worth a try to get the loaders to clean the platform in order to buy some time for a tired athlete and to make the others wait.
6.3.12 Assist the Anti-Doping Commission, if requested. [1988] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict, when a TC is used. This assistance usually takes the form of gathering the chosen athletes for escorting to doping control. Both TCs can perform these duties.
6.3.14 Before the Presentation the Technical Controllers ensure that numbers Mentioned in XXX are attached to the correct athletes. Level - All. Interpretation – Strict.
6.3.15 Before the Presentations, ensure that the athletes and officials are lined up in their order before going to the competition area. Level - All. Interpretation – Strict. This is done in cooperation with the Protocol Officer.
6.3.16 After the competition, ensure that the medal winners are available for the Victory Ceremony. Level - All. Interpretation – Strict. This is done in cooperation with the Doping officials.
6.4 REFEREES
6.4.1 In every competition, referees must concentrate on the main task of adjudicating the lifts performed by the athletes. Every international referee must hold a valid referee card issued by the IWF. [Trad] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict. Reason - To ensure that only qualified referees are at work.
6.4.2 International referees are classified in two categories:
a) Category 2: These persons may referee at national championships, international tournaments, Regional Games and Continental Championships. [1960]
b) Category 1: These persons may referee at the above-mentioned championships and tournaments, as well as at Olympic Games and World Championships. They may also serve on an international jury. [Trad] Level - R+. Interpretation - Strict. Category 2 referees may also work at regional championships and Continental Games. It should also be mentioned that they Category 1 referees may serve as Technical Controllers (see 6.3.2) and that International referees may (in fact, must) adjudicate on World Records. History – Category 2 was instituted in 1960. In Canada Category 3 came about in 1975. National - The CWFHC also recognizes the levels of: Category 4 - These persons may referee at any level of competition up to that of provincial or territorial championships and Games. Category 3 - These persons may referee at the above-mentioned competitions, as well as interprovincial and national championships and games. They may also serve on an interprovincial jury. This includes the Western Canada Championships.
REFEREES AT COMPETITION
6.4.13 At competitions held under IWF rules, three referees (a centre referee and two side referees) and one reserve referee are appointed to each category or group. [Trad] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict exempt for the reserve requirement. Reserves are often omitted below the World or Olympic level. Reason - As many sports have learned three referees make for a “smoother” consensus than having just a single one. National - Appointing reserves is not usually done but would be desirable. In any case, the Technical Controller may also act as a substitute referee.
6.4.14 Before the competition the referees must ascertain under the guidance of the Technical Controller:
Level - All. Interpretation - Strict. The referees must therefore know the necessary requirements for equipment (see Section 4 and 6.3.5) if they are to do their jobs properly. They should also know sub-section 5.3 in regard to weigh-ins.
6.4.15 Before the competition, the referees must place their international card on the Jury table in front of the President. [Trad] Level - R+. Interpretation - Strict at these levels, often ignored at lower levels. At international meets the referees also shake hands with the jury members and may also exchanges small gifts like pins or flags. Reason - Following this rule ensures the credentials of the referees as well as giving the Jury President a chance to record the competition refereed on the card itself. Internal view on previous page.
6.4.16 Referees at World Championships and all international competitions must be correctly dressed in accordance with the IWF rules and if they are not, they are not allowed to officiate. [Trad] Level - P+. Interpretation - Strict; lesser meets may be more relaxed. But all referees are encouraged to have the appropriate uniform. See 6.3.5. Reason - To uphold authority and dignity of the officials and the sport.
6.4.17 At World Championships competitions, all the officials must wear the proper uniform: dark blue jacket, white shirt, IWF tie (or scarf for women), grey trousers (grey skirt or trousers for women), dark socks or stockings, black shoes and the IWF referee badge on the breast pocket of the jacket. Only the IWF badge may be worn because these officials represent the International Federation. In very hot weather and subject to the authorization of the Jury President, the jacket may be removed. At Olympic Games and at other multi-sports Games, only the uniform issued by the Organising Committee is worn. [2000]
Level - P+. Interpretation - Strict, where uniforms are required. Uniforms add dignity to the sport and authority for its officials. One may recognize the uniform for its similarity to British public school uniforms (Oscar State's influence is obvious here). They are basic colours and are usually part of every man's wardrobe. In the examples above we see a man in the official uniform, followed by the same man after the jury has given permission to remove jackets. Most, if not all Continental Federations use the same colours as the IWF in any case.
Towards the right in the diagram we see two women, both dressed acceptably. At the inside right we see a more formal uniform with skirt and tie. At far right a less formal uniform is shown consisting of slacks and a woman’s scarf. At World Championships women generally wear skirts since that is what is expected by Europeans for such events. Due to long-standing custom in our society, fast changing fashions, and the IWF’s reluctance to get into such arguments with their referees females have a wider choice as to what is appropriate than do males. This issue becomes complicated further when the cultural preferences of some countries have to be considered. At recent Worlds Championships we have seen mini to floor length skirts, Scotsmen in kilts (grey of course), Prince Albert coats to bolero jackets, men’s ties to scarves to no neck wear. As long as the colours are right and the more unorthodox outfits fit the wearers culture little is said. National - The CWFHC referee crest is worn by category 3 and 4 instead of the IWF crest.
6.4.18 Level - All. Interpretation - Strict. History – the distance that the side referees sit from the centre referee is new for 2001. Reason - This distance has been considered optimal by the IWF Technical Committee. Not too close, not too far. It may not always be possible to adhere to in all venues due to their individual construction peculiarities. Note the diagram showing sight lines at 3 and 4 meters from the centre referee.
6.4.19 During the competition the referees must ascertain:
The referees must then be expert at mentally "loading" a barbell so that errors do not occur to hurt the athlete and slow the competition down.
This rule is somewhat antiquated since there are few instances of extraneous people being anywhere near the bar. But at one time the use of spotters was commonplace. Often they would touch the bar too soon and inadvertently assist or hinder a lift.
Should moving be necessary it will be important to return to the seat as quickly as possible to avoid making the athlete wait for a "Down".
The discs should be readily available so that no time is lost in searching for them. Level - All. Interpretation - Strict.
6.4.20 At World Championships, Olympic Games, as well as major international competitions, the electronic referee light system (as per specification in point 3.3) is used. However, when there has been a breakdown of the system, or at competitions where it is not available, the centre referee gives the signal for replacing the barbell on the platform at the conclusion of each lift, as soon as the lifter becomes absolutely motionless in all parts of the body and has both feet on the same line. This signal must be both audible and visible, i.e. The centre referee must say "Down" and at the same time motion downwards with the arm. [1976] Level - All. Interpretation - As resources permit. Many jurisdictions still do not have an electronic light system. Even those that do sometimes fail to use it if it is considered not worth the trouble of setting it up for a small competition. And as mentioned even when one is used it sometimes malfunctions. Therefore it is still required that the referees know how to use the "traditional" system. Its main difference is that the centre referee has the sole power to signal the athlete to lower the barbell. He does this after the athlete has completed the lift with all body parts in proper position. This differs from the electronic system in that only the centre referee need concern himself when to give the signal. The side referees must then assume that the athlete was in proper position for signalling as long as the centre referee thinks so and signals "Down". Even if the side referees think that the feet may not have been in line they must not give reds once the centre referee has signalled "Down". (and he will not signal "Down" if the athlete is not in line).
6.4.21 The referees must indicate their judgment of the lift by giving signals. "Good Lift" - white light; "No Lift" - red light. A lift is "Good Lift" with two or three white lights; a lift is "No Lift" with two or three red lights. [Trad] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict. Lights are displayed whether or not the lift was completed. This rule is the essence of the referee’s job. Reason - Decisions made will be unambiguous.
6.4.22 In the event of a failure in the electronic system and in competitions where they are not available, small red and white flags can substitute the lights. The referees announce their decision by raising the appropriate flag. [Trad] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict. Reason - This ensures that a decision is displayed quickly. Further improvisation is possible by using a "thumbs up" for white lights and "thumbs down" for red lights. This is only practical in small competition halls.
6.4.23 When the electronic referee light system is not being used, should one of the side referees see a serious fault during the execution of a lift, he or she raises an arm to call attention to the fault. If there is agreement from the other side referee or from the centre referee, this constitutes a majority opinion and the centre referee stops the lift and signals to the lifter to lower the barbell to the platform. [Trad] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict. This hand raising must be done only by the side referees and as soon as the error is spotted. Then the hand must stay up until the completion of the lift so that the athlete or the chief referee does not think that the referee has changed his mind. The referee does not want the appearance of incompetence, lassitude or possible bias. Reason - A lifter will not waste effort or risk injury on a lift that will not be accepted.
6.4.24 In a competition at which no Technical Controller is appointed, the referees must perform the duties of the Technical Controller (see 6.3). [1984] Level - C on down, (TCs are always used at W,O level). Interpretation - Strict. This rule serves to point out the importance of the Technical Controller's duties. They must not be ignored. If there are not enough officials to appoint one then the duties must be performed by others. It should also be noted that the referees may perform some of these duties even if a Technical controller is appointed to ensure that all the rules are enforced.
6.4.25 During the competition that they are called upon to adjudicate, the referees must not receive any document concerning the progress of the competition. They must abstain from any comment. [Trad] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict. Reason - This ensures that the referees are as objective as possible. This in turn requires that they be competent since they may only draw upon their own resources. This rule though may seem redundant now that large scoreboards are placed right in front of the referees.
6.4.26 During the competition a referee must not attempt to influence the decisions of the other referees. [Trad] Level - All. Interpretation - Strict. Reason - Anything less would cast aspersions on the referees' objectivity. There must be no conversation, signalling or commentary that will compromise objectivity.
6.4.27 After the competition the referees must:
Level - All. Interpretation - Strict. Reason - Referees must remain seated during victory ceremonies in order to give the ceremonies as mush dignity as possible and to show that the referees were an integral part of the competition.
To see Weightlifting (AWA) Referee Clinic Info Pt. I Click here. Author: Dresdin Archibald and Gerry Fox Date Posted: February 24th, 2009 Supplied by: Dresdin Archibald and Gerry Fox
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The chief referee must be seated four (4) meters (measured from the front of the platform to the rear of the referee’s table) and in line with its centre. The side referees must be seated on the same line as the centre referee, three (3) or four (4) metres apart. [1980]
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