Hackenschmidt Floor Press – 15-Inch
Official Rules
The rules of the Bench Press apply with these exceptions. The lift will be performed lying on the ground with shoulder, buttocks and feet remaining in contact with floor throughout the lift. The bottom of the bar height will be no more than 15 inches (38 cm) from the ground/platform. The lift may be performed from a power rack, blocks or any stable support system. The attempt begins at the lifter’s discretion and is finished when the arms are locked to the best of their ability, and the head referee gives a “Down” command. The bar may be lowered during the attempt but must be locked out to receive a “Down” command. There is no grip width limit on this lift, the hands may be any width inside the collars. Alternate grip is not allowed, but Reverse Grip is allowed at the meet directors discretion for Bench Press, Touch N Go & Hackenschmidt Floor Press lifts. Kilts are not permitted on lifts where lifters are lying on the ground or on any bench press lift. Officials Commands: Down
VI.C. Bench Press Rules
The bench shall be placed on the platform with the head facing the front or angled up to 45 degrees. The head referee will be positioned on the head side of the bench press rack. The lifter is not allowed to enter the rack from the head side of the bench press rack.
The lifter must lie on their back with shoulders and buttocks in contact with the bench surface. The feet must be touching the floor, either flat or on the toes. The head does not need to be touching the bench. The lifter’s hands and fingers must grip the bar positioned in the rack stands with a thumb-around grip. This position shall be maintained throughout the lift. To achieve firm footing the lifter may use flat surfaced plates or blocks not exceeding 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height.
Once in the lifting position, the lifter may enlist the help of the spotter, loader or coach in removing the bar from the racks (handoff). The lifter must receive the handoff at arms’ length.
The spacing of the hands shall not exceed 32 inches (81.3 cm) measured between the index fingers (both index fingers must be within the 32-inch, 81.3 cm marks). Alternate or reverse grip is not allowed.
After removing the bar from the racks, the lifter will hold the bar at arm’s length and wait for a “Start” command from the head referee. After receiving the command, the lifter will lower the bar to the chest, then touch the chest with the bar and proceed to push the weight to lockout. The bar may not sink into the chest or be heaved by the lifter to gain additional support. The lifter must then return the bar to straight arms’ length with their elbows locked to the best of their ability. When the bar is locked out and motionless, the head referee will give a “Rack” command, and the lifter will return the bar to the bench press rack. Kilts are not permitted on lifts where lifters are lying on the ground or on any bench press lift.
1. Causes for Disqualification of a Bench Press
- Failure to observe the Chief Referee’s “Start” or “Rack” commands during the lift.
- Raising the butt or shoulders or changing the elected lifting position during the lift.
- Heaving or sinking the bar into the chest or abdominal area in a way as to make the lift easier.
- Any downward movement of the bar in the course of being pressed out.
- Failure to press the bar to arm’s length with elbows locked to the best of their ability at the completion of the lift.
- Any deliberate contact between the bar and the bar rest supports.
- Failure to comply with any of the items outlined under the Rules of Performance.
Photo Credit: ALCO Visuals by AJ Coghill