The snatch
The barbell is lifted from the platform to full extension overhead in one continuous movement, with the athlete usually receiving it in a deep squat before standing up.
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INDIVIDUAL · IWF · IWLF
Weightlifting
Olympic weightlifting contests two lifts: the snatch, taken from floor to overhead in one movement, and the clean and jerk, taken in two. Each athlete gets three attempts at each lift, and the best successful snatch is added to the best successful clean and jerk to give the total that decides the placings.
group
PLAYERS
Individual, within body-weight categories
schedule
DURATION
Session of roughly 2 hrs per category
stadium
PLAYING AREA
4 m × 4 m competition platform
scoreboard
SCORING
Best snatch + best clean and jerk = total
HOW IT IS PLAYED
Core Rules
The clean and jerk
The bar is first brought to the shoulders — the clean — and then driven overhead in a second distinct movement, the jerk. Both parts must be completed for the lift to count.
Three attempts each
Every lifter has three attempts at the snatch and three at the clean and jerk. Weight on the bar may only increase within a lifter's own progression; it can never go down.
Down signal
The lift is complete only when the athlete is motionless with arms and legs fully extended, feet in line, and the referees give the down signal. Dropping the bar early is a no-lift.
One minute clock
A lifter has 60 seconds from being called to start the attempt, or 120 seconds if they are following themselves. Failing to start in time forfeits the attempt.
Bodyweight tie-break
If two lifters end on the same total, the lighter athlete at weigh-in is placed ahead. If bodyweights are also equal, whoever reached the total first wins.
Progression order
The bar is loaded in ascending order and never reduced during a session, so the order of lifting is determined entirely by the weights declared.
Costume and equipment
A one-piece singlet is required. Belts may not exceed 12 cm, wraps and tape are limited in length, and the knees may not be taped in a way that provides support beyond the rules.
Jury review
A three-member jury may overrule the referees' decision after reviewing footage, and each coach may lodge one protest per attempt against a no-lift decision.
WATCH OUT
Fouls & Penalties
- errorPressing out — finishing the lockout by extending the elbows after the bar has stopped.
- errorTouching the platform with any part of the body other than the feet.
- errorPausing during the extension of the arms in the snatch, or an unfinished jerk.
- errorLeaving the platform, or lowering the bar before the down signal.
- errorTouching the bar after the referees have declared a no-lift.
WHO DECIDES
Match Officials
- sportsThree referees — one central and two side, each giving a white or red light.
- sportsTechnical controller — verifies bar loading and platform conditions.
- sportsJury of three — may reverse referee decisions on review.
- sportsTimekeeper and marshal — run the attempt clock and the lifting order.
GOVERNED BY IWF · IWLF
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