Florida State University IM Sports: Bench Press Rules

Revised for Fall 1997
Florida State University does not provide accident insurance coverage for injuries received by Intramural participants. Each participant should make sure that he/she has coverage either through family policies or the student insurance plan. We cannot emphasize this point enough.

Florida State University PROHIBITS possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on University property. This includes the Intramural Sports Complex and Tully Gym. Violators will be asked to leave the area. Failure to do so can result in forfeiture of the ball game, suspension of individuals and/or teams, and appropriate action by the University Judicial Office.

I. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

A. Participation is limited to currently-enrolled, fee-paying FSU students, faculty members, and full-time staff. FAMU & TCC students and members of the community are not eligible. All areas of eligibility are covered in the Intramural By-Laws which are available through the Campus Recreation Office and online at the FSU Campus Recreation web site.

B. In order to participate in an Intramural contest each player must present their validated FSUCard. Exceptions must be directed to the Intramural Sports Office for consideration by the IM staff during regular business hours (9:00am-6:00pm). Bring a photo ID and proof of payment to obtain a waiver from the IM staff. No such waiver will be granted on the field.

II. BENCH PRESS RULES

1. Competitors must pre-register for the competition during the predetermined time period at the Leach Fitness Counter.

2. Competitors must present their valid FSUCard at weigh-in and prior to the competition.

3. The weigh-in will be held between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the Leach Center on the day of the contest.

4. Each competitor is allowed a total of three (3) lifts. Only the best of the three lifts will be considered for the final placing in one's weight division. Lifters may provide their own spotters.

5. Baggy and/or loose shirts must be tucked in to allow judges to see total body movements.

6. A 3-minute rest period will be permitted between lifts.

III. FACTORS THAT CONSTITUTE A LEGAL BENCH PRESS

A. Both feet must be flat on the floor surface and be on the same spot throughout the lift.

B. The buttocks and back must not leave the bench (flat on bench).

C. The arms must be straight at the starting lift, lowered down to touch the pectorals (chests) and pressed upward smoothly until the elbows are locked-out at the final position. Even arm extension is required.

D. Any bounce-off from the chest position constitutes an illegal press.

E. The judges' decisions are final.

IV. WEIGHT DIVISIONS

MEN: 150 and under, 151-165, 166-179, 180-194, 195 and above

WOMEN: 129 lbs and under, 130 lbs and above

A minimum of four people are required for competition in a particular weight division. Extra weight divisions may be added or dropped if there is a need.

Please visit the IM Sports Office in Tully 136 or call 644-2430 for more information.
Last Update: March 16, 2001.