This article is designed for those going to a development competition (children aged 13 and below). We will be covering all you need to know about the competition structure and the points system.
Competition Structure
Each lifter has three attempts on the Snatch and three attempts on the Clean & Jerk. You must complete at least one successful Snatch and one successful Clean & Jerk to register a total and make sure you are “in” the competition.
If you fail all three Snatches or all three Clean & Jerks, you are disqualified from the competition.
The competitor who lifts the most weight (which includes technique points – more on that later) in the bodyweight and age group, wins.
Side-note:
If you haven’t entered a competition, please head over to the British Weight Lifting website using this link to find out which competition you’d like to take part in.
If you are looking to start learning Olympic Lifting, take a look at the following articles:
For technical advice, head over to the category pages at the top menu on Lifting Times.
Before proceeding, I am going to make some assumptions here. I will now assume you’ve got a good grasp of the technique and you’ve already signed up for a competition.
The Competition
Pre-Competition
There are no qualifying totals that the child must complete to enter into a development competition. Everyone is welcome.
Upon entering the competition you will be given a weigh-in time. This is an hour slot where you must have your bodyweight taken in order to match you against similar sized competitors.
Ideally arrive at the competition well before your weigh-in time to avoid any last minute running around and unnecessary stress.
After you have successfully weighed-in there will be a period of at least 1 hour before your weight group starts lifting.
Here are the bodyweight classes for child lifters in the UK as of March 2017:
Male U8
Female U8
Male U13
Female U13
35kg
30kg
40kg
35kg
40kg
35kg
45kg
40kg
45kg
40kg
50kg
44kg
50kg
44kg
56kg
48kg
56kg
48kg
62kg
53kg
62kg
53kg
69kg
58kg
69kg
53kg+
77kg
58kg+
69kg+
77kg+
During The Competition
Officially, the lightest weight you are allowed to start lifting on is 7kg (5kg bar, 1kg discs either side and spring collars). However, some competitions may have blocks which will mean you can start on just the bar (5kg). Be sure to check with the officials/ referees.
After an attempt you can either repeat the same weight or increase the weight by a minimum 1kg and a maximum of 5kg.
All development competitions are designed to promote inclusion, fun and technique with in the sport.
The Points System
The lifter can be awarded one point for each correct position/ movement, this equates to up to four points on the Snatch and eight points on the Clean & Jerk (four on the Clean and four on the Jerk).
The table below outlines what the key positions that the referees are looking for in order to award technique points.
Snatch
Clean
Jerk
Start position
Start position
Start position
Bar at the knees
Bar at the knees
Dip & drive
Triple extension
Triple extension
Split receive position
Receiving position
Receiving position
Recovery (front foot first)
After a successful Clean but a failed Jerk the lifter is awarded technique points for the Clean (up to the maximum of four) but zero points for the Jerk.
A Power Clean and Power Jerk is only awarded two points.
How The Total Is Calculated
The total technique points scored on each of the six attempts, by the lifter, are added together and then doubled. This number is then added on to the child’s weight-lifted total (their combined best Snatch and best Clean & Jerk) to give an overall total number.
The lifter with the greatest overall total number wins.
Post-Competition
Congratulations! We hope you enjoyed your competition! Comment below and let us know how you found it.
And remember, if you are unsure at any time, speak to a member of the help desk team, a technical official or your coach.
