Receiving a blue card failure no. 2 for bench press can occur due to what reason?

In powerlifting, receiving a blue card for a failure during the bench press indicates that the lift did not meet the established criteria as defined by the judging standards. One of the primary reasons for a blue card failure is due to the lifter exhibiting soft elbows during the lift.

Soft elbows mean that the lifter's elbow joints are not fully locked out at the completion of the lift. This is crucial because the judges look for the elbows to be completely straight and stable at the top of the lift to ensure that the lift is being performed with the appropriate technique and control. When elbows are soft, it suggests that there might be ongoing movement or lack of stability in the joint, which can compromise the safety of the lift and violate the rules of execution for the bench press.

This emphasis on having fully locked elbows reflects the standards used in competition to maintain fair play and safety for all athletes involved. It's also indicative of proper strength and technique required to successfully complete the lift as per competition norms. Thus, the occurrence of a blue card failure due to soft elbows highlights the essential requirements for maintaining form and control throughout the lift.