What is the cause for a red card/failure no. 1 during a squat?

A red card, indicating a failure in a squat, can be issued primarily for not meeting the required depth of the squat. In powerlifting competitions, the rules specify that the athlete must descend until the top of the thigh is at least parallel to the ground for the squat to be considered valid. If an athlete fails to achieve this depth, it is grounds for a no. 1 failure, resulting in a red card.

In this context, the importance of meeting the depth requirement is paramount. The rule ensures that all competitors adhere to the same standard, promoting fairness and integrity within the sport. Deviating from this standard, even slightly, can lead to the squat being deemed invalid, hence the result of a red card.

While other factors like lifting technique, knee locking, and balance may contribute to the overall performance of the squat, they are not the primary reason for a red card in the context of this question regarding failure number one. The defined criteria established by the competition rules highlight the depth requirement as a critical aspect of a successful squat attempt.