What is the purpose of having multiple referees in a powerlifting event?

The purpose of having multiple referees in a powerlifting event is to ensure fairness and accurate judgment of lifts. In competitions, each lift must meet specific criteria laid out by the governing bodies, and having multiple referees allows for a comprehensive and impartial assessment. This setup minimizes the risk of bias, as it brings different perspectives to the evaluation process.

Each referee is tasked with observing various aspects of the lift, such as the lifter's form, adherence to rules, and the validity of the lift itself. This collective scrutiny helps maintain the integrity of the sport by providing checks and balances. Moreover, decisions made by a panel of referees are more reliable than a single referee's judgment, as they can discuss and reconcile their viewpoints, leading to better consistency in call-making.

Overall, the collaborative aspect of having multiple referees promotes trust in the competition, ensures that everyone is held to the same standard, and fosters a fair environment for all athletes.