What must a lifter do to initiate their lift?

To initiate their lift, a lifter must wait for the Chief Referee's signal. This is a critical aspect of powerlifting competitions, which ensures that all lifts are carried out in an orderly and standardized manner. The Chief Referee's signal serves as a clear and authoritative command that indicates the official start of the lift. It helps to maintain the integrity of the competition and ensures that the lifter begins at the correct moment, following the rules and regulations that govern the sport.

Options that suggest alternative actions, such as counting loudly or signaling to spectators, are not recognized protocols within powerlifting. The lifter’s focus should remain on the Chief Referee who oversees the lifting process. Proceeding without any commands not only disregards established competition protocols but can also lead to confusion and potential disqualification. Thus, waiting for the signal from the Chief Referee is essential for a fair and seamless competition experience.