What must lifters do if they want to dispute a lift decision?

Lifters must approach the referee immediately after the lift if they wish to dispute a lift decision. This process is rooted in the structure of powerlifting competitions, where timely communication is crucial for ensuring that concerns are addressed while the event is still ongoing. By approaching the referee right away, lifters can clarify their understanding of the decision, present any relevant observations, and initiate a discussion about the validity of the ruling. It is important to do this immediately because once the event progresses beyond a certain point, the opportunity to contest a decision may be lost, and disputes may not be effectively resolved after the completion of the event. This immediate feedback loop is essential in maintaining the integrity and fairness of competition.

Other options do not align with the established protocol for disputing lift decisions. For instance, filing a formal complaint later or waiting until the event concludes would miss the opportunity for direct dialogue and could lead to unresolved issues stemming from the lift decision. Accepting the decision without dispute would imply agreement with the ruling, which does not fulfill the lifter's right to challenge if they believe there has been an error.