What should a referee do if they suspect a lifter has committed a rules violation?

When a referee suspects that a lifter has committed a rules violation, the most appropriate action is to report the observation to the Chief Referee. The Chief Referee is responsible for overseeing the competition and making final decisions about any violations. By communicating the suspected violation to the Chief Referee, the referee ensures that all actions are documented and handled according to the established protocols of the competition.

Consulting other referees may be beneficial in some cases, but ultimately, the authority of decision-making lies with the Chief Referee. This ensures that the competition is run fairly and transparently, maintaining the integrity of the sport. Disqualifying a lifter on the spot without consulting the Chief Referee could lead to unnecessary disruptions and unfair treatment, as there may be context or additional viewpoints regarding the situation that need to be considered. Ignoring the observation entirely would defeat the purpose of having referees monitor adherence to the rules and could undermine the fairness of the competition.