When can officials require a lifter to adjust their hair during a bench press?

The requirement for officials to ask a lifter to adjust their hair during a bench press is based on the visibility of the lifter's head in relation to the performance of the lift. If a lifter's hair obscures the referee's view of the lifter's head, it can impede the official's ability to assess whether the lift meets the criteria for a successful attempt. Clear visibility of the head is essential for evaluating whether the lifter's position meets the rules regarding setup and completion of the lift, particularly regarding alignment and whether any portion of the body is elevated off the bench.

While other factors such as personal requests or general neatness of the hair may be considerations in a gym setting, they do not warrant an official requirement for adjustment during competition. The focus is primarily on ensuring a fair and clear judging environment where all aspects of the lift can be accurately officiated. Therefore, the stipulation provided in this answer addresses the official's responsibility to ensure proper visibility, which is crucial for the integrity of the judging process in powerlifting competitions.