Which of the following is a reason for receiving a blue card failure no. 2 for deadlift?

Receiving a blue card failure no. 2 for deadlift due to resting the bar on the thighs is correct because this action violates the rules of the lift. The deadlift requires the lifter to initiate the lift from the ground without any assistance or leverage from resting the bar against the body. When a lifter rests the bar on their thighs, it can suggest that they are not maintaining proper lifting technique, as this can lead to a lack of proper engagement of the muscles needed to execute the lift correctly. This action may give the lifter an unfair advantage or can compromise their safety, which is why it is penalized with a blue card failure.

In the context of other failures, shoulders not being back during the lift indicates a lack of proper form that affects the execution of the lift, yet it does not specifically meet the criteria for a blue card failure number 2. An incomplete lift pertains to the lift not meeting all criteria stipulated in the rules (like returning the bar to the ground after being lifted), while soft elbows refer to a lack of rigidity in the arm joints, which is generally more pertinent in other lifts, such as the bench press.