Why might a lifter receive a failure during squat related to elbow positions?

A lifter can receive a failure during a squat if their elbows are touching their legs during the lift because this position can indicate that the lifter is not maintaining proper form and alignment throughout the movement. In powerlifting, especially in the squat, the elbows should not make contact with the legs as this can suggest that the lifter is using an inappropriate technique or has compromised their body position, which could lead to safety issues or an inability to perform the lift correctly.

Maintaining proper elbow positioning helps ensure that the lift is executed in accordance with the competition standards, which require the torso and back to be kept upright, allowing for better stability and balance during the movement. If the elbows touch the legs, it may also signal that the lifter is leaning forward excessively, which can lead to disqualification for not following the prescribed lift mechanics.

The other options involve rules regarding elbow position that do not align as closely with the conditions that would lead to a lift being marked as a failure. For instance, the requirement that elbows must be fully extended or that they can never bend during any lift do not apply universally across all lifts and scenarios, while the stipulation about bar placement relates to the lifter’s setup rather than direct actions during the lift. Thus,