Why would a lifter's actions lead to a yellow card for deadlift?

A lifter receives a yellow card for stepping sideways during the deadlift because such movement indicates instability and can compromise the integrity of the lift. The deadlift requires the athlete to lift the barbell from a stationary position on the ground in a controlled and linear manner. Any lateral movement demonstrates a lack of control over the lift and deviates from the proper technique, which is essential for safety and fair competition.

Resting the bar on thighs is typically part of the setup for some lifters as they prepare to initiate the lift and may not necessarily lead to a card unless it disrupts the lift's legality. Soft knees during the lift usually refers to a lack of proper hip and knee extension, but this is often judged based on the overall control of the lift rather than being a direct cause for a yellow card. Additionally, interference from another lifter touching their bar falls outside the lifter’s control and is not considered a fault of the lifter. Therefore, the movement away from the intended path during a deadlift directly results in a yellow card, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a solid and stable position throughout the lift.