The Weigh in:
The weigh in is where you first meet the athletes. While at Tier 1 & 2 competitions, generally most athletes have competed for some time, at Tier 3 events, you’re more likely to encounter nervous first timers. Whenever an athlete comes into the weigh in room, I will engage with them to find out their experience. Some like to talk, some just want to get it all done so they can head off and eat! But if the athlete is new, I’ll often ask if they have any questions about the competition and the process. Remember we’re there to help and make their competition day as stress free as possible. But in general, for the Tier 1 and 2 competitions, the athletes are used to the process so it’s more of a formality than anything. So, what are the things that you might not read in the handbook?
Prior to the weigh in:
- Obtain a list of athletes from the competition organiser well in advance to the weigh in.
- Check the scales!! And I don’t mean that they just turn on. Get a 5kg plate for calibration.
- There should be a list of the lifters on the outside of the weigh in room so that the athletes know what order they will be called.
- 2 Referees of the same gender should always be present at Tier 1 & 2 events as well as Tier 3 events with u18’s (otherwise 1 referee at Tier 3 event for over 18’s is fine).
At weigh in:
- Call athletes in order. If athlete 1 is not present, move on to athlete 2 and complete the list before returning to athlete 1.
- Athlete may not move up or down weight classes.
- Athlete who makes weight on first weigh in may NOT return.
- However, an athlete who doesn’t make weight on the first attempt, may use the full hour to achieve their weight class and therefore, can ‘weigh in’ as many times as they like during this period. Once the weight is achieved, they are not allowed to return.
- Do not allow anyone else in. This is a safe space for athletes so keep the door locked.
- You need to be present for the full hour, or until all athletes have successfully weighed in.
- At Tier 1 and 2, if someone turns up late and misses the cut off, they are not permitted to compete.
- At Tier 3 comps, lifters who miss weigh in, may, at the discretion of the comp organiser, weigh in separately and compete as a guest. Their total will not count to ranking in the comp but CAN count to qualification, rankings, and records.
- At a Tier 1 competition, the weigh in should be performed by 1 of the referees (normally centre ref) who will adjudicate the same group that the athletes compete in.
The process:
Referee 1:
- Check photo ID and BWL membership.
- Ask athlete to stand on scales in their underwear ONLY.
- Athlete may wear jewellery but no watch. (Odd right??? An athlete can turn up with a load of gold chains round their neck, but a watch is forbidden!).
Referee 2:
- Oversees the weigh in sheet.
- Makes a note that ID has been provided.
- Confirms age/DOB from ID and that it matches the weigh in sheet. If not present, make a note of it.
- Asks for openers AND checks for the 20kg rule is met. If they are close to the 20kg rule, it’s often helpful to remind them of this rule in case they decide to lower their openers before they lift.
- Referee 2 should then confirm weight with referee 1.
- Referee 2 should also then confirm with the athlete of what is written down. The athlete must sign and acknowledge their weight and openers. This is our safety net so make sure they do this.
Summary:
In regard to jobs of a TO, this is pretty straightforward. At major events, it’s a lot more formal. At the local club comps, you may find yourself in a small loo with the lifter, but either way, these final tips and reminders always stay true.
- No one really likes standing in front of a stranger in their pants, so be considerate. Try to minimise that moment by being prepared with the scales on and paper and pen ready etc.
- If you sense athletes are nervous about the comp, strike up a conversation and ask them if they have any questions. Make sure they know that we are approachable.
- Remember the 20kg rule! You are the first person that will be able to flag this with the lifter. The last thing they need is to be told that while warming up.
- Remember to lock the door!!