Weightlifting

About Weightlifting

Weightlifting in the region is run by the South East Counties Weightlifting Association, a division of the National Governing Body. The sport works with two disciplines the snatch plus the clean and jerk, these develop people’s strength and explosive movement through a great range of movement.

It is practiced by males and females, and is divided into bodyweight classes so that small people are not disadvantaged. For under 13s there are modified rules with an emphasis on technique.

 

Local Info

There are affiliated clubs in Sussex, Surrey and Kent, all with qualified Leaders, Instructors or Coaches.  Competitions are organised in bodyweight, gender and age categories. There is modified Olympic lifting for under 11’s and under 13’s in which technique is scored and heavy attempts are discouraged. The association welcomes links with schools. We have several CRB checked coaches as well as current or retired teachers in our ranks. To reward involvement schools may borrow equipment and are encouraged to try for grants from a charity, the Weightlifters Supporters’ Fund.

 

 

A variety of courses are available, starting with 1 day teacher INSET followed by a pathway to qualifications in all branches of Resistance Training. It is now widely accepted that young children should do resistance training, and that free weights confer extra benefits. It has been shown by studies in schools that weight training and lifting are, if well supervised, extremely safe. They also protect against injuries resulting from other sports. Several of the major sports are now advising young athletes to use Olympic lifting in their training, but, as with weightlifting clubs it is very hard to find experts able to teach the skills, just as there is a shortage of free weight facilities with adequate floor space and ceiling height.

 

 

Local Contacts

Brian Hamill,

Development Officer and course administrator. brianhamill59@googlemail.com 

01932 705359 

Will be able to provide information locally and nationally.

Website: www.southeastcountiesweightlifters.co.uk 

 

Rules of the Game

 

Both lifts are completed by standing erect with the bar on straight arms overhead and with the feet in line apart. It is not permitted to press the bar. It must go directly and quickly to the arms locked position.

 

The Snatch is a single movement to pull a barbell from the floor to overhead whilst squatting or splitting under it.

 

The Clean & Jerk is in two parts. The bar is lifted onto the chest with a split or squat.  Then it is thrown to arms length above the head whilst splitting under it.

 

Competitors have three attempts at each lift. The result is the sum of the two best attempts, one of each discipline.

 

Every member must be available for drug testing.