Originally Posted by
Michael Wolf
FWIW, in theory I like the original strengthlifting criteria of layback being fine until a plumb line down from the most anterior aspect of the armpit gets behind the rear most part of the butt. But having judged at a strength meet and at over a dozen crossfit totals, this is very difficult to actually judge in real time while also looking at the knees, the feet, and the bar for up/downs. To really enforce it consistently you'd need a judge dedicated to just that, which adds another logistical requirement to something already challenging to pull off. The only real alternative I can see is requiring absolutely strict presses, which isn't a good option IMO.