The event went well yesterday. We only had five athletes, several of whom are experienced lifters. This year, we had an experienced and enthusiastic couple helping set up and run it, which was an excellent educational experience. Next year's event, they're planning to bring in enough athletes to multiply the roster by a factor of at least four.
The particulars on this style of bench press are strict in a lot of ways that are different from the able-bodied version, particularly with regards to the lower body - straps holding down the legs are optional, but highly encouraged. Digging in the heels on the bench is a red light. Moving the legs at all is a red light. The focus on bar control is very tight - we had some lifters red lit for relatively minor issues there.
The center judge gives a start command. At lower levels, the athlete can request a press command from the judge, but higher levels do not allow this. The coach may shout a press command from the side, if the lifter wants.
Spotters take the bar to assist as soon as the rack command is given by the center judge - I clarified that yes, this means the best strategy is for the athlete to lock out and just hold it until the rack command, then let the spotters initiate the rack.
We got to see a lot of encouraging lifters and lifts. At least one of the top two also does able-bodied meets. She's a double BTK amputee - didn't get to ask her about her training or other events.
All in all, it's a pretty neat sport, and encouraging to see more people interested in strength who might not otherwise be. Not surprisingly, there's a growing veteran involvement as well, nationwide.
Having volunteered there last year, I knew to bring my homemade chalk stand for the competitors' use, since the hosting high school doesn't trust their students with chalk in their very well-funded weight room with the school logo-branded dumbbells, school color racks/benches/bumper plates/Cerakote bars and all...