Podcast: Tom Campitelli: The United States Strengthlifting Federation

[Mark Rippetoe]

US Strengthlifting Federation | Starting Strength Podcast

[Hans Bachmann]

That intro was priceless!

[Bill Hannon]

I can't believe Rip and Tom have never seen anyone fall on their ass during a DL attempt. I've seen it several times (all sumo), none of which did the rear spotter do a damn thing other than look surprised.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Lemme guess: They were looking straight up too.

[Mark E. Hurling]

I can't believe Rip and Tom have never seen anyone fall on their ass during a DL attempt. I've seen it several times (all sumo), none of which did the rear spotter do a damn thing other than look surprised.

It happened to me at the 2015 USPA California State Championships on my 3rd attempt. But I was pulling conventional and not looking up. It was hot in the venue and I got the shakes halfway up and lost the bar with a tremendous CLANG! when the plates hit the floor, followed by total silence from the spectators.

The spotters and judges collectively rushed me while I lay there laughing at my own folly. Funny as Hell. The spectators started laughing and applauded as I stood up and took a bow in mockery of my own humility. Might as well after having shown my ass like that.

Paul Horn was at that meet. He just might remember having seen me do it.

[MBasic]

I can't believe Rip and Tom have never seen anyone fall on their ass during a DL attempt. I've seen it several times (all sumo), none of which did the rear spotter do a damn thing other than look surprised.

I thought the rear DL spotter was more of a catch-the-passed-out-lifter-thing,
which I've seen quite a few times (normally, after the bar is put down).
In fact, it almost happened to me once (when I was starting out),
but I grabbed the cage-post to stay upright.

YouTube
YouTube
YouTube
YouTube
YouTube
https://youtu.be/-eP9y4hFogU?t=22
https://youtu.be/_FVYzMDhV5E?t=26
https://youtu.be/46npk37DDZM?t=18
https://youtu.be/xdkN6JszCMk?t=23

And I've seen the fall to the rear before with out passing out (with the loaded bar), but yeah, now two people are getting hurt.

Also, doesn't the USSF have something in there if your bail on a squat (i.e drop it to the floor behind you) you are DQ'd?
I think that's a minor but noteworthy distinction from the other Feds.
Maybe that was something that was mentioned once or twice, but if its not in the written rules it should be.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Paul Horn was at that meet. He just might remember having seen me do it.

I'm sure he does. I've never seen it happen in any of the Texas meets I was in or announced. I'm not saying that you can't enjoy proving me wrong again on Youtube, saving the day with some videos. I'm just saying it doesn't happen frequently enough that a guy standing behind the lifter breathing down his neck would be helpful, especially since half of these videos show the lifter falling forward or sideways. Also, how much ammonia was inhaled first?

Also, doesn't the USSF have something in there if your bail on a squat (i.e drop it to the floor behind you) you are DQ'd?

Walked off the property, escorted out. We will not tolerate you injuring our spotters because you choose not stay under the bar.

[Leah Lutz]

Also, doesn't the USSF have something in there if your bail on a squat (i.e drop it to the floor behind you) you are DQ'd?
I think that's a minor but noteworthy distinction from the other Feds.
Maybe that was something that was mentioned once or twice, but if its not in the written rules it should be.

This is also a rule in the USAPL/IPF. The lifter must stay with their bar or risk being disqualified at that point.

[Mark Rippetoe]

In the USSF, there is no risk.

[65DSL]

I am 100% behind getting the judges out of the way. Had a 185kg 3rd attempt squat redlighted for jumping the squat command. I was amped up, it was a PR for me and Va state record within that fed for my age and weight class (42yrs old, 220) and I squatted on his arm movement, he said squat AFTER he dropped his arm. Side judges said depth was good. Would have gone for a 4th attempt as the weight moved well.

Also almost missed a 3rd on bench at another meet because the head judge was taking forever to give the press command- yes the bar was very still. Saw some other guys miss for this very reason.

Good stuff, all in all. Might be interested in competing if any of the meets are in the Va area. Will be keeping my eyes open.