Power Octathlon Technical Rules

Scope

The Power Octathlon Technical Classification Framework establishes the technical classification of approved World Strongman standard disciplines according to eight fundamental strength movement categories.

The classification of a discipline does not change when the discipline is contested individually or incorporated into an approved relay, multi-event or team competition format.

Competition Parameters

Unless expressly established in these Rules, the following parameters shall be specified in the applicable Event Technical Regulations:

• competition load;
• number of attempts;
• number of repetitions;
• time limit;
• weight progression;
• implement specification;
• permitted equipment;
• competition sequence;
• result determination and tie-breaking procedure.

Referee Commands

Where required by the discipline, the official commands shall be given in English. The applicable commands include:

An athlete shall not anticipate a Referee command where the Rules require the athlete to wait for that command.

Valid Attempts and Repetitions

A valid attempt or repetition shall satisfy all prescribed starting, movement and final-position requirements.

Apollo Bar Deadlift

1. The Apollo Bar shall be positioned horizontally on the platform in front of the athlete.
2. The athlete shall face the front of the platform and grip the implement with both hands using a double-overhand grip.
3. Conventional and sumo stance are permitted.
4. The athlete shall lift the implement from the platform until a fully upright position is reached.
5. A pause during the upward movement is permitted. Any downward movement of the implement before completion of the lift is prohibited.
6. In the final position:
   • the knees shall be fully extended;
   • the hips shall be fully extended;
   • the shoulders shall be back;
   • the torso shall be upright;
   • the feet shall remain stationary.
7. The athlete shall maintain the final position until the Referee gives the command "DOWN", accompanied by a downward hand signal.
8. Following the command, the athlete shall return the implement to the platform under control with both hands.

Saxon Bar Deadlift

1. The Saxon Bar shall be positioned horizontally on the platform in front of the athlete.
2. The athlete shall face the front of the platform and lift the approved Saxon Bar using both hands and the prescribed grip on the implement.
3. Conventional and sumo stance are permitted.
4. The athlete shall lift the implement to a fully upright position.
5. A pause during the upward movement is permitted. Downward movement before completion is prohibited.
6. At completion:
   • the knees and hips shall be fully extended;
   • the shoulders shall be back;
   • the torso shall be upright;
   • the feet shall remain stationary.
7. The athlete shall wait for the Referee's "DOWN" command before returning the implement to the platform under control.

Repetition Deadlift

1. The athlete shall perform the maximum number of valid deadlift repetitions with the prescribed competition load.
2. Each repetition shall begin from the platform.
3. The athlete shall lift the implement until:
   • the knees are fully extended;
   • the hips are fully extended;
   • the torso is upright;
   • the shoulders are back.
4. The implement shall be returned to the platform before the next repetition.
5. Bouncing or deliberately rebounding the implement from the platform shall not constitute a valid method of commencing the next repetition.
6. The Referee shall count only valid repetitions.

Fixed-Weight Repetition Deadlift

1. The technical execution shall be identical to the Repetition Deadlift.
2. The discipline shall be performed with a predetermined competition load established in the Event Technical Regulations.
3. The athlete shall perform one continuous competitive set unless otherwise specified in the Event Technical Regulations.
4. The result shall be the total number of valid repetitions completed within the applicable competition conditions.

General Technical Requirements

1. The implement shall initially be positioned vertically between the athlete's feet.
2. The distance between the inner edges of the athlete's footwear shall not exceed 80 cm.
3. A pause during the upward movement is permitted.
4. Downward movement before the athlete has reached the final position is prohibited.
5. At completion:
   • the knees shall be fully extended;
   • the athlete shall be fully upright;
   • the feet shall remain stationary.
6. The athlete shall maintain the final position until the Referee gives the command "DOWN".
7. The implement shall then be returned to the platform under control.

Vertical Lift "Roulette"

1. The athlete may perform the lift with either hand.
2. The non-working hand shall not:
   • touch the working hand;
   • touch any part of the athlete's body;
   • assist the lift in any manner.
3. The working hand shall remain on the designated gripping part of the implement.
4. Supporting the implement on the thighs is prohibited.

Vertical Lift "Brick"

1. The implement shall be lifted with both hands.
2. The athlete shall lift the implement vertically until the prescribed upright final position is achieved.
3. Supporting the implement on the thighs or other parts of the body is prohibited.
4. The athlete shall wait for the "DOWN" command before returning the implement under control.

Vertical Lift "Hub"

1. The implement shall be lifted with one hand using a pinch grip.
2. The athlete shall lift the implement vertically until the prescribed upright final position is achieved.
3. The implement shall not be supported on the thighs or any other part of the body.
4. The athlete shall maintain control of the implement until it is returned to the platform following the "DOWN" command.

Vertical Lift "Excalibur"

1. The athlete may perform the lift with either hand.
2. The free hand shall not:
   • touch the working hand;
   • touch any part of the athlete's body;
   • assist the lift.
3. Neither the implement nor the working hand may be braced against the thigh, abdomen or any other part of the athlete's body.
4. The athlete shall achieve the prescribed upright final position and wait for the "DOWN" command before returning the implement to the platform.

Log Lift

The existing World Strongman Log Lift technical provisions remain applicable and are not duplicated in this section.

Dumbbell Press

The existing World Strongman Dumbbell Press technical provisions remain applicable and are not duplicated in this section.

The current World Strongman standard requires, among other criteria, full elbow and knee extension, feet in one line and a controlled overhead position.

Unsupported Barbell Press

1. The athlete shall lie supine on the bench with the shoulders and buttocks in contact with the bench.
2. The legs shall remain unsupported, bent at the knees and crossed.
3. The feet shall not be used as a point of support.
4. The barbell shall be held with a closed pronated grip. The distance between the index fingers shall not exceed 81 cm.
5. Reverse grip and open grip are prohibited.
6. The barbell may be handed to the athlete by authorised platform assistants and shall be received at full arm extension.
7. Once the athlete is motionless and correctly positioned, the Referee shall give the command "START".
8. The athlete shall:
   • lower the barbell under control until the bar touches the chest;
   • press the barbell upward;
   • achieve full extension of both elbows;
   • stabilise the barbell in the final position.
9. Downward movement after the barbell has begun its upward phase is prohibited.
10. The athlete shall not return the barbell to the rack until authorised by the Referee.

Repetition Unsupported Barbell Press

1. The starting position, grip and body-position requirements of the Unsupported Barbell Press shall apply.
2. The athlete shall perform one continuous set with the prescribed competition load.
3. Following the initial "START" command, each repetition shall consist of:
   • controlled lowering of the barbell to the chest;
   • contact with the prescribed torso area;
   • pressing the barbell to full elbow extension.
4. The legs shall remain unsupported and crossed throughout the set.
5. The Referee shall count each valid repetition.
6. A technically incomplete repetition shall be recorded as NO REP and shall not be added to the result.
7. The prescribed load and any overall time limit shall be established in the Event Technical Regulations.

Barbell Press in Strength Loop

The discipline may be conducted using an approved one-loop, two-loop or three-loop configuration.

1. The applicable configuration shall be declared before the competition.
2. The athlete shall lie on the bench with the head, shoulders and buttocks in contact with the bench.
3. The feet shall remain in contact with the platform or approved foot blocks.
4. The barbell shall be received at full arm extension.
5. A closed pronated or reverse grip may be used. An open grip is prohibited.
6. Grip width shall not exceed 81 cm. Where a reverse grip is used, the measurement shall be taken between the little fingers.
7. Following the command "START", the athlete shall lower the barbell until it contacts the chest or upper abdominal area above the belt line.
8. The athlete shall press the barbell upward to full extension of both elbows.
9. A pause during the upward movement is permitted. Downward movement after the barbell has begun travelling upward is prohibited.
10. A minor uneven movement of the barbell is permitted provided that:
    • the difference does not exceed 12 cm;
    • upward movement continues;
    • final elbow extension is achieved.
11. The buttocks shall remain in contact with the bench throughout the attempt.
12. The feet shall remain in contact with the platform or foot blocks.
13. After achieving and stabilising the final position, the athlete shall wait for the command "RACK".

Standing Barbell Press

1. The barbell shall be positioned on racks approximately at the lower level of the athlete's anterior deltoids.
2. The athlete may step back from the racks or remain in position after receiving the barbell.
3. Before the start:
   • the athlete shall stand upright;
   • the knees shall be fully extended;
   • the feet shall be positioned in one line;
   • the barbell shall be controlled at shoulder level;
   • the grip shall be closed;
   • grip width shall not exceed 81 cm.
4. When the athlete is motionless and correctly positioned, the Referee shall give the command "PRESS".
5. The athlete shall press the barbell overhead until both arms are fully extended.
6. An initial bend of the knees followed immediately by extension is permitted only during the initial phase of the press.
7. The feet shall not leave or change position on the platform.
8. Once the barbell has begun its upward movement, a second knee bend, re-dip or movement under the bar resembling a jerk is prohibited.
9. Excessive backward inclination used to facilitate the second phase of the press is prohibited.
10. Downward movement of the barbell after the "PRESS" command and commencement of the upward phase is prohibited.
11. The athlete shall stabilise the barbell overhead and wait for the Referee's "RACK" command.

Repetition Barbell Press

1. The athlete shall lie supine on the bench with the shoulders and buttocks in contact with the bench.
2. The feet shall remain supported on the platform or approved foot blocks.
3. The barbell shall be received at full arm extension.
4. Following the initial "START" command, the athlete shall perform the maximum number of valid repetitions.
5. Each repetition shall require:
   • controlled lowering of the bar to the chest or prescribed upper abdominal area;
   • contact with the torso;
   • subsequent upward movement;
   • full extension of both elbows.
6. The buttocks shall remain in contact with the bench throughout the set.
7. The Referee shall count only valid repetitions.
8. The competition load and any applicable time limit shall be specified in the Event Technical Regulations.

Stone Over Bar

The existing World Strongman Strongman Relay Competition Format provisions shall apply.

The Power Octathlon classification of the discipline remains PO-04 regardless of its use within a relay. World Strongman currently regulates Stone Over Bar through the Lift Relay technical provisions.

Tire Flip

The existing World Strongman Carry Relay technical provisions shall apply.

The discipline remains classified under PO-06 regardless of competition format.

Apollo Bar Biceps Curl

The technical requirements of the Classic Biceps Curl shall apply, except that the approved Apollo Bar shall be used. The athlete shall:

• begin with the bar at thigh level;
• use a closed supinated grip;
• maintain fully extended knees;
• curl the bar to the prescribed final position;
• avoid propulsion from the legs or hips;
• stabilise the final position before the "DOWN" command.

Classic Biceps Curl

1. The athlete shall stand facing the front of the platform.
2. The barbell shall be held horizontally at thigh level.
3. The palms shall face forward and the fingers shall fully encircle the bar.
4. The distance between the index fingers shall not exceed 81 cm.
5. At the start:
   • the knees shall be fully extended;
   • the arms shall be fully extended;
   • the feet shall be stationary and positioned in one line.
6. Once the athlete is correctly positioned, the Referee shall give the command "START".
7. The athlete shall curl the bar by flexing the elbows until:
   • the elbows are fully flexed;
   • the bar reaches approximately chin or throat level.
8. The legs and hips shall not be used to create momentum.
9. At completion, backward inclination of the torso shall not exceed 15 degrees.
10. Sideways deviation is prohibited.
11. The knees shall remain fully extended throughout the lift.
12. The athlete shall stabilise the bar in the final position and wait for the "DOWN" command.

Strict Biceps Curl

1. The athlete shall stand with the back against the approved vertical support.
2. The heels shall be positioned no more than 30 cm from the wall.
3. The barbell shall begin at thigh level with:
   • palms facing forward;
   • a closed grip;
   • grip width not exceeding 81 cm;
   • knees fully extended;
   • arms fully extended.
4. The shoulder blades and buttocks shall remain in contact with the wall throughout the lift.
5. Following the "START" command, the athlete shall curl the bar until:
   • the elbows are fully flexed;
   • the bar reaches approximately chin or throat level.
6. The legs and hips shall not assist the movement.
7. Sideways deviation is prohibited.
8. The final position shall be stabilised before the Referee gives the "DOWN" command.

Free Biceps Curl

1. The athlete shall begin in an upright position with the barbell held horizontally at thigh level.
2. The palms shall face forward and the bar shall be held with a closed grip.
3. Grip width is not restricted unless otherwise specified for the approved implement.
4. The feet shall initially be positioned in one line.
5. The knees shall be extended and the torso upright before the "START" command.
6. Slight elbow flexion in the starting position is permitted.
7. Following the "START" command:
   • initial assistance from the hips and knees is permitted;
   • forward or backward torso inclination is permitted;
   • lifting of the heel or forefoot is permitted;
   • stepping or changing foot position is prohibited.
8. Knee assistance is permitted only during the initial phase of the movement.
9. Once the bar has begun travelling upward:
   • repeated knee assistance is prohibited;
   • downward movement of the bar along the thighs is prohibited;
   • the bar shall not be supported on the chest.
10. The upward movement shall continue without an intermediate resting position.
11. The lift is completed when:
    • the elbows are fully flexed;
    • the bar reaches approximately chin or throat level;
    • the final position is stabilised.
12. The athlete shall wait for the Referee's "DOWN" command.

Repetition Biceps Curl

1. The athlete shall perform one continuous competitive set with the prescribed competition load.
2. The starting position shall require:
   • the bar at thigh level;
   • palms facing forward;
   • knees fully extended;
   • arms extended;
   • feet stationary.
3. Following the initial "START" command, the athlete shall curl the bar until the prescribed upper position is reached.
4. The elbows shall be fully flexed at the upper position and the bar shall reach approximately chin or throat level.
5. The athlete shall then return the bar to the lower position before commencing the next repetition.
6. The knees shall remain fully extended throughout the set.
7. Rest is permitted only in the lower position, subject to any overall time limit specified in the Event Technical Regulations.
8. The Referee shall announce the count of each valid repetition.
9. A repetition that fails to meet the technical criteria shall be recorded as NO REP.
10. The result shall be the total number of valid repetitions.

Weighted Dips

1. The athlete shall perform the discipline with the prescribed additional load securely attached.
2. Platform assistants may assist in attaching the additional load.
3. The athlete shall assume the starting position in vertical support on the parallel bars.
4. Any approved grip may be used except a mixed grip.
5. Following the command "START", the athlete shall descend until the upper arm reaches at least a position parallel to the bars.
6. Once the required depth has been reached, the Referee shall give the command "UP".
7. The athlete shall rise until both arms are fully and simultaneously extended.
8. Jerking and swinging are prohibited.
9. Asynchronous final extension of the arms is prohibited.
10. The attempt is completed upon the Referee's "FINISH" command.

Weighted Pull-Ups

1. The athlete shall perform the discipline with the prescribed additional load securely attached.
2. Platform assistants may assist in attaching the additional load.
3. The starting position shall be a free hang with both arms fully extended.
4. The athlete may use:
   • overhand grip;
   • underhand grip;
   • open or closed grip.
5. Mixed grip is prohibited.
6. Following the command "START", the athlete shall pull upward until the chin clearly passes above the upper level of the bar and satisfies the prescribed completion criterion.
7. A pause during the upward movement is permitted.
8. A double movement is prohibited.
9. Once the valid upper position has been reached, the Referee shall give the command "DOWN".
10. The athlete shall return under control to full extension of both arms.
11. The attempt is completed when the lower position has been restored.

Relay-Governed Categories

PO-04 Loading-Type, PO-05 Carrying-Type and PO-06 Flipping-Type disciplines remain technically governed through the applicable Strongman Relay Competition Format and shall not be duplicated as separate Individual Discipline regulations unless World Strongman expressly approves such application.