2016 Southern Squeeze Rules
General Rules
Chalk is the only Gripping aid that is permitted during competition. If a clean hand is preferred for an event, the athlete must wash his or her hands with water. Spitting on the hand is unacceptable.
Hook Grip is not permitted in Grip Sport events.
Lifting Straps are not permitted in Grip Sport events. In some cases, Wrist Wraps may be permitted, and will be listed in the specific rules of each event. Elbow Sleeves and Tendon Wraps are generally permitted as support devices for injuries and preventive measures against injuries. Referee's judgment will be used for support devices that seem questionable.
Extra Attempts for record-breaking lifts are not recognized within NAGS. Although fourth attempts are permitted in Powerlifting and Olympic Weightlifting, most Grip events already permit a fourth attempt and so the athlete should prepare his or her attempts accordingly. The promoter may, of course, allow extra attempts to take place if they are willing to allow this time to be taken before moving on, but should the lifts be completed to the legal requirements, they will not be recognized for Rankings or for Records.
Judging Cadence for attempts will begin by a call from the judge and will end with a call from the judge. If an athlete makes an attempt before the judge makes the call for the attempt, the athlete will have to take the attempt again.
In a Rising Bar format, once the weight has been added to the implement, it is not lowered again unless a loading error is detected.
For one-hand events, individuals must select a hand for their first attempt and use the same hand for subsequent attempts. It is, however, permissible for competitors to use different hands for different events.
Scoring
The scoring system used in US Grip sanctioned contests is percentage based scoring. The best performance in the event is awarded 100 points. All other lifters’ performances are divided by the best performance and then multiplied by 100 for their score.
For example if Lifter A lifts 350 lbs and this is the best lift in his/her division, he gets 100 points for his lift. If Lifter B lifts 320 lbs, his score is figured like so: 100 X 320/350 = 91.428.
Standings in each division are based upon the best performance in the division.
Grippers - 20mm Block Set
The object of this event is to close the heaviest rated gripper as possible. The gripper can be "set" with the off hand by pre-positioning the handles with the off-hand. After taking off the setting hand, the block must then be passed between the handles of the gripper while maintaining a clear view of the gripper handles for the judge. Immediately after passing the block between the handles, the competitor may begin to close the gripper. The close is successful when the handles touch in view of the judge. If the view is blocked by the judge, the athlete's attempt does not count and he/she can try again without losing their turn.
NAGS-sanctioned events allow for 4 attempts per person. This is not a Rising Bar event, so if an athlete misses an attempt on a Gripper, they are permitted to drop down to an easier gripper on a following attempt.
Any contact between the non-gripping hand and the gripper as the block is being removed will invalidate the attempt. Similarly, nothing may be in contact with the gripping hand or the gripping arm from the elbow down (for example, the free hand is not allowed to steady the wrist of the gripping hand or hold the spring, etc.).
At no time should the judge touch the hand or forearm of the athlete making an attempt on the gripper.
One-Hand Flask Pinch
Legal Lift Requirements: The athlete must lift the apparatus in a Overhand Pinch Grip and touch the height indicator to the crossbar, which is set for a 7.5” lift. The lifter does not have to be erect upon completion of the attempt.
Because this is a quick lift based on friction, there is no referee's down signal. The referee, however, must be ready to judge that the device makes proper contact with with the crossbar during each attempt.
The lifter must lower the weight under control. If the weight plates accidentally touch the stick rather than the bar itself, referee’s discretion will be used to judge whether the correct height was attained. Pinch gripping the device using an unorthodox underhand grip will not be allowed.
This is a Rising Bar Event.
Vertical Bar Lift
Set-up / Positioning: Weight plates are put over the vertical bar and rested upon the base.
Execution: The lifter grips the top of the vertical bar with one hand. The athlete must lift the vertical bar and touch the height indicator to the crossbar, which is set for a 2” lift. The lifter must then return the vertical bar to the floor under control. If the vertical bar is not lifted 2” or if the vertical bar slips out of the lifter's grip, the attempt is failed.
Other Points: The off-hand may not be placed in contact during any part of the attempt. It can however be used to steady the bar as the lifter gets ready to lift. During the lift it can be posted on the hip or leg or left out to the side. Four attempts per athlete. An attempt is defined as one pull on the implement in effort to bring it to legal height.
Grip Aids: Chalk only is allowed. At no point can the lifting hand or fingers come into contact with the the thigh, crotch, or leg of the lifter in a manner to secure the grip or to keep from dropping the vertical bar. Incidental contact with the pants or shorts of the lifter is permitted based on the judge's discretion.
This is a Rising Bar Event.
Medley
Set-up / Positioning: Various implements/challenges are situated around the competition area. The athlete tries to complete as many of the implements/challenges as possible within the time limit.
This medley will have a 2 minute time limit with 15 implements worth 1 point apiece.
Based on each implement/challenge, the completion thereof will be determined by specific criteria (eg. lift to lockout, place on platform, lift to crossbar, one hand, two hands, etc.) which will be demonstrated by the judge prior to the event.