BAWLA DESCRIPTIONS of WEIGHTLIFTING:
When reading about the lifting feats of the old-time British strongmen, it is important to be aware of how the lifts they performed may vary from what we understand about some of the same-titled lifts today. For example, when it is realized that a two hands snatch in the old days required PARALLEL arms, and not arms spread almost collar to collar on the barbell, one gains an appreciation for their accomplishments
Health & Strength magazine in the April 6, 1950 issue announced that the venerable 42 lifts were being reduced to only 3 lifts. Gone were the wondrous feats of dexterity that the other 39 lifts demonstrated.
So, for handy reference, here are the famed 42 lifts that were popular in Britain in the early days. A careful reading of the rules will prove enlightening…..Joe Roark
BAWLA RULES for the 42 OFFICIAL LIFTS:
British Amateur Weight-Lifters’ Association: as of 1933:
#1 & #2 The Right or the Left Hand Military Press:
The dumb-bell shall be taken to the shoulder and, after a pause of two seconds, pressed to arms’ length overhead. At the commencement of the press the bar shall not be held higher than the top of the sternum where the collar-bones meet. During the press from the shoulder the trunk must not be inclined backwards, forwards, or sideways, the shoulders must be kept quite level, the legs straight, the heels together, the head held erect with the eyes looking directly in front, the slightest deviation from the erect position being counted cause for disqualification. In taking the bell to the shoulder either one or two hands may be used. In the performance of this lift the use of a barbell or ringweight is not permitted.
#3 & #4 The Right or the Left Hand Snatch:
The barbell shall be taken from the ground to arm’s length overhead in one clean movement. In ‘fixing’ the bell the trunk may be bent to the side, and the legs to any extent, but to lock the arm by ‘pushing’ the bell shall be counted cause for disqualification. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the lifting arm and legs straight, and the heels together.
#5 & #6 The Right or the Left Hand Swing:
The dumb-bell, which at the commencement of the lift must lie at right angles to the lifter’s front, shall, kept in that position throughout, be taken to arm’s length overhead. The lift may be performed in one movement, or a series of movements, but in the latter instance there shall be no pause between any of these movements nor shall any part of the bell be brought into contact with the ground after it has once been lifted therefrom. In ‘fixing’ the bell the trunk and legs may be bent to any extent, and the bell may be brought into contact with the forearm, but to lock the arm by ‘pushing’ shall be counted cause for disqualification. At the conclusion of the lift, the trunk shall be erect, the lifting arm and legs straight and the heels together.
#7 & #8 The Right or the Left Hand Clean and Jerk:
The barbell shall be taken to the shoulder in one clean movement, and thence jerked to arm’s length overhead. In the ‘pull-in’ to the shoulder the trunk may be bent sideways, the elbow may rest upon the thigh prior to standing erect, but should the bar be brought into contact with the body below the nipples it shall be counted cause for disqualification. To rest the elbow on the body prior to jerking the bell overhead is also permitted. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the lifting arm and legs straight, and the heels together.
#9 & #10 The Right or the Left Hand Clean and Bent Press:
The barbell shall be taken to the shoulder in one clean movement and thence elevated to arm’s length overhead as described in #13 and #14. In the ‘pull-in’ to the shoulder the trunk may be bent sideways, the elbow may rest upon the thigh prior to standing erect, but should the bar be brought into contact with the body below the line of the nipples it shall be counted cause for disqualification. At the conclusion of the lift, the trunk shall be erect, the lifting arm and legs straight, and the heels together.
#11 & #12 The Right or the Left Hand Anyhow and Bent Press:
The barbell shall be taken to the shoulder ‘anyhow’ (providing one hand only be used), from whence it shall be elevated to arm’s length overhead as described in #13 and #14. In taking the bell to the shoulder it shall not be counted cause for disqualification if the lifter’s head, or neck, be brought into contact with the bar, but the use of a belt, or sling, to support the elbow of the lifting arm is not permitted. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the lifting arm and legs straight, and the heels together.
#13 & #14 The Right or the Left Hand Bent Press- Two Hands to Shoulder
The barbell shall be taken to the shoulder with two hands without restriction as to method and, having been transferred into one hand, shall, grasped in the center, be elevated to arm’s length overhead by means of lateral pressure. During the press from the shoulder it shall be counted cause for disqualification should any part of the bell be brought into contact with the hip. At the conclusion of the lift the truck shall be erect, the lifting arm and legs straight, and the heels together.
#15 & #16 The Right or the Left Hand Deadlift
The barbell, which at the commencement of the lift may lie either parallel, or at right angles to the lifter’s front, shall be lifted from the ground to at least the height of the lifter’s knees. Should the bar be brought into contact with the legs during the lift, it shall not be counted cause for disqualification. At the conclusion of the lift the legs shall be straight and braced at the knees, the feet remaining astride throughout.
#17 Abdominal Raise
Lying on the ground with the back of the neck resting on the center of the bar, the lifter, grasping the bar with both hands, shall raise himself into a sitting position. Throughout the lift the heels shall remain together, the legs straight, and the bar in contact with the body, and upon conclusion the trunk shall be at right angles to the legs. In the performance of this lift the use of a dumb-bell is not permitted, but the feet may be secured under some weighty object.
#18 Crucifix
The dumb-bells (or ring-weights), having been taken clean to arms’ length overhead, shall be lowered sideways (palms uppermost) until the arms are level with the shoulders. If ring-weights are used, they will not be allowed to rest upon the forearms, but must hand suspended from the rings. Whilst the bells are being lowered, the trunk may be inclined backwards to any extent, but the heels must remain together, and the arms and legs be kept straight throughout.
#19 Rectangular Fix
The barbell grasped with both hands (knuckles to the front) shall hang at arms’ length across the lifter’s front, from which position it shall be raised forward steadily until the forearms are at right angles to the upper arms. Throughout the lift the trunk must not be inclined backwards, or forwards, or sideways, the shoulders must be kept quite level, the legs straight, the upper arms remain stationary, and the heels together. The slightest deviation from this position shall be counted cause for disqualification.
#20 Lateral Raise- Standing
The dumb-bells (or ring-weights) shall hang at arms’ length by the lifter’s sides, from which position they shall be raised sideways (knuckles uppermost) until the arms are level with the shoulders. Whilst the bells are being raised, the trunk may be inclined backwards to any extent, but the heels must remain together, and the arms and legs be kept straight throughout.
#21 Lateral Raise- Lying
Lying on the ground with the arms extended level with the shoulders (palms uppermost), the dumb-bells shall be raised until they are immediately over the lifter’s face. Throughout the lift the heels shall remain together, the buttocks on the ground, and the arms and legs straight. In the performance of this lift the use of ring-weights is not permitted.
#22 Hold Out in Front- Raised From Below
The barbell grasped with both hands (knuckles to the front) shall hang at arms’ length across the lifter’s front, from which position it shall be raised forward steadily until the arms are level with the shoulders. Throughout the lift the trunk must not be inclined backwards, forwards, or sideways, the shoulders must be kept quite level, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together. Seen from the side, the head, back, buttocks, and heels should be in one straight line, and the slightest deviation from this shall be counted cause for disqualification.
#23 Hold Out in Front- Lowered From Above
The barbell grasped with both hands, having been taken clean to arms’ length overhead, shall be lowered downwards steadily (knuckles uppermost) until the arms are level with the shoulders. Throughout the lift the trunk must not be inclined backwards, forwards, or sideways, the shoulders must be kept quite level, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together. Seen from the side, the head, back, buttocks, and heels should be in one straight line, and the slightest deviation from this line shall be counted cause for disqualification.
#24 Pull Over at Arms’ Length
Lying on the ground with the arms extended fully behind the head, the barbell shall be raised until it is immediately over the lifter’s face. Throughout the lift the heels shall remain together, the buttocks on the ground, and the arms and legs be kept straight. In the performance of this lift the use of a dumb-bell is not permitted.
#25 Pull Over and Press on Back Without Bridge
Lying on the ground with the center of the bar immediately behind the head, the bell shall be brought over the lifter’s face until the upper arms rest on the ground. From this position the bell shall be pressed to arms’ length overhead. Once the bell clears the line of the sternum where the collar-bones meet, the discs shall not again come into contact with the floor. Throughout the lift the heels shall remain together, the buttocks and shoulders on the ground, and the legs be kept straight.
#26 Pull Over and Push on Back with Bridge
Lying on the ground with the center of the bar immediately behind the head, the bell shall be brought over the lifter’s face until the upper arms rest on the ground. Once the bell clears the line of the sternum where the collar-bones meet, the discs shall not again be brought into contact with the floor. Immediately the bell is in the same position as for the ‘Press,’ then the heels may be brought close to the buttocks, and the forearms inclined forward until the bar rests across the abdomen. From this position the bell may be impelled to arms’ length overhead by a quick ‘bridge’ formation, but at no period of the lift shall the shoulders leave the ground. At the conclusion of the lift, the arms and legs shall be straight, the buttocks on the ground, and the heels be brought together.
#27 Two Hands Swing
The dumb-bells may be taken to arms’ length overhead in one movement, or in a series of movements, but in the latter instance there shall be no pause between any of these movements, nor shall any part of the bells be brought into contact with the ground after they have once been lifted therefrom. At the commencement of the lift the lifter may stand either between or astride the bells, but immediately the bells leave the ground they must be maintained at right angles to the lifter’s front throughout the lift. In ‘fixing’ the bells the legs may be bent to any extent, and the bells may be brought into contact with the forearms, but to lock the arms by ‘pushing’ shall be counted cause for disqualification. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#28 Two Hands Clean and Military Press with Dumb-Bells
The dumb-bells shall be taken clean to the shoulders, and after a pause of two seconds pressed to arms’ length overhead. At the commencement of the lift the bells shall not be held higher than the top of the sternum where the collar-bones meet. During the press from the shoulders the trunk must not be inclined backwards, forwards, or sideways, the shoulders must be kept quite level, the legs straight, the heels together, the head held erect with the eyes looking directly in front, the slightest deviation from the erect position being counted cause for disqualification.
#29 Two Hands Clean and Push with Dumb-Bells
The dumb-bells shall be taken clean to the shoulders, after which the commencing position shall be assumed. This position may be taken with the feet astride, or with one foot advanced, and in either the trunk may be inclined forward. If the feet are placed astride, both the legs must, at this period of the lift, be kept quite straight. If one foot is advanced, the leg corresponding to that foot must be kept quite straight. After taking up the commencing position a pause of two seconds shall elapse; the bells shall then be pushed to arms’ length overhead. As soon as the push begins, the legs and the trunk may be bent to any extent, but lowering the body vertically is not permitted. At the conclusion of the lift, the trunk shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#30 Two Hands Clean and Jerk with Dumb-Bells
The dumb-bells shall be taken to the shoulders in one clean movement, and thence jerked to arms’ length overhead.. To rest the elbows on the body prior to jerking the bells overhead is permitted. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#31 Two Hands Continental Jerk with Dumb-Bells
The dumb-bells, which must be lifted simultaneously, may be taken to the shoulders in a series of movements, and may be rested upon, or against, any part of the legs or trunk in so doing. They shall thence be jerked to arms’ length overhead. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#32 Two Hands Anyhow with Dumb-Bells
The dumb-bells shall be lifted to arms’ length overhead ‘anyhow’. For example, one bell may be taken to the shoulder with two hands, thence to be jerked, or bent-pressed, overhead, after which the other bell shall be raised to a full stretch of arm overhead. This is the method usually employed. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#33 Two Hands Slow Curl
The barbell grasped with both hands (palms to the front) shall hang at arms’ length across the lifter’s front, from which position it shall be lifted to the shoulders by bending the forearms completely on the upper arms. Throughout the lift the truck must not be inclined backwards, forwards, or sideways, the shoulders must be kept quite level, the legs straight, and the heels together. The slightest deviation from this position shall be counted cause for disqualification.
#34 Two Hands Clean and Military Press with Barbell
The barbell shall be taken clean to the shoulders, and after a pause of two seconds, pressed to arms’ length overhead. At the commencement of the lift the bar shall not be held higher than the top of the sternum where the collar-bones meet. During the press from the shoulders the trunk must not be inclined backwards, forwards, or sideways, the shoulders must be kept quite level, the legs straight, the heels together, the head held erect with the eyes looking directly in front, the slightest deviation from the erect position being counted cause for disqualification.
#35 Two Hands Clean and Push with Barbell
The barbell shall be taken clean to the shoulders, after which the commencing position shall be assumed. This position may be taken with the feet astride, or with one foot advanced, and in either the trunk may be inclined forward. If the feet are placed astride, both legs must, at this point of the lift, be kept quite straight. If one foot is advanced, the leg corresponding to that foot must be kept quite straight. After taking up the commencing position a pause of two seconds shall elapse; the bell shall then be pushed to arms’ length overhead. As soon as the push begins, the legs and trunk may be bent to any extent, but lowering the body vertically is not permitted. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#36 Two Hands Snatch
The barbell shall be taken from the ground to parallel arms’ length overhead in one clean movement. In ‘fixing’ the bell the legs may be bent to any extent, but to lock the arms by ‘pushing’ shall be counted cause for disqualification. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#37 Two Hands Clean and Press From Behind Neck
The barbell, having been lifted clean to the shoulders, shall be raised overhead, then lowered behind the neck until the bar rests across the shoulders. The heels shall then be brought together. From this position the bell shall be pressed to arms’ length overhead. During the press from the shoulders the trunk and legs may be bent to any extent, but the heels shall not be separated. At the conclusion of the lift, the truck shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#38 Two Hands Clean and Jerk From Behind Neck
The barbell, having been lifted clean to the shoulders, raised overhead, then lowered behind the neck to rest across the shoulders, shall, from that position, be jerked to arms’ length overhead. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#39 Two Hands Clean and Jerk with Barbell
The barbell shall be taken to the shoulders in one clean movement and thence jerked to arms’ length overhead. In the ‘pull-in’ to the shoulders it shall be counted cause for disqualification should the bar be brought into contact with the body below the line of the nipples. To rest the elbows, or the bar, on the body prior to jerking the bell overhead is permitted. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#40 Two Hands Continental Jerk with Barbell
The barbell may be taken to the shoulders in a series of movements, and may be rested upon, or against, any part of the legs or trunk in so doing. A belt may also be worn to support the bell prior to turning it to the shoulders, from whence it shall be jerked to arms’ length overhead. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, the arms and legs straight, and the heels together.
#41 Two Hands Anyhow with Barbell and Ring-Weight
The barbell and ring-weight shall be lifted to arms’ length overhead ‘anyhow’. For example, the barbell may be taken to the shoulder with two hands, thence jerked, or bent-pressed, overhead, after which the ring-weight shall be raised to full stretch of arm overhead. Again, the barbell may be taken overhead with two hands, then transferred into one hand, after which the ring-weight shall be taken overhead to arm’s length. At the conclusion of the lift the trunk shall be erect, both arms straight and parallel with one another, the legs straight, and the heels together.
#42 Two Hands Dead Lift
The barbell shall be lifted from the ground until the lifter stands erect. Throughout the lift the heels must remain together, and upon conclusion the legs must be straight and the shoulders taken back. Should the bar be brought to rest against the legs during the lift it shall not be counted cause for disqualification.