Rulebook

OFFICIAL COMPETITION
RULEBOOK

Version 1.0

Effective Date: March 24, 2026

1. Introduction

GymLeague is an independent strength competition platform designed to provide a fair, transparent, and verified environment where athletes can showcase their strength through three fundamental compound lifts:

  • Squat
  • Bench Press
  • Deadlift

All lifts submitted to the platform are subject to verification and judging standards to ensure fairness and integrity.

2. Core Principles

GymLeague competitions operate under the following principles:

  1. Integrity – All lifts must be honest and verifiable.
  2. Fair Competition – Athletes compete within defined standards.
  3. Safety – Safe lifting practices are strongly encouraged.
  4. Transparency – Judging decisions follow clearly defined rules.

3. Eligible Exercises

The official lifts in GymLeague competitions are:

3.1 Squat

A barbell back squat performed with proper depth and control.

3.2 Bench Press

A barbell bench press performed with full lockout.

3.3 Deadlift

A barbell deadlift lifted from the floor to a locked-out standing position.

Additional exercises may be introduced in future GymLeague formats.

4. Lift Submission Requirements

To submit a lift, the following requirements must be met:

  • The entire lift must be recorded on video.
  • The video must be continuous and unedited.
  • The weight on the barbell must be visible.
  • The full body of the athlete must be visible during the lift.
  • The camera angle must allow judges to clearly evaluate the movement.

Submissions that do not meet these criteria may be rejected.

5. Equipment Rules

5.1 Allowed Equipment

Athletes may use:

  • Standard barbells
  • Calibrated or standard plates
  • Lifting belts
  • Wrist wraps
  • Knee sleeves

5.2 Not Allowed

The following may not be used unless specified in future categories:

  • Lifting suits
  • Bench shirts
  • Squat suits
  • Mechanical assistance

GymLeague competitions are currently raw lifting only.

6. Squat Standards

For a squat to be considered valid:

  1. The lifter must unrack the bar and stand upright.
  2. The lifter must descend until the hip crease drops below the top of the knee.
  3. The lifter must return to a fully upright position.
  4. Knees and hips must be fully extended at the top.

A squat is invalid if:

  • Proper depth is not reached
  • The bar is dropped
  • The lifter loses control of the bar

7. Bench Press Standards

For a bench press to be considered valid:

  1. The lifter must lie on the bench with shoulders and hips in contact.
  2. The bar must be lowered to the chest.
  3. The lifter must press the bar upward until the arms are fully extended.

A lift is invalid if:

  • The bar does not touch the chest
  • The arms do not reach full lockout
  • The bar is unevenly pressed

8. Deadlift Standards

For a deadlift to be considered valid:

  1. The bar must start on the floor.
  2. The lifter must lift the bar to a standing position.
  3. The hips and knees must be fully extended.
  4. The shoulders must be back at lockout.

A lift is invalid if:

  • The lifter fails to reach full lockout
  • The bar is dropped before control
  • The bar rests on the legs excessively during the lift

9. Weight Verification

The weight used in the lift must be clearly verifiable.

Accepted methods include:

  • Visible plate markings
  • Weight plates shown before the lift
  • Clear camera view of the barbell

Judges may reject lifts where the weight cannot be verified.

10. Video Requirements

Videos must:

  • Be recorded in a single continuous clip
  • Clearly show the lift start and finish
  • Provide a clear view of the athlete and barbell
  • Not contain cuts, edits, or visual manipulation

Videos that appear altered or manipulated will be rejected.

11. Judging Process

Each lift may be reviewed by one or more GymLeague judges.

Judges evaluate:

  • Technique
  • Range of motion
  • Weight verification
  • Compliance with rules

Possible outcomes:

  • Valid Lift
  • Invalid Lift
  • Requires Review

12. Fraud Prevention

The following actions are considered violations:

  • Editing lift videos
  • Misrepresenting weight
  • Using misleading camera angles
  • Impersonation

Users found committing fraud may face:

  • Lift disqualification
  • Temporary suspension
  • Permanent ban from the platform

13. Appeals

If a lifter believes a decision was incorrect, they may submit an appeal.

Appeals must include:

  • The original video
  • A written explanation
  • Any supporting evidence

GymLeague judges will review the appeal and make a final decision.

14. Athlete Conduct

All participants must maintain respectful behavior within the platform.

The following may result in account suspension:

  • Harassment
  • Abusive language
  • Manipulation of the platform

15. Safety Notice

Athletes participate in GymLeague at their own risk.

GymLeague strongly encourages:

  • Proper lifting technique
  • Safe gym environments
  • Supervision when lifting heavy weights

16. Rule Updates

GymLeague reserves the right to update this rulebook as the platform evolves.

All rule updates will be published on the official GymLeague website.

17. Final Authority

GymLeague officials retain the final authority regarding rule interpretation and lift validation.

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