What constitutes a legal start for a bench press attempt?

• A. The lifter may lift as soon as the bar touches the chest.
• B. The lifter must wait for the start signal after the bar has paused on the chest and is in position to press.
• C. The lifter can begin when the spotters give a thumbs-up.
• D. The lifter must start when the bar is off the rack.

Answer: (B)

In a legal bench press start, the lifter may begin only after the referees give a start signal, and this happens only after the bar has been lowered under control, touched the chest, and paused in position to press. The bar must come to rest with the chest touched and remain motionless there; no bouncing or rushing to press is allowed. The start signal from the head judge confirms that everything is in the correct position and that the lifter is ready to press. Spotters’ thumbs-up or the bar being off the rack do not authorize an earlier start. The important point is that the start comes from the referee’s command once the bar is properly paused on the chest and the lifter is ready.