Which signal marks the start of the squat command?

• A. Downward movement of the arm and saying 'Squat'
• B. Upward movement of the arm with 'Stand'
• C. A clapping gesture
• D. A backward hand motion with 'Rack'

Answer: (A)

The start of the squat is signaled by a downward movement of the referee’s arm accompanied by the verbal cue “Squat.” This clear combination tells the lifter to begin the descent and lets the judges know the attempt has started. The other signals aren’t used to initiate the squat: an upward arm motion with “Stand” isn’t the starting cue for the squat, a clapping gesture isn’t an approved referee signal, and a backward hand motion with “Rack” means to rack the weight after the lift, not to begin it.