Adaptive Athlete Competition Requirements

Qualification

To compete as an adaptive athlete, all three of the following must be met:

• The athlete must have a disability as defined by the ADA — "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment."

• The athlete must meet a minimum qualifying total equal to 50% of the qualification standards set by USA Weightlifting.

• The athlete must reasonably complete the competition lifts — the snatch and the clean & jerk must be fully locked out overhead and dropped when given the down signal.

• Athletes are responsible for informing the meet director and officials of their need for accommodation.

Meet Accommodation

Meet directors must make reasonable accommodation for the participation of athletes with disabilities. If you require accommodation not listed below, please email the meet director (for local meets) or USA Weightlifting (for national meets) with your requested modifications.

Deaf or Hard of Hearing

• Coaches may stand behind the referees during the lift to sign or signal coaching cues

• Athletes may request a more robust down signal from the center referee

• Coaches may give the down signal once the referee's call is visible

Blind or Visually Impaired

• Coaches may walk athletes on stage to assist with the start of the lift

• Athletes may request a more robust down signal from the center referee

Amputees

• Athletes may perform single-arm snatches and clean & jerks

• Athletes may perform single-leg snatches and clean & jerks

Paraplegic

• Seated lifts may be contested

• The clean & jerk may be altered to a clean & press — the press must be fully locked out and completed in one fluid motion

References: Americans with Disabilities Act — ada.gov