Spuds Deadlifting Belt

[cejaay]

I've searched the forum and didn't find any direct answer.
I've watched some of the 100% Raw videos and have seen Deadlifts with spuds belts. Are these allowed? (Seen other "violations" as well.)

Belt
14. Materials and construction of lifting belt:
a. The main body shall be made of leather, vinyl or similar non-stretch material in one or more laminations which may be glued and/or stitched together.
b. It shall not have additional padding, bracing or supports of any material either on the surface or concealed within the lamination of the belt.
c. The buckle shall be attached at one end of the belt by means of studs and/or stitching
d. The belt may have a buckle with one or two prongs or ―quick release (referring to a lever).
e. A tongue loop shall be attached close to the buckle by means of studs/stitching.
f. The name of the lifter and affiliations (nation, state, club or sponsor) may appear on the outside of the belt.
g. The width of the belt shall be no more than 10cm/4 inches

[osu122975]

I used one in 100% RAW meet this past weekend.

[cejaay]

I have one and prefer it. I have read mixed things about how strict the Fed is. I wouldn't really think those kinds of things are up the meet director, are they?

[dbunch]

In the past, belts with Velcro closure instead of a buckle or lever were not allowed. And I would think that 14-c “The belt may have a buckle with one or two prongs or ―quick release (referring to a lever)” would disqualify the spud belt but I don't know for sure.

The one thing I do know is that it is not up to the meet director’s discretion. They cannot change the rules. If something is allowed in one meet it must be allowed in all meets. Conversely, anything banned in one meet must be banned in all meets. Otherwise how do you keep everything fair?

[dbunch]

Just an update, it is going to be passed by the rules committee for an official ruling. That was a great question. Apparently some directors were allowing it and others were not.

[dbunch]

It looks like the official answer is a spud buelt is OK for the deadlift as long as it is not wider than 4 inches.

[cejaay]

Thanks Dbunch for posting that on the FB page, It didn't even cross my mind. Repped.