ISF rules FAQ

Which version is current?

The current version is ISF Technical Rules v5.2 dated October 1, 2026, which replaces v5.1 (August 1, 2025). The English text is official and prevails over other language versions.

What changed in v5.2?

Categories by sex with an Unrestricted Division; Multirep loads and a 2-minute attempt; the 30° rule removed and one downward-movement rule; IPF squat depth; Ring Muscle-Up rules; textile or synthetic load straps only; IPF-style wraps, sleeves, weigh-in, appeals and ties; new attempt-change rules; one 1-minute countdown from the call, as in the IPF (the Multirep set runs 2 minutes from Start!); a false start is stopped and the commands repeated; disputes decided by a 2-of-3 majority; one repeat-attempt rule (Section 7.4.5); record referees by record level; warnings only for equipment and appearance; Chief Referee terminology and a defined Head Referee; disqualification appeals as in the IPF; squat spotter errors give a repeat attempt; Adaptive is results only (no ISF records); ISF-approved equipment instead of certification, with the list on streetlifting.pro; the new ISF Points formula, which deliberately does not take age into account. Former Section 11 was removed and Sections 12-13 are now 11-12.

Who must follow the rules?

Rules v5.2 apply to athletes, coaches, referees, organizers, federation representatives and other officials at ISF events.

What formats does ISF recognize?

ISF recognizes Classic Streetlifting, Multirep Streetlifting and Weighted Calisthenics, each with combined-event and selected individual-event options where regulations allow.

How many attempts are used?

Classic Streetlifting and Weighted Calisthenics use three attempts per exercise; Multirep Streetlifting uses one timed attempt of 2 minutes counted from the Start! command. In every format the athlete has 1 minute from being called to take the start position.

Can declared attempts be changed?

Round 1: one change (up or down) no later than 5 minutes before the group starts. Round 2: no changes. Round 3: up to two changes, not below the previous attempt or the weight already loaded. If no attempt is submitted after a good lift, the weight rises by 1.25 kg (2.5 kg in the Barbell Squat).

How are ties handled?

For equal totals or results, the athlete with the lower bodyweight at the official weigh-in ranks higher. If bodyweight is equal, the athlete who achieved the result first ranks higher. Equal record results go to the athlete who achieved the record first.

How does weigh-in work?

Official weigh-in takes place no earlier than 24 hours and no later than 2 hours before the group starts, with at least 1.5 hours per group. An athlete above the limit may re-weigh any number of times, in turn, within the group window.

What are the Multirep weights?

Pull-up / dip: Men Sub-Juniors 8 / 16 kg; Men Juniors and Masters 16 / 24 kg; Men Open Amateur 24 / 32 kg; Men Open Pro 32 / 48 kg; Girls (13-17), Junior women (18-22) and Masters (40+) 8 / 12 kg; Women Open 12 / 16 kg.

How do appeals work?

An appeal against a referee decision is lodged with the President of the Jury immediately after the attempt; complaints about the conduct of the competition within 60 minutes after the group. The fee is 15 USD (national) or 30 USD (international) and is refunded if the appeal is upheld or made in good faith. Jury decisions are final. A disqualification is appealed, as in the IPF, in writing to the Jury (if there is no Jury, to the Head Referee) within 1 hour after the session; that decision is final at the competition, and afterwards only a written complaint to ISF is possible.

Which gear and load attachment are allowed?

Load only on a non-elastic textile or synthetic strap with its centre of gravity below the knees; wrist wraps up to 1 m × 8 cm; neoprene sleeves up to 7 mm thick and 30 cm long; no elbow or knee wraps, chains, cables or bands.

What must event regulations publish?

Competition Regulations must define discipline, format, sex, age and weight categories, eligibility criteria, scoring type and ISF status.

Can team competitions be held?

Yes. Team competition may be introduced at organizer discretion, but the format, team size and scoring rules must be specified in Competition Regulations.

How are official ratings calculated?

Official ratings use ISF Points = 100 × (Result / (Expected × AgeFactor))^1.5 (vNext K RC1.1). Expected depends on bodyweight through six official Classic segments and there is no bodyweight bonus. Age is deliberately not taken into account (AgeFactor = 1.0), so the absolute ranking compares athletes regardless of age. A zero result gives 0 points.

What makes a record valid?

A record must be set at an official ISF-sanctioned event with certified referees, approved equipment, eligible athletes and full technical compliance. World records require three ISF International Referees, continental records three referees of at least national category and national records three referees with a Chief Referee of at least national category; video of the attempt is mandatory.

How quickly are records submitted?

ISF national offices submit record reports within 7 calendar days after the event, including referee protocol, verified weight data and the mandatory video of the attempt.

How long are event documents stored?

Rules v5.2 require organizer or national-federation storage of all documentation for at least 12 months; international events submit a full copy to the ISF archive.

Where is the current rulebook summary?

The internal rules page contains the current summary, glossary, FAQ, category model and records model so visitors do not need to leave the ISF website for basic understanding.