Competition Format & Structure — Kettlebell Sport Competition Rules

68 rules in this category across multiple organizations. Compare how each organization handles competition format & structure.

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Accessibility by Design

IKLF

BOLT is designed to be more accessible to beginners while still offering elite-level challenge. Key accessibility features: (1) athlete chooses their own KB weight, (2) bell can be set down during the...

Athlete Chooses Kettlebell Weight

IKLF

In BOLT, athletes choose their own kettlebell weight for competition. This is a fundamental difference from traditional Girevoy Sport, which prescribes kettlebell weights per rank level and gender. An...

Bell Set Down Allowed

IKLF

In BOLT, athletes can set the bell down between repetitions. This is a fundamental difference from traditional Girevoy Sport, where setting the bell down terminates the set. Setting the bell down in B...

Biathlon Composition

IUKL

Biathlon consists of two separate 10-minute sets: Jerk (10 minutes) followed by Snatch (10 minutes), with at least 1 hour of rest between the two exercises. The biathlon score is calculated as: jerk r...

Minimum Rest Between Biathlon Sets

IKSFA

In biathlon, a minimum of 45 minutes rest is required between the jerk set and the snatch set.

Biathlon Scoring Formula

IUKL

Biathlon scoring formulas differ significantly. IUKL/GSU/WKSF weight jerk at 1x and snatch at 0.5x. IKO uses Jerk + 1/2 Snatch (same math, different expression). GSU notes the mathematical equivalence of "Jerk x2 + Snatch x1" format.

BOLT USA National Championship

IKLF

IKLF holds annual BOLT USA National Championships, offered in both online and in-person formats. The 2025 championship offers both competition formats for maximum accessibility.

BOLT World Championship

IKLF

IKLF holds annual BOLT World Championships. BOLT Worlds 2024 took place September 1-7, 2024. The event features all BOLT disciplines and multi-event challenges including Iron Man and Triathlons.

Category Merging for Low Participation

IKMF

For marathon and half-marathon events, body weight categories will be merged if there are not at least 3 athletes per category, age group, and movement. This ensures competitive fields at events with ...

Classic 10-Minute Disciplines (Men)

WKSF

Male competitors may compete in: Two Arms Long Cycle (2 x Kettlebells), Biathlon (Jerk 2 x Kettlebells + Snatch 1 x Kettlebell), Only Snatch (1 x Kettlebell with 1 change of hands allowed, available a...

Classic 10-Minute Disciplines (Women)

WKSF

Female competitors may compete in: Two Arms Long Cycle (2 x Kettlebells), Biathlon (Jerk 2 x Kettlebells + Snatch 1 x Kettlebell), Only Snatch (1 x Kettlebell), One Arm Long Cycle (1 x Kettlebell), 12...

IKMF Coefficient Table (2023)

IKMF

KB Coefficients (2023): 4kg=0.36, 6kg=0.64, 8kg=1.00, 10kg=1.42, 12kg=1.63-1.88, 14kg=2.10, 16kg=2.37, 18kg=2.90, 20kg=3.22-3.50, 22kg=3.82, 24kg=4.20, 26kg=5.05, 28kg=5.32-5.75, 30kg=6.15, 32kg=6.62,...

Coefficient System

WKSF

Use of the coefficient (CO) is only used in a body weight category that has less than 3 athletes. Athletes in an incomplete weight class must be merged into a higher body weight category class. If the...

Competition Duration Options

WKSF

Competition durations available: 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes (Classic), 12 minutes (Snatch), 30 minutes (Half Marathon), 60 minutes (Marathon), and 3+ hours (Ultra Marathon).

Competition Types

IUKLWKSF

Both IUKL and WKSF divide competitions into individual and team formats with additional classification levels.

Annual Competition Schedule

GSU

GSU holds five main competitions annually: the Irish Championship, English Championship, Scottish Championship, Welsh Championship, and the British Championship. These are the four nations competition...

Competition Disciplines

IKMFIUKLGSUWKSFIKSFAIKOIKLF

Core disciplines (Jerk, Long Cycle, Snatch) are universal but each org adds unique events. IKLF offers 6 lifts including doubles for all. IKMF focuses on marathon formats. IKO added Double Half Snatch and Kata. IKSFA offers standalone Jerk.

Division Change Deadline

IKSFA

Division changes are permitted up to two weeks before the competition. After that deadline, no exceptions are made.

Competition Event Order

IKSFA

Event order at IKFF/IKSFA competitions: Jerk is performed first, followed by Snatch (or Snatch Only), then Long Cycle. Within each event, progression is from lightest to heaviest kettlebell weight and...

Gender-Equal Event Access

IKLF

Both men and women can compete in all six BOLT events, including all double kettlebell lifts. There is no restriction on which events a gender can enter. This was a founding principle of the IKLF when...

International Competition Athlete Limit

IKMF

In international competitions, a maximum of 2 persons from the same country are allowed to compete in the same discipline, weight category, and age group.

BOLT Iron Man Event

IKLF

The BOLT Iron Man requires performing all six lifts in increments of 10 minutes each, with a resting period of 10 to 20 minutes between sets. This rewards lifters who train comprehensively and have gr...

IVSS Calculation for Double Kettlebell Events

IKLF

For double kettlebell events, the total weight per rep is the combined weight of both kettlebells. For example, with 2x20kg bells: weight per rep = 40kg. Base Volume = 40 x 40 = 1,600kg. The formula i...

IVSS Scoring Example - Double 20kg

IKLF

Example: Athlete uses 2x20kg kettlebells, completes 80 reps. Total KB weight per rep = 40kg. Base Volume = 40 x 40 = 1,600kg. Raw Volume = 80 x 40 = 3,200kg. Final Score = 4,800kg.

IVSS Scoring Example - Single 16kg

IKLF

Example: Athlete uses 16kg kettlebell, completes 150 reps. Base Volume = 40 x 16 = 640kg. Raw Volume = 150 x 16 = 2,400kg. Final Score = 3,040kg. Note: Despite getting 50 more reps than the 24kg athle...

IVSS Scoring Example - Single 24kg

IKLF

Example: Athlete uses 24kg kettlebell, completes 100 reps. Base Volume = 40 x 24 = 960kg. Raw Volume = 100 x 24 = 2,400kg. Final Score = 3,360kg.

IVSS Scoring Formula

IKLF

IVSS Formula: Final Score = Base Volume + Raw Volume. Base Volume = 40 x (total weight of kettlebell(s) in kg). Raw Volume = repetitions x (weight per rep in kg). The base volume 'head start' rewards ...

IKLF Volume Scoring System (IVSS) Overview

IKLF

BOLT uses the IKLF Volume Scoring System (IVSS), which is volume-based, not rep-based. The final score represents the total kilograms lifted during a set. This is fundamentally different from traditio...

KB Down Allowed (IKMF Games)

IKMF

In IKMF Games (10-minute events), the athlete IS allowed to put the kettlebell down before the 10 minutes are up. The result will still be valid, counting all reps completed up to that point. This is ...

KB Down Terminates Discipline (Pentathlon)

IKMF

In Pentathlon, no setting the weight down is allowed until the 6 minutes are up. If the weight is set down while there is still time left on the clock, the set for that discipline ends, but all reps c...

Kettlebell Lost on Platform

IKLF

A kettlebell unintentionally lost (dropped) that remains on the platform does not end the set. The athlete can pick it up and continue lifting.

Any Kettlebell Weight Allowed

IKLF

BOLT allows any kettlebell weight to be used in competition, unlike traditional Girevoy Sport which prescribes specific weights (e.g., 32kg for professional men, 24kg for professional women). However,...

IKMF Ultimate Girevik Cup League Format

IKMF

The IKMF Ultimate Girevik Cup league accumulates results across three competition stages into a final total. Athletes must perform the same discipline across all three stages, though kettlebell weight...

No Refunds Policy

IKSFA

Refunds will not be issued for competition registrations. Registrations may be transferred to other events.

One Attempt Per Set

IKSFA

Athletes receive only one attempt per set. There are no do-overs or additional flights.

Online Competition Option

IKLF

IKLF offers online kettlebell competitions (Lift Online) where athletes can compete remotely by submitting video. This allows global participation without traveling to an in-person event.

Kettlebell Falls Off Platform

IKLF

If the kettlebell falls or rolls outside the platform, the set is ended and the score achieved to that point holds. This is the primary set-termination condition in BOLT.

Team Position Scoring

WKSF

Position 1-10 receive 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15 points respectively. Positions 11-12 receive 10, 9 points. Positions 13+ receive descending points 8 through 1, then 0.

Pre-Start Platform Timing

GSU

The athlete is invited to the platform at least two minutes prior to the beginning of their flight. During the five-second countdown (5, 4, 3, 2, 1), the athlete must be on the platform and ready to b...

Competition Category Tiers

IKSFA

IKSFA organizes competition into four category tiers based on kettlebell weight: HIGH MASTERY OF SPORT (32kg male / 20kg female — MSIC, MS, CMS achievable), SPORTING PERFECTION (24kg male / 16kg femal...

Ranking Tiebreaker Procedure

WKSF

At equality of quantity of rises: 1) advantage is received by the athlete having a smaller body weight before performance, 2) then by lighter body weight after performance, 3) then by coin toss.

Relay Race Format

IUKL

In relay races, participants compete by weight category progression (lightest first). Transfer of the relay is made on the command 'Change'. Only one athlete competes per stage, with a general accumul...

Repetition Cap

IKLF

IKLF has a rep cap in place to limit how many repetitions can be performed during a competition set. The purpose of this limit is to slow down the set so it is more likely a lifter will be able to dem...

Rest Between Triathlon/Iron Man Sets

IKLF

In multi-event formats (Iron Man, KT1, KT2), the rest period between sets is 10 to 20 minutes.

Scoring - Coefficient System

IKMF

For amateur/non-ranked competitions and the IKMF Ultimate Girevik Cup league, IKMF uses a coefficient system: Score = Repetitions x KB Coefficient. This allows athletes using different kettlebell weig...

Scoring Metric

GSU

GSU uses repetitions as the scoring metric for individual lifts (Jerk, Snatch, Long Cycle) and points for Biathlon. This is a rep-based system (not volume-based), consistent with traditional Girevoy S...

Scoring Per Discipline

IKOIKSFAWKSFIUKLGSU

Scoring is primarily rep-based but IKLF uses a unique volume-based IVSS formula (reps x KB weight) that allows cross-weight comparison.

Scoring Across Weight Classes

IKLF

Each lifter competes against anyone of the same gender and weight class performing that lift, regardless of the weight of the kettlebells the other lifters are using. The IVSS formula ensures fair com...

Scoring - Repetitions

IKMF

In ranked competition, scoring is 1 point per repetition. The winner is the athlete with the highest number of valid repetitions in their division, weight class, and age group.

IKMF Games Set Duration

IKMF

IKMF Games (World Games) events are 10-minute sets with a single heavy kettlebell (40kg men, 28kg women) or double kettlebells (2x24kg men, 2x16kg women). Unlike marathon/half marathon, athletes ARE a...

Half Marathon Set Duration

IKMFGSU

Half marathon (30-minute) format is offered by multiple organizations, primarily IKMF and IKLF.

Marathon Set Duration

GSUIKLFIKMF

Marathon formats vary from 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on the organization.

Pentathlon Set Duration

IKMF

IKMF Pentathlon consists of 5 disciplines each performed for 6 minutes with a 5-minute break between each discipline. Total lifting time is 30 minutes with 20 minutes of rest. Performed with a single ...

BOLT Sprint Duration

IKLFIKO

Sprint formats are offered by a subset of organizations, typically 5-6 minutes.

Standard Set Duration

IKOIUKLIKSFAIKLFGSU

The standard set duration is 10 minutes across all organizations, though some also offer shorter sprint formats.

Set Termination Conditions

IKLF

A BOLT set terminates when: (1) the time limit expires, or (2) a kettlebell falls or rolls outside the platform. Unlike traditional Girevoy Sport, setting the bell down on the platform does NOT termin...

Bell Down Prohibited (Standard Events)

GSU

In all standard 10-minute events, the kettlebell(s) cannot be set down on the platform at any point during the set. If the kettlebell touches the platform, the set is terminated immediately. All previ...

Sport Name

IKLF

IKLF's proprietary sport is called BOLT (Believe, Overcome, Lift, Triumph). BOLT is fundamentally different from traditional Girevoy Sport (GS). It is a speed and power event with volume-based scoring...

StrongSport Format

WKSF

StrongSport is a discipline available on WKSF to include in each event. Athletes lift heavier kettlebells than on standard regulations. Males: 32kg to 48kg. Females: 24kg to 32kg. The discipline can b...

Tiebreaker Procedure

IKLF

If two lifters in the same weight class achieve the same final IVSS score: (1) the lifter using the heavier kettlebell wins; (2) if both lifters are using the same weight kettlebell, the lifter with t...

Time Announcements During Set

IKOIUKLIKMFGSU

Most organizations announce time remaining at set intervals during the set. The exact intervals and methods vary.

Kettlebell Triathlon 1 (KT1) - Singles

IKLF

Kettlebell Triathlon 1 (KT1): All three single kettlebell lifts (Single Snatch, Single Jerk, Single Clean and Jerk) performed in increments of 10 minutes each with a resting period of 10 to 20 minutes...

Kettlebell Triathlon 2 (KT2) - Doubles

IKLF

Kettlebell Triathlon 2 (KT2): All three double kettlebell lifts (Double Snatch, Double Jerk, Double Clean and Jerk) performed in increments of 10 minutes each with a resting period of 10 to 20 minutes...

Unlimited Hand Switches

IKLF

BOLT eliminates the 'one switch' rule used in traditional Girevoy Sport. Athletes can switch hands as many times as they want within the set time limit. This makes the sport more accessible while stil...

Volume-Based vs Rep-Based Philosophy

IKLF

BOLT's volume-based scoring (IVSS) rewards total work capacity rather than just rep count. An athlete who chooses a heavier bell and does fewer reps may score higher than one who uses a lighter bell w...

Winner Determination and Tiebreaker

IUKLGSU

Winner is determined by the highest number of repetitions (or points in biathlon/IVSS), with bodyweight as the primary tiebreaker in most organizations.

IKMF World Championship Structure

IKMF

The IKMF World Championship is divided into 2 parts: first part in April with IKMF Games (10-minute events with 1 kettlebell only) and Pentathlon with 2 kettlebells (5 disciplines, 6 minutes each with...

Youth Competition Restrictions

WKSF

Young and Junior competitors (U15, U18) are restricted to Biathlon and Two Arms Long Cycle only.

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