32 rules in this category across multiple organizations. Compare how each organization handles general exercise provisions.
IKMF and IKO define alignment very similarly — standing straight with full extension, squared with the platform.
All organizations require kettlebells to be lifted in a continuous manner without stopping or adding extra movements. The exact wording varies but the principle is identical.
Each correctly executed rise is accompanied by the account of the judge. The judge declares the account as soon as all parts of the body of the sportsman become motionless.
The sportsman who cannot straighten elbows completely should inform on it judges before the performance.
Fixation is the most critical judging criterion across all organizations — the complete stop of both athlete and kettlebell at the top position. While the concept is universal, the exact wording and strictness of enforcement differs.
In single-kettlebell events (snatch, one-arm long cycle), only one arm switch is allowed during the entire 10-minute set. The switch can be made at any time during the set. The athlete may begin with ...
At infringement of requirements, the judge on scaffold submits commands 'To not consider' (Do Not Count) or 'Stop.'
Participant who has arrived late for a scaffold is not supposed to be counted.
Lockout requirements for the overhead position are consistent in principle but vary in detail between organizations.
In marathon (60 min) and half-marathon (30 min) events, athletes may switch hands as often as they like. This is a key difference from the standard 10-minute set where only one switch is allowed.
In IKMF marathon/half marathon, multiple hand switches are allowed for all single-kettlebell disciplines (unlike standard 10-minute GS which typically allows only 1 switch for snatch). This is a defin...
No-count is issued for: (1) No fixation — lifter and kettlebell do not become motionless, (2) No alignment — excessive lean, rotation, incomplete extension, (3) Free hand assist — using free hand to s...
All overhead lifts require full lockout: the arm(s) must be fully extended with the kettlebell(s) stable overhead. The lifter and kettlebell must achieve fixation (momentary freeze) with all joints lo...
The overhead fixed position must be vertical — 90 degrees, perpendicular to the floor. The arm must be at minimum straight, positioned next to the ear/head. Positions less than vertical result in a no...
In Pentathlon Clean: the exercise is totally ballistic. The kettlebell is cleaned to the rack position with fixation. This is the first discipline in the pentathlon sequence.
In Pentathlon Half Snatch: the kettlebell is snatched overhead, then lowered from the overhead position to the rack position before lowering for a back swing into another rep. This is the fourth disci...
In Pentathlon Jerk: power emanates from the legs, with much less triceps involvement than the push press. The kettlebell is driven from rack to overhead through a leg-driven bump. This is the third di...
In Pentathlon Long Cycle Press: the exercise is both ballistic and press. The kettlebell is cleaned to rack position and then pressed overhead. There must be a clear separation between the clean and t...
In Pentathlon Push Press: a strict press with no knee bend prior to the press portion. Differs from jerk in that there is no second dip. The push press has more of an equal balance between leg drive a...
Rules about maintaining contact with the competition platform during the set vary between organizations.
At contact with any part of the body of the scaffold (platform), the command 'Stop' is submitted.
For 2 minutes prior to the beginning of the exercise, the participant is invited to the platform.
If participant raises kettlebell before 'Start' command, the judge submits 'Stop, to put kettlebell on scaffold.'
The lifter must demonstrate knee lockout when the bells are in the rack position. The knees must be straight and locked before initiating the next jerk or overhead movement.
On the performance of exercise, time of 10 minutes is given (standard Classic event).
Five seconds prior to the start, readout of control time is made: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 second. Then the command 'Start' moves.
After a command 'Start,' the participant is obliged to start to carry out exercises.
For Jerk, a repetition starts from the rack position. For Long Cycle, Snatch, and Half Snatch, a repetition starts from below the waist.
Stop commands are issued by judges to terminate sets, with similar triggers across organizations.
After 10 minutes, the command 'Stop' is submitted, after which rises are not set (not counted).
Most organizations announce time remaining at set intervals during the set. The exact intervals and methods vary.
Specific violations that trigger warnings: (1) Touching the bell with the free hand, (2) Resting the bell(s) on the shoulders, (3) Resting elbows wedged or tucked into the weight belt, (4) Extra swing...