All 94 competition rules from Girevoy Sport Union (GSU), organized by category.
GSU holds five main competitions annually: the Irish Championship, English Championship, Scottish Championship, Welsh Championship, and the British Championship. These are the four nations competitions plus the overall British championship. Internati...
GSU competition disciplines: Biathlon (Jerk + Snatch), Long Cycle (Clean and Jerk), Snatch (women's traditional discipline as standalone), and Marathon/Half Marathon events. Singles (one kettlebell) and doubles (two kettlebells) variants are availabl...
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 begin.
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 Sport and the IUKL system. The winner is the athlet...
Jerk and Long Cycle: 1 repetition = 1 point. Snatch: total reps counted (sum of both hands). Biathlon uses a combined scoring formula (see biathlon_scoring_formula rule).
GSU recognizes half marathon events of 30 minutes duration. If the athlete puts the kettlebell down before the 30 minutes are over, the set is terminated and the score is zero (all reps voided). Athletes may switch hands as often as they like during ...
GSU recognizes full marathon events of 60 minutes duration. If the athlete puts the kettlebell down before the 60 minutes are over, the set is terminated and the score is zero. Athletes may switch hands as often as they like during marathon events.
GSU competition sets are 10 minutes for all standard disciplines, following traditional Girevoy Sport format. The athlete must perform as many valid repetitions as possible within the 10-minute period.
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 previously completed valid repetitions count as the ath...
Following IUKL protocol, the judge announces elapsed time as each minute passes during the 10-minute set. After 9 minutes, time is announced every 30 seconds. The final 5 seconds are announced individually (5, 4, 3, 2, 1). After 10 minutes, the head ...
Winners are determined by the greatest number of valid repetitions (or biathlon points) in each weight class and kettlebell weight category. If two or more athletes achieve identical results, the athlete with the lighter body weight wins (tiebreaker ...
GSU age categories: Junior (under 18 years), Open (standard adult), Veteran (over 40 years). Following IUKL protocol, the age of the participant is defined by year of birth (on 1st of January of current year). There are no upper age limitations — vet...
GSU female weight classes: 58kg, 63kg, 68kg, 68+kg. Four weight classes total.
The addition of intermediate kettlebell weights is the key differentiator between GSU and its parent IUKL system. Standard IUKL uses 16/24/32kg for men and 8/16/24kg for women. GSU adds 20kg and 28kg for men, and 12kg, 20kg, and 28kg for women. This ...
Men's kettlebell weights: 16kg, 20kg, 24kg, 28kg, 32kg. This includes intermediate weights (20kg, 28kg) not found in the standard IUKL system, which traditionally uses only 16kg, 24kg, and 32kg for men. The 20kg and 28kg bells create stepping stones ...
Women's kettlebell weights: 8kg, 12kg, 16kg, 20kg, 24kg, 28kg. This includes intermediate weights (12kg, 20kg, 28kg) not found in the standard IUKL system. The extended range provides more accessible entry points and gradual progression for women ath...
GSU male weight classes: 73kg, 78kg, 85kg, 95kg, 95+kg. Five weight classes total. This is a condensed set compared to the full IUKL system (which has up to 13 classes including lighter categories).
Following the IUKL model, the rank achieved is determined by the combination of repetitions AND the kettlebell weight used. Heavier kettlebell at the same rep count = higher rank. The prescribed kettlebell weight for each rank level determines which ...
GSU ranking tiers from highest to lowest: MSIC (Master of Sport International Class), MS (Master of Sport), CMS (Candidate for Master of Sport), R1 (Rank 1), R2 (Rank 2), R3 (Rank 3). Six ranks total, following the traditional Girevoy Sport ranking s...
Ranking applications open the day after an eligible competition for a period of 14 days. Applicants must complete the ranking application form, provide a link to the full video of their set(s), and submit within the window. For international IUKL eve...
Ranking video submissions are reviewed centrally by committee to ensure consistent judging standards across all GSU competitions. Having reps counted in a competition setting is no guarantee they will be counted for rank — the committee applies offic...
GSU membership is required to be awarded a GSU rank. Non-members may compete at GSU events but cannot receive rank awards. Ranking is available to all GSU members at no additional charge beyond membership.
Ranks R3 through CMS can be achieved at GSU National Championships (Irish, English, Scottish, Welsh) and the British Championship. MS and MSIC can ONLY be achieved at international competition (World or European Championships supervised by IUKL/IGSF ...
If two or more athletes achieve identical results (same rep count or biathlon points), the athlete with the lighter body weight wins.
Two competition officials must supervise the weigh-in procedure and fill in details of athletes' registration: bodyweight and weight group, birth year and age group, kettlebell size. The competitor should weigh themselves and the kettlebell(s) so tha...
GSU maintains an anti-doping policy in line with international kettlebell sport standards. Athletes with infectious diseases should consult a physician before competing. GSU references IUKL's WADA Code signatory status — IUKL is the only kettlebell l...
GSU has a specific blood spill policy: open cuts and abrasions occurring during warm-up must be reported and treated immediately. If bleeding becomes visible during competition, lifters must immediately cease their set upon hearing the 'blood stop' c...
Competitors must compete with bare hands. Gloves are not permitted. Only chalk (magnesia / magnesium carbonate) may be applied to hands and kettlebell handles for grip.
Athletes may use a standard weightlifting belt with a width no more than 12 cm. The belt must be worn outside the competitive suit (not under the uniform).
Athletes' clothing should consist of one or two parts. Acceptable attire includes: bicycle/cyclist shorts, weightlifting body stockings (singlet), t-shirts, or vests. Shorts must be above the knee — long pants are not permitted. Knees and elbows must...
Athletes must wear appropriate sports footwear. Following IUKL protocol, sports footwear of any type is permitted. Athletes should not compete barefoot or in open-toed shoes.
Groin protection is permitted during competition.
Athletes may use knee bandages/wraps with a maximum width of 25 cm. Kneecaps (knee pads) are also permitted for protection.
T-shirt sleeves must not cover the elbow joints. Long-sleeved tops are not permitted. This ensures judges can verify arm lockout during overhead fixation.
Athletes may use wrist bandages/wraps. Following IUKL specifications: bandages must not exceed 1.5 meters in total length. The width of bandage wrapping on the wrist must not exceed 10 cm. Wrist guards are also permitted provided they comply with wid...
For preparation of kettlebells and hands, only magnesia (magnesium carbonate / chalk) is authorized. No other grip aids, substances, liquids, or sticky agents are permitted.
Competition kettlebells must have a ball (body) diameter of 210mm.
International competition kettlebell color coding: Pink (8kg), Blue (12kg), Yellow (16kg), Purple (20kg), Green (24kg), Orange (28kg), Red (32kg). The intermediate weights (20kg Purple, 28kg Orange) are notable as these are the GSU-added weights not ...
All competition kettlebells have standardized dimensions regardless of weight. Height: 280mm. Ball (body) diameter: 210mm. Handle diameter: 32-35mm. These dimensions ensure consistent technique regardless of the kettlebell weight used.
Competition kettlebells must have a handle diameter of 32-35mm.
Competition kettlebells must be 280mm in height, standardized across all weight categories.
Competition kettlebells must not deviate from nominal weight by more than 100 grams, following the IUKL standard.
Following IUKL specifications, competitions are conducted on platforms measuring not less than 1.5m x 1.5m. Spacing between platforms must ensure safety and allow unobstructed competition.
Competition venues must provide a warm-up area with kettlebells of different weights and chalk. Kettlebells prepared behind the platforms must not be transported to the warm-up area.
The judge declares the repetition count as soon as all parts of the athlete's body become motionless (fixation achieved). The count is given only after confirming proper alignment, lockout, and fixation. The judge may submit a no-count ('not consider...
For MS and MSIC ranks, the competition must be an international event supervised by international judges (IUKL/IGSF). Video of the full set is mandatory for all ranking applications. GSU ranking applications are reviewed centrally by committee to ens...
The kettlebell must be lifted in a continuous manner without stopping or adding additional pressing or pushing movements. Any pause, re-grip, or secondary push during the upward phase results in a no-count. A 'press out' (where the bell stops and is ...
Fixation is when the lifter and kettlebell completely stop all movement at the completion of a repetition. It is an accented, allocated, visible stop of the kettlebells and the athlete. Both the starting position (rack for jerk/long cycle) and overhe...
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 either hand. The hand change can be made by any me...
At lockout (overhead fixation position), the arms, trunk, and legs must all be straightened. The legs and kettlebell should be in line and parallel to the plane of the body. The athlete must be standing with full extension of knees, hips, and arms, w...
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.
Repetitions are marked invalid (no-count / 'not considered') for: (1) Absence of fixation at starting or top position — the athlete and kettlebell do not become completely motionless. (2) Additional pressing or pushing movements during the lift — the...
The athlete must maintain contact with the platform at all times during the set. If any body part loses contact with the platform (stepping off), the 'Stop' command is issued and the set is terminated. Previously completed valid repetitions count as ...
The 'Stop' command terminates the athlete's set. It is issued when: (1) a technical deficiency or violation is observed, (2) the kettlebell contacts the shoulder during snatch, (3) any body part loses contact with the platform (athlete steps off), (4...
After the judge's count at the overhead position, the athlete may lower the kettlebells back to the starting rack position by any method.
In Jerk (short cycle), men lift two kettlebells simultaneously (one in each hand). Both kettlebells must be jerked from rack to overhead lockout together, achieving fixation with both arms, trunk, and legs straightened.
If the athlete does not achieve complete fixation (visible stop of kettlebells and athlete) at either the starting rack position or the overhead lockout position, the repetition is not counted. Jerk No-Count — No Alignment: If the athlete's arms, tr...
Jerk starting position: kettlebells fixed on the chest (rack position), arms pressed to the trunk, legs straightened. The athlete must achieve fixation in this starting position before initiating each repetition. The rack position is the V-position o...
A valid jerk repetition: from the rack position (kettlebells on chest, arms pressed to trunk, legs straight), the athlete drives the kettlebells overhead using a jerk motion (first dip, bump/drive, second dip under the bells, stand to lockout). At lo...
In GSU competitions, women perform the jerk portion of biathlon with two kettlebells (double jerk), consistent with the modern international standard. This applies to biathlon jerk sets.
The clean and the jerk must be performed as separate, distinguishable movements in Long Cycle. The athlete must achieve fixation in the rack position (clean completed) before initiating the jerk. Flowing the clean directly into the jerk without a vis...
Long Cycle (Clean and Jerk): the kettlebells are cleaned from the hanging position (below, in lowered hands) to the rack position at chest level, then jerked overhead to lockout. The full sequence is: clean from hang to rack, jerk from rack to overhe...
In Long Cycle, men lift two kettlebells simultaneously (one in each hand). Both kettlebells must be cleaned and jerked together.
In Long Cycle, kettlebells can be held in a position lower than the hands (hang/clean position) but must be between the legs and in motion (clean action). Kettlebells cannot be held motionless in the hang position — the backswing must be continuous. ...
In GSU Long Cycle, women may compete with either one kettlebell (singles) or two kettlebells (doubles). When using one kettlebell, standard hand-change rules apply (one switch allowed in the 10-minute set). Doubles long cycle follows the same rules a...
In Long Cycle, the 'Stop' command is issued if the kettlebell touches the platform at any point during the set. The kettlebells must remain in the athlete's hands throughout the entire set duration.
The snatch must be performed as one continuous movement upward from between the knees into the overhead position. Any pause or additional press during the upward phase results in a no-count. The athlete may not half-snatch (snatch to rack then press ...
A single kettlebell is swung using one hand in a continuous movement from between the knees upward into the overhead position, achieving overhead lockout with fixation. Fixation is achieved when the kettlebell is in the overhead position and the arm,...
During snatch, contact between the free hand and the body, platform, or kettlebell results in a no-count for that repetition. The free hand must remain clear of all objects at all times.
In the 10-minute snatch set, only one arm switch is allowed during the entire set. The switch can be made at any time. The athlete may begin with either hand. Change of hands is made by any method.
During snatch, the kettlebell must not contact the shoulder or rest in any form of rack position. If the kettlebell contacts the shoulder, the judge issues the 'To shift' warning command. Deliberate racking or repeated shoulder contact results in the...
Snatch as a standalone discipline (not as part of biathlon) is a traditional women's event in GSU competition. Women use a single kettlebell with one hand change allowed.
Biathlon consists of a set of jerks for 10 minutes, followed by at least 1 hour of rest, then a set of snatches for 10 minutes. The jerk set is always performed first. Both men and women perform double kettlebell jerk followed by single kettlebell sn...
Men's biathlon: Jerk is performed with two kettlebells for 10 minutes, Snatch is performed with one kettlebell for 10 minutes. Jerk follows standard jerk rules; Snatch follows standard snatch rules including one hand change only.
A minimum rest period of 1 hour is required between the jerk set and the snatch set in biathlon competition.
GSU Biathlon scoring: Jerk reps x 2 + Snatch reps x 1 = total points. This is mathematically equivalent to: Jerk reps x 1 point + Snatch reps x 0.5 points (then multiply by 2). Example: 80 Jerks + 120 Snatches = (80 x 2) + (120 x 1) = 160 + 120 = 280...
GSU offers both singles (one kettlebell) and doubles (two kettlebells) variants for biathlon competition. Doubles biathlon is the standard/traditional format. Singles biathlon (one KB jerk + one KB snatch) is an accessible alternative for athletes no...
Women's biathlon: Jerk is performed with two kettlebells for 10 minutes, Snatch is performed with one kettlebell for 10 minutes. The same rules as men's biathlon apply — double jerk followed by single snatch.
Marathon events are available in Jerk, Snatch, and Long Cycle disciplines. GSU tracks UK records in marathon lifting alongside the standard 10-minute events.
In marathon and half-marathon events, athletes may switch hands as many times as they wish throughout the set. This is a key difference from the standard 10-minute snatch set where only one switch is allowed.
In marathon (60 min) and half-marathon (30 min) events, if the athlete puts the kettlebell down before the time is over, the set is terminated and the score is ZERO — all repetitions are voided. This is a critical difference from the standard 10-minu...
GSU offers equivalent rank certificates for MS/MSIC achievements obtained at GSU-supervised competitions (international level). This allows athletes who achieve these ranks at qualifying events to receive official GSU recognition alongside their inte...
Men's standard rank-to-kettlebell-weight mapping (inherited from IUKL): MSIC/MS use 32kg, CMS uses 28kg, Rank 1 uses 24kg, Rank 2 uses 20kg, Rank 3 uses 16kg. Note: Rank 2 at 20kg and CMS at 28kg use the intermediate weights that are unique to GSU's ...
GSU rankings are purely rep-based, with the kettlebell weight serving as a tier differentiator. There are no volume-based (total kg) rankings. At the same body weight class, the rep requirements for different ranks are similar — the differentiation i...
Women's biathlon ranking table (ladiesbiathlon1.jpg) covers all 4 female weight classes (58, 63, 68, 68+kg) across all 6 women's kettlebell weights (8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28kg) and all 6 ranks (R3 through MSIC). Point thresholds use the same biathlon fo...
Women's long cycle ranking table (ladieslongcycle1.jpg) covers all 4 female weight classes (58, 63, 68, 68+kg) across all 6 women's kettlebell weights (8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28kg) and all 6 ranks (R3 through MSIC). Rep thresholds for each combination. E...
Women's snatch ranking table (ladiessnatch1.jpg) covers all 4 female weight classes (58, 63, 68, 68+kg) across all 6 women's kettlebell weights (8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28kg) and all 6 ranks (R3 through MSIC). Rep thresholds for each combination. Exact nu...
Men's biathlon ranking table (Malebiathlon2.jpg) covers all 5 male weight classes (73, 78, 85, 95, 95+kg) across all 5 kettlebell weights (16, 20, 24, 28, 32kg) and all 6 ranks (R3 through MSIC). The biathlon score thresholds use the formula: Jerk re...
Men's long cycle ranking table (Malelongcycle2.jpg) covers all 5 male weight classes (73, 78, 85, 95, 95+kg) across all 5 kettlebell weights (16, 20, 24, 28, 32kg) and all 6 ranks (R3 through MSIC). Rep thresholds required for each rank/weight/class ...
GSU ranking tables are published as 5 images on their website: Malebiathlon2.jpg (Male Biathlon), Malelongcycle2.jpg (Male Long Cycle), ladiesbiathlon1.jpg (Ladies Biathlon), ladiessnatch1.jpg (Ladies Snatch), ladieslongcycle1.jpg (Ladies Long Cycle)...
Women's standard rank-to-kettlebell-weight mapping (inherited from IUKL): MSIC uses 24kg (Snatch/Biathlon) or 28kg (Long Cycle), MS uses 24kg, CMS uses 20kg, Rank 1 uses 16kg, Rank 2 uses 12kg, Rank 3 uses 8kg. Note: CMS at 20kg, Rank 2 at 12kg, and ...
GSU requires athletes to complete an Event PARQ (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) and disclaimer before competing. Athletes with infectious diseases should consult a physician before competing. First aid staff should be available at all GSU...
All record attempts and ranking applications require full video documentation of the set. For MS and MSIC ranks, video from international competition with international judges is mandatory.
GSU maintains UK records in: Jerk, Snatch, Biathlon, Long Cycle, and Marathon (both half and full marathon). Records are tracked across weight classes, kettlebell weights, and gender categories for both the standard 10-minute format and marathon even...
Official website: https://www.girevoysportsunion.com