IKMF Rules 2015

KETTLEBELL MARATHON RULES Table of Contents 1. EVENTS DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................... 2 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS ................................................................................................... 2 3. GENERAL LIFTING RULES .............................................................................................. 5 4. SCORING DETAILS .......................................................................................................... 6 5. WEIGHT & AGE DIVISIONS.............................................................................................. 6 6. WEIGH-IN PROCEDURE .................................................................................................. 7 7. COMPETITOR CONDUCT ................................................................................................ 7 8. COACH/SPECTATOR CONDUCT .................................................................................... 7 9. COMPETITOR’S EQUIPMENT .......................................................................................... 8 10. ASSISTANTS................................................................................................................... 8 11. SPECIFIC DETAILS OF THE LIFTS ................................................................................ 9 11.1 JERK .......................................................................................................................... 9 11.2 SNATCH................................................................................................................... 10 11.3 LONG CYCLE .......................................................................................................... 11

This manual represents the IKMF rules for kettlebell half marathons and marathons at the national level.

Higher level competitions (ex: European and World Championships) may have slight variations.

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1. EVENTS DESCRIPTION 30 min: KETTLEBELL HALF MARATHON The athlete must last the time required of the event. If an athlete puts the kettlebell down before the 30 minutes are over, he will be disqualified.

60 min: KETTLEBELL MARATHON The athlete must last the time required of the event. If an athlete puts the kettlebell down before the 60 minutes are over, he will be disqualified.

60 min +: KETTLEBELL MARATHON RECORDS For events over 1 hour, resting position prohibitions are lifted to ensure the athletes safety.

For events of 6 hours and over, it is allowed to place the kettlebell on the ground once every hour, for 5min during day time, and 10 min during night time but the clock must keep running.

For events of 12 hours and more, any restriction about placing the kettlebell on the ground are lifted but the clock must keep running.

2. DEFINITION OF TERMS 2.1 COUNT A digital or verbal count is given by the Judge when the Lifter gives a satisfactory repetition in any given exercise.

Proper fixation and alignment must be displayed by the athlete before a count can be given.

2.2 NO-COUNT If a “No-Count” is given, the Lifter must return to the starting position and determine on their own what the cause of the foul was and correct it. The judge may give brief keywords to help the lifter.

Some examples of why a repetition may not be counted:      

there is a definite press out to the lockout there is no fixation in the starting position or the overhead position there is no alignment in the overhead position not separating and completing the Clean during Long Cycle/ rebounding out of the rack position touching/ supporting the kettlebell or body with the free hand violating the rules in any way

In the case of a foul/ no count taking place after fixation and count, the no count will be applied to the next repetition.

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2.3 STOP If a verbal “Stop” is given, the athlete must set the kettlebell down and remove himself from the Platform area.

Terminating a set (voluntarily or not) before the end of the event’s duration voids results (disqualification).

The “Stop” command is issued if:   

the kettlebell is put down or touches the platform any other body part except the athlete’s feet touch the platform the athlete leaves the platform



the athlete switches sides but fails to complete at least 1 full repetition



violating the rules twice for resting position



the athlete’s technique is deemed unsafe

If a competitor lifts the kettlebells from the platform before the “START” command, they will be issued the command “STOP AND RESTART” by their platform judge.

The competitor must then place the kettlebells back down on the platform surface and start their set again.

No repetition performed before the competitor restarts will be counted.

2.4 RESTING POSITIONS It is allowed: to rest in the rack position to rest in the overhead position to rest while keeping the kettlebell in motion with low amplitude swings (outside or inside the legs) It is prohibited: to rest with the kettlebell on the shoulder or against the legs to rest statically in the dead hang position

In case of a resting position violation, a no count will be issued for the first offence only. If the athlete violates the rules twice, the judge will issue a “STOP” command.

2.5 HAND VIOLATION It is permitted to adjust clothing, clear sweat or scratch an itch etc.

However, it is not permitted to either: 1. Touch or support the kettlebell with the free hand 2. Use the free hand as a support for the execution of the exercise (i.e. touching the body)

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In case of a hand violation, a no count will be issued.

2.6 SWITCHING SIDES Switching sides can be done with an extra swing(s) or without.

For jerk only: switching (and extra swings) may be done with 2 hands on the kettlebell until the athlete returns to the rack position. If the athlete drops the kettlebell from the rack, he must switch sides.

For Snatch and Long Cycle: switching with a swing must be done with 1 hand on the kettlebell. If switching without extra swing (speed switch), there can only be 2 hands on the downward portion of the switch, to avoid assistance of the free hand on the upward portion of the lift.

For LC and snatch/ half snatch to qualify as a legal repetition, each lift must be start between the legs AND end at the lockout. This means the speed switch is only allowed on the way down, not the way up.

In case of a violation, a no count will be issued.

Switching sides is unlimited but must always be followed by at least 1 full repetition. Not completing a repetition after a switch will result in the judge issuing a “STOP� command.

2.7 FIXATION Definition: The body is aligned and still, with full knee and elbow extension; the kettlebell is still.

Fixation is the final factor in a Judge issuing a Count. It proves proficiency in the lift and keeps the event fair.

The Lifter must control the kettlebel in the overhead position. A noticeable pause, without rotation, wobble or drifting must be displayed.

The Judge may at their discretion anticipate the stable pause and give the qualified lifter a quick count, but at any time the Judge may give a No-Count if the Lifter fails to control the Kettlebell. Being fatigued later in the set is no excuse for poor fixation. Fixation is the end of the rep.

2.8 ALIGNMENT Definition: Alignment is reached when the lifter is standing up straight, squared up with hips and shoulders, and the upper arm is in line with the head/neck.

There must be NO excessive side lean or rotation. The whole body must face in the same direction.

Lack of alignment results in a no-count.

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It is not necessary to completely “lock” the elbow to get proper alignment, as lifters have varying degrees of flexibility. Athletes must take the issue with the judge before they lift, and every lockout must look the same.

OBS! If the Lifter is unable to fixate the kettlebell, once it has reached the proper alignment, the Judge will still issue a No-Count.

3. GENERAL LIFTING RULES 3.1. Competitors must stand ready and come to the platforms a short time before start time.

Competitors will be given a verbal 3 second countdown in the format “3, 2, 1, START”. Competitors may touch or angle the kettlebell before the command “START”, however the kettlebell may not leave the platform.

If a competitor lifts the kettlebell from the platform before the command “START” they will be issued the command “STOP AND RESTART” by their platform judge. The competitor must then place the kettlebell back down on the platform surface and start their set again. No repetition performed before the competitor restarts will be counted.

3.2. Flights must be arranged and displayed for everyone to see before the first flight starts. A competitor who misses their start will ONLY be placed in another flight at the head judge’s discretion. It is the competitor’s responsibility to be at the platform in time.

3.3. In case of a lack of electronic display, an announcer will announce the passing of every minute during the set, and in addition “30 seconds to go”, “10 seconds to go”, and “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, STOP”. After the command “STOP” is given competitors must return the kettlebell to the platform as smoothly and carefully as possible. Throwing kettlebell will not be tolerated and may earn a disqualification at the platform judge’s discretion. No repetitions performed after the command “STOP” will be counted.

3.4. Each and every correct repetition will be counted aloud by the platform judge or displayed on an electronic scoreboard.

3.5. If a competitor performs a rep that does not conform to the technical requirements of the lift, they will be given a “No-Count” – this rep is not counted.

3.6. A competitor may only lift once in his given discipline.

3.7. The warm up area must be separated from the competition area.

3.8. Platforms must be a minimum of 1,25*1,25m.

3.9. Protests over judging must be taken with the platform judge and head judge within 2 min after the athlete set is over.

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4. SCORING DETAILS 4.1. Each repetition counts a 1 point. The athlete with the highest point wins his weight class and discipline.

4.2. In the event of a tie, the victory will be awarded to the competitor with the lower bodyweight at the time of weigh-in.

4.3 Scoring rules may vary at competitions. Check with the organizer. Scoring may be based on reps alone within each kettlebell size category OR scoring may use coefficients according to kettlebell size if all sizes are combined.

Kettlebell size & coefficients Women

Men

KB size

Coefficient

KB size

Coefficient

8kg

1

16kg

1

12kg

1,5

20kg

1,5

16kg

2

24kg

2

20kg

2,5

28kg

2,5

24kg

3

32kg

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5. WEIGHT & AGE DIVISIONS 5.1. There are 3 weight divisions: -60, 60-70, +70kg for women and -75, 75-90, +90kg for men.

If an athlete is alone in his division, he may ask to be moved up a division.

5.2. There 5 age divisions Junior: U15, U19 Open division: 19-40 Veteran 1: 40-50 Veteran 2: 50-60 Veteran 3: 60-70 In some instances, age divisions may be disregarded, with athletes only competing the open division.

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6. WEIGH-IN PROCEDURE 6.1. Each competitor will be weighed in before the event. The weigh-in equipment used at the event will be chosen and calibrated by the weigh-in judge, and all competitors will be weighed with the same equipment.

The results of the weigh-in are final once the time period for weigh-in has expired, and athletes will compete in the designated weight category of the day.

6.2. Athletes planning to be late due to circumstances or travel must give enough warning time to the head judge.

7. COMPETITOR CONDUCT 7.1. It is the competitor’s responsibility to know and understand the rules and regulations.

7.2. Competitors must use the kettlebells supplied at the event. Competitors cannot use their own kettlebells.

7.3. Competitors may approach the judging table prior to their set to discuss any specific concerns, such as their ability or lack of ability to lock out their arms. Once the set has started, during the set, and following the competitor’s set, the competitor is forbidden to interact with the platform judge who judged their set.

Any concern the competitor may have can only be addressed with the event’s Head Judge.

7.4. Competitors must end their set by placing the kettlebell on the platform as smoothly as possible.

Excessive throwing of kettlebells is subject to disqualification at the platform judge’s discretion.

7.5. Competitors must conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Any competitor breaking this rule will earn instant disqualification and removal from the venue.

8. COACH/SPECTATOR CONDUCT 8.1. Each competitor is allowed to designate only one (1) person as their coach. The coach may take a position by side of the judge for the purposes of coaching his or her athlete.

8.2. Once the set has started, the coach is not allowed to stand on the competitor platform, or touch the competitor, until the competitor’s set is over.

8.3. A coach is not allowed to speak to or interact in any way with the platform judge before, during or after their competitor’s set.

8.4. A coach is not allowed to speak to, harass, or try to distract another competitor in any way.

8.5. Once the competitor’s set is over a coach must exit to the side and taking care not to disturb or distract other competitors or judges.

8.6. Coaches must conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. No outbursts of profanity are allowed.

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8.7. If a coach violates any of the above rules they will be asked to leave the coaching area immediately, and will not be allowed to coach any other competitors for the remainder of the event. Any subsequent violation will earn instant removal from the venue.

8.8. Spectators must remain in the spectator area behind the platforms and judges.

8.9. Spectators are not allowed to distract or badger any competitor or judge.

8.10. Any spectator breaking rules 8.8 or 8.9 will be immediately removed from the venue.

9. COMPETITOR’S EQUIPMENT 9.1. Competitors must wear appropriate footwear, i.e. athletic shoes or weightlifting shoes. Competing in bare feet or open-toed shoes is strictly prohibited.

9.2. Shirt sleeves must not cover the elbows. Shorts must be above the knee. Long arm tops and pants (even skin tight) are prohibited.

9.3. Athletes will not be allowed to compete in inappropriate clothing as described in 9.1 and 9.2.

9.4. A weightlifting belt no wider than 12 cm may be used. Wrist wraps no wider than 12 cm may be used.

9.5. Neoprene knee sleeves no wider than 25cm are allowed. Knee braces may be used.

9.6. Ipods/headphones are not allowed during the competition set.

9.7. Sports tape covering the hands or gloves of any type are not allowed during the competition set.

9.8. Competitors must take care of their own magnesium chalk needs. The venue does not have to supply chalk.

10. ASSISTANTS 10.1. During marathons, an athlete may have a designated assistant to help him throughout the duration of the event.

10.2. Assistants must stay behind the judge’s table until called upon by the athlete.

10.3. An assistant may give chalk, water or food to the athlete while he rests in a legal position or keeps on lifting.

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11. SPECIFIC DETAILS OF THE LIFTS 11.1 JERK At the command “START” the kettlebell is cleaned into the rack position.

The Kettlebell Jerk is defined as lifting a Kettlebell overhead from the “Rack” position with use of the legs.

The rack position is defined as the position when the arm is bent with the upper part of the arm making contact with the upper body, and the legs are straight.

The Lifter may not rest the Kettlebell on top of their shoulders during the performance; however the lifter may adjust their grip on the Kettlebell by rolling the Kettlebell off the shoulders in one continuous movement to the rack position.

The Jerk must commence with legs straight and no bend in the knees. No rebounding is allowed.

The kettlebell must be moved from the rack to overhead fixation in one continuous, uninterrupted movement (Push press or jerk allowed).

During fixation the knees and elbows must be locked, the torso, head and arms in line. The kettlebell must come to a complete and visible stop.

After fixation, the lifter must return to the rack position.

Lowering the kettlebell from the rack must be followed by a switch. Switching sides may be done with 2 hands on the kettlebell.

“No count”       

there is no fixation in the starting position or the overhead position (rebounding out of the rack position) there is no alignment in the overhead position (excessive twist or side bend, arm at 10 o’clock) legs and arm are not straight and locked in fixation there is a definite press out to the lockout re-cleaning the kettlebell without switching sides touching/ supporting the kettlebell or body with the free hand violating the rules in any way

“Stop”   

the kettlebell is put down or touches the platform any other body part except the athlete’s feet touch the platform the athlete leaves the platform



the athlete’s technique is deemed unsafe



the athlete switches sides but fails to complete at least 1 full repetition

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

violating the rules twice for resting position

Resting position It is allowed:   

to rest in the rack position to rest in the overhead position to rest while keeping the kettlebell in motion with low amplitude swings (with 1 or 2 hands)

It is prohibited:  

to rest with the kettlebell on the shoulder or against the legs to rest statically in the dead hang position

11.2 SNATCH At the command “START” the kettlebell is swung back between the legs and then up to the lockout in one smooth, uninterrupted motion to a stop in overhead fixation. No pressing out of the kettlebell is allowed.

The kettlebell must be caught with a straight arm.

During fixation the knees and elbow must be locked, the torso, head and working arm are in line.

The kettlebell must come to a complete and visible stop.

After fixation, the Kettlebell can be returned between the legs in one continuous movement OR by a drop into the rack position (half snatch).

“No count”        

there is no fixation in the overhead position there is no alignment in the overhead position (excessive twist or side bend, arm at 10 o’clock) legs and arm are not straight and locked in fixation there is a definite press out to the lockout using the Speed Switch on the way up having 2 hands on the kettlebell on the way up from a switch touching/ supporting the kettlebell or body with the free hand violating the rules in any way

“Stop”   

the kettlebell is put down or touches the platform any other body part except the athlete’s feet touch the platform the athlete leaves the platform

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

the athlete’s technique is deemed unsafe



the athlete switches sides but fails to complete at least 1 full repetition



violating the rules twice for resting position

Resting position It is allowed:   

to rest in the rack position to rest in the overhead position to rest while keeping the kettlebell in motion with low amplitude swings (outside or inside the legs)

It is prohibited:   

to rest with the kettlebell on the shoulder or against the legs to rest statically in the dead hang position to rest with 2 hands on the kettlebell

11.3 LONG CYCLE At the command “START” the competitor performs a back swing and then cleans the kettlebell to the rack position.

The kettlebell must stop in rack position and the legs must be straightened/knees locked out before commencing the Jerk (no bouncing).

The competitor then performs a Jerk with all technical elements as described in the Jerk section.

After fixation, the kettlebell must be dropped briefly back to rack position before the back swing for the next rep. The clean may be performed between or outside the legs.

The Kettlebell LongCycle is defined as lifting a Kettlebell in two different phases, the “Clean”, followed by a “Jerk”, to comprise one exercise cycle. In case of a failed lockout attempt on the Jerk, the whole lift must be taken from the back swing.

“No count”       

not separating and completing the Clean during Long Cycle (rebounding out of the rack position) there is no fixation in the overhead position there is no alignment in the overhead position (excessive twist or side bend, arm at 10 o’clock) legs and arm are not straight and locked in fixation there is a definite press out to the lockout performing a Jerk without a Clean after a failed Jerk attempt using the Speed Switch on the way up

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  

having 2 hands on the kettlebell on the way up from a switch touching/ supporting the kettlebell or body with the free hand violating the rules in any way

“Stop”    

the kettlebell is put down or touches the platform any other body part except the athlete’s feet touch the platform the athlete leaves the platform the athlete’s technique is deemed unsafe



the athlete switches sides but fails to complete at least 1 full repetition

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violating the rules twice for resting position

Resting position It is allowed:   

to rest in the rack position to rest in the overhead position to rest while keeping the kettlebell in motion with low amplitude swings (outside or inside the legs)

It is prohibited:   

to rest with the kettlebell on the shoulder or against the legs to rest statically in the dead hang position to rest with 2 hands on the kettlebell

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