Bar Loading 101: For Competition Volunteers
Learn the essential duties of a bar loader at Saskatchewan Weightlifting Association competitions — from loading barbells correctly to keeping the platform safe and the event running smoothly
How to Be a Successful Bar Loader at a Weightlifting Competition
Bar loaders are essential for every Saskatchewan Weightlifting Association (SWA) meet. Competitions rely on loaders to keep the event running smoothly and on time. This training video explains competition flow, equipment, bar loading technique, and other duties of a bar loader.
Competition Flow at a Weightlifting Meet
Athletes are grouped into sessions of 9 to 15 lifters, organized by sex, weight class, or age.
Each athlete has three attempts in the snatch and three in the clean and jerk. Snatch is always first.
There is usually a 10 minute break between lifts if there are 9 or fewer athletes. With more athletes, the break is often removed.
Athletes have one minute to complete an attempt, or two minutes if following themselves.
The barbell is always loaded in progression. It never goes back down to a lighter weight.
The SWA scoring system shows on screen which plates and collars need to be loaded.
Equipment Used in Competition
Barbells: 20 kg men’s bar, 15 kg women’s bar, and junior bars (5, 7, or 10 kg).
Plates:
Red 25 kg
Blue 20 kg
Yellow 15 kg
Green 10 kg
Change Plates: Smaller plates in matching colors (such as 2.5 kg red).
Collars: 2.5 kg each. Spring collars may be used with lighter loads.
Loading rules:
Heaviest plates go on first, then lighter plates toward the outside.
Always use the fewest number of plates possible.
2.5 kg plates go inside the collar. Smaller change plates go outside.
Duties of a Bar Loader
Load and change the bar quickly and securely, like a Formula One pit crew.
Clean the barbell or platform if requested by an athlete, coach, or official.
Move the bar forward, disinfect, and wipe it down if there is blood.
Push debris to the front of the platform to avoid slipping.
If an athlete is injured and cannot move, loaders create a privacy barrier until the athlete leaves the platform.
The Importance of Bar Loaders
Bar loaders keep competitions safe, fast, and professional. They are crucial to the success of every meet, and their effort allows athletes to focus on their lifts.