That's ridiculous that they would pass that. The WPO cannot expect to be taken serious if they are going to allow that.

I wasn't there, but it sure looks high doesn't it?

The WPO is getting many of the best lifters in the world to lift at their meets. When the best are lifting, that almost gives you instant credibility. In fact, relaxed judging standards probably won't effect the WPO negatively in the general public's eyes. They don't know what a full squat is. Heck Bolton's squat was deeper than most gym squats. In fact, setting records might enhance the WPO's standing. Theoretically, it could broaden the base of powerlifting fans.

So that leaves fellow powerlifters that understand judging differences. Those that speak out tend to be flamed as being divisive, negative and bad for the sport. Many at the top of the sport won't speak out because they would be biting the hand that could be feeding them. Ed Coan is a dramatic counter example.

So are the WPO just providing an environment where lifters want to go because they'll hit their biggest numbers? Or do the big numbers help push the sport to the general population? As you can see from some of the meet video, Kidder certainly puts on entertaining meets.

With all the gear available today the squats are high !
It is a shame.
The permissiveness of the referees will take to a degeneration of powerlifting. Ed Coan is right, his effort is to keep the sport according to its original spirit.
How can a high squat (illegal) be a world record ?
How to compare a Bill Kazmaier squat with a WPO squat ? It is impossible.

"The WPO is getting many of the best lifters in the world to lift at their meets"

Of course, WPO is seducing the lifters with easy (illegal) world records. "Judging differences" should respect the powerlifting rules !

Judging is partly at the core of arguments about powerlifting diverging from its history and becoming another sport altogether. This post addresses those changes.

With powerlifting judging, as with many sports, there's a subjective assessment of rules. Lifters will try to get as close to the line as possible while still getting their lift passed. Right around that line smart people can argue about the validity of a lift. Judges can make calls that while incorrect, were not entirely unreasonable at the moment. However, the problem occurs with judging for lifts that are clearly not even close to the line. When that occurs the rules have shifted and the game is no longer the same.

As to powerlifting degenerating, I'm not sure. Changing yes, but degenerating, that's hard to say. Those leading the changes may think this is the direction needed to make powerlifting stronger. Time will answer which side is right.