Is This Squat Deep Enough?

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.

When time permits, please visit www.youtube.com/benching341 and view the three videos: Flawless Squat Depth, Awesome Squat Device, etc. Please understand before viewing these videos that if you position the device just above the top of the knee / low thigh - you will have to squat at USAPL depth to get an audible Beep. Also please understand that the reason the first few videos - the device was placed very high on the thigh to give a Beep at a mere fraction below parallel. I did this after seeing so many squats on you tube NOT HITTING EVEN PARALLEL. Based on the physics of this device - it will not Beep at parallel or above. Simple physics will not allow it. Therefore, if you are a Powerlifter truly needing to gauge precise, exact depth for your federation - then depending on where you position the device on your leg - High to mid to low thigh, you will in fact get a precise measurement - guaranteed. I make this product in Peoria, AZ, and test each one before they go out the door. I have received great feedback from those who have ordered and currently using the product. www.squatprecision.com

Just an additional comment to all Powerlifters:
I am not judging which federation is right or wrong concerning proper squat depth. What I am commenting on is consistency in the judging of each and every individual meet - regardless of the federation. It would take extra time prior to each meet - but if the judges were to sit in their seat and allow each lifter to step on the platform with a Squat Precision device and give the white light at the the depth they just displayed was deep enough - then when the lifting began there would be no question. The lifter would allow a white paint pen to make a line as to where the device should line up. If the lifter positions the device exactly where this line can be seen - then again, there is no question on depth when the lifting begins. This device is absolutely flawless. Just a thought - See comment just below this one concerning videos at www.youtube.com/benching341 AND again remember before watching the videos - need a deeper squat alert than show on these videos? All you do is position the device on the top of your knee / low thigh - and believe me - you will have to go USAPL to get the BEEP.
www.youtube.com/benching341

I think its a good idea

It would be great to have the devise for squatting in a certain or all organization's. Who cares it might be a little expensive to do so, if you love the sport of powerlifting you wouldn't mind, even if you have to buy it yourself. I don't care if it is raw, knee wrap, single ply, multi ply, squat, but the depth should all be very close to being the same. Plus the other way around, going way deep to get the call, which is bullshit too. I think most powerlifters agree, a record, especially a world record, should be used by this devise. I hope there is a new era of world records in the future and this devise has to be implemeted, every powerlifting era goes thru advance equipment stages and records are broken, so start a new more legit way judging depth, which cuts out the major bullshit in the squat, which is depth. If I had a record, especially a world record in the squat which I work my ass off to achieve and some dude squatted four inches higher than I did and beat it, I would be seriously pissed off. Plus all organization's are in consistent in judging meet to meet, some organizations are loose in one meet in the same organization and a different meet it is really loose and some organizations have good judging and fair in one meet and go to a different state in the same organization and they can be a dick to you and judge you way over strict, (maybe because you are from a different state.) I think this beeping devise is a great idea, because it surely will cut out a lot of the crap judging in the squat!