Grip Competition Rules

Official rules and regulations for grip sport competitions, based on the most common competition formats.

General Competition Rules

Equipment Standards

  • All equipment must meet official specifications
  • Equipment is inspected before competition
  • No modifications to competition equipment allowed
  • Personal equipment may be used for warm-up only

Competition Format

  • Competitors have 3 attempts per event
  • Best attempt counts for scoring
  • 5-minute time limit per attempt
  • 2-minute rest between attempts

Scoring System

  • Points awarded based on performance
  • Tie-breakers determined by second-best attempt
  • Overall winner determined by total points
  • Separate awards for individual events

Gripper Events

Captains of Crush Grippers

  • Must close gripper completely (handles touching)
  • Judge must verify the close
  • No bouncing or momentum allowed
  • Must hold closed position for 1 second

Gripper Strength Levels

  • Novice: Trainer to No. 1
  • Intermediate: No. 1 to No. 2
  • Advanced: No. 2 to No. 3
  • Elite: No. 3 and above

Pinch Events

Two-Pinch Lift

  • Use official 2-inch pinch block
  • Lift with thumb and first two fingers only
  • Block must be lifted to full lockout
  • No hooking or supporting with other fingers

Three-Pinch Lift

  • Use official 2.5-inch pinch block
  • Lift with thumb, index, and middle fingers
  • Must achieve full lockout
  • No supporting with ring or pinky fingers

Hub Lift

  • Use official hub device
  • Lift with fingertips only
  • Must achieve full lockout
  • No supporting with palm or other fingers

Rolling Handle Events

Rolling Thunder

  • Use official Rolling Thunder handle
  • Lift with one hand
  • Must achieve full lockout
  • Handle must roll freely during lift

Rolling Handle Variations

  • Different handle sizes and weights
  • One-handed and two-handed events
  • Time-based events (hold for time)
  • Rep-based events (maximum reps)

Thick Bar Events

Axle Deadlift

  • Use official 2-inch axle bar
  • Standard deadlift rules apply
  • Must achieve full lockout
  • No straps or grip aids allowed

Thick Bar Variations

  • Different bar diameters
  • One-handed and two-handed events
  • Time-based holds
  • Rep-based events

Steel Bending Events

Nail Bending

  • Use official competition nails
  • Bend to specified angle (usually 30 degrees)
  • No tools or aids allowed
  • Time limit for completion

Bending Stock

  • Various diameters and materials
  • Different bending requirements
  • Points based on difficulty
  • Time limits vary by event

Competition Classes

Weight Classes

  • Lightweight: Under 175 lbs
  • Middleweight: 175-200 lbs
  • Heavyweight: Over 200 lbs
  • Open: No weight restrictions

Age Classes

  • Youth: Under 18
  • Open: 18-39
  • Masters: 40-49
  • Senior Masters: 50+

Experience Levels

  • Novice: First competition or under 1 year training
  • Intermediate: 1-3 years experience
  • Advanced: 3+ years experience
  • Elite: National/international competitors

Safety Rules

Equipment Safety

  • All equipment inspected before use
  • No damaged or modified equipment
  • Proper warm-up required
  • Safety equipment provided

Competitor Safety

  • Medical clearance required
  • No training through injury
  • Stop if pain occurs
  • Medical staff on-site

Competition Safety

  • Clear competition area
  • Spectators at safe distance
  • Emergency procedures in place
  • First aid available

Disqualification Rules

Technical Violations

  • Using illegal equipment
  • Exceeding time limits
  • Not following proper technique
  • Interfering with other competitors

Safety Violations

  • Training through injury
  • Unsafe behavior
  • Not following safety rules
  • Endangering others

Sportsmanship Violations

  • Unsportsmanlike conduct
  • Arguing with judges
  • Disrespecting competitors
  • Violating competition spirit

Appeals Process

Filing an Appeal

  • Must be filed within 10 minutes
  • Written appeal required
  • Specific rule violation cited
  • Evidence provided if available

Appeal Review

  • Reviewed by competition committee
  • Decision made within 30 minutes
  • Final decision is binding
  • No further appeals allowed

Records and Certifications

World Records

  • Must be set in official competition
  • Equipment must meet standards
  • Video evidence required
  • Verification by governing body

Certifications

  • Captains of Crush certifications
  • Competition achievements
  • Training milestones
  • Special recognition awards