Maybe dumb question about powerlifting bench press rule...

I have a (probably) dumb question to ask about PL benching rules.

Why aren’t there any depth requirements in benching like it is in squatting? Something like: “the olecranon process has to be below the shoulder joint, and, with the bar motionless, the lifter shall receive a press command.”

So essentially the requirement that the bar must touch the chest is replaced by the humerus having to break parallel.

Theoretically, people could spoto press the bar and not touch their chest as long as they hit depth, but since it is (definitely) harder, I think everyone will find a way to hit depth while the bar is on their chest anyway.

And no I don’t hate big arches and ultra-wide grips :slight_smile:

Thoughts?

I think it would essentially change the bench to a spoto press instead. Its not a bad idea though because some people just arch and grip super wide and to me that shouldnt be allowed because why should someone be allowed to change the lift so much so that its not even benching anymore, its just a 3-4" tricep extension.

Yeah, people can spoto press the bar, sure. But would they? Why not hit depth when the bar is touching the chest, since it is more advantageous leverage-wise?