What is the primary responsibility of the referees during a powerlifting event?

The primary responsibility of the referees during a powerlifting event is to judge the validity of lifts. This involves closely observing each lift to determine if the athlete has complied with the specific technical rules and regulations of powerlifting. Referees assess whether the lifter has performed the lift correctly according to the criteria set forth by the governing body. This includes evaluating aspects such as starting position, lift execution, and finishing position. The validity of a lift is crucial, as it directly affects the lifter's score and progression in the competition.

While ensuring that all equipment meets safety standards, deciding final scores, and managing the event schedule are important tasks, they are not the primary functions of the referees. Equipment safety standards are typically overseen by event organizers, and while referees contribute to determining the outcome of lifts, their main role is focused on the execution and adherence to rules during each attempt.