Competitors compete in a division, determined by their body mass. There are currently eight (8) divisions for men, and seven (7) for women.

These classes are currently:

MENS: 56kg, 62kg, 69kg, 77kg, 85kg, 94kg, 105kg, and 105+kg

WOMENS: 48kg, 53kg, 58kg, 63kg, 69kg, 75kg  and 75+kg.

In each weight division, competitors compete in both the snatch and clean and jerk, and prizes are usually given for the heaviest weights lifted in the snatch, clean and jerk, and the two combined. Each competitor will get three (3) attempts at each lift.

The order of the competition is up to the lifters. The competitor who nominates to attempt the lowest weight on the barbell will go first. If they are unsuccessful at that weight, they have the option of reattempting that lift or trying a heavier weight later (after any other competitors have made attempts at that weight or any intermediate weights). Weights are set at a minimum of 1 kilogram increments.

The title Best Lifter is sometimes awarded in competitions, which is an award  based on the lifters' Sinclair Coefficients. This calculates strength-to-weight ratio of the lifters. Typically, the winner of the heaviest weight class will have lifted the most weight, but a lifter in a lighter weight class may have lifted more in proportion to his/her bodyweight.

 For more information go to the Australian Weightlifting Federation home page at: