The Ministry Strength Games are our annual celebration of strength, community and personal achievement.

Whether you’re stepping onto the platform for the first time or chasing a new personal best, the Games are about testing yourself, supporting others and enjoying the day.

Events

The Ministry Strength Games feature four events:

Maximum Deadlift

Maximum Bench Press

Mega Minute Deadlift

Mega Minute Bench Press

Competitors may enter one, some or all events.

Maximum Weight Competition

Both Maximum Weight events are run to powerlifting standards.

Each competitor receives:

• Three Deadlift attempts
• Three Bench Press attempts

There are no age or weight classes.

Placings for both men and women are determined using a bodyweight-adjusted points system.

Maximum Weight Rules

• Each competitor has three attempts.
• The competition is run over three rounds.
• The bar is loaded progressively using a rising bar format.
• Competitors have 60 seconds after completing an attempt to declare their next weight.
• All competitors must attend the official weigh-in.
• Bodyweight is recorded for points calculations.

Maximum Bench Press Rules

The lifter must:

• Lie with their head, shoulders and buttocks in contact with the bench.
• Keep both feet flat on the floor.
• Use a full thumbs-around grip.

The lift is judged using standard powerlifting commands.

The competitor must:

• Wait for the Start command.
• Lower the bar under control.
• Pause motionless on the chest.
• Wait for the Press command.
• Press to full elbow lockout.
• Wait for the Rack command.

Maximum Deadlift Rules

The competitor must:

• Lift the bar from the floor.
• Finish standing erect.
• Lock the knees.
• Bring the shoulders back.
• Wait for the Down command before lowering the bar.

Not permitted:

• Lifting straps
• Supporting the bar on the thighs

Mega Minute Challenge

The Mega Minute is a test of:

• Strength
• Strength endurance
• Strategy
• Mental toughness

There are two separate Mega Minute events:

Mega Minute Deadlift

Mega Minute Bench Press

Each event has its own winners.

Competitors may enter either event or both.

Competition Format

Each competitor receives two attempts.

Each attempt lasts 60 seconds.

Competitors may:

• Use the same weight
• Increase the weight
• Reduce the weight

between attempts.

Your final score is:

Attempt 1 Score + Attempt 2 Score

Choosing Your Weight

The weight must be declared before each attempt.

Once the referee starts the timer, the weight cannot be changed.

Choosing the correct weight is part of the challenge.

Starting the Attempt

The competitor will receive the normal referee commands before the timer begins.

The timer starts on the referee’s Start command.

Once the timer has started it will not stop until:

• 60 seconds has elapsed, or
• The competitor clearly retires from the attempt.

The timer does not stop for:

• Resting
• Equipment adjustments
• Tightening straps or belts
• Missed repetitions
• Re-racking the bar
• Any delay caused by the competitor

Rest whenever you like, but the clock keeps running.

Mega Minute Bench Press Rules

The Mega Minute Bench Press follows the same standards as the Maximum Bench Press competition.

Each repetition must:

• Start with locked elbows.
• Be lowered under control.
• Touch the chest.
• Pause until the referee gives the Press command.
• Be pressed to full elbow lockout.

Bounce pressing is not permitted.

Only correctly completed repetitions will count.

Mega Minute Deadlift Rules

The Mega Minute Deadlift follows the same standards as the Maximum Deadlift competition.

Each repetition must:

• Start from the floor.
• Finish with knees locked and shoulders back.
• Wait for the Down command.
• Return to the floor before beginning the next repetition.

Touch-and-go repetitions are not permitted.

Permitted:

• Standard lifting straps
• Belt
• Chalk
• Knee sleeves

Not permitted:

• Figure-8 straps

Only correctly completed repetitions will count.

Scoring

Each attempt is scored using the following formula:

(Weight Lifted × Successful Repetitions) ÷ Bodyweight

Your final score is:

Attempt 1 Score + Attempt 2 Score

The competitor with the highest final score wins.

Judging

Every repetition is judged by an official referee.

The referee will count each successful repetition aloud.

For example:

“1…2…3…4…”

If a repetition does not meet the required standard:

• It will not be counted.
• The referee will repeat the previous number.
• The competitor should continue lifting.

The referee’s verbal count is the official repetition count.

The referee’s decision is final.

Safety

Spotters will be provided for every event.

The referee may stop any attempt if they believe continuing would place the competitor or others at risk.

Competitors must follow all instructions from referees and spotters.

Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Tie Break

If two competitors finish on the same score:

1. Highest individual attempt score.
2. Lighter bodyweight.
3. Shared placing.

Weigh-In

Official weigh-in times will be published before the event.

Provisionally:

8:00am – 10:00am

Failure to attend the official weigh-in may result in disqualification.

8:30am – Weigh-in opens

10:00am – Final weigh-in

11:00am – Maximum Deadlift

Immediately followed by:

• Mega Minute Deadlift

Short break

Maximum Bench Press

Immediately followed by:

• Mega Minute Bench Press

Food & refreshments

Approximately 1:30pm – Prize Giving

Final timings will be confirmed before the event and may be subject to change.

The Spirit of the Games

The Ministry Strength Games are about more than lifting the biggest weight.

They’re about challenging yourself, encouraging others and celebrating the strength of our community.

Whether you leave with a trophy, a personal best or simply the satisfaction of stepping onto the platform for the first time, you’ve earned your place in the Games.