The CrossFit Individual In-Affiliate Semifinals begin in just a few hours when the password is revealed to those competing. Similar to the Age Group and Team Semifinals in previous weeks, CrossFit has published a list of FAQs (frequently asked questions) regarding the workouts along with general questions.
One of the biggest questions looking to be answered was the dumbbell overhead walking lunge in Workout 2. On Monday I made a post on Instagram questioned how CrossFit would judge Jayson Hopper’s lunges.
In the video one head of each dumbbell when overhead appeared to be touching from time to time. Adrian Bozman addressed it briefly in a text message back to Sevan live during his show that morning. Dave Castro then added in his interview with Colten Mertens that it would be addressed in the FAQs.
So does CrossFit’s official response answer that question? Let’s find out…
WORKOUT 1
Question: Can the barbell/rack be placed parallel to the handstand walk?
Answer: YES — as long as the rack is the required distance from the rings. The start and end lines for the handstand walk must not be obscured from view on camera.
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Question: Can the back squat be performed with the rack in front of the handstand walk course when viewed on camera?
Answer: YES — as long as the start and end lines for the handstand walk are not obscured from view on camera.
WORKOUT 2
Question: If I do not have the proper weight for the dumbbells, may I attach additional weights to the sides of the dumbbells?
Answer: YES — additional weights may be attached to a dumbbell. Any modified dumbbell must be weighed on camera at the beginning of the video.
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Question: During the overhead walking lunges, if the dumbbells make contact with each other accidentally, is it a no-rep?
Answer: NO — as long as the dumbbells are not held together, brief incidental contact will not be penalized. Brief incidental contact is when the dumbbells make contact (either with one or both heads) and then are separated. If the dumbbells remain touching, the reps will not count.
WORKOUT 3
It’s Heavy Isabel. It’s 30 heavy snatches. No questions were asked.
WORKOUT 4
Question: Can an athlete skip rounds?
Answer: NO — athletes must complete 10 shuttle runs, 10 clean and jerks, and at least one burpee in each round to advance to the next round.
WORKOUT 5
Question: If my affiliate does not have a rope, can I complete the workout at a different affiliate in good standing?
Answer: YES.
GENERAL COMPETITION QUESTIONS
Question: Can you explain the backfill process between the In-Affiliate Semifinals and the In-Person Qualifying Events?
Answer: Qualification for the Games occurs chronologically. CrossFit will use May 19, 2025, as the closing date for Individual Semifinals.
An athlete who finishes in a qualifying position at the French Throwdown (May 9-11) or Fittest Experience (May 16-18) will earn a spot to the Games. If that athlete also finishes in a qualifying position in the In-Affiliate Semifinals, their position will be given to the next in line on the In-Affiliate Semifinals leaderboard.
Athletes who have already qualified for the Games and who finish the In-Affiliate Semifinals in a qualifying position will forfeit their position to the next in line on the In-Affiliate Semifinals leaderboard.
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This is actually an important question, and one that was technically in the rulebook. However, we really had not discussed it nor the implications.
The Semifinals leaderboard will be finalized on May 19, which is after the French Throwdown (May 9-11) and the TFX Invitational (May 16-18).
Therefore, let’s say Chris Ibarra wins the TFX Invitational and also finishes inside the top 11 in Semifinals. Ibarra would qualify out of TFX and CrossFit would backfill invite the 12th place male at Semifinals.
JUDGE QUESTIONS
Question: Can two athletes working out at the same time share the same head judge and have different floor judges?
Answer: YES — there can be one head judge for multiple athletes. Each athlete must have their own floor judge. The head judge and the floor judge must be introduced on camera at the beginning of each athlete’s workout. The floor judge must remain on screen throughout the workout.
