3. The lifter must bend the knees and lower the body until the top of the thigh at the hip, NOT the hip joint, is lower than the top of the kneecap. Locking and unlocking of the knees after demonstrating control of the weight is not defined as a descent. But, the knees must be locked at the-start and completion of the lift. Only one descent per-attempt is allowed.
4. The lifter must recover at will, from the deepest point of the squat, without double bouncing or any downward movement (stopping is allowed) to an upright position with the knees locked. If the lifter's feet move or if the lifter takes a step but regains control alone, the lift is good, as long as they are not assisted by a spotter and the situation does not appear dangerous.
I stand corrected...it states "stopping is allowed" although i usually give a press command to my lifters when they get deep enough. when you don't have a mirror it's hard to tell how deep you are with lots of weight on your back.
"top of the thigh at the hip, NOT the hip joint, is LOWER than the top of the kneecap"...i'd need to see a better angle to call that one, that is why you have 3 judges.
