Kenny,
Thanks. Do you have a guess as to what organization would allow squats that high? Those weren't close to parallel. The last guy who did 1,210 moved like 6 inches. I get that 1,210 is a crap load of weight, but still.
Mike,
The majority of Powerlifting Organizations do not allow high Squats. The Squat rule is basically the same for all organizations. The crease at the hip must be below the top of the knee for it to be a good Squat.
High Squats, as well as Bench Presses and Deadlifts that should not pass usually occur at local meet; not at national meet in a Powerlifting Organization.
The Local Meet Issue
It's hard to get well qualified Referee's at local meet, especially large meets.
Referee's work on a voluntary basis. They are not paid for the majority of local meets. They usually pay their own way.
I spent 3 years as a National Referee and 7 years as International Referee. I paid my way to Local, National, and two World Championships.
I along with two other International Referees had our expenses paid to an International Championship.
What you often end up with are less experience Referees that are on the "Earn while you learn program".
These Referees are usually State Referees, the entry level. Sometimes, you aren't even able to get Certified Referees. You end up sometime just getting a warm body at local meets.
Houston YMCA Meet Example
Years ago, I was Meet Director for the Houston YMCA Meet.
All the Referees were volunteers. One year, I was able to recruit experienced Certified Referees.
The following year, I end up having just find warm bodies.
National, World and International Championships
International Referees with years of experience show up for these meets; with some National Referees being allowed to judge on everything but World Record Attempts, which require an International Referee.
A Jury Panel of Referees is set up at National, World and International Meets. The Jury Panel "Judges the Referees". The Panel can overturn the three seated Referees decision.
The Jury Panel has the power to remove a Referee on the lifting platform. The Jury can reprimand Referees for their calls; that precedes the removal of the Referee.
The scrutiny at these meets is intense.
As A Former International Referee
I was warned by the Jury Panel at the National Women Powerlifting Championships for allowing high Squat to pass.
I disagreed with the Jury. My Side Referee angle was complete different from their's.
Ironically, after finishing my Refereeing of that Squat flight, I went down to watch the Bench Press flight.
I was then confronted by some individual in the audience for making lifter have to Squat so low before it I'd give them a White Light. One guy claimed that they had to "Squat to China" before I'd give them a White Light.
At Bill Bradley's (132 lb lifter) World Record 650 lb Squat, I was the only Referee to give him a Red Light. It was just a little high from my Side Referee position.
His coach, Randy Wilson wanted to know why I gave him a Red Light. As per Randy, he buried it; he didn't.
"The last guy who did 1,210 moved like 6 inches."
With out seeing it or having more details on it, I can't comment on it.
This takes up back to your original question,
"...What organization would allow squats that high?"
None that I know.
Poor calls are made and missed in all sports. Instant recalls in the NFL Football have demonstrated that.
Some poor calls are apparent; other not.
Kenny Croxdale