USAWA

Okay, so the way I was taught when I started lifting in 1977 was the first plates faced in and then every plate after that faced out. I was told this was so the name of the manufacturer would be seen. Essentially free advertising. As the manufacturer often donated weights to big competitions and they wanted to get due recognition. On a personal level I don’t care as long as they are the same on each side. However, I know done guys who are particular about it to the point they will unload and reload a bar not to their liking!

This guy seems to have pretty definite ideas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qffp-38_ycE

I was always told to put the first plate facing in and all the others facing out. That way it is easier for the officials to see that the bar is loaded correctly.

Denny is correct on the proper plate placement for competitions. There are no USAWA rules that specifically address this however, but other lifting associations (like olympic lifting and powerlifting) do.

Now my personal preference for training is always flanges in for all the big plates. I’ve seen plates slip out of hands loading and causing injury. I feel its easier (and safer) to hold onto plates as you push them on and pull them off if your fingers can grip over the flanges of the plates.