What is squat depth?

As a competition referee, I've been slammed over the years for being too harsh when it comes to depth calls. But what is squat depth?

Read any rule book and most will say it as simple as this "the lifter must bend the knees and lower the body until the top surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the top of the knees"

In my opinion, depth and parallel have become blurred since I started lifting in 2014. In this image, the white line demonstrates depth, the red being parallel. As this is based off the knees, not the thighs, don't get confused by the fact that there is leg above both lines.

Unsure how your depth is going? Film from either the side or approx 45 degrees in front, at approx hip height and review for yourself. If still unsure, a little added chalk line on the hip joint can be beneficial or, happy for you to send me your videos or photos.