Vice President's Message

The past two months have been exciting for USA Powerlifting. Some new and interesting activities have gone on, and our lifting picture is brighter and brighter.

On the up side, our Women's Nationals in January was the largest ever (see prior issue of Powerlines), with more than 130 athletes. There has been great depth in the younger, and older divisions, and we have both younger and older lifters becoming more competitive in the Open division. As we look forward to the first IPF Open World Championships in the U.S. in almost two decades, we do so with even more accomplished lifters than in the past. This will also be a chance for the U.S. audience to see the quality and depth that an IPF championships brings. In contrast to what has been available over the past years via other federations "World Championships" they will also see a presentation that does not include gimmicks, sloppy officiating, and a carnival atmosphere. These women are the best of the best. Their performances speak for themselves. You can also rest assured that there will not be any "World Champions" crowned who post totals that wouldn't win most countries nationals.

We have just completed the IPF North American Cup. This reinitiates regional powerlifting in this North America. While there have been regional efforts, some successful, over the years, we have lacked continuity. We opted for a modest start, with a team event to get going again. Two teams from the U.S., and one from Canada contested via an average wilks point format. Music, as is often seen in European competition, was used, livening up the venue. Overall, it was well received, and is being planned for approximately the same time next year. (Please see the writeup, by organizer Rob Keller, in this issue).

USAPL participated for the first time in the Arnold Fitness Expo. Three volunteers, Ivan and Priscilla Ribic, and Disa Hatfield staffed a booth at the Expo, which showcased our champions, our events, the World stage that the IPF offers. They met hundreds of lifters, potential lifters, and other interested parties. It was a great opportunity to show the lifting community who we are and what we offer.

I'd also like to welcome Sandra Perron to the Executive Committee. She was appointed to fill the remainder of P.J. Couvillion's term. P.J. resigned for health reasons, and will be sorely missed. For those of you who don't know Sandra, she is the Jr. Team Head Coach (past two years) and served as Asst. Coach, and Manager of several other traveling teams as well. Sandra is also a seasoned competitor, having lifted at a number of Bench Worlds. Please thank her in advance for volunteering for this additional duty.

We are working through the process of checking references for the applicants to the Treasurer's position, and hope to have someone on board soon. Marsha Serre has concluded the process of wrapping up her tenure, forwarding records and information to the National Office. As discussed and agreed to in the last NGB meeting, a bookkeeper has been retained to assist with day-to-day account management. Being a CPA firm, they will provide the needed oversight and checks and balances we need.

There is both good and bad news in the drug testing arena. We suffered our first drug test failure internationally (not in a World Championships). This case is still under appeal, but will, with the doping control passport initiative of the World Antidoping Agency, and the IPF, result in a tightening of our procedures. While this case is still under appeal, it will likely have financial consequences for USAPL, and after a 6 year spotless record, doesn't sit well. We increased the numbers of drug tests done over 2002. With two or three meets outstanding, we had done 730 tests during the year. Unfortunately, only 15 of these were done out of contest. Our drug testing committee will have to do better or I would call for a change of approach and personnel. This is a cornerstone of our mission, and we must do better. Excuses don't cut it.

Our membership is up in 2002 vs. 2001, ending at approximately 4000. This is up from around 3700. We sanctioned 20 (or so) more meets in 2002 over the prior year. This is thanks, solely, to the efforts of our contest organizers.

We have had some complaints, valid I think, about inconsistencies in refereeing. While I still think our officiating is the most consistent available, and that the rules of performance are enforced in a manner that is very close to what is represented in our rule books, it can also be argued that not all referees are up on new rule changes and interpretations. To address this, the E.C. has passed a motion that will require National meet promoters to have a rules clinic at each championships so that all the officials are on the same page. This can only help to improve the level of judging, and benefit the lifter.

I also want to address an issue that is of some concern to me, and has taken up a good deal of my time lately. In general, all of the related issues can be lumped under "attitude problems" of our members toward each other, our officials, and to athletes of other federations. None of this helps us attract lifters, retain those we have, or to retain volunteers, which include our promoters, officials, and officers. Some of our members appear to delight in pointing out our shortcomings, mistakes, and doing so in a public forum. They are under the misguided opinion that such comments "strengthen the federation" or provide valuable information to the membership. I would put to you that it would be far more productive to work to fix problems through contacting those responsible, volunteering to help, and following through. The internet has been a mixed blessing in this regard. While it is a wonderful medium to share information and to discuss positive issues, it also tends to engender a type of "keyboard shift" in those posting. That is, someone who would normally be diplomatic, helpful, and friendly becomes a horse's ass when they sit down behind the keyboard. ( I actually receive my first death threat via the internet this month, thankfully, not from a USAPL member). The world reads our forum, and the open forums. Each time you spear our organization, you only confirm what our detractors already believe. Please remember, you are not going to sell our organization by pushing the negative. We will only grow and strengthen our programs by being open, and supportive of our own, and others. If we want to be the best organization we can be, then we have to stop attacking each other, and our potential members out there.

Finally, it is getting to be time to start thinking about the National Governing Body meeting. Proposed By-law changes are due three months in advance of the meeting (mid-April), several E.C. positions are open, and other suggested changes should be considered early and submitted. Please get your ideas in print and send them in.

Larry