President's Message


November 21, 2004

Rumors of our Demise are Greatly Exaggerated

Recently, rumors have spread as to the ultimate demise of USA Powerlifting. It seems funny, in some ways, that we continue to hear these things in the face of only positive indicators of our health. Let's look some of these issues and the REALITY of the situation.

Meeting with IPF Leadership and Representatives of U.S. Federations:

This December 3rd, at the venue of the IPF Bench Press World Championships a meeting has been scheduled to facilitate the reconciliation of powerlifting in the U.S. However, no plans exist for replacement of USAPL by the IPF, or recognition of multiple federations. No route exists to seek alternate routes to the IPF outside of any national affiliate in good standing, and USAPL remains in good standing. For some years, discussions have been ongoing in the U.S. as to forming some type of umbrella organization. While these are lofty goals, any such discussions are early in the reconciliation process. That is not to say that getting everyone together on a single platform is not a worthy goal. It is. But before any meaningful progress can take place, better understandings between the federations must occur, and some alignment of rules will also be necessary. For example, as the IPF moves implement a renewed commitment to doping control, any interested in participating at that level need to both agree to move in that direction and to develop a transparency with regard to their doping control.

At present, USAPL has an agreement for shared doping control information with one U.S. powerlifting federation: the ADAU. While the goals of our two organizations remain somewhat different, we do agree that those who run afoul of doping control strictures in one of our organizations are not welcome in the other organization. THAT is a reasonable start.

The Golden Rule:

One of the things that I've mentioned in my prior messages is a reflection of the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. If you watch the powelifting media out there, many members and officials of all of the federations are taking shots at the other organizations, and at those lifting in other federations. This really is now way to further the goals of better relationships between us. As I have stated numerous times, fundamentally, we are all lifters. We have more in common with each other than with practitioners of other athletic pursuits.

Maintaining our Focus and Mission:

Recently, there have been calls for USA Powerlifting to water down our drug testing program so that we might be more competitive on the world platform. The underlying logic is that if we allow our athletes to use anabolics then clean up for the tests, they will be more successful. The U.S. has been down that road in the past. Because of that, as of about six years ago, American lifters accounted for one third of all the IPF drug test positives. That is not a path that we will take again. It is not in keeping with the spirit of fair play that is a cornerstone of the Olympic ideal nor is it consistent with the mission of USA Powerlifting. It has been our mission, since our birth to meaningfully address doping in powerlifting and we will continue to do so to the best of our ability. While some don't believe in the validity of this ideal, we believe it remains worthwhile and relevant.

USA Powerlifting has 23 years of experience in doping control. The breadth and depth of that experience tells us that there are several aspects to effective doping control: volume of testing, testing at every level, testing those who are most likely to use, and Out of Competition Testing.

As for volume of testing, it is clear that in order for a testing program to be effective, a certain threshold must be met. USAPL rules mandate a minimum of 10% testing take place. Our reality is that we achieve about 20% of testing each year (about 19% this year, based on lifter appearances). Examination of testing in other sports shows that when token testing is done, even if it targets winners, allows doping to exist "under the radar." Without a probability that any lifter, anywhere can be tested, little deterrent effect is gained. Some athletics bodies have targeted testing at only highest levels. This, however, is not fair to those competing at the lower level. While those competing regionally or nationally have a reasonable assurance that they are on a level playing field, those who are competing locally can not be assured of this if no testing is done. USAPL will continue to test at the local level to address drug use problems at every level.

Our National Governing Body has been very clear that USA Powerlifting is to have meaningful, effective doping control. Each year, our Drug Testing Report is a focus. The NGB has mandated that we work to compliance with the Olympic ideal, and that we move to compliance with the World Anti-doping Agency rules. There are several aspects worth discussing here to clear up some misconceptions. One area that is clearly delineated is to direct testing to those who are likely to have drug use issues. Those whose performance, history, or behavior suggest drug use must be subject to doping control.

National and international level athletes must be subject to testing through a WADA approved laboratory. Opinions by WADA received by our international affiliate suggest that any additional testing is at the discretion of the national federation, subject to the criteria of transparency and application of appropriate punishment for those whose drug use is identified. The IPF Executive supports continued additional testing to assure that we control the doping problem in the U.S. USA Powerlifting is seen by many nations as a model of effective doping control without government support. A related area of misconception is that only third party testing is acceptable. WADA standards support National Anti-doping Agency involvement where that avenue is available, but also acknowledge that the National Federations themselves may be the testing authority. In many nations, no viable national anti-doping exists and it the U.S., this mechanism applies to Olympic sports only. WADA Standards, and the IPF Doping Commission are accepting of National Affiliate-managed testing as long as transparency and consistency exist.

USA Powerlifting continues to fine tune or out of competition doping control program. By the close of calendar year 2004, we will have completed approximately 130 out of competition tests. This is in excess of 10% of our total testing, and thanks to the efforts of our OMT Project Team, we are close to 100% success in testing athletes in our testing pool. This is a remarkable effort by our volunteers in implementing this important program.

Youth Program Changes:

To date, and since its inception, the USA Powerlifting Youth Program has been very successful. We wish to continue this effort, but within the IPF rules that mandate no "competitive lifting" for athletes under 14 years. Your Executive has requested your input on ways to keep our youth lifters involved in a way that is consistent with IPF rules. Your input has been invaluable. We will continue discussions among our members, and with the IPF Executive to find a balance that allows this program to continue in a way that is acceptable to all parties.

Reviewing our Successes:

This year has been a very successful for USA Powerlifting. Membership is up, and we have added more than 20 sanctioned competitions when compared to 2003. We have successfully implemented an electronic store and our associated Merchandising Program. Our international competitors have been very successful, with our Master's, Women's, Juniors, and Subjuniors teams medalling at the World level. This has been accomplished in absence of ANY drug test failures.

Our Men's Open Team has recently returned from the Open World Championships in Capetown, South Africa. The team received the Bronze Medal, and Wade Hooper and Brian Siders brought home Gold Medals. Brian obliterated the World Total Record in the process. Char Gahagan received the Bronze Medal and our other athletes performed up to their usual high standards. Equally important, our lifters were ambassadors of our sport, and helped put a friendly face on the U.S. at a time when that is sorely needed. They proved that sport is a place were we truly can come together.