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Robert Keller
IPF Cat I Referee
Member, IPF Tech.Comm.
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Wednesday, March 27, 2005 - Miami, Florida
Members of USA Powerlifting:
I hope that this message finds everyone well, and that you and your families had an enjoyable Easter holiday. Prior to heading into my technical report for this issue, I would like to pass on to you that I have been in communication with P.J. Couvillion, the current USA Powerlifitng (USAPL) Technical chairman, and I am glad to say that he is recovering quite well from his recent illness.
During our conversation he related to me that he has plans to attend the Men's National Powerlifting Championships in Killeen, Texas this May, as well as the Men's World Powerlifitng Championships in Miami, Florida this coming November. Also, PJ requested that I pass on his [heartfelt thanks] to everyone for their cards, flowers, and messages of encouragement, while recovering from his illness. It meant a great deal to him, and he misses seeing all of friends within USA Powerlifitng and the International Powerlifting Federation. Nonetheless, he looks forward to seeing everyone at future championships this coming year and next.
In this issue of Powerlines, I would like to address and touch on one very key and important issue. This issue concerns an athlete's role and responsibility to maintain their eligibility to compete not only in USA Powerlifitng, but the International Powerlifting Federation.
For those not informed, as of January 01, 2005, USA Powerlifting became an official signatory to the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA). As USA Powerlifitng and the International Powerlifting move toward USOC and IOC recognition, one of the major steps in the recognition process is the acceptance of the WADA "Code" for dug-testing/doping control.
By USA Powerlifitng accepting "The Code", comes with it considerable and significant responsibilities, not only as an organization, but for and by its members. The code is far reaching, and applies to all USA Powerlifitng lifters, coaches, referees, administrators that may decide to compete and/or assist in [other] federation contests, cup championships, demonstrations, guest appearances, etc., which have former lifters, coaches, or administrators that have been banned or deemed ineligible for doping offences.
In light of this, if you are current member that plans to attend another federation championship outside of USA Powerlifitng, it is recommended and suggested that you contact the contest organizer to determine, whether or not, banned individuals for doping offences, will be involved and/or participating in these events. If in doubt of your response or situation, please use caution, and contact the designated and authorized representatives within USA Powerlifting, the International Powerlifitng Federation, the United States Anti-doping Agency, and/or WADA to guide you accordingly.
Finally, I recommend that all members (especially lifters and coaches) review the current WADA guidelines and regulations, as well as the IPF Doping Rules. If you have not read them, please do so, it may prevent you from possibly losing your eligibility to compete and participate within future USA Powerlifting and the International Powerlifting Federation Championships. Specific to this particular issue is Article 10: Section 11 of the IPF Doping rules.
If you are not in possession of a copy of these guidelines, they can be downloaded from the IPF web-page. The following web-link contains the WADA, and the IPF Anti-doping guidelines: http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/anti_doping.htm
Overall, it is the responsibility for each athlete to know the WADA guidelines and the IPF Doping Rules. Again, failure to do so, may result in the loss of your eligibility to lift in USA Powerlifting and the International Powerlifting Federation.
In closing, as always, if you have any specific comments, concerns and/or questions, please forward them to me directly at: rhk@verizon.net Otherwise, I wish everyone the very best of success this year!
Kind and sincere regards,
Robert H. Keller
IPF Category I Referee
Member, IPF Technical Committee
Member, IPF Doping Commission
Interim Technical Chair - USA Powerlifting
Notice: Use of IPF Approved Equipment and Technical Rules for World Records
Just a brief reminder as we continue to upgrade and improve USA Powerlifting Competition: IPF Technical Rules and Rules of Performance must be followed in order to claim World Records. There are a number of aspects to this, but the important points are two hour weigh ins, use of IPF approved lifter apparel, use of IPF approved platform equipment, adherence to IPF designated flight size and schedules, and drug testing through a WADA laboratory.
Weigh-ins, for both USAPL records, and especially IPF World Records must be not more than two hours prior to the competition. USA Powerlifting discontinued early weigh-ins with IPF affiliation years ago, but some contest organizers persist in offering these. To do so invalidates claims for both American Records and World Records.
Athletes must use only IPF approved lifting gear. This means suits, wraps, supportive shirts, and shoes. These aspects of equipment are subject to inspection at the equipment check which may either be held the evening prior or during the weigh-in. However, it must be stressed that equipment must be inspected.
Platform equipment must conform to IPF standards for World Records to be claimed. This requires that bench and racks are IPF approved, and bars and discs are as well. The platform must conform to sizes specified in IPF Technical Rules, and must be have clearly delineated boundaries. Many organizers build platforms from scratch that exceed the dimensions allowed. This provides for structural safety and adequate room for spotters and referees. In order to assure that rules are conformed to, though, some means of marking the lifting platform, per se, such as tape. This assures that the athlete respects both the boundaries of the platform (such as when preparing for the lift) and time limits for entering and leaving the platform.
The IPF Technical Rules are available at: www.powerlifting-ipf.com. Please click the "Technical Rules" pulldown. The current approved list for both lifter apparel and platform equipment are also available through the IPF site via the "Approved List" pulldown.
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