President's Message
October 25, 2006

It has been a busy past couple months. Our athletes have competed well, and medaled at the Jr. Worlds, Master Worlds, North American Bench Press, and our Open team plans to do the same at the Open Worlds in two weeks. At the elite and accomplished levels, we are setting new records for success.

Where we are also doing well is at the local level. I had the privilege of witnessing local competition this past weekend at the Pacific Open in Issaquah, Washington. Bull Stewart and Richard Schuler hosted a great meet. Many of the stalwarts of Washington powerlifting were present including State Chair Paula Houston, Martin Beavers, Garielle Keebel, Terry Lee, Roger and Lea Hendrix and many more whose names slip my mind just now. It was great to see them again and to realize that they represent much of the history of USAPL powerlifting in the Northwest.

What was probably the best thing about this competition was the obvious fun that everyone seemed to be having. There were a number of new lifters, many attempting raw records, some international guests, and some long range lifters from other states. A number of the lifters I work with attended and felt right at home. Of course, a three hour flight is a home meet for us.

The judging was great, spotters and loaders did well, and the crowd was very supportive of everyone. This, again, reminds me of why I started lifting and why I continue to do so. The stresses and strains of powerlifting politics, competition preparation, and keeping this small ship afloat diminish in the supportive environment of a local competition. As I have stated many times, these types of meets, for the grassroots lifter are why we are here and what keeps USAPL and powerlifting in general going.

Several issues will be raised at this year's IPF congress having to do with rules of performance and equipment, particularly as relates to the Bench Press. There are issues of weight class changes, to eliminate the bottom two weight classes. There is an initiative to remove equipment or limit equipment. Please provide your input so that I may reflect your views on these matters.

On the up side, drug testing continues to improve with many advances coming to identify and quantify use of anabolics. This has resulted in increased detection, and subsequent suspensions internationally. Among a number of trends, this is assisting in cleaning up the competition platform perhaps more successfully than ever before.

At the end of this year, and over the next approximately 14 months, we will be transitioning back to a calendar year membership. As you recall, this is the system we used to use prior to switching to an anniversary date membership. What we found is that the anniversary date system dramatically increased the workload on the Office staff, and that we experienced a drop in income. That is to say, we effectively extended our members' membership period. One of the more difficult duties that we face as custodians of USA Powerlifting is to maintain the federation on a firm financial footing so that we can further the mission of our founders and so that we may maintain the traditions of the longest standing drug tested records, competition, and good sportsmanship. In short, while sometimes difficult, we must think of the long-term health of our organization and of the sport as a whole.

Let me close in saying that we are drawing to the close of another wonderful year. I continue to be honored to be associated with such a fine and dedicated bunch of athletes, contest organizers, and officials. We look forward to next year, to continuing local growth and national and international success.

Many thanks,
LJM