Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Where can I find a full beginner's guide?

We've created a step-by-step Getting Started Guide to walk you through training basics, competitions, and membership.

What equipment do I need?

A barbell, plates, and a safe training space are enough to begin. If you decide to compete, you'll eventually need meet-legal kit (singlet, belt, shoes), all listed on the IPF approved equipment list.

How much does it cost to get started?

The basics — a membership, singlet, and shoes — are relatively inexpensive compared to the equipment requirements of many other sports. Competition entry fees vary by event, but local divisional meets are designed to be affordable. Over time, you may choose to invest in approved belts, sleeves, or wraps.

How do I find competitions near me?

Check the British Powerlifting upcoming competitions calendar. Local meets are inclusive and don't require qualifying totals.

Do I need a coach to get started?

No. Many lifters begin by following reputable online resources. But if you want faster progress, you can find a recognised coach or club through the Coach & Club Finder.

How do competitions work?

Every lifter gets three attempts in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Your best successful lift in each adds up to your total. You'll compete against others in your weight and age category — but for most beginners, it's about testing yourself and enjoying the day.

Can I try powerlifting if I train at a commercial gym?

Yes. Most gyms with barbells, racks, and benches are enough to get you started. If you later decide to compete, joining a club with experienced lifters can help you prepare.

What age can my child start powerlifting?

There's no strict minimum, but juniors usually begin in their early teens. With proper coaching and supervision, the sport is safe for young people, and there are Sub-Junior categories from under 18. See our Safeguarding Policy for more detail.

Can I try powerlifting if I have a disability or medical condition?

Yes. Powerlifting is highly adaptable, and many lifters train and compete successfully with medical conditions or disabilities. If you're unsure, speak with your doctor and contact your Division for advice on safe participation.

Please note that para powerlifting is governed by British Weightlifting.

Is powerlifting safe for older lifters?

Yes. With proper technique and programming, powerlifting is safe and highly beneficial for older athletes. Masters categories start from age 40, and many lifters remain active and competitive well into their 60s and beyond.

How can I get involved as a volunteer?

British Powerlifting is run almost entirely by volunteers, and we're always looking for new people to join our network. Even if you can spare as little as an hour a week, your skills and enthusiasm can make a real difference. Volunteering can mean anything from supporting or handling lifters at competitions, to helping with day-to-day administration, or even supporting the leadership team with specific projects.

What's in it for you? You'll become a deeper part of the powerlifting community, meet like-minded people, and gain valuable experience that can strengthen your CV — from teamwork and communication to event management, leadership, and safeguarding.

Check out our current Vacancies. If you don't see a role that fits, simply reach out via our contact form, tell us what skills you have, and we'll do our best to find a place for you. Volunteering is accessible, rewarding, and one of the best ways to give back to the sport.

Membership

Why should I choose British Powerlifting?

British Powerlifting is the UK affiliate of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), the world's leading powerlifting organisation. We are recognised by Sport England as the national governing body for the sport. This means we provide the official pathway into powerlifting in the UK, from local competitions right through to representing Great Britain at European, and World level. Joining British Powerlifting connects you with a trusted federation, a supportive community, and the most credible route into the sport.

British Powerlifting is by far the largest powerlifting organisation in the UK and the only one to have a fully WADA compliant Anti-Doping Programme.

Do I need to be strong before I start powerlifting?

Not at all. You get strong by starting. Beginners are welcome at local gyms and competitions — no minimum numbers are required.

When does my membership expire?

All memberships are valid until December 31st of the current year. No membership cards from the current year are valid after January 1st.

Can I renew my membership?

Yes, on the online membership application page. You can do this any time from November 1st for the following year.

How do I renew my membership?

You'll receive an email reminder before your membership expires. To renew, log into your Sport80 account here. If you don't yet have a Sport80 account, you can register for one via that same link. From your Dashboard, go to the Members List and click on yourself. Then open Individual Membership. If renewal is due, you'll see the option to Renew Membership. Follow the steps to pay, and your membership will update immediately. You'll also receive a confirmation email with your updated membership card.

When do I become a senior?

You remain a junior for the whole year in which you become 23 years old. The following January, you will be a senior. Senior membership also applies to all master's lifters.

What is a sub junior?

You are a sub junior if you are 18 or under. You remain a sub junior for the whole of the year in which you become 18 years old.

What do I do if I lose my membership card?

You can have your membership details resent to you by logging into your Sport80 account and requesting them.

Why am I not receiving my membership email?

Please check your spam or junk folders, as emails can often end up there. Also, please add "noreply@sport80.com" to your email whitelist so that we are not blocked or sent to your spam or junk folders.

Which region should I select when applying for membership?

When joining British Powerlifting, you must register in the area where you are officially resident.

If you are a resident in England, then you can check which Division you belong to by visiting: https://www.englishpowerlifting.co.uk/divisional-map

You can not be a member of more than one Division. If you move to another region, please contact our Membership Registrar to amend your membership details.

If your query has not been answered here, then please get in touch with our Membership Registrar using membership@britishpowerlifting.org

How do I join if I live in Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Gibraltar or another UK territory?

If you live in Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or another UK territory, you're very welcome to join British Powerlifting. These areas aren't separate Home Nations in our structure, so when you buy membership just select England (or the closest Home Nation) and then choose the most appropriate English division — usually the one nearest geographically, such as South West for the Channel Islands.

Once your membership is active, you can enter any British Powerlifting divisional or local competition in the UK. If the Sport80 system doesn't accept your address, simply contact us for help.

Do I need to be a member before my first competition?

Yes. A valid British Powerlifting membership is required to enter any sanctioned competition. Please ensure your membership is active before the event.

Can I transfer my membership if I move regions or nations?

Yes. If you move, contact our Membership Registrar to update your details so you're registered in your new Division.

Can I get a refund if I don't compete after joining?

Membership fees are generally non-refundable. However, your membership provides benefits beyond competitions — including access to clubs, coaching, and the wider community.

Do I need to renew my membership if I only want to coach or referee?

Yes. Non-lifting memberships are available at a lower cost for coaches, referees, and officials who don't compete but still wish to be part of British Powerlifting.

How do I get my membership card once I've signed up?

After signing up, your membership card will also have been emailed to you (please check spam or junk folders). If you need to download it again, log in at https://www.britishpowerlifting.org/login. From your Dashboard, go to My Members and click View. Then select Individual Membership, open the three-dot menu under Actions, and choose PDF Card: Individual Membership to download your card as a PDF.

How do I cancel my British Powerlifting membership on Sport:80?

Memberships run until 31 December each year and are non-refundable. If you don't want to renew, simply log in to your Sport:80 account, go to the Memberships section, and turn off auto-renewal. Your membership will stay active until the end of the year, then expire automatically unless you renew.

Competitions

How do I find competitions in my area?

Follow the link to view a full list of British Powerlifting Competitions.

Many British Powerlifting regions have their own Facebook Pages, but you can also stay in touch with our Powerlifting community on the British Powerlifting Facebook Discussion Group.

I have never competed before, what should I expect?

If you have never competed before or are relatively new to the sport, don't panic. There will be plenty of officials and other lifters available on the day to give advice, so please remember to ask somebody if you are unsure about anything. It is sensible to attend other events in advance to get a feel for the competition environment and the running of the day. We would also recommend joining a local Powerlifting Club to meet and train alongside like minded people.

For more detailed advice here is a brief introductory guide which includes information about competing within British Powerlifting.

What clothing should I wear when I compete?

It is essential that you wear the appropriate clothing for Powerlifting, this applies at all levels. You will be expected to wear equipment in accordance with IPF Technical Rules and only equipment that is listed on the IPF Approved List.

N.B. There may be some leniency applied at Novice and Divisional Level, if Equipment meets IPF Technical Specifications, but at English National Level or Higher, any equipment used must be IPF Approved. Please contact your Home Nation, Divisional Representative or competition organiser for clarification.

Where can I find the British Powerlifting rules?

British Powerlifting operate under IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) rules. Lifters are expected to lift in accordance with IPF Technical Rules and to wear IPF Approved attire.

It is strongly advised that all lifters, particularly novices, read these documents carefully before competing.

Where can I watch British Powerlifting live coverage online?

Our British Championships are streamed via our YouTube Channel.

How do I choose my first competition?

We recommend starting with a local divisional or novice meet, as they are beginner-friendly and don't require qualifying totals. Check the competitions calendar for options near you.

What happens if I fail all my attempts in one lift?

If you miss all three attempts in a lift, you cannot record a total. You can still complete the other lifts, and many beginners treat their first meet as a learning experience.

How do I enter an international competition?

International entry is by selection only. Lifters must achieve qualifying totals at national-level competitions and then be nominated by British Powerlifting to represent Great Britain.

How do weigh-ins work?

Weigh-ins usually open two hours before lifting begins. Lifters weigh in wearing minimal clothing (underwear or competition singlet). You'll need to show your membership card and confirm your opening attempts at this stage.

What's the difference between divisional, national, and international competitions?

• Divisional competitions: Local events, great for beginners.
• National competitions: Require a qualifying total, showcase the strongest lifters across each Home Nation.
• International competitions: By selection only, representing Great Britain at European and World level.

How do I know what weight class to compete in?

You can choose your weight class when entering a competition. If you're close to a boundary, your coach or club can advise whether to move up or down.

Can I lift in both classic and equipped categories?

Yes, but they are separate categories. Most beginners start with classic (raw) lifting, which allows a belt, sleeves, and wrist wraps, but not supportive suits or shirts.

Can I qualify for international competitions by achieving a qualifying total at a regional meet?

No. Achieving a qualifying total at a regional or divisional meet does not automatically qualify you for international competitions. International selection is based on performance at the British Championships, where lifters must demonstrate their ability at the highest national level. Only performances at British Championships are considered for international team selection.

For more information about qualifying totals and procedures, see our qualifying totals and qualifying procedure pages.

If I compete in a non-IPF meet, can I still be selected for a British Powerlifting international team?

It depends on the level of competition:

Local or national with a non-WADA federation: Yes – but if you've lifted nationally, you must resign from that federation and commit to remaining WADA compliant with BP only.

International with a non-WADA federation: No – you must serve a 12-month stand-down period after your last international competition before becoming eligible for BP national or international selection.

In all cases, athletes must remain WADA compliant and must not train with or receive coaching/treatment from anyone serving an IPF doping violation.

For more clarification, see this Instagram post.

I've achieved a qualifying total — what happens next?

You don't need to tell us separately. Results from British Powerlifting–sanctioned competitions are recorded automatically and checked against the published standards.

Make sure your British Powerlifting membership is active and that your total was achieved in a BP-sanctioned event within the qualifying period for your age and weight class. Totals from other federations don't count.

Meeting the qualifying total makes you eligible to enter the relevant championship, but it doesn't guarantee a place—events can cap out. Enter as soon as entries open and before the deadline, and submit your total with your entry.

International team selection has additional criteria and a separate process.

See dates and entry links on the upcoming competitions page.

Drug Testing

Will I be drug tested?

British Powerlifting is a drug tested Powerlifting organisation and as a member of our organisation you could be tested at any event.

British Powerlifting adheres to WADA Protocols and is the only UK Powerlifting organisation to conduct 'fully independent' drug testing in line with WADA guidelines.

Please visit our Anti-Doping Page  to find out more.

Who will I be tested by?

British Powerlifting use independent companies such as IDTM or PWC to carry out their testing. The urine samples are collected and handled only by representatives of these companies. Analysis of samples is carried out by WADA accredited laboratories.

I am currently taking a banned substance to treat a medical condition, can I still compete?

In some rare circumstances it may be permissible to compete whilst using a banned substance.  In order for any claim to be considered, British Powerlifting athletes must complete, and submit, a 'Therapeutic Use Exemption Form' directly to British Powerlifting. 

To find out more about applying for a 'Therapeutic Use Exemption' please visit our Anti-Doping Page.

How do I check if my medication is banned under WADA?

Check the WADA Prohibited List for substances and methods banned in sport. You can also search by medication using GlobalDRO.

What happens if I miss a drug test?

Failure to be available for testing when required counts as a violation and can result in sanctions. All lifters should cooperate fully with officials if selected.

What happens during a drug test?

You'll be notified by a chaperone, asked to provide ID, and then provide a urine sample under controlled conditions. Samples are sealed and sent to a WADA-accredited lab for analysis.

Where can I find education resources on clean sport?

Visit the WADA Education Centre for courses and resources, or use UKAD's Clean Sport Hub for UK-specific learning.

Apparel

What clothing should I wear when I compete?

It is essential that you wear the appropriate clothing for Powerlifting, this applies at all levels. You will be expected to wear equipment in accordance with IPF Technical Rules and only equipment that is listed on the IPF Approved List.

N.B. There may be some leniency applied at Novice and Divisional Level, if Equipment meets IPF Technical Specifications, but at English National Level or Higher, any equipment used must be IPF Approved. Please contact your Home Nation, Divisional Representative  or competition organiser for clarification.

Can wear clothing with my Club logo on?

Yes, absolutely. Clubs and Gyms are the cornerstone of the Powerlifting community.

In domestic British Powerlifting competitions you are permitted to wear your name and the name of your club, or personal sponsor, on your lifting apparel.

Please note that international or national meets may have logo/branding restrictions due to sponsorship agreements. Always check with the meet organiser or published meet rules for specific requirements.

If you are unsure whether what you have in mind is suitable, please contact a member of the British Powerlifting Board who will be more than happy to advise.

Do I need to buy all IPF-approved kit straight away?

No. For training, standard gym gear is fine. For novice and divisional competitions, some leniency is allowed if kit meets IPF specifications. From national level upward, equipment must appear on the IPF Approved List.

Where can I buy approved equipment?

Suppliers such as SBD, Eleiko, and Strength Shop offer IPF-approved kit. Always check the Approved List before purchasing.

Do I need to wear a singlet to compete?

Yes. A lifting singlet is required at all sanctioned competitions, even at novice or divisional level.

Are knee sleeves, belts, or wrist wraps allowed?

Yes, provided they are on the IPF Approved List.

Can I borrow kit at my first competition?

In some divisions and clubs, yes. Many organisers or experienced lifters will have spare belts, singlets, or wraps that beginners can borrow. Ask in advance if you're unsure.

Courses and Training

How do I become a British Powerlifting Referee?

To become a referee you must initially pass the Divisional Referee's Exam You can then go through the various stages of promotion from National Referee to IPF International Level. To find out about courses please contact our Technical Officer Doreen Dowsett: doreenpdowsett@gmail.com  or your Divisional Secretary 

How do I become a Powerlifting Coach?

We run two REPS accredited Powerlifting Coaching Courses and these are listed on our calendar of events. For more information please contact our Coaching Secretary Fred McKenzie: coaching@britishpowerlifting.org 

How do I become a spotter/loader at a competition?

Contact your divisional secretary or competition organiser. Meets rely heavily on volunteers, and spotting/loading is a great way to learn how competitions work.

Can I get CPD or REPS points from British Powerlifting courses?

Yes. Our coaching courses are REPS accredited and provide recognised CPD for fitness professionals.

How do I become a table official or announcer?

Speak to your divisional secretary or competition organiser. Training is usually informal and done on-the-job at smaller meets, before progressing to larger events.

Are there mentoring opportunities for new referees or coaches?

Yes. Divisions often pair new referees or trainee coaches with experienced officials to support their development. Ask your Division about shadowing opportunities.

General

I would like to use the British Powerlifting logo for promotional purposes, is this possible?

We are happy to send out logo files for specific purposes.  Please get in touch via media@britishpowerlifting.org to request copies of official logos or for more details.

Isn't Equipped Lifting cheating?

Not at all. Equipped and Classic lifting are two distinct, but equally valid, forms of Powerlifting. Participants compete within either style on a level playing field and according to the particular rules for permitted apparel that each form allows.

Can I take Photos and Videos at competitions?

Yes, please feel free to capture your friends and family in action, assuming that you have their permission to do so.  However, commercial photography and blanket coverage of our events is not pernitted.  

British Powerlifting work with selected Authorised and Official Photographers who have been granted permission to cover specific events by prior arrangement. 

How Do I Claim My Exclusive 25% Eleiko Discount?

Please visit the following page  for more information about this offer.

What are the Powerlifting lifts?

Please click here  for a brief overview of the Powerlifting disciplines.

How do I volunteer at competitions?

You can volunteer as a spotter, loader, marshal, or table official. Contact your Division or the competition organiser to offer your support.

How is British Powerlifting different from other UK federations?

We are the only UK federation recognised by Sport England and affiliated with the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). This means international pathways, strict anti-doping compliance with WADA, and global recognition of records.

What records can I set?

Records can be set at divisional, national, and international levels, provided the competition meets the required standard and referees are present. See the records page for details.

Can I bring friends or family to watch competitions?

Yes! Spectators are very welcome, and most local divisional competitions have free entry. National events may charge a small fee.

How do I stay up to date with news and events?

Check the British Powerlifting website, follow us on social media, or join the British Powerlifting Facebook Discussion Group for regular updates.

What is para powerlifting and how do I get involved?

Para powerlifting is a recognised Paralympic sport that focuses on the bench press. If you are an athlete with an eligible impairment, contact British Powerlifting or British Weightlifting (who govern Paralympic Powerlifting), or visit the IPC website for more details on getting started.

How is British Powerlifting governed?

We are run by a Board of Directors, supported by divisional committees and a large network of volunteers. This ensures representation across Home Nations and local regions, and provides pathways for lifters, coaches, and officials.