Frequently Asked Questions

Please read below, or follow the links, to find answers to some of our more frequently answered questions.  If these FAQs do not satisfactorily answer you query, then please get in touch using info@britishpowerlifting.org   

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 

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.

Further Information

If you do not find the answer you are looking for here, please get in touch via our Contact Page  for further information.