Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do in order to compete?
Do I need to join the GBPF if I am only going to referee?
What age group do I compete in?
What do I need to ware when lifting in a powerlifting competition?

Question:
What do I need to do in order to compete?

Answer:
To compete your must first join the GBPF (membership form available via Membership section of this website). Then complete and return an entry form for the competition you wish to enter. Entry forms will be available on this website for the next competition on the calendar.

Question:
Do I need to join the GBPF if I am only going to referee?

Answer:
Yes, to referee at any powerlifting competition you must be a member of the GBPF.

Question:
What age group do I compete in?

Answer:
Sub-Junior / Under 16: from the day you reach 14 years and throughout the full calendar year in which you reach 16 years.

Junior / Under 18: from 1 January in the calendar year you reach 17 years and throughout the full calendar year in which you reach 18 years.

Junior / Under 20: from 1 January in the calendar year you reach 19 years and throughout the full calendar year in which you reach 20 years.

Junior / Under 23: from 1 January in the calendar year you reach 21 years and throughout the full calendar year in which you reach 23 years.

Senior: from 1 January in the calendar year you reach 24 years and throughout the full calendar year in which you reach 39 years.

Master I: from 1 January in the calendar year you reach 40 years and throughout the full calendar year in which you reach 49 years.

Master II: from 1 January in the calendar year you reach 50 years and throughout the full calendar year in which you reach 59 years.

Master III: from 1 January in the calendar year you reach 60 years and throughout the full calendar year in which you reach 69 years.

Master IV: from 1 January in the calendar year you reach 70 years and upwards.

Question:
What do I need to ware when lifting in a powerlifting competition?

Answer:
Leotard:
A lifting costume must be worn and shall be of a one - piece full length lifting suit of one - ply stretch material without any patches, padding or division into panels by means of seams not necessary in the manufacture of the costume. The costume must be form fitting without any looseness when worn by the lifter. The straps must be worn over the shoulders at all times while lifting in competition.

T Shirt:
A T Shirt of any colour or colours must be worn under the lifting suit during the performance of the squat and bench press, but is optional for the men in the deadlift. Women must wear a T Shirt while competing on all lifts. The T Shirt must not have any pockets, buttons, zippers, collar, or vee neck.. It shall not have sleeves which terminate either below the elbow or at the deltoid. T-Shirts must not be worn inside out. Is plain or bears the badge and or inscription of the lifter’s nation, national or regional federation, club or sponsor.

Briefs:
A standard commercial “athletic supporter” or standard commercial briefs (not boxer shorts) of any mixture of cotton, nylon or polyester shall be worn under the lifting suit. Women may also wear a commercial or sports bra.

Socks:
Socks may be worn. They may be of any colour or colours and may have manufacturer’s logos. They shall not be of such length on the leg that they come into contact with the knee wraps or knee cap supporter. Shin length socks must be worn to cover and protect the shins while performing the deadlift.

Belt:
Competitors may wear a belt. If worn, it shall be on the outside of the lifting suit and comply with requirements set out in the IPF Technical Rule book

Shoes or boots:
Shoes or boots shall be worn. Shoes shall be taken to include only Sports Shoes / Sports Boots; W/L, P/L Boots or Deadlift Slippers. The above is referring to indoor sports e.g. wrestling/basketball. Hiking boots do not fall into this category.

All personal equipment must comply with the IPF Technical Rule book. Which can be found here http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/Technical-Rules.50.0.html