Frequently Asked Questions

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All competitions, unless stated that a qualifying total (QT) is required, are open to anyone.  You do not have to have competed before.  You are required to have a membership with British Powerlifting in order to enter a sanctioned competition.  The entry for each competition will open 8 weeks out and close 3 weeks out.  Our competitions often sell out very fast! 

Yes, if you have volunteered at any of the 3 competitions preceding the competition you're entering, you can enter the week before general entry opens. 

You must lift at a sanctioned British Powerlifting competition in order to set a qualifying total which then enables you to enter a national competition, such as the All Englands or the British Championships.  

As part of your national qualification by way of achieving a total on the platform, you must also be active in your division.  You can do this by helping out, either at a competition, or behind the scenes.  You can register a volunteer, at a particular competition, here  or you can get in touch if you think you can assist in other ways.   Helping out at competitions also means you get priority entry to competitions therefore guaranteeing yourself a spot. 

The minimum requirement is a singlet and long socks for the deadlift.  As an IPF affiliate, we subscribe to their code of conduct and approved kit list.  At divisional level, as long as your kit meets the specifications, we do not enforce approved brands.  At national level and beyond, you will be required to wear IPF approved kit, without exception.

It is entirely possible, and you should expect to be drug tested at any point in or out of competition. We are WADA compliant and you should familiarise yourself with the Code of Conduct and ensure all and any medications, supplements, etc. are not prohibited.

The bar and collars (i.e. 25kg).  The support will be the same regardless.  You may wish to enter a club comp to see whether the sport, or competing, is for you but you are equally as welcome to enter a sanctioned competition as a first timer too. 

Anyone, regardless of age, can enter the open.  There are categories for those 23 and under and those 40 and over.  Pages 2-3 of the IPF rule book outline the age and weight categories.