Frequently Asked Questions

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The entry for each competition will open via a link on the calendar 8 weeks out and close 3 weeks out.  The entry dates are stated under each competition. 

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 lift in a sanctioned competition.  

Our competitions often sell out very fast! 

You need to be a member of British Powerlifting in order to lift at a sanctioned competition. You do not need your membership in order to sign up to a competition but you are required to show it at weigh-in. If you do not have a membership at weigh-in, you will not be permitted to lift.

Students should bear in mind that if you enter without having a membership and your payment method is registered at an address not in the North West, your entry will be flagged as a guest and possibly refunded.  The best thing to do is to email us to highlight this or explain in the box regarding guests on the entry form.

We do run club competitions which are more informal and do not require a membership.  You cannot set a QT at a club competition.

Guests are accepted from 1 week after general entry unless otherwise agreed. 

If you have a special case, for e.g. the last chance to set a QT for a National competition and you're likely to make the National team, please get in touch. 

A guest can use their total as a QT and, subject to their own division's agreement, can break their division's records.  A guest cannot place in the competition.  

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. 

Sanctioned competitions are £35, except for the North West Championships which is £45. 

Club competitions are priced between £15-20. 

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 English or British Championships.  You simply cite the competition and the total on application to your desired national competition. 

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 class.  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. 

Club competitions are non-refundable. 

Sanctioned competitions are refundable before entries close.  Once entries close (3 weeks out), due to the promoter having incurred costs and being unable to reallocate spaces to those on the waiting list, entries are non-refundable after that point.