Frequently Asked Questions

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The dates and times for priority, general and guest entries are stated under each competition and the link will go live accordingly.

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.

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 during the priority entry window. Please note if you enter during this window and you are not eligible, your entry will be refunded without further notice.

Sanctioned competitions are £45, except for the North West Championships which is £tbc for 2025 and will be dependant on venue. 

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.

If you would like to cover your skin, we allow thin leggings and long sleeves under the singlet and knee sleeves. You do not need permission beforehand or at the event. Please be aware, however, that at international level, you will not be permitted to wear knee sleeves over skin coverings. 

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.  

Sanctioned competitions are refundable up until entries close.  Once entries close (check the calendar for the closing date of each event), due to the promoter having incurred running costs and being unable to reallocate spaces to those on the waiting list, entries are non-refundable after that point. 

Any pre-ordered media packages will be refunded in the event of withdrawal regardless of timeframe.

Our hosts are permitted to charge for spectators, this is often to control crowds and ensure a comfortable environment for  the lifters.

A high-quality livestream of all of our events is available for free on the North West Powerlifting YouTube channel.