The New International Affiliation as per 1 JAN 2024
27th December 2023
Dear Members of APU,
It is our pleasure to announce that the Australian Powerlifting Union will be a member of the World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation (WDFPF), commencing on 1 January 2024.
The WDFPF has been established since 1988 and has a strong history in Australia. Previous Australian Athletes include Mr. David Vaughan and Mr. Max Bristow. They are both still active and dedicated in the Powerlifting community.
“The WDFPF was created in 1988 specifically as a drug-free alternative international platform – in order to provide fair competition world-wide for those powerlifters who wish to train and compete WITHOUT performance-enhancing drugs.
This remains as important today as it was when the Federation came into being.
In pursuit of this objective the WDFPF has adopted the most rigorous drug control procedures in the world.
That same rigour is demanded of all those national organizations affiliated to the WDFPF, as a pre-condition of their registration with the world body. Ours is the only international organization which makes such demands of its members, and this is the true measure of our dedication to the drug-free principle.”
The APU and WDFPF have shared goals and hopes. When it comes to working together, WDFPF support APU to be AUTONOMOUS on National matters. Some variations are appreciated between both parties to ensure the what is best practice in Australia, may differ from some other nations. However, APU will also support and value its ETHOS on drug free sport.
Some important points to highlight:
1. 4th attempt records. Athletes may take a 4th attempt on a record lift. The 4th attempt will not be included in the total.
2. New records are only valid if they exceed the previous record by a minimum of 500grams. Where the record has been set in this manner the same individual may only lift to the 2.5 kg increment rule thereafter for attempts within the normal 3 attempts. I.e. if the lifter sets a new record with a jump of 500 grams on his first or second attempt (e.g. 93 kgs) their next attempt must be 95kg or greater unless it is a 4th attempt where they can again jump up 500 grams).
3. Single lift events. Athletes may participate in a single lift event. They may choose any of the lifts.
Notes: The WDFPF conducts:
1. Powerlifting Competition: The sum of the highest successful attempts made in the following order: squat, bench press, deadlift.
2. Single events Competition. Squat Only or Bench Press Only or Deadlift Only.
4. NO gear checks necessary, however optional. Lifters are responsible to ensure that the attire they wear is permitted. If the lifter performs the lift in unapproved gear, the lift will be disqualified.
5. NO restrictions on Brands of Costumes and Personal Equipment. However, make sure it complies with the specifications and/or requirements in the WDFPF rulebook.
6. Unequipped & Equipped.
1. Unequipped means no knee sleeves.
2. Equipped includes the use of knee sleeves or wraps, suits.
7. Team numbers. Team numbers are 3 persons in each weight division.
8. Anti-doping offences will be treated as per WDFPF rules. Including life bans.
9. Age Categories.
Competitive lifting shall be restricted to competitors aged 14 years and over. Lifters will be classified into age categories by their specific age on the day of the competition. (Where age limits are imposed the lifter must have attained minimum age by the day of the competition).
• Open: From 14 years upwards (no category restrictions need apply).
• Teenage:
- T-1= From 14-15 years;
- T-2=16-17 years;
- T-3=18-19 years
• Junior: From 20 years up to and including 23 years of age.
• Masters:
- M1 = From 40-44 years;
- M2 = 45-49 years;
- and so on in five-year increments up to Masters 10. Lifter above Masters 10 will still be listed as Masters 10.
10. Weight Categories:
A LARGER range and more INCLUSIVE option for heavier weights, both men and women.
MEN
|
52kg Class |
up to |
52.0 kg |
|
56kg Class |
from |
52.01 kg to 56.0 kg |
|
60kg Class |
from |
56.01 kg to 60.0 kg |
|
67.5kg Class |
from |
60.01 kg to 67.5 kg |
|
75kg Class |
from |
67.51 kg to 75.0 kg |
|
82.5kg Class |
from |
75.01 kg to 82.5 kg |
|
90kg Class |
from |
82.51 kg to 90.0 kg |
|
100kg Class |
from |
90.01 kg to 100.0 kg |
|
110kg Class |
from |
100.01 kg to 110.0 kg |
|
125kg Class |
from |
110.01 kg to 125.0 kg |
|
145kg Class |
from |
125.01 kg to 145.0 kg |
|
145kg + Class |
from |
145.01 kg to unlimited |
WOMEN
|
44kg Class |
Up to |
44.0 kg |
|
47.5kg Class |
from |
44.01 kg to 47.5 kg |
|
50.5kg Class |
from |
47.51 kg to 50.5 kg |
|
53kg Class |
from |
50.51 kg to 53.0 kg |
|
55.5kg Class |
from |
53.01 kg to 55.5 kg |
|
58.5kg Class |
from |
55.51 kg to 58.5 kg |
|
63kg Class |
from |
58.51.51 kg to 63.0 kg |
|
70kg Class |
from |
63.01 kg to 70.0 kg |
|
80kg Class |
from |
70.01 kg to 80.0 kg |
|
90kg Class |
from |
80.01 kg to 90.0 kg |
|
90kg + Class |
from |
90.01 kg to unlimited |
Any changes with APU per 1st JAN 2024?!
APU changes;
1. Memberships will be based on a calendar year. Those who renew will be paying pro-rata from “expiration date” until “31 December 2024”.
2. APU will be controlling all of its own equipment (i.e. No hub clubs). Clubs have access to hire the equipment, and hire manpower for purposes to run competitions.
3. To the event organiser; All competition payments are based on “fully compliant” agreement rates. Partial complaints will no longer exist.
4. APU will hold 2 Nationals. Both Nationals will include all age groups.
a. National Powerlifting (Unequipped & Equipped)
b. National Single Lift (Unequipped & Equipped)
5. National Powerlifting Championships (Unequipped & Equipped) to be held around June/July. Each year. Commencing in 2024.
6. National Single Lift (Unequipped & Equipped) Championships to be held around February. Each year. Commencing in 2024.
7. 2024 Nationals will include teams in each weight category. HR3 and Baseline 14 will apply, however it is unlikely to affect any lifters in early stages.
8. Active APU referees will transfer their skills and become WDFPF referees. Gap and WDFPF specific training will be necessary.
9. APU will respect fundamentals, philosophy and mission of WDFPF and the ethos.
APU is excited to see this very positive changes in our sport, and will be giving you much more information over the next few weeks.
Thank you to all members and we wish you a Happy New Year.
Yours in Strength
APU TEAM
