[quote]kpsnap wrote:
[quote]gorillavanilla wrote:
So, I’m really getting interested in lifting in the USAPL raw competitions. Looks like the big dog is David Ricks in the 205 lbs weight class so he’d be the competition I would shoot for. I have some questions about the federation because I have heard or read about their strict rules.
Are the lifting bars overly stiff for squatting and deadlifting? Even if I break parallel with my squat do I have to go deeper because USAPL requires ass to heels squats? When you request attempt weights do they only use KG charts and do they have set numbers one must adhere to?
I live in Orlando, Florida and they have competitions not far from me which makes competing in this federation more appealing. I’m looking to begin with a meet sometime in the first few months of next year. How far in advance do I need to become a USAPL member before a meet? How much does it cost to become a USAPL member? Some of this information is hard to find on the site or impossible to find the way the site is set up.
I appreciate any answers you can provide.[/quote]
I am a big fan of USAPL. The strictness inherent in the federation appeals to me. It’s not a federation for everyone. But to me the strictness lends validity to the meet results.
You’re right. Dave Ricks is virtually unbeatable. But that shouldn’t stop you from competing. Be aware that the USAPL uses different weight classes based on whether the meet is state/local vs. national/international. So you’d enter at either 198 or 220 for a local/state meet. Entering a national/international USAPL meet (with the exception of Raw Nationals at this point) requires a qualifying total or an invite.
I’ve never had a problem with the bars at meets. I can find out more about bar specifics if you’re interested.
The question about squat depth is a tricky one. Judges are strict. Some in certain regions are notoriously strict. Squats have to be clearly breaking parallel with the hip crease BELOW the top of the knee. No offense intended, but many squats that pass in other federations would earn three reds in USAPL. It’s not uncommon for people to bomb out on the squat if they aren’t used to squatting to the prescribed depth. I always try to bury my opener so that the judges have no reason to throw a red light and aren’t given a reason to scrutinize my depth on second/third attempts.
Meet attempts must be submitted in kilos and must follow set weights (2.5 kilo increments beginning with 20 kilos). Exceptions are only given when attempting to break national/international records. Also, national/international records can only be broken at national/international meets, not state or local ones.
Orlando is a huge USAPL hub. Tons of meets in the area, many of national and international caliber. So you’re in a great area. You can join the federation on the day of whatever meet you enter. Just bring your checkbook. A one-year membership is $50 and good for one calendar year (expires December 31 regardless of when you sign up).
I hope this helps. I strongly encourage you to go watch a USAPL meet. It will give you a really good idea of how everything is run.[/quote]
This is a good summary. Regarding depth, sometimes it’s down to individual refs and some are just pricks like they are in regular life.
We just had an open meet yesterday and I marshalled. I’ve been an OPA (Ontario Provincial IPF affiliate) referee for over 2 years. My advice is to become really familiar with the rules and required attire. Read the IPF technical rules http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/fileadmin/data/Technical_Rules/2013_Technical_Rules_english.pdf to be clear. It covers reasons for disqualification of each lift and required attire. You don’t need to read the entire boring document since much of it pertains to world championships and weight calibrations etc.
Yesterday, like every meet I’ve done equipment check at there were a number of new lifters without the correct attire despite the fact that we make this information available on our website. Have knee socks, tighty whitey underpants (no boxer briefs or underwear with legs), t-shirts can’t be sleeveless, have pockets or printing/logos that aren’t a sponsor, club something to that effect. Supportive equipment must be manufacturer by one of the IPF dues paying companies. Bench shirts, squat suits, deadlift suits, knee wraps and wrist wraps must be made by Titan, Inzer or Metal. This link is to the approved manufacturer list www.powerlifting-ipf.com/51.html
Belts and singlets can be by any manufacturer but must fall within the specifications outlined in the rules. Knee sleeves must be by the above three or rehband.
I’m sure you know you need to know the rules. We always have rules meetings in the warm up room at open meets but people still don’t pay attention and wander around like lost cats.
My best recommendation is go to a meet and read the rules in the link attached.
