FAQs

USA Powerlifting (USAPL) is the United States’ leading organization for drug-free powerlifting. Founded in 1981, the organization focuses on three classic lifts – squat, bench press, and deadlift.

Membership within USAPL Tennessee is open to athletes, as well as coaches, mentors, referees, and other non-competing individuals. To become a member, enroll online through the USAPL website.

The cost for USAPL membership varies depending on which type of membership you choose. Annual and lifetime membership options are available. Please visits the USAPL website for current membership rates.

Annual membership dues expire on December 31 of the year purchased. If you purchase a membership in November or December, it will expire on December 31 of the following year. Members can opt to have their membership dues automatically renew each year. There is also a lifetime membership option that is a one-time payment.

All individuals who are in athlete areas for local meets, including coaches, mentors, referees, and volunteers must have a USAPL membership. USAPL offers non-competitor membership options.

Visit our Events page for a current listing of upcoming USAPL sanctioned meets in Tennessee or check out the USAPL website for regional and national events.

USAPL Tennessee accepts the same divisions and weight classes that the national USAPL does. Competitions include Open (Equipped), Raw, Collegiate, High School, Military, Bench, and Youth. Ages range from 8-90+.

You will need your membership card/number and a form of identification to check into the meet. You will compete in a singlet and the rest of your equipment (shirts, knee wraps/sleeves, wrist wraps, belt, etc.) will depend on whether you are competing in an Open or Raw event. Other good things to have on hand include talcum powder, liquid/powder chalk, athletic tape, ammonia smelling salts, and basic first aid supplies. More information and an equipment list can be found in the USAPL Lifters Handbook.

To compete in national USAPL events, you must achieve a National Meet Qualifying Total at a USAPL sanctioned meet on or after January 1 and prior to the entry deadline of the national USAPL meet.

Information about how lifts are judged and the specific rules for each can be found in the USAPL Rulebook.

“Raw” and “Open/Equipped” lifting primarily references the approved equipment and gear allowed for the meet. Open events allow all approved gear, up to single-ply gear. Raw meets only allow the singlet, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and belt.

If you enter a Tennessee, regional, or national USAPL event you may be drug tested. Meet Directors of USAPL sanctioned events are required to drug test a minimum of 10% of the athletes competing. All open American and World Records must be tested. Returning Open National Champions are tested outside of competition with little or no advance notice prior to defending their title. Lifters are notified by the Drug Testing Officer (DCO) typically at the end of the completion of the lifting session.

Important to note: If you leave a meet prior to the awards ceremony, you must check with the DCO to determine whether you have been selected for drug testing. This includes whether you completed your portion of the meet or not. If you are not available when called for a drug test it will be considered a doping failure and you may be subjected to a four-year suspension.

Drug testing can take place both within the confines of meet and outside of it. USAPL maintains an Athlete Locator Form (ALF) which all powerlifting athletes are required to submit. Find more information about USAPL’s anti-doping requirements.

Refusing to participate in drug testing or leaving a competition before the awards ceremony without confirming with the Drug Testing Officer (DTO) will be considered a doping failure and may result in a four year suspension.

Any medications or supplements that you are taking should be cross-checked on the GobalDro.com database. It is your responsibility to check your medication and supplements. USAPL also has additional requirements around some medications could create an unfair advantage if not properly taken. Please visit the USAPL website for additional anti-doping information.

State records can be set at any USAPL event, regardless of whether it is local, regional, national, or even internationally. These are recorded and managed by the national USAPL office. See the USA Powerlifting website for current records.

Yes you can! American Records are set at the state level or higher. If you are attempting to set a new American Record let a representative at the scoring table know so that a National level referee is present to judge your lift.

USAPL Tennessee has a supportive community of coaches, mentors, and volunteers, in addition to our athletes. If you are interested in getting involved in a meet as a non-competitor, please fill out our Volunteer interest form.

Referees are important. If you are interested in joining the dedicated group of referees in USAPL Tennessee, you must be at least 18 years old, be a USAPL member in good standing, complete the USAPL exam with approval from the Tennessee State Chair, complete SafeSport training, undergo a background check, and pass a practical exam. For additional details, complete our Referee interest form.

USAPL offers a membership level for coaches and all coaches attending meets with USAPL athletes must also be a member. USAPL offers a Coaching Certification and Educational Course program, as well as other support.

The official code of conduct for USAPL members can be found on the USAPL website.