What Are The Different Powerlifting Federations, Divisions, and Weight Classes?

When you choose to compete in powerlifting, there are many specific categories you must choose to be a part of. Each category has certain restrictions and different rules athletes must follow. In this article, I will be going over each of the decisions you must make when you decide you want to compete in powerlifting.

There are three “layers” of categories: Federations, divisions, and weight class.

Federations

This will be the first layer you must chosen when competing. There are three main federations in the US. While I will give you an overview of the difference between federations, I encourage you to research the differences and make sure that federation holds meets close to where you live before committing to one federation.

USA Powerlifting (USAPL)

This is the federation that I chose to compete in. One of the biggest draws towards USAPL is that all their meets are drug tested. Other outstanding features of this federation include its depth rules for squats, equipment used, and its highly competitive nature.

International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)

USAPL used to be a federation under the IPF. However, because of different ideas on drug testing, the two federations split ways and USAPL athletes cannot compete at IPF meets. The main features of IPF meets include many of the same rules as USAPL outside of drug testing standards and the fact that they are an international federation.

United States Powerlifting Association (USPA)

USPA the federation that does no drug testing for athletes. Because of this, it has no international presence unlike IPF. Other standards include different, less strict rules for squat depths and different competitive equipment.

Divisions

After choosing your federation, you must choose which division you want to compete in.. This is usually the easiest decision to make because athletes often can only fit the requirements for one division at a time.

For example, when competing with USAPL, there are divisions for high school students and college students that are restricted by age to only athletes that fit the requirements. Outside of school-aged athletes, most competitors will fit into an open division and will compete with athletes of varying ages. Then, there is a masters division for athletes starting at a certain age.

Each division is divided by Male and Female, with some competitions including an MX, or genderless division. If you are a transgender or non-binary athlete, I encourage you to closely read the policies these federations put in place regarding gender divisions. While I, and many other athletes, many not agree with the standards set forth by these federations, following these standards is currently the only way to compete in a sanctioned meet. The LGBT Powerlifting Union is a great resource for athletes who still wish to compete, but are barred from it or do not want to compete with federations that have rules that do not align with their personal ideologies.

Weight Classes

Lastly, you must pick a weight class. Because powerlifting is a strength sport, weight tends to play a factor into how much your body can physically lift. If it is your first meet, I recommend picking the weight class where you naturally fall and do not worry about cutting weight for your first meet, or any, if tracking your weight and nutrition is something you would rather avoid.

In my next articles, I will dive deeper into different aspects of competing. After choosing how you will compete, the next steps are preparing and actually competing! As I gear up for my second meet, let me know what you questions have on competing for beginners and ask in the comments or over on my Instagram.