There are many questions about a national event run by USAPL. We want to answer as many of those questions as possible in a user friendly find it quick method. We hope that by answering these Q's, we will get more participation in the great sport of HS powerlifting. Take a few moments to look over these FAQ's about our sport at the national level.
Is there a 9th-10th gradce division for a student athlete to compete in?
YES there is a separate competition for 9th-10th grade boys and girls that takes place on the Friday of the meet. Sat & Sun is Varsity competition. There are separate qualifying totals for the 9th-10th grade division and there are medals and awards as well.
You can compete in the sophomore or freshmen competition provided you are not older than the age of 17 years of age. This question comes up frequently from coaches. An athlete may be age 17 but is a junior and they CANNOT compete at the 9th-10th grade level. The key is to first know that an athlete is a 9th or 10th grader. Next step is to look at age - if they are older than age 17 and in 10th grade, they must lift Varsity.
Can I come myself and still compete in this large event?
YES you as a parent or coach can bring 1 athlete and compete individually or bring several athletes and still compete individually. Coaches have discretion as to competing as a team and they must list their team of athletes once the meet starts. There is a team award for both the JV and the varsity competitions.
How do I verify that I am a member if USAPL? Do I have to be a member to lift at this meet?
You can verify membership by showing your membership card that you receive from USAPL as the primary method. You may also use your pink copy of the sign up / registration for membership form that you filled out. You likely filled this out at a previous meet.
Note - You may also sign up for a membership that day of the National Championship prior to registration.
How do I qualify for Nationals?
This question comes up a bunch and there are a few things that are important as follows -
* You MUST qualify at a USAPL sanctioned event. Your state will have several events that are sanctioned and you need to check the USAPL web page for these different events. Lift at a USAPL sanctioned meet and meet the minimum qualification marks (See USAPL Qualification's on this web page) and you are set.
* You must send in the entry form with a verification that you have met the minimum standards. The verification should be signed by a coach or school administrator and then you are registered and able to compete. Lifters who do not have this complete will NOT be authorized to compete.
If I am qualified for both the 9th-10th and the Varsity divisions can I compete in both the 9th-10th and Varsity meets?
You may only lift on one of the meets - assuming an athlete has met both the standards they must pick either the Varsity division or the 9th-10th grade division.
You should ALWAYS keep a copy of your USAPL membership card OR the pink copy of the membership application. The pink copy is your proof that you have paid for a card and it can be used as a substitute for a card that you do not have yet as it may be in process or in the mail.
You must be a member to compete at any USAPL sponsored events. Membership for HS athletes is $15.00 for a half season and an upgrade to full is $30.00
Do I have to lift in gear like bench shirt and knee wraps?
YES you are lifting against other geared lifters. However, you do not have to wear any gear other than the required one piece lifting costume (singlet). A belt is required for squat and deadlift as well. Other equipment is optional and must meet current IPF technical specifications. Lifters may wear single ply non denim bench shirts and single ply IPF approved squat suits. Knee wraps are allowed provided they comply with IPF standards for length and ply's.
Is there a seperate RAW division for HS Nationals?
NO not at this time - you may lift RAW but you are competing in the same contest / wt divisions as others who may have gear.
