Changes to the USA Powerlifting Referee System

Members of USA Powerlifting,

There are several changes (some significant) to the USA Powerlifting referee system to make everyone aware of. These changes were made in order to increase the number of referees at all ranks by eliminating unnecessary barriers without compromising the high standards of the USA Powerlifting referee certification process.

All updates/changes are in effect immediately.

The updated USA Powerlifting Referee Testing Requirements and Procedures Manual can be found on the Technical Committee portion of the national website or can be directly accessed here:

Referee Testing Requirements and Procedures Manual (Updated July 15, 2023)

Throughout the manual, updates/changes are identified by blue highlighted text (new addition) or strikethrough text (deleted material).

Here is a summary of some of the changes:

– creation of new “regional” referee rank

– change of minimum ages (where applicable)

– elimination of time-in-rank requirements (national referee candidates and higher)

– reduction in written exam retake waiting period (all levels)

– timeline of SafeSport/background check (state referee candidates)

– immediate promotion to national referee upon passing the practical exam at any event (national referee candidates)

To those who are already referees, thank you for your service. To those members who are not referees, I hope you will consider becoming a USA Powerlifting referee and joining this group that currently has more than 1200 members. With our several annual 1000+ lifter national championships and what we anticipate will be more than 500 USA Powerlifting sanctioned events in 2024, we can never have too many referees. One thing is certain: Our meets cannot happen without our referees.

Sincerely,

Joe Warpeha

Chair, Technical Committee