COVID-19 UPDATES

To our USA Powerlifting family across the country, this page is dedicated to the ongoing updates for COVID-19.

We continue to be focused on preserving the health and safety of our members and staff while continuing to host the premier powerlifting competitions in the nation.

As we have stated in previous releases, the COVID-19 pandemic is an ever evolving situation that we are monitoring every day. We are closely following The Federal Government, CDC, State, and Local Government guidelines on mitigating the spread of the virus and preserving the health of our members and staff.

Your Executive Committee, State Chairs, and Local Meet Directors are working diligently and with the spirit of our great organization in mind to keep meets running as scheduled. Athletes and volunteers should closely monitor their emails for official communications from meet directors regarding upcoming events.

July 26, 2021

Update to Covid-19 Protocols

Effective August 1, 2021 equipment checks are to resume at all meets.

May 18, 2021

Update to Covid-19 Protocols

Effective immediately, USA Powerlifting meets may follow the Covid guidelines for their location, including mask use, social distancing and gathering restrictions. Additionally, the online Health Form is no longer required.

Masks and/or face shields may still be worn while competing, refereeing, spotting/loading, or volunteering in any capacity.

PRIOR INFORMATION

April 14, 2021

Mask Requirement Update

Effective April 15th, local meets may follow local jurisdiction regarding face masks requirements. If masks are not required by the local jurisdiction, masks and/or face shields may still be worn while competing, refereeing, spotting/loading, or volunteering in any capacity.

Does a meet director have the authority to require mask usage? Yes, the meet director has the right to require masks.

Currently there are local mask mandates in place for the locations of both upcoming National Events.

The EC will continue to evaluate the protocols as the situation with COVID changes.

March 16, 2021

Update to COVID Meet Protocols

The Executive Committee (EC) continues to review the COVID protocols. Modifications have been made to the protocols set on June 2, 2020 and are highlighted below.

Use of masks/face shields: All athletes, officials, coaches, and  spectators must wear masks as/or face shields, before, during, and following competition. This applies to all present in the venue. Athletes, coaches, and spectators are responsible for bringing their own masks, and the meet director will provide masks for officials, including spotters, scoring staff, referees  should  they not have their own. Masks should be plain or if printed, fall within the guidelines within the USA Powerlifting rulebook.

Mask use will follow CDC guidelines as follows:

• The mouth and nose are fully covered.
• The covering fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps.
• The cloth face covering can be tied or otherwise secured to prevent slipping.
• The face covering is not shared with anyone else.

Registration will take place as usual prior to competition. All participants must:

1. Bring their own pen or pencil.
2. All of those either working registration or waiting to register must  wear  a mask, stand six feet apart, and refrain from touching the registration table, staff, or other lifters.

Equipment check:

 Local Level is waived at this time. However, those found to be using equipment illegal for the division they are in, e.g. raw, equipped, etc. will be removed from the meet and must leave the venue. Spot checks will be performed for approved equipment by officials.

National  Level  will resume,  starting  with 2021 Collegiate & Junior Nationals.

Weigh-ins will take place with one athlete and the weigh-in official present only, with the exception  of minors, who must have  a parent  or coach  present.

1. Everyone present in the weigh in room must wear masks and the athlete will show appropriate identification and membership while holding the items. They will not be handed to the weigh in official or placed on the table.
2. The athlete will stand on the scale, which is covered by a paper towel, which will be discarded after each lifter.
3. Those waiting in line to weigh in must wear masks and stand at least 6 feet apart.
4. After completing weigh  in, the athlete must leave  the weigh  in room and the area where the weigh in has taken place, i.e. do not stand and talk to the other competitors.

Competitions May now have up to three [3] flights per session, for a total of 42 athletes per session per platform. The number of attendees, to include athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators in each session may not exceed the limit set by local government authorities.

1. Athletes will arrive 30 minutes prior to weigh in and leave after the session awards and drug testing procedures are complete. Organizers may schedule as many sessions as are practicable each day of competition.
2. Multiple platform meets will be allowed. However, each platform must be separated by a minimum of 10 feet allowing officials between platforms to maintain appropriate distancing.
3. The warm-up room will be segregated from the competition area.  If it is not possible to put them in separate  rooms, they will have  dividers to separate competitors and those warming up.

Warmup platforms will be limited to 4 athletes. There may be one coach per athlete. Athletes and coaches are encouraged to assist each other, minimizing personnel in the warm-up area. Warm-up platform benches and bars are to be sanitized between sessions. Cleaning plates and collars are no longer required.

Staging area will be separate from the competition area, spectator area, and warm up room. All athletes waiting to enter the platform will maintain 6-foot separation.

Attendees, including athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators in each session may not exceed the limit set by local health authorities. However, multiple sessions may be scheduled with attendees leaving the venue  after the session they are participating in.

Spectators, if permitted by following local government guidelines regarding gatherings must be spaced so that they are no closer than 6 feet from other spectators. The spectator area will be separated from the competition and warmup areas. Spectators must wear masks at all times.

Drug testing procedures will remain unchanged, with selected athletes being tested in a private restroom with one testing official, or an official and a parent/coach  if a minor. All parties must sanitize  their  hands prior to entering the testing facility, and all parties must wear masks.  The testing  official  shall wear a new pair of gloves upon entering the testing facility which will remain on throughout the testing process of the athlete. Athletes will complete their own paperwork in the presence of the testing official. Sample will be collected and separated by the athlete per USA Powerlifting procedures, paperwork completed and included, and the package sealed at the direction of the testing official.

Identification will be viewed but not handled  by the testing official. After  each drug test, the athlete and accompanying parent/coach will leave the venue. The testing area, and work surfaces will be sanitized after each testing session, and gloves worn by the testing official replaced.

General precautions:

1. Bar and bench pads will be sanitized between each round (i.e., squats round 1, squats, round 2, etc.). This must be accomplished by spray- type disinfectant.
2. Warmup equipment bars and bench pads must be sanitized between each session.

3. Hand sanitizer will be provided by meet directors in each area (registration, weigh-ins, warm-up, and scoring table). Use of hand sanitizer is at the discretion of the individual.
4. Attempts will be given with attempt cards.

Health Screening Form: Timelines in all questions have been updated from 14 to 10 days to reflect the current CDC guidelines.

Those athletes, staff and/or spectators feeling ill, who have a cough, a fever, or other physical symptoms should withdraw from the competition. Should a participant be found to be ill, they will be removed from the venue.

The URL for the form is https://form.jotform.com/usapowerlifting/covid-hsf

(Or scan the QR Code below)

SCAN COVID HEALTH SCREEN FORM QR CODE

Local Health Services guidelines in regard to attendance size supersede the above policy.

The EC will continue to evaluate the protocols as the situation with COVID is continuing to improve.

Please visit the CDC Website for more information on COVID-19 resources.

January 2, 2021

American Records will continued to be allowed at local level competitions through May 31, 2021.  Normally American Records are set only at State Championships, Regionals, Nationals, Pro events and International events.

Thank you to all for your support through these unprecedented times.

PRIOR RELEASES

November 12, 2020

As we strive to continue running competitions that provide safe environments that minimize COVID exposure risks, we are now requiring everyone in a USA Powerlifting venue to complete a quick Health Screening Form no more than 24 hours prior to entering the venue.

Upon submission, you will receive both a confirmation screen and email.   The confirmation will need to shown to the event staff as you enter the venue.  Anyone without a score of 100 or greater is not allowed to enter the venue.

The URL for the form is https://form.jotform.com/usapowerlifting/covid-hsf (Or scan the QR Code below)

SCAN COVID HEALTH SCREEN FORM QR CODE

Thank you in advance for your help in making our platforms the safest possible during these challenging times.

July 28, 2020

As a reminder, COVID-19 precautions as laid out in the June 2, 2020 update below are in effect at all sanctioned events.

A properly worn mask must fully cover the mouth and nose and must have a snug fit against the sides of the face so there are no gaps.

Furthermore, any referee (whether actively working or not) or meet official has the authority and responsibility to correct lifters not properly wearing masks anywhere in the venue (platform, staging area, warm-up area, etc.).

Exemptions (medical or otherwise) from the mask requirement will not be granted for any reason at USA Powerlifting events.

Referees and meet officials have the authority to eject/disqualify any lifter who appears to intentionally be violating the requirement to properly wear a mask or those lifters who are otherwise unable to comply with the mask requirement despite repeated warnings. Ejection should not be a unilateral action – the senior referee in attendance, the meet director, and/or the state chair (if in attendance) should be consulted and briefed on the nature of the situation and should be the person/people to officially eject the lifter if that action is deemed appropriate. Lifters who are ejected for failure to adhere to the mask requirement must leave the venue immediately and may be subject to additional sanctions by USA Powerlifting including, but not limited to, disqualification of meet results, nullification of records set at the event (if applicable), suspension, permanent membership revocation, and/or legal action.

We thank everyone for respecting and adhering to the current COVID policies.

June 28, 2020

Update on 2020 Nationals, Regionals, International, and Local

To our USA Powerlifting family across the country,

After continued assessment and intensive tracking of the international COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Committee has voted to cancel Youth, Open, Bench and Raw Nationals for 2020. In addition, the remaining two Regional Championships, while still being held on their scheduled dates, will now be considered local events. Additionally, USA Powerlifting will not send any international teams to IPF or NAPF events in 2020. 

USA Powerlifting has always been committed to the safety and health of our athletes, officials and volunteers. The decisions detailed here allow for a renewed focus on local competitions where local rules and regulations governing safety requirements can be best managed and maintained by our local meet directors and staff.

Many members, officials, and volunteers have shared their concerns and troubles over the last 3 months. Interstate travel, individual state quarantine guidelines, and the health and safety of families continues to be the primary concerns of our members, and our organization.

Please look at your local meet calendar for upcoming events in your area, we are excited to see you on the platform this year and we know your fellow local athletes and supporters are eager to see you put on a show.

Your Executive Committee understands the impact this decision will have on those athletes and officials who will be affected. It is at moments like these that we are most grateful for the vast support systems and sense of family that exists throughout USA Powerlifting. We know we will see you on the national and international platform again soon.

We realize that many of you have questions of what is on the horizon for 2021 in terms of National meets and qualifying criteria for international teams. With the uncertainty of the pandemic, we do not have the answers today, but assure you this topic is in the forefront. 

Below, we have updates regarding refunds, Collegiate Nationals, American Records, local meets, and an update regarding our mask requirements.

As always, our commitment to you is to provide a safe platform to compete on. We hope to see you at a local event this year and wish you the best in your preparation and training.

Larry Maile, Ph.D., President, USA Powerlifting

Collegiate Nationals

USA Powerlifting and meet director Steve Mann will reassess Collegiate Nationals at the end of August. Athletes, schools, and officials should closely monitor their emails for updates.  Issues to be considered going forward are local conditions both at the meet site and for participants across the country, and the position of intercollegiate sports bodies related to returning to play.

Open, Youth, Bench and Raw National Refunds

All entries submitted to USA Powerlifting for Open Nationals, Raw Nationals, Bench Press Nationals, and Youth Nationals will be refunded by the end of day, July 10th, 2020. 

We ask that you please give our administrators time to manage and process these refunds, thank you.  

State and Local Events

Please look at your local meet calendar for upcoming events in your area, we are excited to see you on the platform this year and we know your fellow local athletes and supporters are eager to see you put on a show. [USA Powerlifting Event Calendar]

All remaining local USA Powerlifting events remain planned and scheduled at this time. If an event is canceled due to government or facility request, the event director will be notifying all registered participants.

Meet directors and essential personnel should strictly follow The CDC disinfection guidelines and be responsible for thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and areas. 

To the best of your ability, refrain from interstate travel for competitions. While there is not currently a travel ban within the United States, we strongly encourage individuals to research instructions from the CDC and local government for travel between each origin, destination and return trip within the United States and mitigation of the spread of COVID-19.

American Records

Due to the cancelation of Regionals and Nationals, American Records may be set at any local meet in 2020 with the proper referees.  As a reminder, referees need to be National or IPF level and American Record paperwork must be completed and submitted to the National Office in the required time frame.

Mask Requirement Update

Face shields may be worn in place, or in addition to, face masks in competition. Dr. Kris Hunt, medical committee chair, has confirmed that either protective option may be worn as both offer essentially the same level of safety and protection. Local meet directors and State Chairs have been informed.  

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June 22, 2020

Youth & Open Nationals Update

June 2, 2020

USA Powerlifting Precautions for Resuming Powerlifting Competition

[Updated June 28, 2020 – Face shields may be worn in lieu of or in addition to face masks.]

• The mouth and nose are fully covered.
• The covering fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps.
• The cloth face covering can be tied or otherwise secured to prevent slipping.
• The face covering is not shared with anyone else.

1. Bring their own pen or pencil.
2. All of those either working registration or waiting to register must wear a mask, stand six feet apart, and refrain from touching the registration table, staff, or other lifters.

1. Everyone present in the weigh in room must wear masks and the athlete will show appropriate identification and membership while holding the items. They will not be handed to the weigh in official or placed on the table.
2. The athlete will stand on the scale which is covered by a paper towel, which will be discarded after each lifter.
3. Those waiting in line to weigh in must wear masks and stand at least 6 feet apart.
4. After completing weigh in, the athlete must leave the weigh in room and the area where the weigh in has taken place, i.e. don’t stand and talk to the other competitors.

1. Athletes will arrive 30 minutes prior to weigh in and leave after the session awards and drug testing procedures are complete. Organizers may schedule as many sessions as are practicable each day of competition.
2. Multiple platform meets will be allowed. However, each platform must be separated by a minimum of 10 feet allowing officials between platforms to maintain appropriate distancing.
3. The warm-up room will be segregated from the competition area. If it is not possible to put them in separate rooms, they will have dividers to separate competitors and those warming up.

1. Bars plates, and collars will be sanitized between each round (i.e., squats round 1, squats, round 2, etc.). This must be accomplished by spray-type disinfectant.
2. Warmup equipment must be sanitized between each session.
3. Hand sanitizer or portable hand washing stations will be provided. One of these sanitizing strategies must be used by the athlete prior to each attempt. Chalk may be applied after hand sanitizing.
4. Attempts will be given orally, rather than in writing and scoring staff will write them down in the presence of the athlete or coach. The athlete or coach may not touch or approach the scoring table closer than 6 feet.

May 21, 2020

USA Powerlifting Bench, Classic, and Masters National Teams to Stay at Home in 2020

The USA Powerlifting Executive Committee has decided to not field National Teams to the 2020 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Bench Press Worlds (Russia), Classic Worlds (Belarus), or Masters Worlds (South Africa). 

This decision was made amid the international health crisis caused by COVID-19 and the US State Department’s Level 4 international travel advisory, its highest warning level. 

The first and foremost priority for USA Powerlifting is to ensure the safety and health of its athletes, coaches and officials. With the level 4 international travel advisory and uncertainty of international travel in 2020, the ability for our athletes, coaches and officials to safely travel and return home is uncertain and unpredictable.

The decision to suspend the USA Powerlifting National Teams was not made lightly. This marks the first time in organization history that such a decision has been made. The Executive Committee understands the importance of international competition to its athletes and how this decision impacts everyone involved.

IPF Open Worlds (Norway) and The NAPF Championships (Cayman Islands) are still being closely monitored at this time.

Please visit the CDC Website for more information on COVID-19 resources, or the US Department of State for information on the level 4 travel advisory.

May 19, 2020

Athlete and Coaches: Return to Play Questionnaire 

An Athlete and Coaches: Return to Play Questionnaire has been sent out to all 2019/2020 members today.  Please look in your inbox for the email, we look forward to your feedback!

High School Nationals – Cancelled

USA Powerlifting, along with the independent event director, Johnny Graham have made the decision to cancel 2020 USA Powerlifting High School Nationals due to COVID-19.   The initial meet date was postponed from March to June in hopes our world would be back to normal.  Unfortunately, that is not the case.   With restrictions still in place for gatherings of any size, continued restrictions on travel, and the health risks for athletes, parents, coaches, officials and volunteer staff, the hard decision had to be made to cancel the event in 2020.

Collegiate Nationals – New Dates Nov 20-22

2020 Collegiate Nationals will now be held November 20th-22nd at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.  

Any eligible collegiate lifter will be permitted to enter 2020 Collegiate Nationals. All athletes who were registered for the original 2020 April date remain eligible and are automatically entered for the new November competition dates.

For more information, please visit www.collegiatenats.com

April 30, 2020

National Qualifying Total Update for Open, Youth, Bench & Raw Nationals

After reevaluating the announcement for no qualifying totals, a decision has been made to postpone the entry for those without qualifying totals.  This will allow those who are entered in upcoming Local and Regional qualifiers, to be able to post the necessary qualifying totals before opening the entry to all.  Many new members have not been afforded the opportunity to compete to have any total, therefore were automatically eliminated from being able to enter Nationals.  Additionally, it will allow those who want to post a total for a Raw National Primetime slot, to have an opportunity to do so. 

Entry will open to those without QTs on the following dates: 

Open and Youth Nationals – Beginning June 23rd  

Raw and Bench Nationals – Beginning August 23rd

We hope these changes will allow those who wish to compete in 2020 Nationals the opportunity to do so under the unusual circumstances brought about by COVID-19. 

Many have expressed concerns regarding 2020 Nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our leadership continues to monitor CDC Guidelines regarding gatherings.  We will continue to prepare for the events as scheduled, but are also prepared to refund entries if the event(s) are cancelled.

April 21, 2020

Open, Youth, Bench & Raw Nationals Update

COVID-19 has affected many of our athletes ability to complete qualifiers prior to the deadlines for our upcoming 2020 National events.  With that we are implementing a significant change for competing at 2020 Nationals.

• All currently qualified athletes have up until May 15^th to register for Open, Bench, Raw or Youth Nationals. We are holding your spots through May 15^th.
• Starting May 16^th USA Powerlifting members can:
  • Register for Open, Bench or Raw Nationals without achieving a qualifying total, as long as they have achieved a total in any previous USA Powerlifting meet. (Nationals may not be your first powerlifting meet.)
  • Register in Youth Nationals without any qualifying total or previous meet.

Each day of the events will have a cap set so that the events will be manageable in size, therefore entry will be a first-come, first-served basis.

As a reminder, entries are non-refundable/non-transferable.  The exception is if Opens, Youth, Bench or Raw Nationals cannot be held, USA Powerlifting is prepared to provide refunds.

#daytonabeach2020

April 11, 2020

Regarding USA Powerlifting Competition Refund Policies During The COVID-19 Crisis

As previously stated, USA Powerlifting has postponed all sanctioned events through May 30, 2020 in response to the national public health crisis caused by COVID-19.

Meet directors, who are independent contractors, have been responsible for managing their events through this postponement. National Championships, which are under the purview of the National Office, have been rescheduled or are still in the process of being rescheduled. Details on all updates on events can be found below within prior updates.

All National Championship events are bound by contracts to venues and other vendors. It takes time, money, and many hours of work to effectively manage the moving parts of these events during this public health crisis. Please know that the National Office and all Championship directors are working hard to manage these contracts and adjust to new timelines so that you have a place to compete and show off all your hard work on the platform.

Collegiate Nationals (Amended: May 4 & April 24)

In consideration of these uncertain times and the challenges facing our collegiate ranks; The Executive Committee has agreed to allow Steve Mann, Championship Director, to move the 2020 Collegiate Nationals to any dates within the 2020 calendar year, outside of the upcoming 2020 National meet dates, under the following conditions:

1. All registered athletes will be emailed by April 13th, 5pm EST, granting them 1-week to complete an online form* requesting a refund if they are no longer able to compete in Collegiate Nationals. After this one week period, no refunds are required, except as explained in item 4 below. *The National Office (nationaloffice@usapowerlifting.com) will receive an automatic copy of each request.
2. All athletes requesting a refund will be refunded in full no later than April 24th at 5pm EST. (Amended April 24- The Executive Committee is working through the questionnaire results along with the meet director.  Please be patient while we conclude this matter.)
3. Registration will be re-opened for the rescheduled date for qualified collegiate athletes and can remain open up until 30-days prior to the start of the competition.
4. The event must be held in the 2020 calendar year.  If there are any circumstances that prohibit the running of this event, all athletes are to be refunded.

(Amended May 4 – Athletes were provided the opportunity to complete the questionnaire for refunds or transfer requests for 2020 Collegiate Nationals, therefore any future Paypal or credit card disputes will not be permitted. Disputes will be sanctioned. More information is forthcoming to those athletes registered in 2020 Collegiate Nationals.  Your patiences is greatly appreciated.) With that said, the Executive will not be enforcing any sanction against an athlete who has sought a refund through Paypal or their credit card company. 

We have encouraged Steve Mann to reach out to lifters and resolve any matters currently disputed. 

To all our members – thank you for your understanding and patience as the organization works towards ensuring our çompetitions are rescheduled during these uncertain times. We look forward to seeing you at your next competition.

Your USA Powerlifting Executive Committee

Stay Home, Stay Safe!

April 5, 2020

USA Powerlifting National Teams 2020

USA Powerlifting recommends anyone currently selected for a 2020 National Team, including coaches and referees, to not purchase airline tickets or hotel accommodations until an official announcement has been provided by the Executive Committee. 

Amid the international health crisis caused by COVID-19 and the US State Department’s Level 4 international travel advisory, the future ability of our athletes, coaches, and referees to safely travel and return home remains uncertain. 

USA Powerlifting leadership continues to closely monitor CDC guidelines as they pertain to COVID-19. The top priority remains the health and safety of its members, officials, and athletes.

Bench & Raw Nationals

Many have asked if there will be a reschedule of Bench and Raw National events based on the latest IPF World date changes.  The organization has made efforts to reschedule National Championships to late 2020 for the greatest chance of success in holding the events. The dates of these Nationals will not change unless the COVID-19 pandemic dictates a change is necessary and invokes the Force Majeure clause, releasing us from the venue and hotel contracts for these events.

Local/State/Regional Competitions

As previously stated, all sanctioned events are postponed until May 30, 2020.  Events currently sanctioned beyond May 30th will be determined based on the recommendations of the CDC regarding health and safety measures.

Please visit the CDC Website for more information on COVID-19 resources, or the US Department of State for information on the level 4 travel advisory.

Stay Safe, Stay Home!

March 22, 2020

NATIONAL SCHEDULE CHANGE

The following are the current schedule changes for the National Events.   

YOUTH NATIONALS

Date remains Aug 14 (AM), limited to 60 athletes

OPEN NATIONALS

New Location: Daytona Beach
Dates: Aug 14 (PM), 15 & 16 

NGB: Aug 17

BENCH NATIONALS

Dates: Oct 6 (Raw)/ Oct 7 (Equipped)

RAW NATIONALS

Dates: Oct 8-11

Open Nationals will be moved from Las Vegas to Daytona Beach.  Bench Nationals will be moved to October to better align with the changes in the IPF schedule for Bench Worlds.  Youth Nationals will be limited to 60 lifters this year to allow for one session/ 2-platforms of lifting, allowing ample time for Open Nationals within our already established venue contract.

Should we still be dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Open Nationals will be moved to the beginning of October and be held prior to Bench and Raw Nationals.

Entry deadlines for Nationals will be updated accordingly.  NGB deadlines remain the same with the exception of proxies.

NGB DEADLINES:

April 7th:  Rule Change proposals
April 23rd: Nominations 
Aug 11th: Proxy Deadline

LOCAL-STATE MEETS/COACHING CLINICS

The Executive Committee had decided to postpone all events through May 30th for the safety of our athletes, meet directors, referees, volunteers and family.  While no one knows the length of this ever fluid pandemic, most state and local government authorities have mandated closure of non-essential businesses, including gyms.  Even if all business resumed as normal in two weeks, our athletes need time to prepare for upcoming competitions.

We ask all State Chairs to consider any postponed meet and its new date prior to sanctioning any new events in the fall.

We will constantly be evaluating the current COVID-19 news and should any updates require postponements beyond May 30th, we will update this dedicated webpage accordingly.

March 17, 2020

OPEN NATIONALS

Open Nationals scheduled for May 8-10 has been postponed.  Many of the casinos in Vegas, including the Westgate are ceasing conferences and meetings up through the 8-week ban on gatherings and may be extended.  This unfortunately leads into the week Open Nationals was scheduled.    Additionally, many states now have mandated gym closures, which will prevent our athletes the ability to train adequately for a national event.

We are actively working on new dates and possibly a new location.  We are planning late summer at earliest due to the anticipated impact of COVID-19.

We understand this may impact the selection of the 2020 SubJr/Jr and Open National Teams.  Our Executive will be working to determine the best method to address this situation.

March 16, 2020

LOCAL EVENTS

Local event directors are encouraged to evaluate their immediate situation for sanctioned events based on the health concerns, State and CDC recommendations and mandates.  Event directors have the option to postpone events to a later date or cancel.  Cancelled events are to include athlete entry refunds.

To align with the most recent CDC guidance of limiting events of 50 or more people, it is suggested that local meet directors should limit the attendees of their events to essential personnel only, and allow no spectators at the event. 

• The recommended guidance is to allow one coach for raw lifters, and up to two coaches for equipped lifters. 
• Essential staff includes referees, spotters and loaders, scoring table, and doping control officer. 
• All other ‘essential personnel’ are the discretion of the meet director and event venue. 
• One platform events with sessions, clearing the venue between sessions.

Meet directors and essential personnel should strictly follow The CDC disinfection guidelines and be responsible for thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and areas. 

To the best of your ability, refrain from interstate travel for competitions. At this stage, we cannot enforce a travel ban within the United States, however we strongly encourage individuals to research instructions from the CDC and local government for travel between each origin and destination within the United States and mitigation of the spread of COVID-19.

COACHING CLINICS

Updates will be coming from instructors of the upcoming coaching clinics.  Many states are closing gyms and will therefore require the clinics to be postponed.

March 14, 2020

High School Nationals
USA Powerlifting will be postponing the 2020 USA Powerlifting High School National Championships following Texas Governor Gregg Abbott’s Emergency Declaration. The rescheduled date of the Championships is June 30th – July 2nd 2020, in Killeen Texas.

Championship Director and Vice President of USA Powerlifting, Johnny Graham, is working hard to reorganize the event and to communicate with all athletes and coaches. More details will be shared via email.

Open Nationals
Open National Championships dates remain the same, May 7-10.  With this championships being seven weeks away, we will continue to plan for the event as scheduled.

Collegiate Nationals
Dates and venue options are still being explored for the reschedule of this championship.  We anticipate solidifying the dates and event details in the next few weeks.

State and Local Events
All remaining USA Powerlifting events remain planned and scheduled at this time. If an event is canceled due to government or facility request, the event director will be notifying all registered participants.   Our goal as an organization and as well as our meet directors is to carry on with events as planned or if absolutely necessary, postpone to a later date. Should you have any questions concerning an event you are registered for, please contact the individual meet director.

As stated in previous releases, the Executive Committee is consistently monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will continue sharing information as it becomes available.

As all decisions made during the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, the health and safety of USA Powerlifting members, volunteers, and supporters remains the top priority of USA Powerlifting. All guidelines laid out by the Center For Disease Control, State Governments, and the Federal Government as it pertains to COVID-19 will continue to be followed by the organization.

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March 13, 2020 – Collegiate Nationals Postponed

Anchorage, Alaska – USA Powerlifting will be postponing the 2020 USA Powerlifting Collegiate National Championships after the Pennsylvania State Government announced a ban on large events. Originally scheduled for April 3, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania,  a new event date is still being explored at this time.

This decision has been made with the health and safety of USA Powerlifting members, volunteers, and supporters as a top priority and to align with government guidelines.

At this time numerous Universities, States, and Local governments have made definitive decisions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. USA Powerlifting is following the guidelines laid out by these institutions, including The CDC, and has made the decision to postpone the Championships until further notice.

Yesterday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and the Department of Health announced the state’s decision to ban public events of 250 people or more and implement social distancing protocols. Championship Director Steve Mann has been working closely with the EC and local officials and is diligently rescheduling the event and communicating with teams and athletes. Updates on Collegiate Nationals will be sent to the registered athletes and coaches when more information becomes available.

At this time, the situation is fluid and USA Powerlifting cannot set a definitive reschedule date. Early to late summer is being explored, but ultimately the organization must make the best decision that protects the health and wellbeing of all members, and that is in line with government and University protocols. All athletes entered in Collegiate Nationals will remain eligible even if the postponed date is after they graduate due to the circumstances.

All remaining USA Powerlifting National Championships remain planned and scheduled at this time. As stated in the previous release, the Executive Committee is consistently monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will continue sharing information as it becomes available.

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March 9, 2020

Regarding the Novel COVID-19 Virus and USA Powerlifting Events USA Powerlifting will continue on with its scheduled sanctioned events in 2020. The Executive Committee is closely monitoring the CDC, Federal, and state and local government guidance on the Novel Coronavirus.

Members, volunteers, and supporters who feel ill are encouraged to stay at home and not join the large groups of people at events. All members, volunteers, and supporters should practice good hygiene habits as prescribed by the CDC. This includes refraining from touching your face, thoroughly washing your hands throughout the day, wiping down surfaces, not shaking hands, and practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette.

Those who are concerned about travel are encouraged to look into cancel for any reason “CFAR” travel insurance. CFAR insurance is required if you are exploring the possibility of cancelling your trip due to the COVID-19 virus. Most travel insurance policies do not cover cancellation for epidemics/pandemics – it is up to you to do your due diligence and prepare yourself as you see fit.

Event participation and attendance are voluntary; members and volunteers are encouraged to make health decisions based on your comfort level and health concerns.

Should the situation with COVID-19 change in regard to any of the USA Powerlifting sanctioned events, the event promoter will communicate as swiftly as possible. If you have questions or concerns about state or local meets, please contact your State Chair or the event promoter directly.

Thank you for your understanding, we look forward to seeing you at your next competition.
Please visit the CDC Website for more information on COVID-19 resources.

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