IPF ARTICLE 14
Article 14 of the IPF Constitution reads as follows:
Any athlete, coach, referee, or official who competes or participates in an International Powerlifting or Bench Press event not organised, sanctioned, or approved by the IPF shall not be permitted to take part in any IPF international, regional or national event for a period of 12 months from the date of that non-approved event.
Any athlete, coach, referee, or official that participates in any competition or Event which is organized by a Sporting Body, Federation, or Organisation that has not received recognition from the World Anti-Doping Agency and is thus non-compliant with the Code and International Standards shall be automatically rendered ineligible and shall not be permitted to take part in an authorized National or International Powerlifting or Bench Press Event for a period of 12 months from the date of the last non-compliant Event. Should the athlete, coach, referee, or official participate in an unauthorized Powerlifting or Bench Press Event prior to the lapse of the 12 months, he/she may be sanctioned with a period of ineligibility of an additional 12 months from the date of the non-compliant Event. In the case of a second infringement for such participation, the period of ineligibility may be a maximum of 24 months. The decision to extend the period of ineligibility will be at the sole discretion of the Anti-Doping Commission.
Summary
Article 14 is an IPF rule, not a WADA or Powerlifting America rule. As the U.S. Affiliate of the IPF, Powerlifting America is bound by the IPF Constitution, Bylaws, and Technical Rules to follow this rule.
If you are a Powerlifting America member and choose to compete, officiate or coach with another powerlifting or bench press federation (including, but not limited to, AAU, PLU, USPA, USAPL, WRPF, 100% Raw or other powerlifting federations that are not affiliated with the IPF, you will not be eligible to compete at Powerlifting America National Championships or be chosen as a USA National Team member for 12 months from the date of the last non-IPF federation event. You are, however, still welcome to register for and compete in local and state-level competitions during the period of ineligibility.
Lastly, athletes, coaches, referees, and officials can decide whether to participate in one or multiple federations. Still, please be aware of the consequences of choosing to participate with other federations.
FAQ
What is Article 14, and to whom does it apply?
IPF Constitution Article 14 is a requirement for all member nations of the IPF, and as such, Powerlifting America, as the U.S. Affiliate with the IPF, is required to abide by it. This Article provides guidance on eligibility for athletes, coaches, referees, and officials to participate in National and International competitions for the IPF and the national federations.
The IPF enforces Article 14, so it is essential to make athletes, coaches, referees, and officials aware of the language, meaning, and how to interpret each paragraph so that each person is well aware of the rule and how it applies in many situations that come up.
What are the consequences of an Article 14 violation? Will I be "banned" from competing with Powerlifting America?
No, you will not be banned from Powerlifting America for an Article 14 violation. Powerlifting America members participating in multiple federations are rendered ineligible for national and international level meets only for up to 12 months from the last event with a non-IPF-affiliated federation. Members are still able to compete at the Powerlifting America local and state-level events during the ineligibility period.
My coach coaches and handles athletes in multiple federations. Do I have to change coaches?
Athletes do not have to change coaches. Your coach can continue to coach you on a day-to-day basis. However, your coach cannot handle you at National or International level events if they also handle lifters in other non-WADA compliant federations.
Can I compete in an unsanctioned or school-sponsored lifting event without being in violation of Article 14?
Yes, you may compete in events not sanctioned by another sporting body, federation, or organization. Fundraisers or challenges hosted by your local gym, scholastic school-related events, or other organizations do not fall under the rule. However, beforehand, we recommend that you check with the Secretary General of Powerlifting America. Also, ensure no athletes or officials are suspended for an anti-doping violation. Have fun with your friends!
As a local-level competitor, can I compete in both Powerlifting America and non-IPF federations without an Article 14 violation? How does this rule apply if I compete in both?
Yes, you can compete in local-level events across multiple federations. However, if you compete in a non-IPF federation after Powerlifting America, you must wait 12 months before competing at the national level with Powerlifting America.
I want to support my friends, training partners, and teammates. Can I attend events sanctioned by other federations as a spectator without being in violation of Article 14?
Yes, you can attend events sanctioned by other federations as a spectator. Support your friends!
Powerlifting America isn't currently active in my state, but I still want to support the powerlifting community in general. If I volunteer as a referee or a coach at a local meet for another federation, am I violating Article 14?
You can volunteer for other federations at the local level if you are not participating in Powerlifting America at the National or International level.
Can I participate in my High School competitions run by a State or High School Association or my School Board?
Yes, you can participate in a high school association powerlifting, scholastic or state-sponsored high school powerlifting or bench press event.
I'm a national/international-level athlete/coach and have been invited to speak at or participate in a seminar or coaching clinic hosted by another powerlifting federation. Can I participate in this event?
It depends. You cannot participate in an event sponsored or organized by a sporting body, federation, or organization not recognized by WADA or those not affiliated with the IPF. For example, you cannot participate in a coaching clinic sponsored by another federation. You can, however, participate in a coaching clinic or seminar hosted by a gym without an affiliation with a federation. Once again, please ensure no athletes or coaches are suspended for anti-doping violations.
I would like to compete in other strength sports other than powerlifting. Would competing in those sports at the National level or above constitute an Article 14 violation?
If the sport you’re participating in falls under a sporting body, federation, or organization recognized by WADA, you can compete in that sport. The language in the 2nd paragraph of the IPF Constitution Article 14 refers only to powerlifting or bench press events. Additionally, Article 14 does not apply to Special Olympics or other Powerlifting Sporting Bodies with an agreement or MOU with the IPF. Lastly, you can also compete in any recreational or gym-sponsored league.
If you have concerns about whether competing in another sport may violate Article 14, contact the Secretary General of Powerlifting America. We can review your specific scenario with you.
I competed with the IPF as a US lifter before Powerlifting America, but have never been a member of Powerlifting America or any other IPF affiliate since the split. Am I ineligible under Article 14 if I join Powerlifting America now?
If you have not previously been a member of Powerlifting America or another IPF federation since Powerlifting America became the U.S. Affiliate with the IPF, you are eligible under Article 14. You only become ineligible if you competed in another powerlifting federation after joining Powerlifting America and competing at any level.
I currently have an Article 14 violation and am serving a period of ineligibility. How do I resolve this so I'm eligible to compete in National Level events and potentially get invited to compete on a National Team?
You must serve your ineligibility period if you have an Article 14 violation. To reduce this period, avoid participating in events sanctioned by other federations during your ineligibility.
How does Article 14 affect International Team Selection processes?
Participation in a non-sanctioned powerlifting or bench press event with another federation may impact your eligibility to be selected for Powerlifting America National Teams. We ask that all Powerlifting America National Team members confirm that they comply with Article 14 before accepting an invitation to participate with the National Team. We reserve the right to withdraw anyone from the National Teams should it become apparent that the athlete is in breach of Article 14.
What if I am a Meet Director and participate with other federations?
Article 14 applies to athletes, coaches, officials, and referees. If a National or International level athlete, coach, official, or referee is also a Meet Director, then you are subject to Article 14 ineligibility.
Does this rule apply to other voluntary positions within powerlifting or bench press events?
Participation according to the IPF rule applies only to athletes, coaches, referees, or officials. This rule does not address participating in the following roles: spotting and loading, helping to set up an event, participating in similar roles, or spectating. If you are uncertain about a role within an event, please reach out. We are happy to answer your questions.
I have an Article 14 question that isn't covered here. How do I receive an answer?
If you have further questions about Article 14 or want to discuss your specific scenario in relation to it, please contact the Powerlifting America Secretary General.
Who is enforcing this rule, and how is it enforced?
We ask lifters to confirm their own status as not having lifted in a non-IPF powerlifting or bench press event. It is the responsibility of each athlete, coach, referee, and official to be aware of the rules and follow them. The circumstances of each particular scenario will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. It is important to note that most powerlifting federations report their results to Open Powerlifting.
At the end of the day, each athlete, coach, official, and referee is responsible for their own eligibility. If you have a question or are unsure of a situation that may render you ineligible, please email the Secretary General of Powerlifting America. Social Media is not an official form of communication.