FAQ
What is Powerlifting?
See "A Brief Introduction to Powerlifting".
How do I get started?
It is a good idea to spectate at a meet to get a feel for how a contest progresses. It will also give you a chance to talk to those who compete and may be able to offer some friendly advice to a beginner.
If you live in a remote area where few meets are held, if ever, you could try searching at your local library for some descent training information. The internet has a wealth of information--but beware, much of the information you find may not be good advice, or simply the wrong advice for someone at your level. Always proceed very cautiously and keep a critical mind when using any training program.
How do I become a BCPA member?
Simply fill out the membership form and return it to the Registration Chairperson along with the application fees. Memberships are valid from the date of registration until December 31 of that year.
How is the BCPA funded?
The BCPA is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. Our funding comes from three sources: (1) membership fees (a portion of these fees goes directly to the CPU), (2) BC government gaming grants, and (3) in-kind contributions through volunteer hours and donated labour.
What are the benefits of being a member?
Becoming a member of the BCPA registers a person with the CPU which is affiliated with the IPF.
Benefits of becoming a member:
- become eligible to compete in various IPF sanctioned contests at the regional, national, and international level
- receive a periodical newsletter
- gain the privilege to break BC records
- support the sport of Powerlifting
- become eligible to join a BCPA affiliated club
As a BCPA member, you will receive a CPU card which must be presented at every contest during weigh-in. You will also need your CPU card number when sending in your contest entry form.
Who can become a member of the BCPA?
Residents of BC can be full members of the BCPA. Lifters in other provinces must register with the association in their province. Non-residents of Canada must register with the CPU registration chairperson directly. Any person anywhere can be an associate member (includes periodical newsletter). The minimum age to compete is 14.
Can I register with the BCPA on the day of a contest?
NO. Registration will not be accepted on the day of a contest. Be sure to register early as you will need a current CPU card number on all contest entry forms. It is recommended that you register at the beginning of the year so that you continue to receive periodical newsletters.
How do I find a club?
See "Clubs".
What are the rules of Powerlifting?
For the complete technical rules, read the up-to-date IPF rulebook. We very strongly recommend that you become familiar with these rules prior to attending any contest … they will not be explained to you during the course of competition.
Are there qualifying standards?
See "CPU Nationals Qualifying Standards".
Currently there are no qualifying standards for any BCPA level contest, any lifter of any experience is welcome to attend (even Provincials). To attend the Canadian Championships, there are qualifying standards for both your age class and weight class.
What are the age classes?
| Sub-Junior | Junior | Open | Masters 1 | Masters 2 | Masters 3 | Masters 4 |
| 14-18 | 19-23 | Any age | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60-69 | 70-79 |
The upper and lower limits of an age class are determined by your year of birth, not day of birth; therefore, a junior lifter can lift as a junior until the end of his/her 23rd calendar year. Similarly, a master 1 lifter would become eligible for the masters class in the year in which you will turn 40, and could therefore lift as a master while not having had their 40th birthday yet.
What is the minimum age for competition?
The minumum age you can be to compete is 14. You must be 14 years of age on the day of the contest. There is no maximum age for competition.
What are the weight classes?
| Men | Women |
| 52 kg*, 56 kg, 60 kg, 67.5 kg, 75 kg, 82.5 kg, 90 kg, 100 kg, 110 kg, 125 kg, 125+ kg | 48 kg*, 52 kg, 56 kg, 60 kg, 67.5 kg, 75 kg, 82.5 kg, 90 kg, 90+ kg |
Where can I find information about upcoming events?
See "Calendar".
I have found a contest I would like to attend. How do I enter?
All relevant information with respect to date, time, place, etc. will be posted on the Calendar page, as well as the name of the host club and meet director. You can then click on the Forms link, and there you will find an entry form. Carefully read and follow the instructions on the form, and be sure to have it in by the entry deadline.
Do I have to be a member of the BCPA/CPU to lift?
YES! You must show your CPU card (membership card) at weigh-in/equipment check.
Lifting Gear: see "IPF Approved Gear List".
How do form a club?
Please contact the registrar.
How do I host a contest?
You must belong to a club in order to be sanctioned for contest. If that is already the case, fill out our sanction form and mail it to the BCPA President.
How do I become an official?
Please contact our officials chairman.
What equipment is approved for competition?
For an up-to-date list of IPF approved gear.
What are the provincial records for my weight and age category?
See Current BC Rankings.
What are the procedures for setting a provincial/national record?
- You must break the existing record by the minimum amount of 500grams.
- Let the expeditors or head table know that you are attempting a record.
- You must comply with the CPU's doping control procedures.
- You must complete a record application form and pay any applicable fees within 60 days of setting the record.
- You will receive a record certificate once your record is no longer pending.
What about steroids/stimulants?
Doping is fundamentally contrary to the spirit of sport and we do not allow the use of steroids or stimulants (see a list of banned substances). The IPF/CPU/BCPA is a WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)-tested organization. If you lift in our organization, especially if you compete at a high level, you can anticipate being tested for banned substances both in and out of contest.