POWERLIFTING

ByLaws of the
International Powerlifting Federation

Terminology

Unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "Congress", "President" "Technical Committee" and such like shall mean the "IPF Congress", "IPF President", "IPF Technical Committee" etc.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "him", "his" and "Chairman" shall refer to persons of either sex.

BYLAWS

GROUP I: THE CONGRESS

1.01 The Congress may be open provided that space is available

1.02 The President may invite outside persons to attend the Congress

1.03 The Congress shall, if necessary, address itself to re-examining the Constitution, By-Laws and their appendices every fourth year commencing in 1998.

1.04 The Congress shall, if necessary, address itself to re examining the Technical Rules every fourth year commencing in 2000

1.05 The Congress shall serve and maintain a membership in the General Assembly of International Sports Federations and take part in the World Games.

1.06 The Congress shall have one additional non-executive officer, the Assistant Secretary, selected by the Executive Committee in accordance with 404A.5(c)(8) of the Constitution.

1.07 The Congress shall recognise Past-Presidents as active but non-voting members of the Congress. 1.08 The Congress, in the absence of bids from a National Federation, may award World Championships to an individual or a commercial entity.

1.09 All Committee Chairmen and non-executive officers by virtue of their attaining officer status in the IPF, be allowed admission to the Congress in its entirety but without vote and with voice only as pertains to their respective responsibilities.

1.10 Candidates for IPF office shall be permitted to address the Congress for a maximum period of five minutes.

GROUP II : PROCEDURES

2.01 All listings of the IPF member nations shall include the name of the national federation.

2.02 No federation shall remain a member of the IPF if the Congress by at least two thirds majority of votes cast decides that it is not in the best interest of the IPF for that federation to remain a member.

2.03 Elections of Vice-Presidents of the IPF shall be determined by regional caucuses and ratified by the Congress.

2. 04 Bids shall be made and world championships awarded two years in advance. All bids, accompanied by outline reports on the extent of preparations made, shall be sent to the Secretary at least ninety days before the next Congress. The bidding nation must then report in detail to the Congress.

2.05 The IPF shall only print a master copy of the Technical Rules. Each member nation will be permitted to reprint them for sale or distribution as it sees fit

2.06 The IPF may test for category 1 referees at any international championship.

2.07 The Secretary shall design and maintain an application form for the use of nations wishing to affiliate to the IPF. The form shall require all necessary information from the applicant including the names and addresses of officers, other affiliations and relevant organisational data. The form to be returned together with a copy of the applicant Nation's constitution.

2.08 The IPF shall be incorporated under the laws of the country in which it maintains it's headquarters.

2.09 No entity of the IPF may bring litigation against another entity of the IPF.

2 10 The permitted expenses of all officers of the IPF shall be decided at the annual Congress and contained in the Treasurer's budget proposals. If necessary the executive may by two thirds majority vary payments approved in the budget.

2.11 The Standing Orders of the IPF shall be the supreme document for all IPF meetings. The exception being when they are in conflict with the Constitution (Ref: IPF Constitution item 505.6 (a).)

2.12 The word 'World' in connection with powerlifting may only be used by the IPF for competition and records.

GROUP III : FINANCE

3.01 The Finance Secretary shall perform an audit closing the books on 1st October each year. There must be an audit of IPF accounts. The audit is to be made by the Finance Secretary.

3.02 IPF Subscription and Fees.

The annual membership subscription shall include all championship and international sanction fees with the exception of world championships. For these, sanction fees shall be paid in accordance with the following scale of subscriptions and fees: -

(a) National affiliations (annually): DM 150

(b) All referee examinations: DM 60

(d) Sanction for international matches: Free

(e) Sanction for Men's Open World Championships: DM 1050

(f) Sanction for Women's Open World Championship: DM 900

(g) Sanction for Junior Men's and Women's World Championships: DM 750

(h) Sanction for Master's Men's and Women's Championships: DM 750

(I) Sanction for Bench Press World Championships: DM 1050

Regional federations must be affiliated to the IPF and will not be subjected to any sanction fee for regional championships. In addition, the promoter shall be responsible for providing at his own expense all necessary medals, lst., 2nd. and 3rd. for all competing categories and classes (refer to 4.04 for medals or certificates for individual lifts). The category and class medals are to be ordered from the IPF Treasurer at least three months prior to the championships. The participating federations shall pay a drug test fee of DM 45 for each lifter entered and declared at the Technical Meeting prior to the championships. If a federation is not represented at the Technical

Meeting, then a fee is required for all lifters nominated and entered on the final entry form. In addition to the drug test fee, participating federations shall pay a participation fee of DM 30 per lifter for each lifter entered and taking part in any World Championships

3.03 Any federation organising any of the events listed in 3.02 and who has not paid the necessary sanction fee, shall automatically be suspended from memberships of the IPF until such time as the required fee is paid in full.

3.04 All television rights for international competition shall be the sole property of the IPF, less any fee

negotiated with the promoting federation. If the IPF Media Officer cannot obtain a signed contract at least twelve months before the date of the competition, then the IPF will waive its rights in favour of the promoter and in accordance with the terms contained in the IPF Constitution item 404B.3(b).

3.05 The apportionment of any fees received in respect of television contracts shall be made in accordance with the terms contained in the IPF Constitution item 404B.3(b).

3.06 At all world championships, participating federations shall be responsible for their own hotel bills.

3.07 The travel costs of the President and the General Secretary to world championships shall be paid by the IPF. The hotel bills of the President and the General Secretary shall be paid by the promoter of the championships on the basis of room and breakfast only for a minimum of seven days. When a world championship is combined with a regional championship, the promoter shall pay the hotel bills for both the President's and General Secretary's room and breakfast only for a minimum of four days.

3.08 The IPF shall pay travel costs and other expenses of the President and General Secretary as follows:

(a) One hundred percent of the cheapest air fare obtainable from recognised carriers less any subsidy paid by any other agency.

(b) In the event of a promoter not being in a position to honour his obligations to the President or General Secretary with regard to their hotel bills, the IPF shall pay same on the basis of a length of stay at least equal to that of the teams, or for a reasonable period of time not to exceed ten days.

(c) Any finance referred to in item (b), shall be derived from the championship itself or current IPF deposits. Such funding must not be offset against future deposits.

(d) No other recompense shall be made in favour of the President or General Secretary.

(e) All claims for expenses or reimbursements must be approved by both the President and the Treasurer. This ruling applies equally to the issue and signing of cheques and contracts

3.09 A lapel pin portraying the official IPF emblem shall be obtained for sale to all members. In addition, the Finance Committee will obtain a stock of items such as belt buckles, cuff links, ties and tie clasps etc. for sale to members and as a means of raising funds.

3.10 Delinquent Nations: Federations more than one year in arrears with their annual subscription, shall be suspended from membership of the IPF.

3.11 Video Fee; Any person making videos of world championships for commercial reasons, i.e. resale to the public at large, shall pay not less than DX 750 for the privilege. The income to be shared equally between the organiser and the IPF. The organising federation will however, have the right to its own video coverage with the income to be shared as for commercial video with a free copy for the IPF files. If no commercial contract for videos exists, then individuals may be given permission to video separate bodyweight classes in which a member of their family or club is competing. In these circumstances the IPF will issue a permit at a nominal fee not exceeding DM 60.

3.12 Changes in IPF requirements and conditions for promoting world championships will not be imposed upon promoters until twelve months after acceptance of such proposals by the Congress. Promoters awarded World Championships prior to such changes shall be entitled to relinquish their sanctions without penalty, within 3 months of the change(s) being accepted by Congress. Promoters will not have any recourse against the IPF as a result of such changes.

3.13 The promoter/organiser of a world championship must honour all contracts legally undertaken between the IPF and any outside commercial concern.

3.14 All cheques issued by the Treasurer must be signed by him and countersigned by either the Finance Secretary or the General Secretary.

3.15 The IPF may budget for and maintain a development fund. This to be administered by the Executive. The purpose of the fund is to assist:

(a) Unaffiliated nations in the formation of national powerlifting federations and their affiliation to the IPF.

(b) Affiliated nations to develop the sport of powerlifting and maintain their affiliation to the IPF.

GROUP IV : RECORDS AND AWARDS

4.01 Each national federation shall be responsible for Its own records and record claims. A world record claim may be submitted upon the form normally used by that nation.

4.02 The IPF shall provide an honour certificate free of charge to all lifters who establish bona fide world records.

4.03 At all IPF championships, a "Champion of Champions" award shall be given to the lifter who produces the best performance based upon the appropriate Wilks formula. Only class winners shall be eligible.

4.04 The IPF shall maintain standardised medals for use at world championships. Medals to be presented for first, second and third places in each category based upon totals. In addition, medals or merit award certificates shall be presented for first, second and third places in the individual lifts of squat, bench press and dead lift in each category. Fourth attempts will not be accepted in assessing these awards and the lifter must make a total in the competition in order to qualify for an award. In the event of two competitors lifting the same weight, the lighter lifter will be declared the winner, Any necessary re-weighing of lifters shall take place at the end of the competition, not at the end of the individual lifts. Other awards may be provided according to the custom of the host nation.

4.05 World championship participation certificates shall be awarded to each lifter and official(team manager, coach) according to IPF regulations. They shall also be awarded to approved IPF officials and referees.

4.06 Hall of Fame: There shall be an honorary body titled the "IPF Hall of Fame". Its purpose shall be to honour members who have made an outstanding contribution either by way of lifting achievement or service in general to the sport of powerlifting internationally. A maximum of two lifters and one official may be elected to the Hall of Fame each year but with the added proviso that not more than two men and one woman my be elected in any one year. A certificate of achievement will be awarded.

4.07 In order to be considered for the Hall of Fame, nominees must obtain at least a two thirds majority vote of delegates present. The successful candidates shall be decided by a simple majority vote of delegates present. Voting shall be by means of a secret ballot. Scrutineers shall be chosen from among those present and ballot papers publically destroyed on conclusion of the election.

4.08 Members of the IPF Executive Committee; IPF Committee Chairmen and members of the IPF Hall of Fame will have free entry to any powerlifting competition organised by a member federation or its affiliates. An identification card will be issued by the IPF.

4.09 The IPF recognises world records In the following categories: Men's Open, Women's Open, Juniors Men and Women, Juveniles Men and Women and Masters Men and Women. World Bench Press Championships records are recognised if set at the World open Bench Press Championships

4.10 World records will only be accepted from competitions where drug testing is carried out and the lifter return a negative drug test. This must be done strictly in accordance with the IPF drug testing procedure and standards as laid down by the IPF, including the analysis of samples in a laboratory accredited at the time of analysis by the IOC.

4.11 World records will be accepted and registered only within the categories listed in item 4.09. Records will only be accepted if applications are made strictly in accordance with the requirements of the IPF Handbook and include a copy of the relevant scoresheet. Claims to be sent to the Record Registrar.

GROUP V: COMPETITIONS

5.01 No one is to be denied access to competition on the grounds of race, colour or creed

5.02 The IPF shall maintain drug testing in accordance with the IPF drug testing procedures. (See appendix)

(a) Drug testing will take place at all international championships.

(b) The IPF has the right to appoint a doping control and to determine the manner in which the lot draw for lifters to be tested is made, at any contest under its jurisdiction, including all contests sanctioned by a member federation. Any member federation which declines to accept the doping control appointed by the Executive shall be deemed to be In violation of the IPF Constitution and shall be subject to such disciplinary or fines as considered appropriate by the Executive, including expulsion of the national federation in accordance with the provisions of by-law 2.02

(c) Prior to the start of a competition, the Executive will decide the number of tests to be taken in each category. If there are not three members of the Executive present, then the delegates at the pre-contest meeting shall appoint additional people as required.

(d) The results from the testing laboratory shall be notified to at least two officers.

(e) The IPF accepts IOC recommendations regarding doping control, including those regarding listed prohibited substances and methods procedures for sample collection and accredited laboratories. The only variation from IOC recommendations shall be minor alterations to the list of prohibited substances and methods or sample collection procedures. Such alterations being within the authority of the Medical Committee to make on behalf of the IPF as and when required. Sanctions for positive cases in doping control are the following:

1) Narcotics, anabolic agents, peptide and glycoprotein hormones and analogues. Physical pharmacological and chemical manipulation of sample, or a refusal to provide a sample, shall be deemed to be offences under this section.

- Two years for the first offence

- Life ban for the second offence.

2) Stimulants, diuretics.

- Maximum of six months for the first offence

- Maximum of two years for the second offence

- Life ban for the third offence

Prior to a final decision being taken on any particular case, consideration will be given to any circumstances (extenuating or not) and the facts of the case. Members are referred to Constitution Item 404A.2 (7) (b) which relates to doping appeals.

(f) Lifters who do not total may still be tested.

(g) The host nation will not be responsible for analysis costs. A fee of DM 45 will be paid by a nation for each of its lifters entered in the championship. These fees will be put into a drug testing account and can only be used for drug testing expenses.

(h) Minor irregularities which cannot reasonably be considered to have affected the results of otherwise valid tests, shall have no effect on such results. Minor irregularities do not include the chain of custody, improper sealing of the container(s) in which a sample is stored, failure to request the signature of the athlete or failure to provide the athlete with an opportunity to be present or be represented at the opening of the 'B' sample.

5.03

(a) The Congress is empowered to suspend or fine a nation whose team arrives to take part in the championship without prior nomination being received by the Secretary. A similar penalty may be passed upon a nation who fails to attend a championship after having nominated a team. They my also be required to compensate the promoter for any financial loss suffered due to their- team being absent. Entries that arrive in the hands of the promoter less than 21 days before the opening date of the competition shall be subject to a fine of DM 75 per entry, lifter or official and payable to the promoter.

(b) Member nations must notify the general secretary and the organiser of each world championship of their attendance/non-attendance at the event. This notice must be received no later than 21 days prior to the start of each championship. Member nations who do not comply with this requirement will be fined DM 50 and will not be permitted to participate in any World Championship until the fine has been paid.

5.04 Each participating nation at a world championship must provide if required, a national flag approximately 1.5m x l.0m in size. Any nation failing to meet this obligation will be fined the sum of DM 60 in order to reimburse the promoter for any loss and inconvenience suffered. It is the responsibility of the promoter to issue a receipt on acceptance of the flag and request the return of this receipt on returning the flag to the team manager. If for any reason whatsoever, the promoter fails to return a nation's flag, he shall be required to reimburse that nation for the loss suffered.

5.05 At all world championships the promoter shall provide free access to the venue and other competition buildings or functions for team officials and coaches on the following scale:

(a) For the first three competing lifters, one official or coach shall be permitted access.

(b) For every additional three competing lifters, one additional official or coach shall be permitted access to a maximum of three per nation.

(c) The courtesy of free access shall also be extended to all officiating referees and jury members to a maximum of three per nation.

(d) The courtesy of free access shall be extended to all members of the Sports Medicine Team who participate during the championships. The names of such personnel shall be forwarded to the promoter and an agreement reached between the Chairman of the Medical Committee and the organisers upon the number to be accepted.

5.06 The official invitation and details of world championships must be received by member nations at least six months prior to the event. Details shall include the date of the Congress, competition date, names and addresses of hotels and the rates to be charged.

5.07 An analytical report must be produced by the promoter and sent to all member nations within sixty days after a world championship.

5.08 A national federation may not negotiate a TV contract for an international title without the approval of the Executive. Failure to comply with this regulation could result in suspension of the federation until the next Congress.

5.09 The Technical Committee shall prepare and maintain the 'Meet Director's Guide', This document will contain useful information designed to help promoters and organisers involved in staging a championship. It will outline the responsibilities of both the promoter and the IPF.

5.10 An 'Equipment Standards' sub-committee to the Technical Committee is responsible for testing and publishing minimum standards for all equipment to be approved by the IPF.

5.11 The Technical Committee shall be responsible for compiling and subsequently maintaining a 'Rule Interpretation' appendix to the rule book. The purpose of this appendix will be to provide full and clear explanations of those rules that most often give cause for misunderstanding among members.

5.12 A special sub-committee of the Technical Committee shall be appointed to liaise with and offer help where required to disabled lifters and their federations.

5.13 Sub-regional competitions on an international level shall be sanctioned by the Regional Executive. If a Regional Executive does not exist, then the responsibility for sanction shall rest with the Regional Vice-President of the IPF. Sub-regional means a competition between two or more nations but not open to all the nations in that region.

5.14 Competitions.

1. Any federation or promoter of international events must not attempt to advertise or invite lifters and officials to the event without first obtaining a written sanction from the IPF Secretary. Only written contracts or sanction will be valid.

2. Normally, only national federations affiliated to the IPF may apply for sanctions.

3. All members of national teams taking part in world or international competition, must be in possession of a valid passport of the country they are to represent. Failing this, proof of a two year period of residence in that country will be accepted.

5.15 “Benchpress Championships shall be organised without a special division of disabled lifters. Disabled lifters can compete within the abled classes, if they fullfill the IPF rules for abled lifters. I.e. They can walk on their own feet without any help to the bench.”

For lifters who have an amputated lower limb, a prosthetic device shall be considered the same as the natural limb. The lifter shall be weighed in without the device, with compensatory weight added according to the established fractional charts. For lifters with disfunctional lower limbs that require leg braces or similar devices for walking, the device shall be considered as part of the natural limb and the lifter shall be weighed in wearing the device.

GROUP VI: CONTRACTS

6.01 All contracts performed in the name of the IPF must be signed by both the President and the Secretary.

GROUP VII: AFFILIATIONS

7.01 The IPF shall be divided into six regions; Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America and Oceania. Each region shall be headed by an IPF Vice-President with the purpose of promoting competitions within the region.

7.02 Affiliated federations of Commonwealth countries may organise a sub-IPF federation in order to stimulate competition within the Commonwealth.

GROUP VIII: APPENDIX STANDING ORDERS

8.01 Order of Business

An agenda shall be prepared by the General Secretary and circulated to all member federations at least 30 days prior to the IPF Congress. All items on the agenda shall take precedence over all other business. Members desirous of introducing any other business for the consideration of the meeting, may only do so after the business on the agenda has been completed.

8.02 Minutes.

The minutes of the previous meeting, having been circulated, shall be taken as read. No motion or discussion shall be permitted. The only exception to this rule will be in regard to the accuracy of the minutes. After confirming the accuracy of the minutes, they shall be signed by the Chairman, and the delegates at the Congress shall be at liberty to ask questions with regard to matters arising from the minutes. Such questions shall be permitted for purposes of information only, and no debate on the policy outlined in the minutes shall take place. No correction or alteration to the minutes will be accepted unless written notification had been received and acknowledged by the General Secretary within four months of the date of circulation of the minutes to member federations.

8.03 Selection of Speakers.

The Chairman shall decide the order of speakers.

8 04 Chairman's. Ruling.

The ruling of the Chairman on any question under the Standing Orders or on any point of order or explanation, shall be final. If there is a difference of opinion on a point of substance, a vote shall be taken and a two thirds. majority required to the ruling.

8.05 Speeches.

No member shall speak for mor than five minutes at any one time.

8.06 Motions and Amendments.

The first proposition on any particular subject shall be known as the original motion. All succeeding propositions in that subject shall be called amendments. Every notion or amendment must be proposed and seconded by members actually present at the me before they can be discussed. It is permissible for a member to make a speech first and conclude with a motion. When an amendment is moved to an original motion, no further amendment can be discussed until the first amendment is disposed of. Notice of any further amendment must be given before the first amendment is put to the vote.

8.07 Substantive Motions.

If an amendment is carried, it displaces the original motion and itself becomes the substantive motion; whereupon any further amendment relating to any portion of the substantive motion moved, provided that it is consistent with the business and not been covered by an amendment or notion which has been previously rejected. After the vote on each succeeding amendment has been taken, the surviving proposition shall be put to the vote as the main question. If carried, it shall then become a resolution of the meeting.

8.08 Voting

Except when the chairman at his absolute discretion, authorises a vote to be by secret ballot the voting shall be by show of hands or coloured cards, if these are available. On particularly sensitive matters, such as a vote which is concerned with members or prospective members who are present at the meeting, such persons may be asked to leave the room voting takes place.

8.09 Matters of Procedure

At meetings, all matters of procedure which are not covered these standing orders, shall be decided by the Chairman of the meeting.

8.10 Privileged Immunity of the Congress

Anything said In the IPF Congress, committees or subsequent documentation is without prejudice and may not be used in litigation.

GROUP IX APPENDIX OFFICIAL AGENDA

9.1 Roll Call of Nations and Delegates Presentation of Credentials of each Nation. Certification of Athletes and Referees

9.2 President's Address.

9.3 Minutes of the last Congress.

9.4 Treasurer's Report

(a) To examine the accounts of the previous year

(b) To approve the budget for the forthcoming year

9.5 Secretary's Report

9.6 Committee Reports.

(a) Technical Committee (b) Medical Committee

9.7 Regional Reports.

(a) Region 1 (Europe (b) Region 2 (Africa)

(e) Region 5 (South America) (f) Region 6 (Oceania)

9.8 Elections.

9.9 Proposals.

9.10 New Member Applicants.

9.11 Action on Delinquent Nations

9.12 Hall of Fame.

9.13 Future Championships.

9.14 Any Other Business.

9.15 Adjournment.

GROUP X: APPENDIX RULE AMENDMENTS

Proposals to amend the IPF Constitution, By-Laws, Technical Rules and/or Appendices. hereinafter referred to as rule(s), shall be set out as follows:

1) Clear identification of the exact rule(s) or portion thereof concerned. For example: "Constitution, 808.5 ..." or "Technical Rules page 24, Errors in loading 14, second paragraph, third sentence after the word 'appeal'."

2) Action to be taken:

(a) Deletion, or

(b) Addition, or

3) Text involved.

(a) and (c) above. Exact identification of the text to be deleted.

Note: Paragraphs and sections may be referred to by numbers.Sentences and words should be quoted in full.

(b) and (c) above. The text of the addition or insertion, accompanied in the former case by the proposed rule No. or location.

4) Optional

A brief statement of the reasons(s) for the proposal. This will form part of the formal proposal but is merely for the guidance of the Congress. It shall appear on a new line separate from the proposal proper and headed

'Reasons(s)'.

Note: Any proposal which would cause the rules to become contradictory shall be ruled out of order. That is, it is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the amendments in his proposal are comprehensively framed and all the rules which would be effected have been consistently dealt with by the proposal.

Renumbering. It may be desirable to renumber a rule or rules to bring then into a more logical order. In such cases the proposal shall clearly indicate by number if available, which rules are to be renumbered and their intended new location, with new numbers(s) if available.


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