Powerlifting Federations in NZ

[Skeletor]

OK so being new to powerlifting somewhat I'm seeing all this talk about different feds in NZ. Could somebody please explain to me what are all the different feds in NZ and what differs between their rules. ex... I know ipf is drug tested . One allows the use of wraps as raw maybee? And why someone might choose to go to one over the other. Can I compete in any fed in any comp that comes up?

[BeastBuilder]

Fuuaarrkkkk.. Opening up a can of worms here bro, unintentionally but possibility this will get hit with a shitstorm. I'll try give you a general overview before it turns lol.

So there are now three Powerlifting Feds in NZ, all associated with different international federations.

NZPF, GPCNZ and UPANZ.

NZPF - IPF affiliated.

Has Single Ply Equipped or Raw (Belt, sleeves and wrist wraps only) Divisions.

Drug Tested.

2 hour weigh ins

Quite formal in my experience eg no music when lifting, refs in suits, general atmosphere etc

All squats done in a rack and walked out.

Five points of contact on Bench (Head, Heels and Bum down)

Most established fed as has been around for the longest. Has local associations around the regions.

Reasonably well-organised.

One novice comp ever then you have to sign up to compete.

Have to use equipment from their approved list.

Can qualify for IPF international comps.

Can't compete in any other feds competitions

GPCNZ - GPC affiliated

Has Equipped (Multi Ply and Single Ply) and Raw (Knee Wraps, Belt and Wrist Wraps) Divisions

Not Drug Tested

24 hour weigh ins option

Competitions seem to be more of a show (in a good way) and make you feel like an athlete. Music playing, MC working the crowd etc

Monolifts for Squats

Head and Heels can be up when benching.

Only been around for 18 months or so and is growing exponentially with every comp.

Well organised again, less formality and more like a community/family

Can do one novice comp per year I believe without having to pay full membership etc

No approved brands list, as long as your equipment meets specs it's good

Can qualify for GPC international comps

No restrictions on competing in other feds

UPANZ - I'm a lot less familiar with but will do my best lol

UPA affiliated

Equipped (Multi Ply and Single Ply), Raw Plus (Knee Wraps, Belt and Wrist Wraps) and Raw (Sleeves, Belt and Wrist Wraps) divisions

Not Drug Tested, although may have a tested division I'm not sure, could be mistaken

Haven't been to a comp but hear they are good fun and reasonably well run

Rules on Bench and Squats same as GPC, although I think they allow Suicide Grip

No restrictions on other feds comps

Qualify for GPA international events I believe

24 hour weigh ins too I think

Sorry I can't really help more but that's off the top of my head, probably a few other differences I've forgotten but that's the basics

[Skeletor]

Awesome bro thats pretty much all i was after. So hard understanding what everyone is going on about in these threads in regard to rules etc .  UPANZ sound good because i dont want to squat against guys in wraps when i dont use them and i also like benching on toes.  Just want to compete in a fun atmosphere where everyone has a good time. Dont like the suicide grip idea though. Ive seen the Youtube videos. Thanks for taking the time to write up such an informative post

[BeastBuilder]

Sweet bro, glad you got something out of it

Yup for sure definitely sounds like you then. I don't know how often they have comps etc but their calendar shouldn't be too hard to find on Facebook.

And before anyone points out the obvious yes I compete GPC so I obviously prefer them lol.

But I have mates who compete NZPF who do just fine and enjoy it, I also have friends who compete GPC and enjoy it. And I'm sure if UPANZ ends up extending it's reaches down here in Christchurch people will compete with them too, probably much the same reasons as Skeletor above. The more opportunities for people the better tbh, grows the sport as a whole.

[teamfatboy]

Great post Beastie, pretty much nailed it... 

 

Some slight corrections to NZPF: 

 

a. the restrictions on equipment tend to apply only at higher-level comps like Regional Champs/ South-North Island Champs, and National/ international level.  At novice comps like last week's one in Palmerston, we are perhaps not as strict in terms of the approved equipment list - you can use a non-approved belt, it might just need some gaffer tape over a logo, for instance;

 

b. We have music and an MC at most comps - we tend to turn it down if a lifter wants to focus, but (and I've MC'd at local and regional level) if the lifter wants noise, the lifter gets NOISE  :pfft:

 

c. NZPF raw is only knee sleeves -  knee wraps puts you into the equipped category.