First Competition FAQ's
When thinking about entering a competition for the first time people have a lot of questions, so here I’m going to try and elaborate on some of the ones I see most frequently as an organiser and a referee.
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Am I strong enough to compete? – If you wait until you think you are strong enough procrastination will get the better of you. Everyone has to start somewhere, and the sooner you start the more opportunities you will have. Competition, especially your early competitions will always be a learning experience. The very first event I actually entered was not a powerlifting event at all, it was a strongman one. Portsmouth’s Strongest man 2004. From a strength perspective I was outmatched by all the other competitors, but that didn’t matter because I learned so much. The eventual winner was impressed with my tenacity, he invited me to train at his gym. I met some fantastic athletes some of whom I still remain in touch with today. My experience with Powerlifting was much the same. The first event was a learning experience, and from there I built upon it.
Do I need to be a member to compete? – Yes, competing at a powerlifting event that has been sanctioned by an association as a governing body will invariably require you to join that association. You should factor this into your planning as there will be a membership fee as well as the competition entry fee. The association will also have rules regarding membership, drug testing etc so you should familiarise yourself with what is expected of you when you join.
Do I need a coach? – This one is a bit more nuanced. It’s not essential, but it’s not a bad idea either. I will caveat that though. If you have a coach (and particularly if you are paying them) they need to be familiar with the sport. I have seen some personal trainers who are excellent, and have coached their clients well at events because they did their homework and prepared. I’ve also seen some personal trainers absolutely ruin their client’s day by not knowing what was going on and as such advising them badly. So, if you employ a PT or coach, ask them about their experience in regard to powerlifting. Have they coached at an event before, are they familiar with the association you plan to lift with? If the answer is no, or their experience amounts to “I’ve done one meet myself”, then maybe find someone else. A friend with previous experience will be of more help than a PT with none.
How long is the competition? – Powerlifting events are typically whole day affairs. Depending on number of athletes from start of weigh in to end of medals ceremony can be eight+ hours. Factor this in, especially if you are relying on public transport. If you have had to travel a significant distance you may want to book somewhere to stay the night before (to prevent you missing weigh in or even the night after (so you are not rushing for trains or trying to drive tired).
Are there any breaks? – As noted above the event can take some time, so it’s a good idea to bring food with you as there will be breaks in the day where you can eat. Most will not eat before weigh-in and either pop out to get breakfast once they have weighed in or have something with them. There are usually thirty-minute breaks between disciplines as well and bear in mind that in larger events there may be multiple groups (flights) of lifters so you will have opportunity to rest when you ae not warming up or lifting. Bring food that is light, you don’t want to eat to heavy and then vomit mid deadlift (I have seen that happen too). My personal go to is bananas and nuts, but that’s a personal preference. As long as it’s something you are used to (competition day is not the time to discover a new food intolerance!), eat light and it shouldn’t interfere with your lifting.
Can my family/friends come to watch? – Yes, spectators are welcomed and there isn’t normally an entry fee for spectators. It can be a long day for them too so they should think about bringing food also (though they hopefully won’t need to worry about vomiting mid deadlift!).
Should I cut weight to get to a specific weight category? – My first powerlifting event taught me much in this regard. This was the BWLA South Midlands Championship in 2004. I had competed at Portsmouth Strongest man at just under 100kg. For Powerlifting I felt I was too heavy and would be more competitive if I was leaner. I cut weight (dramatically) dropping from just under 100kg, to meet the 82.5kg category over a three-month period. How did I do? Well, I nearly bombed out, the sudden drop having a significant effect on my numbers/strength. So should I cut weight for my first event, no – treat it as a learning experience, and save the weight cut until you are a little more confidant on the platform. You don’t need to add stress to your first event.
Should I have a plan as to what my attempts will be? – Yes, not having a plan is something I often see with new lifters, and I think this is a mistake. There is so much new going on around you should try to minimise the aspects that are left to chance. When you go into the weigh in room you will be asked what your opening attempts are going to be (this is your first attempt at each discipline). You should know what this is before you step into the room or onto those scales. The opening lift at the first meet should be well within your abilities. I generally suggest something you could do at least three to five repetitions with. Your opener is what gets you on the score board in the first place, not your final result. You do not want to come out to your first meet and “bomb out” (fail to achieve a total) by having opened too heavy. I would also have a plan as to what the second and third attempts will be, albeit this can be adapted depending on how you feel / perform.
Should I aim for PRs and qualification? Powerlifting is broken down into regional, national and international competition. To progress from one level to the next usually requires meeting some qualification standard (ie a set number for the individual lifts or total). Should you be aiming to hit this at your first competition? No, I would suggest using the first event to learn how things go on the day. There will be a lot of new experiences from weigh in to warming up, to the rounds system. Take it all in and observe others to see what tips you can pick up keep your focus on the day at hand rather than future qualification (and enjoy the experience).
Do I need to know the rules in order to enter? It’s not essential but it would be a good idea! There is nothing laid down in any of the rulebooks to say the athlete must be conversant with them before entering. Equally I have seen many a confused lifter not understanding why the lift they have just performed has been disallowed. If you can, I always recommend at the very least reading the rules regarding personal equipment, rules of performance and reasons for disqualification before competition so you at least know what is expected of you as an athlete. I have had a number of new lifters flustered and panicking during kit check when they are told that a particular item can’t be worn on the platform and then they have to rush around finding an alternative in the hour before the meet starts simply because they didn’t familiarise themselves with the rules beforehand. If there is an event instruction, read it! You do not want to get to your first event to find out you are late and missed weigh in so now can’t compete (I have seen that happen a couple of times).
Powerlifting competition is a fantastically accessible sport, with age categories ranging from 14 all the way up to athletes who 90+ years old. You compete with people of your age and weight but crucially you compete against yourself, can you be the best version of you.
Hopefully I’ve covered off a lot of common questions but if you have one I haven’t click on the contact me button, and I’ll endeavour to answer you.
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