A minimum of FOUR to begin with, although it would be expected that your federation or grouping would grow in size as it attracted more members. It may also be possible for individual lifters to affiliate to the WDFPF under our "Single & Below Minimum" registration scheme, provided they are already subject to drug testing procedures which meet the strict conditions of the WDFPF. [back to question index]

This depends on the stance adopted by the other organization of which you are a member. In the majority of cases, the WDFPF has no objection to individuals participating in our events who are also affiliated to other governing bodies (providing we are satisfied as to your drug-free credentials, and that you are normally subject to a serious drug control programme). However, your current national organization may not permit you to do this. You should also be aware that the dual-affiliation of whole national bodies to more than one international organization, is not permitted under the rules of most such organizations (including the WDFPF). [back to question index]

The WDFPF was formed in order to provide an alternative drug-free platform for international powerlifting competition. The success of this enterprise depends on member countries also implementing rigorous drug control policies at national level. This helps to gain the confidence of all other WDFPF members. Strict drug control policy also permits all WDFPF national bodies to protect and safeguard their own drug-free integrity. Unfortunately it is not sufficient to accept assurances from prospective members of the WDFPF that they share our commitment to genuine drug-free competition. They need to demonstrate this by the adoption of policies which will be truly effective. WDFPF drug control rules are strict - because they have to be. [back to question index]

The WDFPF has a policy of automatic life bans for anabolic positives or refusals, subject to appeal. It is expected that member countries should adopt a similar approach in respect of their internal testing programmes.  [back to question index]

Yes - lifters are selected for testing at international events on the basis of any criteria. This is by far the most effective way. It is expected that each member nation should be similarly selective when picking lifters for testing at its own events - and of course, for out- of-competition testing. The following are two extracts from the W.D.F.P.F. Rulebook, concerning the selection of lifters for testing: 

Yes. The WDFPF Executive officials can give full details of drug control protocol (including all drug testing procedures), and can supply contacts to a recommended laboratory if this is necessary. [back to question index]

UNEQUIPPED : in which non-supportive leotard must be worn - only belt and wrist wraps are also permitted. The WDFPF website contains some listings of approved products, but anyone in doubt may consult the WDFPF Executive on this matter for further clarification. [back to question index]

WOMEN : 44 kg - 47.5 - 50.5 - 53 - 55.5 - 58.5 - 63 - 70 - 80 - 90 - 90+ [back to question index]

and so on - ad infinitum. These age groups apply to both men and women. [back to question index]

Yes - for both Equipped and Unequipped - not only Bench Press, but also Squat and Dead Lift. [back to question index]

Check the relevant listings (records) on this website, or apply to the WDFPF General Secretary for a printed list. [back to question index]

Check the relevant listings (results) on this website. [back to question index]

Check the relevant listings (schedule) on this website. [back to question index]

By applying to the WDFPF General Secretary. [back to question index]

Yes. This list is based on that of the International Olympic Committee, but the WDFPF reserves the right to add or delete from this list as it sees fit. In most respects the list is currently the same as that of the IOC. The list can be made available on application to the Chair of the WDFPF Drug Control Committee or the WDFPF President. [back to question index]

The WDFPF believes that in general, individual lifters must take responsibility for substances which they buy and ingest. Therefore unless there are exceptional circumstances which apply, claims by lifters that they were ignorant of products containing banned substances - will not be accepted. Consequently any positive test results (anabolic agents) will be responded to in the normal way - that is, by the imposition of a life ban. [back to question index]

By being successful in passing the WDFPF International Referees’ examination. This can be done by contacting the Chair of the WDFPF Technical Committee in the first instance. [back to question index]

International competitions can be promoted by national organizations affiliated to the WDFPF, or by individual promoters with the approval of the drug-free (WDFPF) organizations in their country. All international championships must be run in strict accordance with WDFPF rules, including the mandatory drug testing of a minimum of 10% of the total number of competitors. [back to question index]

Yes. European championships are run annually, and the WDFPF also sanctions events such as the Pan-American championships, as well as regional events in Oceania, Africa etc. International tournaments are also sanctioned, such as the North Sea Cup and Celtic Nations Cup. [back to question index]

In many cases WDFPF titles may be won with lifts and totals which would be nowhere near a winning standard elsewhere. However, it should not be assumed that standards in the WDFPF are uniformly of an average standard. The best drug-free competitors in the WDFPF are of a very high calibre indeed, as reference to our World records will testify. [back to question index]

Most equipment companies produce items which are approved under WDFPF rules, but not all. Some of these are listed on the WDFPF website, but this list is not exhaustive, and anyone in doubt about the legitimacy of their lifting apparel/ equipment for use in WDFPF competition should consult a member of the Executive. [back to question index]

Yes, providing international lifting conditions are in force. This means that regulation equipment and costume etc. should be used throughout, that the event should be judged by three referees of international status - and that a minimum of 10% of the total number of competitors at the event in question should be subject to drug testing. [back to question index]

Each country whose drug-free federation/association is affiliated to the WDFPF, is entitled to elect or nominate a maximum of three voting representatives to take part in the decision-making process of the WDFPF at our annual world congress. Countries registered under the "Single & below minimum" scheme may be represented by one person only.

Whether or not additional persons may attend the annual congress as observers, or to participate in the discussions, is a matter for the World Committee to decide at the congress itself. [back to question index]