- Frequently Asked Questions -

Powerlifting is a sport consisting of 3 movements. The Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift. Each athlete gets 3 attempts on each movement to lift the most weight as possible. At the end, the heaviest successful attempt from each of the three lifts is added together to create a total. The biggest total in the weight class is the winner. The overall winner of the competition is the athlete with the highest GL Points. This is a formula that compares the total lifted to the athletes bodyweight allowing athletes from different body weights to compete against each other. 

To compete in South Midlands powerlifting you have to sign up to one of the competitions on our competitions page and also be a British Powerlifting member.

Yes you will need to be a British Powerlifting member. Memberships can be purchased here 

Referees are experienced members of our division. To be able to become a referee you will need to have had a British Powerlifting membership continuously for 2 years. After this you will need to sit and pass the British Powerlifting divisional referees exam. Please keep your eyes peeled for the next referees exam.

Volunteers are an integral part of our division that allows us to keep putting on competitions. If you want to volunteer please fill out the volunteers form to be added to the South Midlands volunteer group chat.

Volunteer Form

If you have a gym or venue in Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire or the Isle of Wight and would like to host a competition please use the contact form or alternatively send an email to smpowerlifting@gmail.com 

  Sanctioned competitions are non-refundable however is it down to the discretion of the competition organiser as they may have athletes on a waiting list that can take your place. This is generally only the case up to 6-8 weeks out from the competition. 

South Midlands events do not require a qualifying total however you can set a qualifying total for a National British Powerlifting event. British Qualifying totals can be found here.

Classic and Equipped lifting only differ in terms of what equipment is allowed to be used on the platform. Classic lifters are only allowed to use knee sleeves, wrists wraps and a belt. Equipped lifters are allowed to use a squat suit, knee wraps, bench shirt, wrist wraps, deadlift suit and a belt. Equipped Lifters will never compete directly against classic lifters. Equipped lifting is not cheating, get a grip.

The most important part about powerlifting in the South Midlands is that you don't have to  be at a certain level to compete. It is just you against you. Trying to perform better than you did the last time or setting a standard your first time out. Our best advice if you are hesitant to compete is to go for it. Everyone will be there to support and encourage you no matter how strong you are. Competitions are meant to be fun and that's what we encourage. Stop waiting to be a certain level, jump in and have fun. That is what it is all about.