News Letter 4/23/07
Where to start???
There is so much going on in the world of powerlifting that when giving consideration to what topic to talk about is much like throwing darts in the dark. You're going to find something of interest! And listening (reading) all the noise out there in cyber land has gotten to the point where one has a hard time deciding if there is any difference in one federation compared to the next. They're all acting like kids in a sand box. One minute they're playing nice and doing their own thing and then the next, the online pleading of each's case and the deliberations by the cyber jury wages on.
I'll start with Larry Maile's repudiation of Elitot Feldman and others who have made an attempt to help explain the new Arnold meet format/selection criteria that was released last week by the USAPL. President Maile wrote in a rare posting at GoHeavy.com:
Good morning, All,
I have received a number of calls and emails based on information presented on these forums. Please be advised that the only correct source for information is the USA Powerlifting Website and that Mr. Feldman is not a spokesman for USA Powerlifting or the Arnold Sports Festival Planning Committee. At this point, a number of people are working on planning, sponsorship, and production issues and will release more information on the USAPL website as things come together.
Any specifics of individual athlete selection are premature. Please be patient as we work to make this a quality presentation. However, the 2007 USAPL Men's Nationals is a qualifier for U.S. athletes.
Best regards, L.J. Maile, President USA Powerlifting
And Eliot's response:
That is correct. I am not an official of the USAPL nor have a spoken in that capacity.
Now me:
Yet, lifters (Tim Anderson) have gone on the unofficial USAPL form, requested information or clarification about the format/selection criteria, and have not received a response in a way that all may better understand how they too may qualify for this huge event. I even asked for clarification at Powerlifting Watch (perhaps should have sent a message through one of the "unofficial" forums) and was only met with silence. And may I ask, how often is it that someone asks a question on one of the "unofficial" forums and receives an "unofficial" response that does not seem to attract the kind of condemnation that Eliot has? Or, an "official" member does even reply?
It is hoped that those voted into office will recognize that it is the lifters who make the federation and that when questions are asked that they not be met with silence. It is my opinion that there are some who do have the best of intentions in trying to help their fellow lifter and in the process of trying are not necessarily doing so because they're in a postion of authority, instead they want to put their federation in the best light.
I also urge the EC of the USAPL to take advantage of those like Eliot who have been long time members and have a good feel for both how things work in the federation. They can make those interested in becoming members feel that much more at ease when deciding to make the transition to the USAPL. It becomes especially important now that the USAPL has become the powerlifting partner at the Arnold Festival and that event will certainly attract greater exposure for the federation. It already has.
When the federation President goes onto a forum like GoHeavy and publically castigates one of his members, thus adding greater separation in the relationship between the federation and one of its better known members, it reeks of censorship and heavy handidness. Not a good thing when your trying to be shown in the best light. It is one thing to to follow a company line when the company line is made known to the workers in the company. Quite another when the workers are not informed and not delt with in a more respectful manner. If obedience is demanded, buy a pet. If the wish is that you don't want your membership making statements which can be misconstrued as "official," perhaps designate someone to monitor the boards and make generic responses that are consisted with the goals of the federation. Much like the overall statement Dr. Maile released and is posted above. Other than the referenses to Eliot, it is a good and understandable statement.
In summary, I basically find it offensive to publically redicule others. If Eliot has been advised in private, and we won't know that, he should have heeded the request. Still, each have a right to speak and as long as it is done in a respectful way, I have no problem with it. Nor should the USAPL.
The United Powerlifting Association has been founded. The UPA is a group of former APF members who recently broke away after a long building discontent with the manner in which Kieran Kidder managed the APF/WPO/WPC. In an announcement this past weekend, they've launched a website including one for the state of Iowa. Iowa is the home state of Bill Carpenter who is the former APF state chair and now serves as Vice President. Kenny Peterson serves as President. When launching the Iowa site, records and results that were established in APF meets were carried over to the new federation and that has become the topic of this newly formed federations first debate. If your interested in becoming a member or represnting the UPa as a state chairman, please contact Bill or Kenny through a link provided at the new website.
In keeping with my policy of linking only federations that either hold meets or have representation here in Maryland, a link will not be added for the UPA until sometime in the future when that status might change.
Then Kieran Kidder....,
Kidder (posted at GoHeavy):
The WPO will heading to Tinsel Town to be part of the Fit Expo. Scott Mendleson will be running the bench press contest for sure. I'm running the WPO Finals. The details for the WPO Finals at the Fit Expo are still being worked out, but looks very promising. I'm very excited about takig the WPO to L.A.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I would be hosting the WPO Finals in Columbus at a facility on the outskirts of town. Now that a another Unnecessary Powerlifting Association is forming in Columbus the WPO is completely out of the Buckeye City. Just like the Gators double chomped the Buckeyes, the WPO has chomped up it's history in Columbus, and is moving on. I't always the beginning never the end for the APF/WPO. More details on the futre of the WPO this coming week.
KK APF/WPC/WPO Prez.
I can think of a lot of lessons that can be learned here (don't burn bridges, bad sport, poor loser, etc). Most of which I learned before I was 10 years old. I'll leave the rest up to you.
And speaking of the APF and the IPA..., despite they are represented here in Maryland, the lack of activity has caused me to give consideration to no longer linking or providing in-depth coverage. If anyone has an opinion (for or against), please go to the message board and let me hear it.
APF News:
In a statement made April 17 at GoHeavy.com, APF/WPC/WPO President, Kieran Kidder announced that Mike Sweeney has been "removed from his position as WPC/WPO Excutive Chairman."
The message from Kidder:
Dear,APF/WPC/WPO lifter:
Mike Sweeney is being removed from his position as WPC/WPO Excutive Chairman. His name has been removed from the WPC web site. He will be an Official at some point again, but only when I feel the time is right. However I can guarantee he will not be at APF Senior Nationals, or any APF/WPO meets I'm running this year. He has been instructed not to post ever again.
I to want personally apologize for any negative,hurtful posts/e-mails Mike might have said/sent about any individual that I'm not aware of. I want to personally apologize to Eric Stone for Mike's stupid attacks against him. Eric is a great person who does only positive work for the AAPF/APF. I want to apologize to Bill Carpenter for a recent threatening e-mail from Mike that upset him, and heart felt sorry to any other APF State Chairman Mike rubbed the wrong way with his overbearing opinions.
I purposely only view the forums as little as 3-4 times a month. No matter what I post gets negative responses, so my feeling was, "what's the point." I relied on Mike to do it for me. I didn't fully realize how addicted Mike was to fueling negative responses from his e-mails and posts. I can relate to that because in the first few years of the forums I got wrapped up in posting negative opinions/challenging other lifters thinking too. As the APF/WPC/WPO President I know that posting negative opinions are only going to get negative responses. So I do my best to refrain(I know I don't always refrain). From now on I will personally review the forums until I appoint somebody else who can be neutral regardless of the issue. Again my deepest apologies to those Mike Sweeney offended.
Sincerely, Kieran Kidder APF/WPC/WPO President.
P.S. More on the future of the WPO tomorrow on the WPO web site.
IPF New:
Detlev Albrings of the IPF announced the formation of the Lifters and Coaches Commissions with the following announcement:
Dear Sports colleagues,
As agreed at the IPF-Congress in Stavanger / Norway 2006 we have build up a Lifters Commission and a Coach Commission. The member nations have sent their member proposals to me. After completing the list the proposed commission members have selected within their group the speaker.
If you have ideas, questions, strategic visions, how to improve and develop our sport, please do not hesitate and contact the members of the Lifters Commission and Coach Commission. They will discuss your suggestions and present a conclusion to the IPF-Executive and the IPF-Committees.
These both commissions are an improvement for our sport and please use the opportunity to contact the members. You can also contact all other members of the Committees, when you have an idea etc.
Thank you very much for your support.
Best wishesDetlev AlbringsIPF General Secretary
Included on these newly formed commissions are Priscilla Ribic (Lifters Commission) and Johnny Graham (Coaches Commission). Both from the U.S.
Impairment application
Reminder:
1) Referee registration for 2008-2011 is due by January 1, 2008
USAPL News:
New USAPL Forum has been launched by Brad Madvig. A link has been added to the list on the left side of this page.
New Collegiate Committee (as announced by Jon Magendie) :
Kelly Louque, Monica Millet, Lora Marietta, Abby Holmes, Pamela Bartz, Wade Hooper, Arval Bridges, Liz Aldridge andAndy Bates.
Their contact info as well as mine will be posted on the Collegiate Committee page on the USAPL site very soon, as will the minutes of our meeting.
From the President's Desk:
All, This past month we had 1208 membership sales. This is our largest single month in organizational history. There were 32 meets, and some big ones. There are also a number of meets scheduled in some of our slowest months as well (traditionally summer).
Things are looking good for USA Powerlifting. It is a credit to all your hard work. Thank you, LJM
Bids being received for the '09 Masters (as posted by Gina Stapleton)):
Anyone interested in placing a bid for the 2009 Masters Nationals may send their bid to Johnny Graham.
Reminder:
1) June 13th (30 days prior to NGB meeting) - Deadline for Agenda Items, honorary award nominations
USPF News:
A link has been added to the list of links for the World Powerlifting Federation to which the USPF is now an affiliate.
News from the World Around Us:
Powerlifting Watch for news, comments and opinions.
note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Maryland Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Maryland Powerlifting.
There is so much going on in the world of powerlifting that when giving consideration to what topic to talk about is much like throwing darts in the dark. You're going to find something of interest! And listening (reading) all the noise out there in cyber land has gotten to the point where one has a hard time deciding if there is any difference in one federation compared to the next. They're all acting like kids in a sand box. One minute they're playing nice and doing their own thing and then the next, the online pleading of each's case and the deliberations by the cyber jury wages on.
I'll start with Larry Maile's repudiation of Elitot Feldman and others who have made an attempt to help explain the new Arnold meet format/selection criteria that was released last week by the USAPL. President Maile wrote in a rare posting at GoHeavy.com:
Good morning, All,
I have received a number of calls and emails based on information presented on these forums. Please be advised that the only correct source for information is the USA Powerlifting Website and that Mr. Feldman is not a spokesman for USA Powerlifting or the Arnold Sports Festival Planning Committee. At this point, a number of people are working on planning, sponsorship, and production issues and will release more information on the USAPL website as things come together.
Any specifics of individual athlete selection are premature. Please be patient as we work to make this a quality presentation. However, the 2007 USAPL Men's Nationals is a qualifier for U.S. athletes.
Best regards, L.J. Maile, President USA Powerlifting
And Eliot's response:
That is correct. I am not an official of the USAPL nor have a spoken in that capacity.
Now me:
Yet, lifters (Tim Anderson) have gone on the unofficial USAPL form, requested information or clarification about the format/selection criteria, and have not received a response in a way that all may better understand how they too may qualify for this huge event. I even asked for clarification at Powerlifting Watch (perhaps should have sent a message through one of the "unofficial" forums) and was only met with silence. And may I ask, how often is it that someone asks a question on one of the "unofficial" forums and receives an "unofficial" response that does not seem to attract the kind of condemnation that Eliot has? Or, an "official" member does even reply?
It is hoped that those voted into office will recognize that it is the lifters who make the federation and that when questions are asked that they not be met with silence. It is my opinion that there are some who do have the best of intentions in trying to help their fellow lifter and in the process of trying are not necessarily doing so because they're in a postion of authority, instead they want to put their federation in the best light.
I also urge the EC of the USAPL to take advantage of those like Eliot who have been long time members and have a good feel for both how things work in the federation. They can make those interested in becoming members feel that much more at ease when deciding to make the transition to the USAPL. It becomes especially important now that the USAPL has become the powerlifting partner at the Arnold Festival and that event will certainly attract greater exposure for the federation. It already has.
When the federation President goes onto a forum like GoHeavy and publically castigates one of his members, thus adding greater separation in the relationship between the federation and one of its better known members, it reeks of censorship and heavy handidness. Not a good thing when your trying to be shown in the best light. It is one thing to to follow a company line when the company line is made known to the workers in the company. Quite another when the workers are not informed and not delt with in a more respectful manner. If obedience is demanded, buy a pet. If the wish is that you don't want your membership making statements which can be misconstrued as "official," perhaps designate someone to monitor the boards and make generic responses that are consisted with the goals of the federation. Much like the overall statement Dr. Maile released and is posted above. Other than the referenses to Eliot, it is a good and understandable statement.
In summary, I basically find it offensive to publically redicule others. If Eliot has been advised in private, and we won't know that, he should have heeded the request. Still, each have a right to speak and as long as it is done in a respectful way, I have no problem with it. Nor should the USAPL.
The United Powerlifting Association has been founded. The UPA is a group of former APF members who recently broke away after a long building discontent with the manner in which Kieran Kidder managed the APF/WPO/WPC. In an announcement this past weekend, they've launched a website including one for the state of Iowa. Iowa is the home state of Bill Carpenter who is the former APF state chair and now serves as Vice President. Kenny Peterson serves as President. When launching the Iowa site, records and results that were established in APF meets were carried over to the new federation and that has become the topic of this newly formed federations first debate. If your interested in becoming a member or represnting the UPa as a state chairman, please contact Bill or Kenny through a link provided at the new website.
In keeping with my policy of linking only federations that either hold meets or have representation here in Maryland, a link will not be added for the UPA until sometime in the future when that status might change.
Then Kieran Kidder....,
Kidder (posted at GoHeavy):
The WPO will heading to Tinsel Town to be part of the Fit Expo. Scott Mendleson will be running the bench press contest for sure. I'm running the WPO Finals. The details for the WPO Finals at the Fit Expo are still being worked out, but looks very promising. I'm very excited about takig the WPO to L.A.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I would be hosting the WPO Finals in Columbus at a facility on the outskirts of town. Now that a another Unnecessary Powerlifting Association is forming in Columbus the WPO is completely out of the Buckeye City. Just like the Gators double chomped the Buckeyes, the WPO has chomped up it's history in Columbus, and is moving on. I't always the beginning never the end for the APF/WPO. More details on the futre of the WPO this coming week.
KK APF/WPC/WPO Prez.
I can think of a lot of lessons that can be learned here (don't burn bridges, bad sport, poor loser, etc). Most of which I learned before I was 10 years old. I'll leave the rest up to you.
And speaking of the APF and the IPA..., despite they are represented here in Maryland, the lack of activity has caused me to give consideration to no longer linking or providing in-depth coverage. If anyone has an opinion (for or against), please go to the message board and let me hear it.
APF News:
In a statement made April 17 at GoHeavy.com, APF/WPC/WPO President, Kieran Kidder announced that Mike Sweeney has been "removed from his position as WPC/WPO Excutive Chairman."
The message from Kidder:
Dear,APF/WPC/WPO lifter:
Mike Sweeney is being removed from his position as WPC/WPO Excutive Chairman. His name has been removed from the WPC web site. He will be an Official at some point again, but only when I feel the time is right. However I can guarantee he will not be at APF Senior Nationals, or any APF/WPO meets I'm running this year. He has been instructed not to post ever again.
I to want personally apologize for any negative,hurtful posts/e-mails Mike might have said/sent about any individual that I'm not aware of. I want to personally apologize to Eric Stone for Mike's stupid attacks against him. Eric is a great person who does only positive work for the AAPF/APF. I want to apologize to Bill Carpenter for a recent threatening e-mail from Mike that upset him, and heart felt sorry to any other APF State Chairman Mike rubbed the wrong way with his overbearing opinions.
I purposely only view the forums as little as 3-4 times a month. No matter what I post gets negative responses, so my feeling was, "what's the point." I relied on Mike to do it for me. I didn't fully realize how addicted Mike was to fueling negative responses from his e-mails and posts. I can relate to that because in the first few years of the forums I got wrapped up in posting negative opinions/challenging other lifters thinking too. As the APF/WPC/WPO President I know that posting negative opinions are only going to get negative responses. So I do my best to refrain(I know I don't always refrain). From now on I will personally review the forums until I appoint somebody else who can be neutral regardless of the issue. Again my deepest apologies to those Mike Sweeney offended.
Sincerely, Kieran Kidder APF/WPC/WPO President.
P.S. More on the future of the WPO tomorrow on the WPO web site.
IPF New:
Detlev Albrings of the IPF announced the formation of the Lifters and Coaches Commissions with the following announcement:
Dear Sports colleagues,
As agreed at the IPF-Congress in Stavanger / Norway 2006 we have build up a Lifters Commission and a Coach Commission. The member nations have sent their member proposals to me. After completing the list the proposed commission members have selected within their group the speaker.
If you have ideas, questions, strategic visions, how to improve and develop our sport, please do not hesitate and contact the members of the Lifters Commission and Coach Commission. They will discuss your suggestions and present a conclusion to the IPF-Executive and the IPF-Committees.
These both commissions are an improvement for our sport and please use the opportunity to contact the members. You can also contact all other members of the Committees, when you have an idea etc.
Thank you very much for your support.
Best wishesDetlev AlbringsIPF General Secretary
Included on these newly formed commissions are Priscilla Ribic (Lifters Commission) and Johnny Graham (Coaches Commission). Both from the U.S.
Impairment application
Reminder:
1) Referee registration for 2008-2011 is due by January 1, 2008
USAPL News:
New USAPL Forum has been launched by Brad Madvig. A link has been added to the list on the left side of this page.
New Collegiate Committee (as announced by Jon Magendie) :
Kelly Louque, Monica Millet, Lora Marietta, Abby Holmes, Pamela Bartz, Wade Hooper, Arval Bridges, Liz Aldridge andAndy Bates.
Their contact info as well as mine will be posted on the Collegiate Committee page on the USAPL site very soon, as will the minutes of our meeting.
From the President's Desk:
All, This past month we had 1208 membership sales. This is our largest single month in organizational history. There were 32 meets, and some big ones. There are also a number of meets scheduled in some of our slowest months as well (traditionally summer).
Things are looking good for USA Powerlifting. It is a credit to all your hard work. Thank you, LJM
Bids being received for the '09 Masters (as posted by Gina Stapleton)):
Anyone interested in placing a bid for the 2009 Masters Nationals may send their bid to Johnny Graham.
Reminder:
1) June 13th (30 days prior to NGB meeting) - Deadline for Agenda Items, honorary award nominations
USPF News:
A link has been added to the list of links for the World Powerlifting Federation to which the USPF is now an affiliate.
News from the World Around Us:
Powerlifting Watch for news, comments and opinions.
note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Maryland Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Maryland Powerlifting.
posted by Maryland Powerlifting | 11:03 AM
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