News Letter 7/16/07

For no other reason than there is really not much to report from other federations, it seems like all there is to report here at Maryland Powerlifting is IPF/USAPL news most of the time. This past week, I was not able to log-on to the APA message board. It appears that it has been closed. Also, I don't think it noteworthy to report squabbles that have been ongoing between individuals as they often resort to slander when making references of others and charges against various federations. If their tirade was useful enough to support an objective look at an issue that would concern a majority of powerlifters, I would certainly present that information here. But for the most part, the input that is offered during many of the discussions is ill informed and baseless. Then we have some who resort to heavy handed tactics when attempting to persuade others to fall in line with their politics and way of thinking. They go to great lengths to achieve their goals including making threats.

I won't name names here because it isn't necessary and my point is that powerlifting should be about the lifter and ensuring that the lifter is kept informed. Unfortunately, with the flood of information out in cyber space, an individual would suffer information overload when attempting to try and make sense of all there is to read and process. It seems that even the individuals who are frequenting many of the boards don't take time to read the entire thread before making a comment because they're simply responding to parts. Whether it be names or simply the subject they are responding to, it is often charged with emotion and lacking logic when they do take time to write a response. Note that I did not say make an effort. An effort would at the very least result in something productive and would add to the discussion instead of bringing it crashing to the ground.

As powerlifters, we have traditionally shown great respect for our fellow competitors at competitions. Why can't that same respect be shown when exchanging ideas on the internet? Or for that matter, at any time? The internet could be a very useful tool as long as it is used in a manner which is consistent with furthering growth in our sport. And, it is only useful if those who do take in the information found on the various sites process it in a way that will serve as a resource later on when that information is needed when making decisions concerning their own involvement in the sport. As for those who use heavy handed tactics to influence, time does catch up with them and they're ultimately exposed. It does not bode well in light of the fact that it is they who are guilty of the same unfounded and baseless charges they make towards others.

Soon, I'll be posting the minutes from the NGB meeting which was held on July 13th at the USAPL Men's Nationals. It will be information that will have some influence on your future involvement with powerlifting. Please take the time to read it. While the votes have been cast and there is no possibility of making changes until the NGB meets again next year, you are advised to be invovled and stay invovlved at some level. It can only grow and get better if we all participate.

On a more upbeat note, is it my imagination or is there a LOT of lifters who were past champions returning the the platform? Mike Bridges, at 50 years old, just won the 198's with a 860 kg (1896 lb) total at the Men's Nationals in St. Louis. And locally, I'm being told by a number of lifters who we haven't seen on the platform in a number of years, that they're coming back out. I think that is great!

Lastly, I've been asked by Paul Bossi (President, 100% RAW), to let everyone know that the deadline for submitting entry forms for the 100% RAW Bench/Powerlifting Nationals has been extended one week. If you've been thinking about giving a raw competiton a try, here is a last minute opportunity. Please be advised that the hotel where the meet is being held is sold out! The Nationals are being held in Richmond, VA in less than two weeks.


IPF News:
1) Please send your amendments according IPF-Con. 7.3.6.3 latest 15. August 2007. Please keep in mind, that at this Congress the Constitution and By-Laws can not be changed, except if the Congress decides about amendments with a 2/3-majority. At this Congress in Austria election of IPF officials and Committee Chairmen take place. Please forward your candidates to the General Secretary latest 15. August 2007.- Detlev Albrings

2) Referee registration for 2008-2011 is due by January 1, 2008
Note from Robert Keller; As a kind and gentle reminder, if you're an international referee, in order for you to renew your IPF Category I and II credentials, referees are required to have at the minimum, at least four [4] National or International Powerlifting Championships between 2004 - 2007. Please contact either Bill Clayton or myself, if you have any questions regarding re-certification of your credentials. Bill and I would like to have all of the applications to the referee registrar by October 01, 2007

List of IPF Referees and forms.








USAPL News:


UnofficialResults:

Gateway Women's Open
Day 1- 56, 60 & 67.5 kg,
75 kg/165 lb, 82.5 kg/181 lb, 90 kg/198 lb, 100 kg/220 lb, 110 kg/242 lb, 125 kg/275 lb,
125+ kg/SHW


Missouri State Chairman Rick Fowler was awarded the prestigious Brother Bennet Award.





2007 National Bench Press Championships


Links to Arnold Sports Festival information
Pro Deadlift Invitational Rankings
Pro Bench Invitational Rankings
Unequipped Competition
Quest Pro American Invitational Rankings


Universal News:









Sunday, September 16, 2007
Colosseum Gym
Vic Salvaggi




Matt and Sioux-z Gary will be presenting a powerlifting seminar on Saturday, September 29, 2007 in Lanham, MD. The seminar will be geared towards lifters of all abilities and will include nearly all aspects of powerlifting.


note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Maryland Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Maryland Powerlifting.