Eligibility for IrishPF Membership, National-level Events, and National Team

Note that for the purposes of this document the following abbreviations will be used:

  • IPF = International Powerlifting Federation
  • IrishPF = Irish Powerlifting Federation
  • WADA = World Anti-Doping Authority
  • NGB = National Governing Body

Who can join the Irish Powerlifting Federation?

There are some basic requirements to join the IrishPF:

  1. You must be 14 years of age or older
  2. You must have permission from your legal guardian if you are under 18 years of age
  3. You must not be currently subject to a disciplinary sanction, suspension, or ban from any IPF affiliate
  4. You must not be currently subject to a disciplinary sanction, suspension, or ban from any WADA-approved body

If you satisfy these requirements, you can apply for IrishPF Membership.

Note that you are not a member of the IrishPF until a Membership Number has been issued.

All applications for membership are reviewed by the IrishPF Committee.

The IrishPF Committee reserves the right to refuse membership for any reason.

 

Do I have to be an Irish citizen to join the Irish Powerlifting Federation?

No. We welcome people from all over the world to join and compete with us, subject to the criteria above.

There are some additional restrictions when it comes to competing at National-level Events and being selected for the National Team (see below) however these will not affect the vast majority of lifters who simply wish to compete and challenge themselves. National-level events are clearly marked as such on the calendar.

 

Do I have to live in Ireland to join the Irish Powerlifting Federation?

No. We have several lifters who travel to Ireland to compete due to their Irish roots or just the fact they love our competitions. As long as you meet the criteria above, you are welcome at our competitions.

There are some additional restrictions when it comes to competing at National-level Events and being selected for the National Team (see below) however these will not affect the vast majority of lifters who simply wish to compete and challenge themselves. National-level events are clearly marked as such on the calendar.

 

What if I’m a member of another International Powerlifting Federation affiliate?

The IPF does not currently have clear guidance on individuals holding membership of multiple affiliates.

Our lifter-first stance is that we welcome you to join the IrishPF regardless of memberships with other IPF affiliates. There will be some restrictions on whether you can represent the IrishPF internationally which are addressed below.

Please note that if the IPF issue a definitive ruling on this topic then the IrishPF and our lifters will be subjected to it and we will handle any implications in a fair and transparent manner.

 

What if I’m a member of another powerlifting federation that is not affiliated with the International Powerlifting Federation?

Our lifter-first stance is that we welcome lifters who are members of multiple powerlifting federations subject to the basic criteria outlined above.

We recognise that many lifters don’t join a powerlifting federation to take a moral stance or make a statement: they join federations with well-run competitions scheduled at times that suit them.

In Ireland, we are lucky to have multiple powerlifting federations with competitions to suit every lifter and their schedule. We hope that you will compete with the IrishPF and we also wish you the best of luck wherever you compete.

 

Am I eligible to compete at National-level Events and/or be selected for the National Team to represent Ireland?

These Eligibility Criteria were updated following the 2023 AGM and are in effect until further notice.

In order to compete at National-level events, a lifter must:

  1. Hit the minimum qualifying total standard*
  2. Hit a “Top 7” total in their weight class at any IrishPF, EPF or IPF competition in the 12 months prior to the event (N.B. Winners of the previous Nationals Championship auto-qualify)
  3. Be eligible to be selected for an international competition in order to be invited to Nationals

In order to be considered for International selection, a lifter must:

  1. Have competed in a National IrishPF or international (EPF and IPF) competition in the twelve months preceding selection/ invitation. (Note: this may not apply to wild card selection)
  2. Have clear ties and connections to Ireland and the IrishPF as defined by:
    • Must have been born on the island of Ireland, OR
    • Must reside on the island of Ireland for the twelve** months preceding selection / invitation, OR
    • Must hold an Irish passport.
  3. Not have competed in an International event sanctioned by the International Powerlifting Federation, or any of the IPF’s Regional Federations, representing any other National Federation in the preceding six (6) months.
    • For the purposes of this criteria, representing Northern Ireland in the British Powerlifting Home Nations event shall not make a lifter ineligible as the IrishPF consider this event to be a Regional Championship within British Powerlifting.
    • For the purposes of this criteria, representing Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships shall make a lifter ineligible as the IrishPF consider this event to be an International Championship competing against other IPF National Federations.

Please note that International selection is never guaranteed. A team is selected for each International Championships by the IrishPF Head Coach and their Assistant Coaches based on all relevant criteria including, but not limited to: recent performances, prior contributions to the International team, projected contributions to the International team, impact on team morale, expected administrative burden, and more.

*Minimum Qualifying Totals by Weight Class


U47 – 275kg

U52 – 295kg

U57 – 315kg

U63 – 357.5kg

U69 – 377.5kg

U76 – 375kg

U84 – 392.5kg

84+ – 385kg 

U59 – 460kg

U66 – 502.5kg

U74 – 545kg

U83 – 582.5kg

U93 – 637.5kg

U105 – 680kg

U120 – 715kg

120+ – 647.5kg

** An appeal may be brought to the EC on this point, e.g. international students who do not stay in Ireland for a full 12 months