The BCPA is a volunteer-run organization that relies on its members to provide their time for the love of their sport. Volunteers are needed to run the association and put on competitions. We are grateful to everyone who has volunteered their time in growing the sport of powerlifting in British Columbia!
Volunteer at a Competition
The day of competition is full of excitement and adrenaline. Reliable volunteers are needed to run the competition efficiently and to provide a fantastic experience for all competitors. We welcome both BCPA members and non-members to volunteer! Volunteering is the best way for newcomers to get a feel for the sport. Volunteer sign-ups are posted on the BCPA Calendar page for each event. There are several positions available for each competition:
Admissions
Admissions staff will handle cash and sometimes credit/debit payments for all spectators. This position doesn’t require previous experience. The admissions staff will:
- Charge spectators the admission price and handle the payment process.
- Check people entering the venue for proof of admission or proof that they are a competitor, coach, or volunteer.
- Provide printed programs to the spectators.
Expeditor
The expeditor sits at the score table next to the scorekeepers and is in charge of taking attempt cards from the competitors. Familiarity with the International Powerlifting Federation’s rules is required. The expeditor will:
- Verify that scorecards are filled out correctly.
- Verify that competitors submitted their scorecards on time.
- Pass scorecards to the scorekeepers.
Warm-up Room Marshall
The warm-up room marshall ensures that the warm-up room is orderly and only permitted people are in the area. This position doesn’t require experience. The warm-up room marshall will:
- Ensure that competitors are warming up in a safe manner that doesn’t endanger themselves or other people in the warm-up room.
- Ensure that competitors are not placing equipment on unprotected floor surfaces.
- Ensure that only competitors, coaches, volunteers, and approved sponsors are in the warm-up area.
Announcer
The announcer will announce competitors’ names when it is their turn to make their attempt and any other announcements needed. They will be in charge of the flow of the meet and to keep the spectators engaged. This position requires experience with how a powerlifting competition operates as well as an understanding of the International Powerlifting Federation’s rules. This position is suited for people who have previously competed or volunteered at a competition.
Platform Chief
The platform chief will run the platform staff. This position requires experience with how a powerlifting competition operates on the platform as well as an understanding of the International Powerlifting Federation’s rules. This position is suited for people who have previously competed or volunteered at a competition. The platform chief will:
- Explain duties to spotters and loaders before the competition begins.
- Directs the spotters and loaders on what weight to load on the barbell between competitors.
- Examines the loaded barbell and confirms to the head referee that the platform is ready for the next competitor.
- Ensures that spotters and loaders are acting efficiently and safely, correcting them during the course of the competition as needed.
- Brushes or cleans the barbell as required in between competitors.
Spotters and Loaders
Spotters and loaders are not separate positions, but rather fulfill both duties on the platform. No experience is needed, but these volunteers are expected to learn on the job quickly and have confidence in themselves that they can ensure the safety of the competitors at all times. Spotters and loaders will have their duties explained to them by the platform chief before the start of competition. Their duties include:
- Loading the barbell correctly, as directed by the platform chief.
- Spotting the competitors and ensuring that everyone on the platform is kept safe in the event of a failed lift.
- Obeying the commands of the head referee, if requested to take the bar from the competitor in the case of a failed lift.
Venue Set-up
Set-up crews will set up the venue before the start of the competition. No experience is needed. Volunteers will be directed by BCPA executive members. Set-up crews will:
- Unload the equipment trailer.
- Set up warm-up platforms, racks, and equipment.
- Set up the competition platform.
- Set up audience chairs.
- Set up audio-visual equipment.
Venue Tear-down
Tear-down crews will tear down and pack up all equipment after the close of competition, returning the venue to the same state it was in before the competition. No experience is needed. Volunteers will be directed by BCPA executive members. Tear-down crews will:
- Loading the into equipment trailer.
- Tear down up warm up platforms and racks.
- Tear down the competition platform.
- Put away audience chairs.
- Tear down and pack up audio-visual equipment.
- Clean up the venue.
Scorekeeping
Scorekeepers ensure that all competitor results are tracked as they happen and the verified results are made available after the close of competition. Scorekeepers must be trained, and therefore are pulled from a trained volunteer pool before each competition. If you are interested in becoming a scorekeeper then please email the Scorekeepers Chair. The Scorekeepers Chair will hold periodic training sessions throughout the year.
Referees
Referees are trained individuals who have a thorough understanding of the International Powerlifting Federation’s rules. Referees must pass a written exam. If you are interested in becoming a referee then please see our Referees page.