The information on this page is taken from the CPU Policies in Appendix F – Youth Division (correct as of January 10, 2023).
Please refer to the CPU Policies for the most up-to-date information.
The BCPA is pleased announce that Youth Division Powerlifting is now supported in BC.
The focus for the CPU Youth Division will be to introduce young athletes to the life-long sport of
Powerlifting. Exposing youths to a fun and safe environment would not only allow the sport to grow, but
it will only benefit these them in their daily lives and other athletic endeavours they may choose
throughout their school years. It allows for individual focused training and competing while at the same
time, creating a strong community of support around them in a fun and positive environment. The main
priority for these athletes is to learn and perform proper technique and training methods, through
experience on the competition platform.
Age Divisions
Personal Apparel / Lifter Gear
Equipment
Weight Classes
Weigh-ins
Proper Identification
Scoring
Qualifying Standards
Records
Drug Testing
Age Divisions
Youth 1 – from the day the lifter turns 8 years old throughout the full calendar year they turn 9
years old (up to Provincial competition level only)
Youth 2 – from January 1st of the calendar year the lifter turns 10 years old (up to Regional
competition level only)
Youth 3 – from January 1st of the calendar year the lifter turns 12 years old until the day the
lifter turns 14 years old (up to National competition level)
Personal Apparel / Lifter Gear
The youth division will only be contested in the Classic lifting division as defined in the IPF rulebook.
Supportive equipment (BP shirts, SQ suits or DL suits, and knee wraps) is strictly prohibited for youth
division.
IPF approved personal apparel and lifting gear is required for all youth lifters.
Equipment
The BCPA has purchased bumper plates which enables youth lifters to deadlift in competition. The BCPA has 2x5kg, 1x20kg, 1x15kg pairs of Zeus bumper plates and 2x15kg bars. This enables all youth division age categories to compete in BC.
Youth athletes may need access to a lighter lifting bar (15kg bar).
For the deadlift, efforts are to be made to ensure that the starting bar height is the same for all
athletes. It is recommended that at the Provincial level full diameter (45cm) bumper plates or
wooden false plates are to be provided to accomplish this. The BCPA owns both bumper plates and wooden false plates to all youth to deadlift weight below 65kg (standard power bar + collars).
Lifting Equipment at Regionals and Nationals
Full diameter (45cm) bumper plates will be used at Regional and National level meets.
• Y1 & Y2 a 15kg bar will be used (Y2 may only compete at a Regional level)
• Y3 a standard 20kg bar will be used (Y3 may compete up to a National level)
• Full diameter (45cm) bumper plates will be used for deadlifts when necessary to ensure the bar
height from the floor is the same for all lifters.
Weight Classes
Girls: 30kg, 35kg, 40kg, and then the already set weight classes.
Boys: 30kg, 35kg, 40kg, 44kg, 48kg and then the set classes.
Weigh-ins
Youth athletes must wear a singlet and t-shirt during weigh-ins.
Youth athletes must be accompanied by a parent, guardian. A coach may be present during
weigh-ins as well. Rule of 2 applies – 2 adults per 1 child.
Proper Identification
Membership card should also be available upon registration at any competition. Youth Division memberships are available for purchase.
• All minors must have a parent sign a waiver (per the CPU insurance provider).
• There are no restrictions, warranty of exclusion regarding age of participants (also per the CPU
insurance provider).
Scoring
Athletes will follow CPU guidelines for scoring, adding their one best lift from each category to their final
total. The focus should continue to be on proper technique and lifting within their ability. Any athlete
who does not complete any lift in a category will be allowed to complete the lifting event to gain
experience on the platform. No final total shall be awarded to that athlete. All youth lifters will be
allowed to request any increment of 0.5kg for any attempt.
Qualifying Standards
• There will be no set qualifying total for a Regional or National competition, however the youth
athletes must have previously participated in a CPU sanctioned meet and must meet any other
Provincial requirements to attend a Regional or National Championships.
• Any 13-year-old athletes that will turn 14 during the calendar year will have their total from the
youth division considered for a spot on the Sub-Junior team.
Records
• Each Province will maintain its own records for these age divisions. BCPA will create these once we have youth competing in BC.
• National records will be established for youth.
• The competition committee has determined there will not be any record standards established
for this division as there is not enough data.
Drug Testing
• All members of the CPU are subject to testing conducted by the CCES
• All lifters in the youth division are exempt from having to complete the True Sport online
education module.