As we pass the midway point of 2001, USA Powerlifting continues to move forward with exciting news
both nationally and within California.  The National Governing Body Meeting was held prior to the 
Men’s National Powerlifting Championships in Omaha, NE on July 12, 2001.   As your State Chair, my 
responsibility is to represent the California membership and report back to you national issues of 
importance.  Here are some of the highlights from the meeting.

By-laws Update:

Thanks to a motion, submitted in part by California’s own Jason Burnell, USAPL memberships are now 
valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.  All memberships purchased the first business day AFTER
the National Meeting (July 13, 2001) will be valid for twelve months. Memberships renewed or purchased 
BEFORE July 12 will be valid until December 31, 2001

There was also a motion passed requiring exhibition and guest lifters to be members in good standing of 
USAPL or a member of one of the IPF member organizations (EPF, CPU, etc..).

Organizational Update:

Three issues of Powerlines, the online USAPL newsletter, have been published and is available through the
National web site at www.usapowerlifting.com.

USAPL has reached a sponsorship agreement with GNC Pro Performance to help underwrite our drug 
testing programs. 

In regards to drug testing, there were 39 positive tests for nandrolone.  Twelve out of meet tests were conducted
not including National Champions.

In 2001, USA Powerlifting will send seven teams to compete internationally representing both genders and 
all age groups including teens (now known as sub-juniors at IPF championships) to masters.  In 2000, USAPL 
national teams produced nine IPF World Champions.

Additionally, based on a recommendation submitted by USAPL California, the Executive Committee has 
approved the process of grandfathering current USPF referees into USA Powerlifting at their current rank.  
This will allow USAPL California to very quickly expand its access to certified referees and allow qualified
USPF referees to immediately regain the opportunity to work toward obtaining IPF referee category.  
Here is the process:

Referees must have the endorsement of a USAPL referee of equivalent rank, provide a 
resume showing active involvement and currency as a USPF referee, and go through a rules
clinic.  The rules clinic can be done prior to the meets themselves, as we will not require a 
practical or written test.  Additionally, all interested candidates must provide a photocopy
of their USPF refs card/front page(i.e.-date of becoming an official etc. with signature) and
a copy of their valid USAPL card to their state chair or USAPL Referees Committee Chair Bill 
Clayton.  USAPL cards may be purchased to initiate the process.

This would also be a good time to remind you that there are some positive rule changes in the performance of
lifts and the reintroduction of the erector shirt that went into effect January 1, 2001.  If you have not competed
in a USAPL meet this year, please review the new rule changes in Powerlines #1 at www.usapowerlifting.com.

Finally, in the next three months, the California State Bench Press Championships will be held in Bakersfield
on Saturday, September 22.  and the USA Powerlifting West Coast Open Push/Pull will take place in the
Los Angeles area at California State University, Northridge on Saturday, November 3.  The Push/Pull will also 
have a “women’s-only” flight of squats to allow female lifters from California and other western states an additional
opportunity to qualify for Women’s Nationals.  Please mark your calendars to attend these meets as a competitor, 
volunteer or spectator.  And bring a friend.  This sport should be shared.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact me.   I can be reached by email at: lances@heart.org, or by
phone at (310) 995-0047.

Good health and good lifting.

 
Lance Slaughter
Chair
USA Powerlifting, California