Useful Links - Powerlifting
Powerlifting Gyms
UK Powerlifting Federations
GBPF
Federation
The Great Britain Powerlifting Federation (GBPF) was formed in 2008 out of the now defunct powerlifting section of the British Weightlifters Association (BWLA), and is a member of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)
The GBPF uses the term "Classic" for Raw lifting. Knee wraps are not allowed in GBPF Classic lifting, but they do allow tight knee sleeves.
The GBPF performs drug testing.
BDFPA
Federation
Formed in 1989 and originally called the BPA, The British Drug Free Powerlifting Association (BDFPA) is the oldest British Powerlifting federation active today. It was set up with the purpose of providing an alternative National platform for Drug Free Competition at a time when the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs was rife and unchecked in the associations of that era.
The BDFPA is affiliated to the WDFPF (World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation), and is the only UK powerlifting organisation recognised by the international body.
Neither knee wraps or sleeves are allowed in Raw competitions.
The BDFPA performs drug testing.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the BDFPA, and in particular Peter Gaskin, for the help and information supplied.
GPC-GB
Federation
The GPC-GB was formed in 2008 by Lee Marshall, for British lifters who wanted to compete at GPC international competitions. Lee has since become the International President of the GPC.
Knee wraps are allowed to be worn when competing in Raw competitions.
The GBC-GB does not test for drugs.
GPC-GB Records
BPU
Federation
The British Powerlifting Union (BPU) was formed in 2013, taking over the UK's affiliation to the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) from the British Powerlifting Congress (BPC).
The BPU has different classes for Raw lifting; with Knee Wraps, and without (knee sleeves are not allowed). The BPU uses the term "Classic" to describe 'Raw with Knee Wraps'.
They also have different classes for Equipped lifting (Single or Multiply).
The BPU does not test for drugs, but does have a drug tested division (ABPU).
BPO
Federation
The British Powerlifting Organisation (BPO) was formed in 1994 by Brian Smith and David Carter, and originally affiliated to the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC). Around 1996 concerns evolved about the credibility of lifting (apparel, i.e. Canvas and multiple ply lifting suits, standards of adjudication by officials, etc).
A handful of dedicated people went forward with other countries to form the World Powerlifting Federation (WPF) in 1999, to which the BPO is a founder member and affiliated to.
Knee wraps (or knee sleeves) are allowed to be worn when competing in Raw competitions.
The BPO does not test for drugs.
BPF
Federation
The BPF is probably the smallest federation in the UK and was formed circa 2011 by Mark Griffiths. It is affiliated to the World Powerlifting Union (WPU), to which Mark became President of. The WPU was formally called the World Powerlifting Federation (WPF) but changed its name to the WPU. Whilst the WPU and WPF share virtually identical logos, they are not affiliated to one another.
Knee wraps are allowed to be worn when competing in Raw competitions.
The BPF does not test for drugs.