The CPU Youth Division is here!

The CPU and its provincial affiliates are introducing powerlifting to youth ages 8-13.  The purpose of this new youth division is to introduce young athletes to powerlifting in a way that will benefit them in their daily lives, their other athletic endeavours, and as a life-long sport.  Powerlifting is an individual sport with a strong community and a fun and supportive competition environment.  The priority of the youth division is to emphasize proper form, technique, and training methods, and to allow the youth athlete to experience the excitement of competition. 

Youth requirements for participation at a CPU-sanctioned powerlifting meet

CPU and MPA membership.  $40 for CPU and $20 for MPA.

Personal Apparel and Gear

Youth lifters will only be allowed to compete in the Classic lifting division, (i.e. use of supportive equipment such as BP shirts, SQ suits, DL suits, or knee wraps will not be allowed).

Youth lifters must wear an IPF-approved singlet as well as T-shirt, socks, and shoes that meet IPF rules.  They can wear wrist wraps, a belt and knee sleeves if they wish; these must be IPF approved.

Memberships and True Sport Education

Youth lifters must be registered members of the CPU and their provincial affiliate.  Membership can be bought online at https://www.canadianpowerliftingunion.com    Any athlete registering with a youth division membership must provide a copy of their birth certificate or government-issued i.d.

All lifters in the youth division must complete the True Sport online education module with their

parent or guardian.  The parent or guardian must sign off on behalf of the youth athlete ID (i.e. Passport or Provincial ID) to verify their age.  All members of the CPU are subject to testing by the CCES.

The membership card and proof of identification must be presented during the weigh-in at the powerlifting meet. All minors must have a parent sign a waiver (per the CPU insurance provider).

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 throughout the full calendar year they turn 11 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)

Weight classes

Girls: 30kg, 35kg, 40kg, and the regular weight classes 43kg, 47kg, 52kg, 57kg, 63kg, 69kg, 76kg, 84kg, 84kg+.

Boys: 30kg, 35kg, 40kg, 44kg, 48kg and the regular weight classes 53kg, 59kg, 66kg, 74kg, 83kg, 93kg, 105kg, 230kg, 120kg+.

At the competition, Youth athletes must wear a singlet and t-shirt during weigh-ins.  Youth athletes must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and optionally a coach (max 2 adults) for weigh-ins.

Lifting equipment

For Y1 & Y2 lifters a 15kg bar will be used.

For Y3 lifters, a standard 20kg bar will be used.

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.  (Wooden false plates may be used at local meets.)

Scoring

As is standard at a CPU powerlifting meet, the heaviest technically acceptable lift from three attempts of each type of lift (squat, bench press, deadlift) will be added together to produce a final total. Any athlete who does not complete a good lift in one of the 3 types of lift will still be allowed to complete the lifting event to gain experience on the platform.  However, no final total shall be awarded to that athlete.

Qualifying Standards for Regional and National meets

There will be no qualifying total required to participate in a Regional or National competition. However, the youth athlete must have previously participated in a CPU-sanctioned meet and must meet any other Provincial requirements to attend Nationals.

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.

National records will be established for Youth 3 – beginning at the first National competition.