Novice League

What is a Novice Membership?

A Novice Member is someone who has never competed in a sanctioned powerlifting competition above the local level in any federation. If you have previously competed at state, national, or international levels, we encourage you to sign up for a Full Lifting Membership instead.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have competed in a sanctioned local competition with the APA, you are not eligible to renew your membership as a Novice. Once you have competed at this level, you must continue with a Full Lifting Membership.

What Does Novice Membership Cover?

Participation in Novice Competitions only, with flexible competition formats, including:

• Three-Lift: Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift.

• Single-Lift: Choose one of Bench, Squat, or Deadlift.

• Two-Lift: Any combination of two lifts (e.g., Push/Pull or Squat/Deadlift).

The APA prides itself on providing every opportunity to make powerlifting accessible to all competitors. If you have special requirements, please reach out to us at accessibility@powerliftingalliance.org.au, and we will work with you to ensure an inclusive competition experience.  

Note: Novice Members wishing to coach, referee, or compete in APA-sanctioned events, including Special Olympics, must upgrade to the relevant memberships.

Special Notes for Under 18 Members

• Lifters under 15 years old as of 31 December this year are eligible for the Novice Youth Membership.

• Lifters aged 15 and above as of  31 December this year must sign up for a Novice Membership.

• Parents/Guardians MUST be present at the competition and hold full responsibility for the supervision of their child. In lieu of this, nomination of temporary guardianship must be received by APA and Meet Directors.

• Parents/Guardians MUST be present in weigh-ins with under-18s.

• Under 18 novice participants must weigh in fully clothed.
  

What are the rules?

While this competition is not an IPF-sanctioned event, it will be conducted using IPF rules for the execution of lifts and weight classes. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the rules here.

Competitors must weigh in in the standard IPF period prior to the event however they may do so fully clothed if they wish

What Do I Wear for a Novice Comp?

For novice competitions, IPF-approved gear and specialised equipment are not required. Athletes may compete in comfortable sports attire, such as T-shirts and shorts, with soft suits being optional. However, shoes must be worn for the entire competition, and long socks are required for deadlifts.

Upgrading Your Membership

You can upgrade to a Full Lifting Membership at any time via your membership profile. When you upgrade, the cost of your Novice Membership will be deducted from the Full Membership fee, making it easier for you to transition as you progress in the sport.

Next Steps

• Explore upcoming Novice Competitions on our website.
  

• Connect with us on social media to stay updated on our events and resources.

• We are here to support you as you embark on your powerlifting journey. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at novice@powerliftingalliance.org.au.

Coaching at Novice Events

• All coaches must be a current APA member  - coaches may maintain a volunteer membership if they are coaching at a novice level only.

• All coaches must have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC). This must be submitted to APA 7 days prior to the event.

• Coaches for NOVICE ONLY competitions do not require the Sport Integrity anti-doping certificate or to have completed the APA coaching course.

• Coaches who are under 18 must abide by their state's regulations around work requirements for young people. 

Volunteering at Novice Events

• All meet-day volunteers must be a current APA member - please speak to your Meet Director about how to arrange this

• Referees MUST have WWCCs.

• Coaches MUST have WWCCs.

• Volunteers who are spotting and loading SHOULD have WWCCs due to the proximity and nature of the role when under-18s are lifting.

• Volunteers doing other admin tasks, such as tech desk/front of house, are not required to have a WWCC due to the nature of their roles.

• Volunteers who are under 18 must abide by their state's regulations around work requirements for young people. 

Interested in Hosting an APA Novice Competition?

If your gym is interested in hosting an APA Novice Competition, please get in touch with us at affiliates@powerliftingalliance.org.au.