For those athletes who hope to compete either nationally or internationally for USABA Powerlifting:
There are some things you need to keep in mind and do while training, so that upon working with the USABA Powerlifting Coaches or appointment to the USABA National Powerlifting Team you will be prepared and have the necessary information.
1. First and foremost, you must have your USABA membership in place. Please consider paying the fee to become a life-member. This makes everything easier. Keep a copy of your receipt for future problems, and regularly make sure USABA has a current address on you, for information that will be sent out.
If you choose not to become a life-member, annual membership fees are due in JANUARY of each current year - not later that year when you decide you want to lift. Plan ahead to be a member, and get your membership in place.
2. Know your sport. There are some great resources out there (Powerlifting USA magazine, web sites such as www.usapowerlifting.com and www.powerlifting.com, books and news articles) that can help you learn more about the methods and myths of powerlifting. Study and learn as much as you can. Get a copy of the IPF regulations from USA Powerlifting, and learn them in-and-out. Get a copy of the IOC banned substance list and learn what not to take. If you have problems getting resources, get hold of the team coaches or your athlete representative - they can help.
3. Know how to train. If you haven't had one of the coaching staff review with you your training schedule and plan for the year, please do. We also have some very good training schedules we can give you that will bring great results. A good routine and schedule will be based on what you already can lift, what you want to lift, your body weight, what you want your body weight to be, your equipment ability, your training partner, etc. Call us - we can help.
4. Track how you train. If you do get appointed to the U.S. team for international competition, the coaching staff will need to know a lot of information, so track it as you train. We will need to know the following for each day of training, so keep a journal of at least:
a. Repetitions on the competition lifts, for each weight used.
b. Amount of warm-up time you use to get to competition weight, and what weights you use to do so.
c. Repetitions and weight used on other weight-training lifts.
d. Your bodyweight when you did all of those lifts.
e. What level of gear you were using on each of those lifts, i.e. loose, tight, competition fit, etc.
f. Amount of time it takes for you to put on that gear, and what assistance is necessary.
g. Diet & supplement use during the weeks of training.
h. General health during training.
i. Any injuries either minor or major.
j. Anything you think may help us help you.
5. Plan ahead for funding. Much as we hate the way it is, USABA doesn't pay for the entire cost of competing on the U.S. team. You either have to pay or get sponsoring for many of your expenses. Make sure you have an athlete development account at USABA, and that it has a good-size positive balance. Remember, donations made to these accounts are tax-deductible, so tell your family and sponsors. Also remember that reimbursement from these accounts for out-of-pocket expenses can be time consuming, so try to make all arrangements through the team. Also, if a stipend is available from USABA, it will be applied to travel and related expenses first, before you can access it for personal expenditures.
Fundraising and sponsorship are on your own, but if you need help in figuring out the how and who of it, contact the coaches - we have a lot of experience fundraising for athletes, and contacts that should help.
6. Find out how the U.S. team works. Remember, at the time you get appointed to the U.S. team, you are part of a team, not just a lifter. The coaching staff will take all of your information, wants and desires into account, and will work with you to help you compete at your highest level. However, all coaching decisions are final. Any problems with a coach or their decision should be brought up with USABA's management at the appropriate time, not during the competition. Your athlete representative, the USABA staff, or even other coaches can help you with this.
You may, and even are encouraged, to bring with you to all competitions a personal attendant. This may be your personal coach, a family member, or just a friend. They are there to help you with any of your needs. Our coaching staff are all friendly and willing to help out when possible, but their job is to coach - they are not there for your personal needs. Likewise, any personal coaches are there to take care of your personal needs, and are not even allowed by IPF regulations to coach or be near the platform. USABA Powerlifting really appreciates their help, but a good rule-of-thumb for personal attendants is "Offer when a need is seen; help out when asked; but don't assume."
Also, as a representative of the United States, there is an expectation placed upon you and any personal attendants as to behavior and presentation. We have an image to upkeep.
7. Lastly, train hard; competed hard; have fun! It can be a rich and rewarding experience to compete with the U.S. team and represent your nation at international competition. We hope to see you at the next event.
For more information on USABA Powerlifting contact Coach Mark Sampson at msampson56@hotmail.com.