The following message appears in the February 1998 issue of Clean Power:
MORE BANNED SUBSTANCES! ANDROSTENEDIONE IS AT THE TOP OF THE USOC LIST OF BANNED ANABOLIC SUBSTANCES! Before I get preachy and every one gets bored, EVERYONE needs to know that there has been a virtual flood of "legal for sale" Anabolic compounds to hit the marketplace in recent months. Anything that says that it is a derivative of, related to, or just neighbors to ANDROSTENEDIONE or DHEA is most likely ILLEGAL for you to consume as a member of USA Powerlifting. These are drugs that carry all of the risks of prescription steroids, no matter what some "food supplement" dealers may tell you. Beyond the fact that that any drug-tested, Olympic related sport will bust an athlete for using them, Androstenedione in particular is so closely related to a steroid, that lab reports show that it will affect your internal hormonal ratios like a steroid. Also, there is no body of evidence to show that usage will not carry the same long-term side effects as any other steriod. Younger athletes are especially at risk, since steroids have been shown to alter growth patterns. Please, please be careful when considering what supplements you're going to take. Just because it's legal to buy does not mean that it's legal to take as a member of USA Powerlifting. Athletes, please be on notice that you must now become more educated on legal/illegal substances. The supplement market now forces us all to be knowledgeable on this subject. Resources for you are on the internet at the IPF Website, or the USOC Website, or you may call the USOC Hotline @ 1-800-233-0393. You may also call the USA Powerlifting National Office or Drug Testing Committee. Let us all be prepared for this issue of "legal for sale" but illegal to take banned substances.
On a more positive note, you are all no doubt aware of our change in international affiliaton to the IPF. We have been well received in the international community of powerlifting nations, and we look forward to being a vital cog in the wheels of powerlifting leadership. In keeping with the international rules for performance of the lifts, USA Powerlifting will be in a transition over the calendar year 1998. At the discretion of the Meet Director, meets below world qualifying level will begin to utilize IPF technical rules for the performance of the lifts. The Meet Director must advertise this on the meet entry form. The most notable rule change is the change in Bench Press command, which I covered in my last president's message. Other changes that you will expect to see are: No "reverse grip" or "thumbless grip" in the bench press; There may be lateral foot movement in the Deadlift; Attempts will be turned in on cards which are given to the athlete at weigh-in; and strict adherence to the one minute time limit for turning in those attempts. There are also some equipment issues, such as the denim bench press shirt, and supportive shirts for the other lifts, which the National Governing Body will be considering at their annual meeting this summer. Ultimately, by January 1, 1999, USA Powerlifting will be following IPF technical rules for the performance of the lifts at all levels of competition.
Please be aware that the new women's weight classes, published further on in this issue of Clean Power have already gone into effect at all levels - as of 1/1/98.
We encourage all National level referees with at least 3 years of active service to consider testing for the IPF category II level. Referee Chair Bill Clayton, along with Mr. Don Haley and myself will be working to provide as many opportunities to present the test at our national level meets as possible. Please submit your referee's resume to either Bill Clayton or the National Office well in advance of any testing date. Candidates must be nominated to the IPF General Secretary prior to testing. IPF Rulebooks may be ordered through the General Secretary, or downloaded from the IPF Website.
We encourage any member, with the recommendation of their State Chair, who is knowledgeable of the rules, has sound judgement, and wishes to give back to the sport of Powerlifting to consider achieving the level of State Certified Referee. Please contact your State Chair if you are interested.
Along these lines, previously certified IPF Category referees are automatically recognized upon becoming a member of USA Powerlifting. Through the calendar year 1998, former USPF State and National level referees will have the opportunity to be "grandfathered" as referees in to USA Powerlifting, by fulfilling criteria which includes attendance to a clinic on the differences in rules and policies in effect with USA Powerlifting. Please contact your State Chair or the National Office if you know of solid referees who should pursue this option.
Our thanks and support go out to the following new State Chairs for USA Powerlifting - Bill Shalkowski for Colorado, John Mogavero for Maryland, Raoul Lopez for Nevada, Pat Hall for North Dakota and Dan Lark for South Carolina. We appreciate the strengths and dedication they bring to these positions, and we ask all members to support their leadership.
A new Coaching Committee has been established, which is co-chaired by veteran world-level coaches John Mathieu and Sean Scully. This committee's purpose will be to promote and educate lifters and coaches regarding beneficial and proper methods of training for the competitive powerlifter. This will include education on safety, correct technique and knowledge of the technical rules. The Coaching Committee will also be working to develop a Coaches Certification/Accreditation Program. The goals of this committee should directly benefit athletes, and compliment the overall development of USA Powerlifting Programs.
1998 will be a year that challenges us with transition filled with many positive changes. Change is seldom easy, but is the hallmark of life and growth.
We must continue to broaden our role as shapers of the future of our sport. Believing that Powerlifting belongs to the fraternity of Olympic Sports, we must tackle each challenge, pursue each goal with the same passion it takes to hoist that final deadlift to the shine of 3 white lights at the end of the day. I look forward to this journey with you. Together we will accomplish each goal, and gain each further step in passionate pursuit of this quest.
Sincerely,
Michael W. Overdeer
USA Powerlifting President
