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Committee

Disabled Athletes

Disabled Athletes Committee

  • Jordan Braund
    Committee Chair
  • Alexis Mattocks
  • Jacob Peterson
  • Wade Johnson
  • Jessica Burdick

Our Mission

The mission of the USA Powerlifting Disabled Athlete Committee is to expand access to the sport of powerlifting by creating meaningful, safe, and inclusive opportunities for athletes with disabilities to train, compete, and be part of the USA Powerlifting community.

We believe strength belongs to everyone. Our committee works to identify and reduce barriers to participation while maintaining the integrity and safety of competition. We provide guidance to athletes, families, coaches, meet directors, and officials; help athletes understand the competitive pathway that best fits their individual needs; and support reasonable accommodations that allow athletes to demonstrate their strength on the platform.

Through Para Bench, the Adaptive Athlete Division, and EmpowerID, USA Powerlifting is committed to creating opportunities for athletes of different abilities to experience competition, personal achievement, community, and the confidence that comes from discovering what they are capable of.

There is a place for you on the platform.

Not Sure Which Division Is Right for You?

We understand that athletes and families may not immediately know whether Para Bench, Adaptive Athlete, or EmpowerID is the appropriate pathway. You do not have to figure it out alone.

Contact the USA Powerlifting Disabled Athlete Committee. Our team can help you understand the available options, application or classification requirements, accommodations, and the next steps toward getting on the platform.

Every athlete deserves the opportunity to discover their strength.

Have questions
USA Powerlifting Rulebook

  • Para Bench

    Para Bench provides a competitive bench press pathway for athletes with eligible physical impairments. Unlike traditional bench press, Para Bench is performed with the athlete positioned on the bench in accordance with Para Powerlifting rules, with adaptations available based on the athlete's eligible impairment and classification.

    USA Powerlifting offers Para Bench competition and, at select events, works in conjunction with Move United to provide competition under Move United Para Powerlifting technical rules. Athletes must complete the appropriate classification and approval process before competing in the Para Bench division.

    This pathway is designed not only to provide opportunities within USA Powerlifting, but also to help connect athletes with the broader Para Powerlifting competitive structure.

    Resources: 

    Move United Para Powerlifting

  • Adaptive Athlete Division

    The Adaptive Athlete Division is designed for athletes whose disability prevents them from meeting one or more of the standard technical rules of powerlifting. Rather than excluding an athlete because a disability makes a particular technical requirement impossible, the Adaptive Athlete Division allows USA Powerlifting to evaluate the athlete's individual circumstances and determine reasonable and practical accommodations.

    Adaptive athletes may participate in squat, bench press, deadlift, or full power competition depending on their abilities and approved accommodations. Athletes are expected to follow all standard technical rules they are physically able to perform, while specific requirements that cannot reasonably be met because of their disability may be modified or waived through the approval process. Safety for the athlete, officials, and spotter/loaders remains a priority.

    Because every athlete and disability can be different, athletes interested in this division should complete the Adaptive Athlete application so USA Powerlifting can review their needs before competition.

    Resources:

    Adaptive Athlete Division Information
    Adaptive Athlete Application

  • EmpowerID

    EmpowerID is USA Powerlifting's competitive division created for athletes with developmental disabilities. The division provides athletes with an opportunity to experience powerlifting in an environment that emphasizes strength, achievement, confidence, and belonging.
    EmpowerID athletes can participate in USA Powerlifting sanctioned competitions with additional support when needed. USA Powerlifting rules allow coaches to assist EmpowerID athletes with getting to and from the platform and setting up for a lift, and coaches may provide additional cues from outside the traditional coaching area when appropriate.
    The division is available beginning at age 8, creating opportunities for athletes of different ages and experience levels to become part of the powerlifting community. Whether an athlete is stepping onto the platform for the first time or continuing to pursue new goals in the sport, EmpowerID is about giving athletes an opportunity to compete, grow, and be recognized for what they accomplish.