Our Policies
A centralized policy page for USA Powerlifting that outlines the rules, standards, and guidelines that guide competition, membership, and athlete conduct across the sport. Have a question or concern? Reach out to us, we’re here to help.
Last updated: October 20, 2023
This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You.
We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
Interpretation and Definitions
Interpretation
The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural.
Definitions
For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:
- Account means a unique account created for You to access our Service or parts of our Service.
- Affiliate means an entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a party, where “control” means ownership of 50% or more of the shares, equity interest or other securities entitled to vote for election of directors or other managing authority.
- Company (referred to as either “the Company”, “We”, “Us” or “Our” in this Agreement) refers to USA Powerlifting, 1120 Huffman Rd, Ste 24-223, Anchorage, AK 99515.
- Cookies are small files that are placed on Your computer, mobile device or any other device by a website, containing the details of Your browsing history on that website among its many uses.
- Country refers to: Alaska, United States
- Device means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone or a digital tablet.
- Personal Data is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual.
- Service refers to the Website.
- Service Provider means any natural or legal person who processes the data on behalf of the Company. It refers to third-party companies or individuals employed by the Company to facilitate the Service, to provide the Service on behalf of the Company, to perform services related to the Service or to assist the Company in analyzing how the Service is used.
- Usage Data refers to data collected automatically, either generated by the use of the Service or from the Service infrastructure itself (for example, the duration of a page visit).
- Website refers to USA Powerlifting, accessible from https://www.usapowerlifting.com/
- You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable.
Collecting and Using Your Personal Data
Types of Data Collected
Personal Data
While using Our Service, We may ask You to provide Us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify You. Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to:
- Email address
- First name and last name
- Phone number
- Address, State, Province, ZIP/Postal code, City
- Usage Data
Usage Data
Usage Data is collected automatically when using the Service.
Usage Data may include information such as Your Device’s Internet Protocol address (e.g. IP address), browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that You visit, the time and date of Your visit, the time spent on those pages, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.
When You access the Service by or through a mobile device, We may collect certain information automatically, including, but not limited to, the type of mobile device You use, Your mobile device unique ID, the IP address of Your mobile device, Your mobile operating system, the type of mobile Internet browser You use, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.
We may also collect information that Your browser sends whenever You visit our Service or when You access the Service by or through a mobile device.
Tracking Technologies and Cookies
We use Cookies and similar tracking technologies to track the activity on Our Service and store certain information. Tracking technologies used are beacons, tags, and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyze Our Service. The technologies We use may include:
- Cookies or Browser Cookies. A cookie is a small file placed on Your Device. You can instruct Your browser to refuse all Cookies or to indicate when a Cookie is being sent. However, if You do not accept Cookies, You may not be able to use some parts of our Service. Unless you have adjusted Your browser setting so that it will refuse Cookies, our Service may use Cookies.
- Web Beacons. Certain sections of our Service and our emails may contain small electronic files known as web beacons (also referred to as clear gifs, pixel tags, and single-pixel gifs) that permit the Company, for example, to count users who have visited those pages or opened an email and for other related website statistics (for example, recording the popularity of a certain section and verifying system and server integrity).
Cookies can be “Persistent” or “Session” Cookies. Persistent Cookies remain on Your personal computer or mobile device when You go offline, while Session Cookies are deleted as soon as You close Your web browser. Learn more about cookies on the Privacy Policies website article.
We use both Session and Persistent Cookies for the purposes set out below:
- Necessary / Essential CookiesType: Session CookiesAdministered by: UsPurpose: These Cookies are essential to provide You with services available through the Website and to enable You to use some of its features. They help to authenticate users and prevent fraudulent use of user accounts. Without these Cookies, the services that You have asked for cannot be provided, and We only use these Cookies to provide You with those services.
- Cookies Policy / Notice Acceptance CookiesType: Persistent CookiesAdministered by: UsPurpose: These Cookies identify if users have accepted the use of cookies on the Website.
- Functionality CookiesType: Persistent CookiesAdministered by: UsPurpose: These Cookies allow us to remember choices You make when You use the Website, such as remembering your login details or language preference. The purpose of these Cookies is to provide You with a more personal experience and to avoid You having to re-enter your preferences every time You use the Website.
For more information about the cookies we use and your choices regarding cookies, please visit our Cookies Policy or the Cookies section of our Privacy Policy.
Use of Your Personal Data
The Company may use Personal Data for the following purposes:
- To provide and maintain our Service, including to monitor the usage of our Service.
- To manage Your Account: to manage Your registration as a user of the Service. The Personal Data You provide can give You access to different functionalities of the Service that are available to You as a registered user.
- For the performance of a contract: the development, compliance and undertaking of the purchase contract for the products, items or services You have purchased or of any other contract with Us through the Service.
- To contact You: To contact You by email, telephone calls, SMS, or other equivalent forms of electronic communication, such as a mobile application’s push notifications regarding updates or informative communications related to the functionalities, products or contracted services, including the security updates, when necessary or reasonable for their implementation.
- To provide You with news, special offers and general information about other goods, services and events which we offer that are similar to those that you have already purchased or enquired about unless You have opted not to receive such information.
- To manage Your requests: To attend and manage Your requests to Us.
- For business transfers: We may use Your information to evaluate or conduct a merger, divestiture, restructuring, reorganization, dissolution, or other sale or transfer of some or all of Our assets, whether as a going concern or as part of bankruptcy, liquidation, or similar proceeding, in which Personal Data held by Us about our Service users is among the assets transferred.
- For other purposes: We may use Your information for other purposes, such as data analysis, identifying usage trends, determining the effectiveness of our promotional campaigns and to evaluate and improve our Service, products, services, marketing and your experience.
We may share Your personal information in the following situations:
- With Service Providers: We may share Your personal information with Service Providers to monitor and analyze the use of our Service, to contact You.
- For business transfers: We may share or transfer Your personal information in connection with, or during negotiations of, any merger, sale of Company assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of Our business to another company.
- With Affiliates: We may share Your information with Our affiliates, in which case we will require those affiliates to honor this Privacy Policy. Affiliates include Our parent company and any other subsidiaries, joint venture partners or other companies that We control or that are under common control with Us.
- With business partners: We may share Your information with Our business partners to offer You certain products, services or promotions.
- With other users: when You share personal information or otherwise interact in the public areas with other users, such information may be viewed by all users and may be publicly distributed outside.
- With Your consent: We may disclose Your personal information for any other purpose with Your consent.
Retention of Your Personal Data
The Company will retain Your Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We will retain and use Your Personal Data to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations (for example, if we are required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes, and enforce our legal agreements and policies.
The Company will also retain Usage Data for internal analysis purposes. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period of time, except when this data is used to strengthen the security or to improve the functionality of Our Service, or We are legally obligated to retain this data for longer time periods.
Transfer of Your Personal Data
Your information, including Personal Data, is processed at the Company’s operating offices and in any other places where the parties involved in the processing are located. It means that this information may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of Your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ than those from Your jurisdiction.
Your consent to this Privacy Policy followed by Your submission of such information represents Your agreement to that transfer.
The Company will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that Your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of Your Personal Data will take place to an organization or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of Your data and other personal information.
Delete Your Personal Data
You have the right to delete or request that We assist in deleting the Personal Data that We have collected about You.
Our Service may give You the ability to delete certain information about You from within the Service.
You may update, amend, or delete Your information at any time by signing in to Your Account, if you have one, and visiting the account settings section that allows you to manage Your personal information. You may also contact Us to request access to, correct, or delete any personal information that You have provided to Us.
Please note, however, that We may need to retain certain information when we have a legal obligation or lawful basis to do so.
Disclosure of Your Personal Data
Business Transactions
If the Company is involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, Your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before Your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy.
Law enforcement
Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose Your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency).
Other legal requirements
The Company may disclose Your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:
- Comply with a legal obligation
- Protect and defend the rights or property of the Company
- Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service
- Protect the personal safety of Users of the Service or the public
- Protect against legal liability
Security of Your Personal Data
The security of Your Personal Data is important to Us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While We strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect Your Personal Data, We cannot guarantee its absolute security.
Children’s Privacy
Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13. If You are a parent or guardian and You are aware that Your child has provided Us with Personal Data, please contact Us. If We become aware that We have collected Personal Data from anyone under the age of 13 without verification of parental consent, We take steps to remove that information from Our servers.
If We need to rely on consent as a legal basis for processing Your information and Your country requires consent from a parent, We may require Your parent’s consent before We collect and use that information.
Links to Other Websites
Our Service may contain links to other websites that are not operated by Us. If You click on a third party link, You will be directed to that third party’s site. We strongly advise You to review the Privacy Policy of every site You visit.
We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update Our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify You of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.
We will let You know via email and/or a prominent notice on Our Service, prior to the change becoming effective and update the “Last updated” date at the top of this Privacy Policy.
You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, use the Contact Us below.
Contact Us
ONLINE PRIVACY POLICY AGREEMENT
USA Powerlifting, (USA Powerlifting), is committed to keeping any and all personal information collected of those individuals that visit our website and make use of our online facilities and services accurate, confidential, secure and private. Our privacy policy has been designed and created to ensure those affiliated with USA Powerlifting of our commitment and realization of our obligation not only to meet but to exceed most existing privacy standards.
THEREFORE, this Privacy Policy Agreement shall apply to USA Powerlifting , and thus it shall govern any and all data collection and usage thereof. Through the use of www.usapowerlifting.com and any subsidiary website listed below you are herein consenting to the following data procedures expressed within this agreement.
Collection of Information
This website collects various types of information, such as:
- Voluntarily provided information, which may include your name, address, email address, billing and/or credit card information etc., which may be used when you purchase products and/or services and to deliver the services you have requested.
- Please rest assured that this site shall only collect personal information that you knowingly and willingly provide by way of surveys, completed membership forms, and emails. It is the intent of this site to use personal information only for the purpose for which it was requested and any additional uses specifically provided on this site.
- USA Powerlifting may have the occasion to collect anonymous demographic information, such as age, gender, household income, political affiliation, race and religion at a later time.
- It is highly recommended and suggested that you review the privacy policies and statements of any website you choose to use or frequent as a means to better understand the way in which other websites garner, make use of and share information collected.
Use of Information Collected
USA Powerlifting may collect and may make use of personal information to assist in the operation of our website and to ensure delivery of the services you need and request. At times, we may find it necessary to use personally identifiable information as a means to keep you informed of other possible products and/or services that may be available to you from www.usapowerlifting.com and our subsidiaries<??> . USA Powerlifting and our subsidiaries may also be in contact with you with regard to completing surveys and/or research questionnaires related to your opinion of current or potential future services that may be offered.
USA Powerlifting does not now, nor will it in the future, sell, rent, or lease any of our customer lists and/or names to any third parties.
USA Powerlifting may feel it necessary, from time to time, to make contact with you on behalf of other external business partners with regards to a potential new offer which may be of interest to you. If you consent or show interest in presented offers, then, at that time, specific identifiable information, such as name, email address, and/or telephone number, may be shared with the third party.
USA Powerlifting may disclose your personal information, without prior notice to you, only if required to do so in accordance with applicable laws and/or in a good faith belief that such action is deemed necessary or is required in an effort to:
- Remain in conformance with any decrees, laws, and/or statutes or in an effort to comply with any process which may be served upon USA Powerlifting and/or our website;
- Maintain, safeguard, and/or preserve all the rights and/or property of USA Powerlifting; and
- Perform under demanding conditions in an effort to safeguard the personal safety of users of www.usapowerlifting.com and/or the general public.
Unsubscribe or Opt-Out
All users and/or visitors to our website have the option to discontinue receiving communication from us and/or reserve the right to discontinue receiving communications by way of email or newsletters. To discontinue or unsubscribe from our website, please send an email stating that you wish to unsubscribe to nationaloffice@usapowerlifting.com. If you wish to unsubscribe or opt-out from any third-party websites, you must go to that specific website to unsubscribe and/or opt-out.
Links to Other Web Sites
Our website does contain links to affiliate and other websites. USA Powerlifting does not claim nor accept responsibility for any privacy policies, practices, and/or procedures of other such websites. Therefore, we encourage all users and visitors to be aware when they leave our website and to read the privacy statements of each and every website that collects personally identifiable information. The aforementioned Privacy Policy Agreement applies only and solely to the information collected by our website.
Security
USA Powerlifting shall endeavor and shall take every precaution to maintain adequate physical, procedural, and technical security with respect to our offices and information storage facilities so as to prevent any loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification of the user’s personal information under our control.
The company also uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) for authentication and private communications in an effort to build users’ trust and confidence in the internet and website use by providing simple and secure access and communication of credit card and personal information.
Changes to Privacy Policy Agreement
USA Powerlifting reserves the right to update and/or change the terms of our privacy policy, and as such, we will post those change to our website homepage at www.usapowerlifting.com, so that our users and/or visitors are always aware of the type of information we collect, how it will be used, and under what circumstances, if any, we may disclose such information. If at any point in time USA Powerlifting decides to make use of any personally identifiable information on file, in a manner vastly different from that which was stated when this information was initially collected, the user or users shall be promptly notified by email. Users at that time shall have the option as to whether or not to permit the use of their information in this separate manner.
Acceptance of Terms
Through the use of this website, you are hereby accepting the terms and conditions stipulated within the aforementioned Privacy Policy Agreement. If you are not in agreement with our terms and conditions, then you should refrain from further use of our sites. In addition, your continued use of our website following the posting of any updates or changes to our terms and conditions shall mean that you are in agreement and acceptance of such changes.
How to Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Privacy Policy Agreement related to our website, please feel free to contact us at the following email, telephone number or mailing address.
Contact Us
Telephone Number: 260-248-4889
Mailing Address:
USA Powerlifting
1605 Central Ave
STE 6 Box #287
Summerville, SC 29483
Purpose
This policy defines the governance of the use of social media by USA Powerlifting. The policy applies to corporate use of social media and social media use by elected, appointed, or official positions (referred to herein as Appointed Members) related to their affiliation with USA Powerlifting (USA Powerlifting).
The policy outlines key elements of the Social Media Program. To achieve the objectives outlined in this policy, the Executive Committee delegates oversight of the Social Media Strategy and Program to the Marketing Committee.
Definitions
Social media consists of many kinds of online sites that allow the user to post and share content, including comments, reviews, photographs, and videos. Examples of social media sites include, but are not limited to:
- Social networking sites, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram.
- Video and photo sharing sites, such as Flickr and
- Micro-blogs, such as
- Weblogs, including corporate blogs, personal blogs, or blogs hosted by media
- Forums and discussion boards, such as Yahoo Groups or Google Groups.
- Encyclopedias, such as
- Online
USA Powerlifting Social Media Strategy
USA Powerlifting will participate in social media monitoring, posting, and engagement activities that benefit organizational objectives and meet the following criteria, as further described herein:
- The privacy and confidentiality of USA Powerlifting corporate and member information are adequately protected, pursuant to established policies and standards.
- Appointed Members granted access to authorized sites require such access to conduct USA Powerlifting
- Only appointed member positions specifically designated by the President are allowed to speak, write, or post on behalf of, or as a representative of USA Powerlifting.
- Appointed Members designated to access authorized social media sites on behalf of USA Powerlifting are appropriately trained and agree to abide by company policies and standards for social media
- Maintains that social media outlets are not official methods of communication from USA Powerlifting. All official methods of communication will be located on the official website (www.usapowerlifting.com)
Social Media Standards and Policies
In addition to this policy, the following policies impact member use of social media:
- Appointed Member Use of Social Media (signed by all appointed, elected or official positions).
- Code of Conduct Policy.
- Corporate Logo Use
Legitimate Business Value
The following criteria will be used to determine legitimate business value before a social media site is made available for Appointed Member use:
- Site includes appropriate content that is aligned with the USA Powerlifting brand image.
- Participation will benefit a specific business function, such as:
- Member
- Brand image
- Member training.
- Data gathering.
- Member
- Vendor relations.
- Professional networking with industry
- Site usage can be centrally monitored for compliance with applicable standards.
Appointed Member Authorized to Use Social Media
Appointed Member positions authorized to have access to social media must be approved by the President.
Appointed Member positions approved for social media site access will be documented by the USA Powerlifting National Office.
Monitoring of and Corporate Responses to Social Media Posts
Online mentions of USA Powerlifting by the public, Appointed Members, or others will be monitored by USA Powerlifting members(s) designated by the President. A methodology for assessing USA Powerlifting’s response to online posts will be developed and approved by the same for use in determining if a response is warranted, how the response will be communicated, and who the designated respondent will be. In addition, online mentions that have a potential material impact on the business or reputation of the organization will be documented and categorized for reporting to the executive committee so that opportunities and risks can be properly addressed.
Corporate Use of Social Media
USA Powerlifting Appointed Members, upon approval of the President, may develop branded social media sites. These sites will:
- Be monitored and managed by USA Powerlifting Appointed Members.
- Be developed and maintained based on the goals, mission statement and reputation of the
- Be clearly branded as USA Powerlifting and adhere to USA Powerlifting standards for communications quality and member service.
- Comply with all applicable regulations and accepted social media standards.
- Direct members to the Official USA Powerlifting website for official communications from the organization.
Failure to Comply with Social Media Policy
Failure to comply with the Social Media Policy includes, but are not limited to:
- Airing a grievance.
- Bringing the organization or any of its members’ reputation into disrepute.
- Personal agendas to discredit the organization or any of its members (i.e., raw vs. equipped lifting)
- Personal attacks by any Appointed Member to another on social media in any form.
Failure to comply with this policy may lead to disciplinary action up to removal from the appointed/elected office and loss of USA Powerlifting membership.
Appointed Members to sign and return to the National Office
USA Powerlifting is an inclusive organization for all athletes and members who comply with its rules, policies, procedures, and bylaws. USA Powerlifting is not a fit for every athlete and for every medical condition or situation. Simply, not all powerlifters are eligible to compete in USA Powerlifting.
USA Powerlifting, as a National Affiliate of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) adopted, and follows the policies as defined by the IPF Medical Committee which impact the participation of transgender individuals in events sanctioned by USA Powerlifting.
Two areas of policy impact such participation:
The first has to do with the use of testosterone or other androgens, commonly used to assist in transition from female to male. By virtue of the anabolic nature of these compounds, they are not allowed, nor is a Therapeutic Use Exemption granted for such use for anyone. This applies to any and all medical conditions which might be treated through use of androgens.
The second area involves the participation of male to female competitors. Through analysis the impact of maturation in the presence naturally occurring androgens as the level necessary for male development, significant advantages are had, including but not limited to increased body and muscle mass, bone density, bone structure, and connective tissue. These advantages are not eliminated by reduction of serum androgens such as testosterone, yielding a potential advantage in strength sports such as powerlifting.
The science behind this policy can be read in Dr Kris Hunt’s 2019 Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Report. Dr Hunt presented this report at the National Governing Body (NGB) Meeting, his full presentation can be viewed on YouTube. (Supporting Powerpoint used during NGB Meeting.)
The IPF added acceptance of the International Olympic Committee Guidelines on inclusion of transgender individuals in competition. However, the IOC Guidelines also allows sports to determine the impact on fair play through such inclusion. The IPF Medical Committee, while respecting the rights of those who choose to transition, has been consistent in its opinion that use of testosterone and participation of male to female transgender athletes in our sport compromises fair play.
While other sports and activities, and other powerlifting organizations may choose a different interpretation of the impact on their respective competitive activities, USA Powerlifting will continue to follow the policies as defined by the IPF Medical Committee. If, or when the membership of USA Powerlifting, through the processes of governance as defined in the Constitution and Bylaws of our Federation, chooses to address these policies, their interpretation and adherence to them may change.
FAQ
Q – Why is USA Powerlifting not following the IPF Constitution on Transgender Athletes?
A – The IPF Constitution to adopt the IOC Guidelines on Transgender Athletes is just that, an acknowledgement that the IPF recognizes the IOC Guidelines. When reading the IOC Guidelines, you must read it in it’s entirety, most disregard Section 1 and jump to section 2. Within those IOC Guidelines, each sport is given the latitude to determine how the guidelines are applied. The IOC Guidelines is not a blanket approval over all sports. The IPF Medical Committee has set the policy for transgender athletes which USA Powerlifting abides by.
Q – Why did you ban transgender athletes?
A – USA Powerlifting has not ban transgender athletes. There are rules surrounding requirements for membership as with any organization. Policy is set for the most fundamental of all of the rules, drug testing and secondly fairness in competition.
Q – Why are you discriminatory towards transgender athletes?
A – While the term discrimination is used to catch the attention of the public, it is most often misused. We are a sports organization with rules and policies. They apply to everyone to provide a level playing field. We have restriction such as age eligibility, who can compete as at our national events and so on. No, you are not discriminated against because you are a 40-year-old college student that is not allowed to compete at Collegiate Nationals. No, we are not discriminating against your 7-year-old daughter by not letting her compete. It is simply the rules of this sport that all must be follow if we are to be fair playing field. Another example, males are not allowed to use testosterone and to do so provides him an advantage. A master aged male cannot raise his natural testosterone level. Physicians frequently prescribe levels of androgens that are consistent with much younger men than the age of the patient. USA Powerlifting is not discriminating against master lifters who use testosterone for medical reasons. They may just not compete on our platform based on the drug testing policy.
Q – Why do you not allow transgender women?
A – The IOC sports are a wide in spectrum. Take sports such as curling, equestrian, shooting and archery, these sports are more sport of skill, whereas powerlifting is a sport of strength. Men naturally have a larger bone structure, higher bone density, stronger connective tissue and higher muscle density than women. These traits, even with reduced levels of testosterone do not go away. While MTF may be weaker and less muscle than they once were, the biological benefits given them at birth still remain over than of a female.
Q – Why do you not allow transgender men?
A – We do allow transgender men. What is prohibited in USA Powerlifting is the use of external androgens in this organization. This is the same rule that applies to all members. We have many older male lifters for example who require through their doctor to take hormone therapy(HRT). We respect their need to follow their doctors advice, but with that said, they are no longer eligible to be compete within USA Powerlifting.
Q – Why does the IOC Guidelines and WADA allow testosterone and USA Powerlifting does not?
A – One must remember that both the IOC and WADA are written to apply to all sports. Within each sport, it is to be determined what is appropriate for sport. Powerlifting is a strength sport. Androgens, such as testosterone is a strength inducing substance, which would aid in the performance within this specific sport. Therefore, not allowed for any powerlifting athlete, no matter what their medical needs are.
Q – I am a female and do not care if I compete against a transgender female, so why is it not allowed?
A – While we find it commendable that you feel this way, we must also look at the fairness in competition for the majority of our female members.
Q – Why don’t you just have another division for transgender athletes to compete in?
A – This option, interestingly has been implemented by the LGBT Powerlifting Union, who once a year hold a “non-sanctioned” Powerlifting competition. (LGBT International Powerlifting Championships).
While this event does not follow the drug testing policy for USA Powerlifting, it appears to be a viable option for them and the MX category is set to be included in the 2020 Gay Games in Hong Kong.
The MX Category that is currently offered by LGBT IPC is optional for Trans, Non Binary and Intersex athletes, with athletes also able to choose Male or Female category from day one they make any decision to transition.
*USA Powerlifting Transgender Policy does not apply to MN competitions. Please contact the National Office if transgender athlete and wish to compete in a MN competition.
Exclusive Media Rights
USA Powerlifting retains exclusive media rights (including, but not limited to, rights in broadcast, cable, audio, home video, Internet, or such other recordings, accounts, or descriptions, now known or hereafter devised) to all events. The use, account, description, picture, photograph, video, audio, reproduction, or other information acquired at USA Powerlifting venues is strictly prohibited. News coverage (defined as the description or depiction of newsworthy events or information) is encouraged, with written approval from USA Powerlifting. No person shall use any content described above in any commercial manner, except with the prior written consent of USA Powerlifting.
Media Rights and Responsibilities
As a participant in USA Powerlifting or a member of the media, you must be aware of your rights and responsibilities. USA Powerlifting is committed to preserving the image, branding, and reputation of the organization. To that end, we ask all participants, including members of the media, to exercise and respect certain rights and responsibilities. Below you will find the following important information:
- Personal vs. Professional Use
- Photo & Video Rights and Responsibilities
- Professional Media Use Rights and Responsibilities
- USA Powerlifting Commercial Filming Policy
- Media & Press FAQ
Personal vs. Professional Use
With USA Powerlifting, “Professional Use Media” is used to describe any media project that is intended for public distribution beyond your own personal use, as described under Personal Use Media.
Personal Use Media:
Athletes are welcome to use photos, videos, and audio recordings obtained at the event for their personal use, which include:
- Sharing with your friends and personal social media networks.
- Displaying on personal websites- as long as the websites do not sell any products or services, and do not pretend or appear to be an official USA Powerlifting website.
- Posting to your personal accounts on photo-sharing sites such as Flickr, Instagram, YouTube, and Tumblr- as long as the posts are not commercial in any manner and the accounts are not used for purposeful promotion. You may not directly monetize any media through paywalls or advertisements.
Even if your images and videos are for Personal Use, you must read, understand, and follow the Photo & Video Rights and Responsibilities. Every athlete and spectator, taking images and/or video, has a responsibility to be respectful to the community and its members!
Note – Professional Use Media may have exclusive rights to cover USA Powerlifting events. In such cases, such as National level events, personal use photos and videos will be limited to capture with smartphones.
Professional Use Media:
If you wish to use any photo, video, or audio from the event for any non-personal use, you must apply as a Professional Use Media for any USA Powerlifting event. We require this registration process to protect the privacy and other rights of participants and to prevent commercial exploitation of USA Powerlifting and its athletes.
Non-personal use includes:
- Publishing photos in a printed or online book, magazine, or newspaper.
- Using the footage in a professional-quality video.
- Displaying images on a non-personal website or in a gallery show.
- Using imagery in a documentary or TV show.
- Distributing media to any third party, group, or publication. This includes offering photos for publication or making any commercial or promotional use of event media.
A general rule of thumb for whether a use is non-personal: Is the event imagery being used for financial gain, OR being widely distributed beyond your personal network of friends and family? If either of these is true, please complete the Media Request Form. You are also responsible for obtaining clear and informed consent from the subjects in your photos. If your image violates the privacy or other rights of another participant, you should not display it in any public manner. If you did not pre-register as a professional shooter at the event, you may apply for permission later if someone else wishes to make non-personal use of your images. But you must obtain our written permission before the use is made.
Photo & Video Rights and Responsibilities
- You have the right to express yourself and create art as a photographer, videographer, and/or audio artist.
- Unless you have prior written permission from USA Powerlifting, you may only use photos, videos, or audio obtained at the event for your own personal use.
- You are responsible for respecting the participants you wish to record and seeking their permission before photographing or filming them. If you are asked to stop filming, you must do so immediately. You have the responsibility not to interfere with the immediate experience of other participants.
- The USA Powerlifting logo and the phrase USA Powerlifting, as well as other key infrastructure, are protected by trademark and/or copyright law. In keeping with the principle of decommodification, these trademarks and copyrights may not be used for commercial or third-party purposes without USA Powerlifting’s written consent. Click here for more information on USA Powerlifting’s approach to intellectual property.
Professional Use Rights and Responsibilities
- Anyone who plans to shoot video or photography at any USA Powerlifting event for non-personal use must apply with USA Powerlifting before photographing or filming and sign a professional use contract. “Non-personal use” means any use that is commercial and/or widely distributed beyond one’s personal network of family and friends.
- All members of the media- and anyone else who plans to make non-personal use of event imagery- must check in with the meet director upon arriving at a USA Powerlifting event.
- If you fail to register or receive approval for your project, but you record event imagery for your project anyway, you are trespassing. Trespassers have no right to use any event imagery, and USA Powerlifting reserves the right to take any necessary action against trespassers.
- Professional use contracts are required to sell any imagery from any USA Powerlifting event. We do not permit online sales or the sale or distribution of photos or videos via stock agencies.
- Before professional use, contract holders can publish any event imagery; they must obtain written permission from an authorized staff of USA Powerlifting. Such written permission may be subject to restrictions, including granting USA Powerlifting license to display your imagery in USA Powerlifting communications.
- USA Powerlifting forbids making a profit from the documentation of nudity at any event without the express written permission of the subjects and USA Powerlifting.
- You must use model release for all recognizable individuals. We may ask for verification of these releases before granting permission to use an image or footage commercially.
USA Powerlifting Commercial Filming Policy
USA Powerlifting supports the creation of video content for the purposes of documentation and creative self-expression. If you intend to film any USA Powerlifting event, you must apply and make sure your project is in line with USA Powerlifting’s Code of Conduct policies.
To learn more about USA Powerlifting policies, please review the following pages:
Media & Press FAQ
What can I do with my photos or footage from a USA Powerlifting event?
- You can share them with your friends, family, and other lifters. You can post them on your personal website or on your personal social networks, such as Flickr and Facebook. You can show them at a private party. You cannot post event photos or footage on a commercial website, including a business or social network account, or a self-promotional portfolio website, nor can you sell them or place them on products for sale, such as prints or t-shirts.
If you want to share your imagery beyond your immediate network or with large audiences or use imagery professionally (such as editorially or in a book or film project), you will need to request permission from USA Powerlifting by use of the Media Request form.
Some common examples:
- Selling or licensing images captured at a USA Powerlifting event, or objects including such images-NOT OK!
- Posting images from a USA Powerlifting event on a USA Powerlifting Facebook account or website-OK!
What can I do if someone uses my media or a picture of me without my permission?
- The USA Powerlifting is here to help you. The best thing to do is to first contact the site or organization yourself and let them know that either your copyrighted work is being used without your permission or an image of you is being used without consent and violates the USA Powerlifting Media Policy. If that does not work or you do not get a response, you can contact logo@usapowerlifting.com with a link and information about the use of media. From there, USA Powerlifting can assist you through a number of avenues, including reaching out to the site or organization with a comprehensive explanation of our media policy.
How can USA Powerlifting regulate media from an event?
- Joining USA Powerlifting constitutes legal acceptance of USA Powerlifting’s Photograph/Media Release, including the use of images in forms of media. USA Powerlifting has the right to authorize or deny any photography, videography, or audio recording at the event, and to require, as a condition of entry into the event, that USA Powerlifting’s permission be obtained prior to making certain uses of the resulting images or footage. The Photo & Video Rights and Responsibilities apply to both personal and professional use of event imagery- regardless of who is recording and why, the expectation of respect for the privacy and other rights of participants and athletes remains the same.
Does USA Powerlifting own my photos/videos/audio?
- USA Powerlifting has copyright ownership of USA Powerlifting events, and only for very specific reasons. The Photograph/Media Release provides that ownership so that USA Powerlifting has the ability to use images or video you may be in without permission or without giving you credit for purposes of promotion of USA Powerlifting.
Will I be filmed while at USA Powerlifting event? Don’t they need my permission?
- By entering a USA Powerlifting event, you agree to the possibility of being filmed once there. In addition, professionals have a binding agreement with USA Powerlifting to get case-by-case approval for anything they shoot before it is used commercially. For example, we do not approve pictures of nudity where the subject appears unaware of the camera.
What if someone loves my personal photos or footage and suggests I enter a contest/gallery showing or asks if they can use my imagery on a website?
- You may contact USA Powerlifting to seek approval for these uses by completing the Media Request Form.
Questions or concerns, please contact:
USA Powerlifting® (USAPL) Policy Regarding Usage of its Logo and other Intellectual Property:
USA Powerlifting Intellectual Property
USA Powerlifting (“USAPL”) is the exclusive owner of all intellectual property rights for the marks “USA Powerlifting,” USAPL, and the USA Powerlifting logo (hereinafter, “USAPL’s intellectual property”). As such, USA Powerlifting is the only entity that can authorize use of USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property. For authorization to use the USA Powerlifting logo, name, or any other intellectual property, you must fill out the USA Powerlifting Logo Usage form, below.
Approval Procedure
- Fill out the USA Powerlifting Logo Usage Form before using USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property.
- Fill out the Artwork form (if applicable).
- Wait for authorization.
Any use of USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property must be authorized by USA Powerlifting before the use begins. Anyone, including individual members of USA Powerlifting and organizations, seeking to use any of USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property must complete and return the USA Powerlifting Logo Usage Form linked to below. The requested use must then be approved by the USA Powerlifting before any of USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property may be used.
All artwork that includes any of USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property must be submitted for approval through the Artwork Submission Form below, before use or publicizing.
What if I started using the USA Powerlifting logo/name already?
- Don’t do that.
- Fill out the USA Powerlifting Logo Usage form and request retroactive approval.
USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property shall not be used by anyone without completing the USA Powerlifting Logo Usage form and receiving written approval. We recognize, however, that occasionally people may inadvertently make unauthorized use. While we strongly discourage such unauthorized use, we do not want to discourage the continued growth of the USA Powerlifting-affiliated events. Accordingly, if any member or organization is currently using USA Powerlifting intellectual property without USA Powerlifting permission, we ask that they please complete the USA Powerlifting Logo Usage Form and return it for written permission.
If you are notified that you are not authorized to use USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property, we expect you to request retroactive authorization immediately.
Rules for use of the mark
- Fill out the USA Powerlifting Logo Usage form and get approval first (see above).
- Abide by all rules discussed in the USA Powerlifting Logo Guide.
- In particular, don’t modify the logo and use the ® symbol.
If approved, any use of USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property must comply with the USA Powerlifting Logo Guide, linked to below. Failure to comply with the Logo Guide will be considered an unauthorized use of USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property.
In particular, among other requirements discussed in the Logo Guide, the USA Powerlifting logo shall not be changed in any way, and shall always be displayed with the “®” on the logo. Any modification of the USA Powerlifting name or logo shall be cause to terminate the authorization to use USA Powerlifting’s intellectual property.
Penalties and fines are imposed for improper and unauthorized use of USA Powerlifting’s Intellectual Property.
Please direct any inquiries or questions regarding this policy, the USA Powerlifting Logo Usage Form, or general usage of the USA Powerlifting logo to the Logo Team linked below.
USA Powerlifting Intellectual Property/Logo Usage Form
Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office