Are belts allowed in raw powerlifting. What is a raw powerlifter? What is a raw powerlifter? While this question is dependent on the federation you compete in, for the most part raw powerlifting entails that no supportive suits are allowed to be worn, and the only allowed equipment is a belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves. * All RAW lifters must wear a T-shirt under their singlet. Straps aren’t on the list, so they’re out. Stay safe and compliant with USAPL rules. The International Powerlifting Federation recognizes the following lifts which must be taken in the same sequence in all competitions conducted under IPF rules: A. INTRODUCTION Per the USA Powerlifting Federation National Governing Board (NGB) meeting in 2004, USA Powerlifting adopted the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Technical Rules of Performance. All federations require a singlet. Classic Raw; Singlet, Belt, Knee Wraps or Sleeves and wrist wraps. Feb 3, 2014 · Knee wraps are not legal in raw powerlifting contests in the IPF. Examples of faults that should be considered a minor oversight. In raw powerlifting, athletes are allowed to use elastic knee pads, singlets, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, belts, elbow sleeves (squat and deadlift only), shoes, socks, and a shirt. com What supportive gear and equipment is legal in my powerlifting federation? (What can I wear to my next powerlifting meet?) All federations allow a belt, not to exceed 10cm (4") wide, and 13mm thick. WPC Canada Powerlifting is a global affiliate of the WPC and offers competitors a lifter friendly organization with both drug tested and untested divisions. Maximize your strength potential with this complete guide to raw powerlifting. Competing raw means you are only allowed to use an approved weight belt, an approved singlet, approved wrist wraps, and chalk. Learn what is allowed in raw powerlifting. [7] In 2019, USAPL announced that transgender women would not be allowed to compete as women. Bench Press C. Find out if the belt is raw. 51 The official text of the Technical Rules shall be maintained by the IPF and shall be published in English. This comprehensive guide covers equipment, rules, and competition guidelines. 51 Powerlifting is a strength sport that involves lifting maximal weights in three competition lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. The Men’s and Women’s Open Championships permit lifters from 1 January in the calendar year he I’m more inclined to go with the latter statement. The USPA and IPL have several classifications for competition such as Raw, Classic Raw, Equipped, and Multi-Ply. Raw lifting is more simplistic and only allows equipment that is moderately supportive, such as a lifting belt, knee sleeves or wraps, a singlet, […] APF-AAPF has adopted the Raw division. 3. Your guide to safe and effective lifting! Raw/Unequipped lifting is defined in USA Powerlifting competition as using only the following gear and accessories as previously described above: (a) Non-supportive singlet (b) T-shirt (c) Briefs (d) Socks (e) Belt (f) Shoes (g) Wrist wraps (h) Single-ply neoprene knee sleeves without attaching and/or tightening mechanisms like Velcro, clips Oct 2, 2025 · The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) has a raw division called “Classic” that includes the use of non-supportive suits, T-shirts, legless underwear, socks, lifting belts, shoes or boots, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps. Powerlifters mocked curls, lateral raises, and cable work as meaningless vanity exercises. Thus, this rulebook is adapted Belts no more than 12cm wide (but powerlifting lever belts are not good for weightlifting), elbows can’t technically be wrapped but long sleeves (skin tight and solid colored) are allowed. Find out if belts are allowed, what's permitted, and how to choose the right gear. On this page, you will all the approved gear that is allowed in the USPA and IPL as of 2020. Some federations may approve adaptive exceptions for documented hand limitations. This article is meant to help those unfamiliar with RTS training techniques and / or with raw lifting with their understandi Learn what is considered raw in powerlifting, the equipment allowed, and how it differs from equipped lifting. In Raw powerlifting competitions, there's a specific set of restrictions on gear, allowing only a lifting belt, singlet, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves—no supportive suits or wraps. Find the best belt for your lifts. In the event of any conflict between the English and other language versions, the English version shall prevail. The two categories of powerlifting in competitions are raw and equipped lifting. Approved supportive equipment includes costumes, support shirts, wraps, and singlets from commercial manufacturers officially registered. 5 It is allowed to count the successful attempts from the following age categories Teenagers 14-16, Sub-Juniors 17-19, Juniors, Masters M1, Masters M2, Masters M3, Masters M4, Masters M5 into Open age class. 'equipped' debate is real in powerlifting. There is a similar division called Classic RAW that I’ll discuss later. com for rules. Members agree to abide by the organization's code I mean, if you're going to compete in powerlifting then you should practice deadlifting without straps because you can't use straps in competition. The document is a condensed version of the USA Powerlifting Rulebook, known as the Lifter's Handbook. Squat B. August 2009 it was voted to allow wrist wraps. Technical rulebook valid from March1st 2025 (English version) IPF Technical Rule Book (effective date 01 March 2026) version 2 (Updates in red font) IPF Technical Rules Book (effective date 01 March 2026) Proposal Explanations (Updates in red font, explanations for changes in purple font) IPF Technical Rule Book Feedback Form Powerlifting meets do not allow lifting straps. In raw powerlifting competitions, athletes are generally only allowed to use approved lifting belts, an approved singlet, approved wrist wraps, and approved briefs. The 'raw' vs. If your federation allows them, you’ll have to check their rulebook for specifics. Knee sleeves may be worn during warm ups and between attempts, but must be pulled down over the shin during the squat and/or deadlift. You can double check your federation’s rules by referring to our visual comparison guide to powerlifting What Equipment Is Allowed In Raw Powerlifting? In raw powerlifting, athletes are typically permitted to use a weightlifting belt, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and chalk, alongside an approved singlet. Here's what you need to know. This isn't just opinion — it’s a rule acknowledged by governing bodies like the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). Equipped see www. Effective June 1, 2025, lifters competing in the RAW-WITH-WRAPS division are permitted to wear a compression-style undershirt, commonly referred to as a “Gripper Shirt,” beneath their singlet. Plus, the minimum and maximum amount of lifting equipment and gear you are allowed to use in competition. I’m firmly against using straps when training your competition-style deadlift, as you won’t be able to use straps at the meet. To Belt, Or Not To Belt: An Equipment Primer for Raw LiftersBy Mark RobbWhen should you use a belt? This, and many other equipment questions, keep periodically coming up among lifters new to RTS. This is what is generally referred to as “raw” or “modern raw” powerlifting. APA EliteFTS For years, bodybuilding work was treated like fluff, something “real” lifters didn’t waste time on. While the sport traditionally categorized lifters as either equipped or raw based on the use of supportive gear, debates persist over whether knee sleeves and a belt should be considered as equipment in the equipped powerlifting category Learn what kind of belt is allowed in USA Powerlifting Raw. Feb 8, 2026 · Learn about the rules for belts in raw powerlifting. 5m in length and ~3” in width. In RAW competitions, aka Modern RAW, you can wear a belt, wrist straps, elbow sleeves, knee sleeves, and a non-supportive singlet. Isn't the IPF issuing a new labeling rule for belts with no logo like Inzer? Also, can't wait till SBD releases their new belt. Raw divisions list what’s permitted (belts, wrist wraps, knee sleeves). SINGLE PLY CATEGORY April 17, 2010 will officially establish a Single Ply category. Raw/Unequipped lifting is defined in USA Powerlifting competition as using only the following gear and accessories as previously described above: (a) Non-supportive singlet (b) T-shirt (c) Briefs (d) Socks (e) Belt (f) Shoes (g) Wrist wraps (h) Single-ply neoprene knee sleeves without attaching and/or tightening mechanisms like Velcro, clips Powerlifting, a strength sport that tests competitors' one-repetition maximum in three lifts—squat, bench press, and deadlift—has evolved over the years. worldpowerliftingcongress. Powerlifting is a strength sport that involves lifting maximal weights in three competition lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. What exactly are the rules for lifting raw? Does this cover only things like bench shirts and squat suits or does it also incorporate things like belts? Just want to know for the future and to expand my knowledge. A weight lifting belt is the only supportive equipment that is allowed by all federations in raw competition. Yes, a powerlifting belt is considered legal powerlifting gear in a powerlifting competition. Total Competition takes place between lifters in categories defined by sex, body weight and age. Padding is not allowed on the belt. But time has a funny way of proving you wrong. Generally speaking, most federations allow for 2. Raw powerlifting and equipped powerlifting are two different types of sports with different rules and regulations. The “Raw Unity” contest that was held in Florida on January 26, 2008 allowed a belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves. Costume and gear include a singlet, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, belt, elbow sleeves (squat and deadlift only), shoes, socks, shirt, etc. Thinking about competing in your first powerlifting meet? Read my guide about the USPA rules, what to expect, and what a powerlifting meet is all about. In raw powerlifting, competitors are not allowed to use any type of supportive equipment, such as a weightlifting belt, knee sleeves, or wrist wraps. If it didn’t build the squat, bench, or deadlift directly, it didn’t matter. Everything you need to know about what is allowed in raw powerlifting. Allowed Powerlifting Gear & Equipment By Federation by Houseofpain. [8] 1. Raw only Singlet, Belt, writs wraps allowed, no knee wraps or knee supports. However, the USA Powerlifting continues to allow exceptions to IPF standards in many instances such as standards for state and local USA Powerlifting competitions. The International Powerlifting Association (IPA) and American Drug Free Powerlifting Federation (ADFPF) allow a belt and wrist wraps in its raw division. While straps aren’t allowed at powerlifting meets, they are a valuable training tool. If not, who cares? The definition of raw powerlifting. Violations of this Code subject the member to discipline pursuant to the USA Powerlifting By-Laws, Rules and Regulations and to the potential loss of membership in USA Powerlifting. Sep 16, 2025 · Lifting belts are generally allowed in raw powerlifting competitions across most major federations as they enhance core bracing and spinal stability, unlike performance-enhancing supportive equipment. This unequipped division will consist of a t-shirt, singlet and belt only – no other equipment will be allowed. Competing equipped allows you to use knee wraps, a squat and deadlift bodysuit, and a bench shirt in addition to the items allowed by raw competitors. Technical rulebook valid from March1st 2025 (English version) IPF Technical Rule Book (effective date 01 March 2026) version 2 (Updates in red font) IPF Technical Rules Book (effective date 01 March 2026) Proposal Explanations (Updates in red font, explanations for changes in purple font) IPF Technical Rule Book Feedback Form Explore the legal and allowed powerlifting gear and equipment for various federations to enhance your performance and ensure compliance. Deadlift D. It helps raw lifters lift heavy weights by providing support to the lower back during both the squat and deadlift. Thus, this rulebook is adapted This is what is generally referred to as “raw” or “modern raw” powerlifting. Learn if a weightlifting belt is considered raw in powerlifting. The folks at Calgary Barbell break down some common differences between raw and equipped powerlifting, along with the federations behind each style. In 2018, USA Powerlifting denied female transgender weightlifter JayCee Cooper's application to compete in the women's category and revoked her competitive status, rendering her ineligible to compete in any future USA Powerlifting events. Please refer to their rulebook for exact clarification between the divisions and what level of equipment can be worn. In training, use straps for volume and hypertrophy, but keep competition practice strapless. It provides the basic rules and guidelines for powerlifting competitions organized by USA Powerlifting, including bodyweight categories, banned substances, rules for the three lifts (squat, bench press, and deadlift), and equipment standards. Raw lifting is more simplistic and only allows equipment that is moderately supportive, such as a lifting belt, knee sleeves or wraps, a singlet, […] Violations of this Code subject the member to discipline pursuant to the USA Powerlifting By-Laws, Rules and Regulations and to the potential loss of membership in USA Powerlifting. While the sport is officially named "weightlifting", the terms "Olympic weightlifting" and "Olympic-style weightlifting" are often used to distinguish it from the other sports and events that involve the lifting of weights, such as powerlifting, weight training, and strongman events. Understand the rules of different federations and how to choose and use a belt effectively. Raw Classic: The only support allowed in Raw Classic is the support of a belt and wrist wraps. . ud3etn, 6uir2, mpjtz, hcrc, bx3su, pprjd, 1r7ts, iw2mu, ocasv, tyc2,