referee Guidelines
REFEREE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND TESTING PROCEDURES
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2025
STATE REFEREE
Eligibility
- At least 18 years old and involved with the sport of powerlifting for at least one year.
- Current member of Powerlifting America.
- Pass the proctored open book written exam with a score of at least 80%
- Pass the practical exam with a score of at least 90%.
- Must complete & pass a background check.
Procedures
- Contact the Technical Chairman to confirm that requirements have been met.
- Arrange with the Technical Chairman for a proctor to discuss scheduling the test and administer the written test. (Proctors are to be senior referees. In most cases, they will be a national official or higher).
- Take a proctored open book written exam.
- Take a practical exam (can be administered at any PA full powerlifting meet with a sufficient number of lifters & an appropriate proctor).
- The Technical Chairman will discuss with the proctor the manner in which the test is to be administered.
- Meet Directors, Regional Directors & Powerlifting America officers can also discuss possible testing of candidates and the coordination of tests with the Technical Chairman.
- State Candidates who fail the examination are permitted to retake the exam one more time at the same championship/event provided the proctor is available and time allows for this. Otherwise, retest options can be coordinated with the Technical Chairman.
NATIONAL REFEREE
Eligibility
- Current membership with Powerlifting America
- Must have approval of the Regional Director and the Technical Committee;
- Have been a State Referee for at least two years;
- Have officiated at least five PA powerlifting events and served as chief referee in at least one.
Procedures
- Arrange with the Technical Chairman for a proctor to discuss scheduling the test and administer the written test. (Proctors are to be senior referees. In most cases, they will be a national official or higher).
- Take a proctored closed book written exam.
- National practical exams can only be taken at a three lift national championship event;
- The Candidate will submit a resume of their work as a PA referee to the Technical Chairman at least six weeks ahead of the projected test date.
- Candidates must pass the written and practical sections of the National Referee’s exam.
- A minimum score of 90% is required on each section.
- National testing candidates who fail the written examination are permitted to retake the exam one time at the same Championships provided they achieved a score of at least eighty-five percent (85%) on the failed written test, the proctor is available and time allows for this. If these conditions are not met, retest arrangements may be coordinated with the Technical Chairman.
IPF CATEGORY I and CATEGORY II REFEREE
Eligibility
The qualifications to become an IPF Referee are taken directly from the IPF rulebook and are as follows:
Qualifications for a Category 2 Referee
(a) A national referee of at least two years standing, having officiated in the position as a referee with a minimum of two National Powerlifting Championships within this period.
(b) Must be recommended by his National Federation.
Qualifications for a Category 1 Referee
(a) Must be a Category 2 referee in good standing for a period of at least 4 years.
(b) Must have adjudicated at least 4 International Championships, (excluding the World Bench Press Championship).
(c) Must be nominated by his National Federation to the Chairman of the Technical Committee and Referee Registrar three months prior to his examination.
Basis for Nomination should be as follows:
- Candidate’s competence as a referee.
- Priority ranking as a Category 2.
- Availability to referee at future international events.
- Knowledge of the English language.
A requirement of the Category I candidate is that he/she is able to converse in English to a standard that will allow complete comprehension in disputes, particularly when asked to partake in jury duty.
Procedures
- The Candidate for CAT II or CAT I status will submit a resume of their work as a PA Referee to the Technical Chairman at least six months ahead of the projected test date.
TRANSFER OF STATE and NATIONAL REFEREE CREDENTIALS
Individuals with referee credentials from other organizations may apply to have their credentials transferred. At the present time we will continue to accept transfers from other organizations but this may be time limited.
The link to transfer credentials is: https://form.jotform.com/220187361704048
Individuals transferring their credentials will need to be current Powerlifting America members, 18 years of age or older and must also pass the background check.
If anyone has questions, please feel free to contact the Technical Chairman at technical@powerlifting-america.com.