Topic: Organization(s) demystified

[Jesse Gibson]

Hi all:

Would you guys fill me in on something? I am curious about what organizations to join.

Is the USAW like the US branch of the parent group IWF?

As I am (or will be if I ever get the hang of this) a 'masters' lifter do I need to join that organization, or does joining the USAW basically cover it all?

BTW: going to get some bumpers tomorrow, from a man in Booneville IN. If I understood the guy correctly, looks like they'll be just a bit over 50 cents/pound (used but cheap). I have an assload of oly plates but no bumpers.

[Paul LaDuke]

If you wish to lift in a sanctioned weightlifting event in the US, you must join the USAW beforehand.  The USAW is the ONLY weightlifting governing body in the US.  Membership can be done over the internet and is immediate.  I tell my athletes to purchase their membership and print their card the week of their first meet.  Visit the USA Weightlifting website for more information on membership.  It is pretty easy, I have paid my dues several times via the website.  You will also get your own membership area page that you can print your membership card from at any time.  Pretty handy if you are prone to misplacing your card.

[michael cooley]

As I am (or will be if I ever get the hang of this) a 'masters' lifter do I need to join that organization, or does joining the USAW basically cover it all?

Your USAW membership covers it, so all you need to present at Masters meets is your USAW card.  There are only a few dedicated Masters events each year -- American Championships, Nationals, Pan Ams, Worlds.  At other USAW-sanctioned meets, you're simply competing in the Masters division (as opposed to the Open or Junior divisions).  See http://www.mastersweightlifting.org/ for more information.

mpc

[Paul LaDuke]

I think I misunderstood the original post.  I now read it to ask if you need to join the masters weightlifting organization in order to compete as a master.  The answer is no, as Michael states.  When you join the USAW there is a membership category for Master Athlete.  This is the membership category that you want to check off.  This allows you to enter and compete in any Open or Masters level competition.