Becoming an International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) referee is a challenging and rewarding process that requires dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of the sport of powerlifting. This article will provide an overview of the steps that are required to become a national level, and a Category 2 or 1 international referee for the IPF.
National Referee
The first step in becoming an IPF referee is to gain experience as a national level referee. The exact steps to become a national level referee vary by country, but most countries have at least one step prior to being a national referee - often a state or provincial referee, and some have more. Usually becoming a national level referee will involved proving in both theory and practical circumstances that you have a good grasp of the rules of powerlifting, and also that you can effectively officiate a powerlifting meet. Once you’re a national referee you’ll typically be able to referee any domestic meet.
If you’re interested in becoming an IPF referee, you’ll first need to look up how to become a national referee in your own country.
Category 2 Referee
The author immediately after passing his Category 2 referee exam - note the blue tie!
Category 2 is the lower of the two international referee ranks, recognisable by their blue ties and badges. To become a Category 2 international referee, individuals must have a minimum of two years of experience as a national level referee, and must have refereed at least two national level meets in that time. Once you’ve had two years experience, your federation can reccomend you to sit your Category 2 exam, which only takes place at international powerlifting meets. You have to pass a theory exam and a practical exam, each with a passing grade of 85%.
The theory exam is done first under supervision, and for the practical exam you referee the meet as one of the side referees. A member of the Jury will watch you, checking that the decisions you make are acceptable, and that you will represent the IPF well as a referee. Once you pass these two exams, you are certified as a Category 2 IPF referee, and are eligible to officiate international IPF meets.
Category 1 Referee
Category 1 is the higher of the two international referee ranks, recognisable by their red ties and badges. To become a Category 1 international referee, individuals must have a minimum of four years of experience as a Category 2 referee, and in that time must referee at least four international meets, from which bench-only meets are excluded.
Like the Category 2 exam, the Category 1 exam consists of both a theory and a practical portion, though the layout is a little different, especially for the practical portion. The Category 1 exam is marked out of 100 marks, 75 of which come from refereeing, where the referee is the Chief Referee, but the other 25 marks come from how the referee handles gear check and weigh ins, which is not assessed directly for the previous exam. The pass mark is 90%, and all three members of the jury will scrutinise the referee.
Interestingly, to be a Category 1 referee, you must also be conversant in English (more on that below.) The criteria to become a Category 1 referee are thus quite high; needing to pass several written exams with high pass marks, several practical exams, and also be conversant in English; but also it takes a long time, a minimum of 6 years. A Category 1 referee can do everything a Category 2 referee can, but is also eligble to sit on the jury.
A Side Note - Regional Category 1 Referees
A Regional Category 1 referee is a referee who has passed all other requirements to become Category 1, but cannot converse in English. For Regional Championships (e.g. European Championships or Asian Championships), that referee acts as a Category 1 Referee, and for World Championships, they act instead as a Category 2 referee. They are recognisable by their purple ties and badges.
Summary
The process to become an IPF referee is fairly long and difficult, but it can also be rewarding, and it helps deepen your understanding and appreciation for the sport; as well as allows you to give back to the sport in a way you wouldn’t otherwise be able to. If you’re interested in starting on this journey, reach out to your local affiliate to get started.