Colorado Springs stages powerlifting referee course

“I have so much to take away from this course that provide me the knowledge to progress as an IPC referee”

Sixteen participants, including nine new ones and seven international referees, successfully passed the IPC Powerlifting National Level Referee Course and International Refresh Course, in Colorado Springs, USA, between 17-19 November.

The course, delivered by IPC Powerlifting Educator and Sport Technical Committee Chairperson Jon Amos, aimed to develop the sport in the Americas region in the lead-up to the Mexico City 2017 World Para Powerlifting Championships and the Cartagena 2018 World Para Powerlifting Americas Open Championships.

The covered topics included competition cycle, management and venue, athlete classification and eligibility, competition processes, athlete passport and competition forms, AH Formula and minimum qualifying standards, technical officials selection, roles and responsibilities, IPC Powerlifting technical rules and regulations, and lifter uniform and kit check.

“The IPC Referee Course provided very in depth information, highlighting the roles of the referees at the international level and emphasising the rules and regulations that pertain to the athlete, coach and for the sport in general,” said Canadian participant Tracey Rice.

“I have so much to take away from this course that provide me the knowledge to progress as an IPC referee (and also augments my role as a coach) for Canada.

“I am confident that this starting point has given me a strong base from which to further develop and perfect my ability to participate in IPC sanctioned events in the future.”