World Congress Friday 1st November 2024 Irish Resort, Emerald Village, Cape Cod Boston USA

Present:
Wim Backelant – President WDFPF
Neil Thomas – Vice President WDFPF
Britain, USA, Canada, Australia, Belgium

Apologies: France, Germany, Russia, Ireland, Moldova, Italy, Switzerland, Estonia, Ukraine, Sardinia.

Item 1
WB – Thanks for attending the Congress and to the committee for their continued support, noting the absence of Yulia Segal and Ann Thomas due to other commitments. Huge thank you to USA for the upcoming event.
WB – It was noted that there were not enough members for a quorum so topics discussed, where required, would need a future vote by ballot to enact anything outside of the remit of the WDFPF Exec Committee.
WB- Welcomed Australia to the congress and asked them to say a few words. SH provided the history as to why they were joining the WDFPF and its excitement about being a member and hosting future championships.
WB – All fees were indicated as paid

Item 2
Events for 2025/26
European Full Power – Bid from Ireland for Belfast, Date TBC, observations were made regarding the assurance of a suitable venue and equipment prior to any agreement to host by Ireland, more details to follow.
World Single Lifts – Italy, Near Rome Provisional dates 13/14/15 June 25 – Agreed in principle.
World Full Power, France, Near Paris November 25 dates TBC – Agreed In principle.
European Single Lifts, STILL OPEN: Nations can come forward until 31 december 2024
Alternative : Belgium, Antwerp Sept / Oct 2025
2026
World Full Power, Australia, Gold Cost dates TBC – agreed in principle.

Item 3
Discussion points from Nations.
USA raised the question regarding minimum qualification lifts for each discipline as opposed to a total. The positive and negative aspects were discussed in relation to lifters and to the number of lifters present at international events given the requirement.
NT responded indicating that extensive data had been used to consider the minimum lifts and therationale behind the implementation. The world standard is just that and any lifter not able to make a particular discipline requirement, can participate in the World Single Lifts. Setting a minimum standard for a World Level event at each discipline ensures credibility and champions personal development within the sport. Following a prolonged discussion all were in agreement as to how the standard was attained, why it was required and the necessity to maintain the current method as a datum for world level events.

USA – Clarification was requested on what the difference between a guest and an injured lifter was. WDFPF Committee to provide clarification in the 2025 rule book.
USA – Allowance of guest lifters to allow a championship to be financially viable. WDFPF Committee to provide clarification in the 2025 rule book.
CANADA – The introduction of a North American Championship and the ability to hold events in the same manner as the European events. NT from the WDFPF indicated that this has always been the case and that any such events must meet the rules of the WDFPF, it was also indicated that the potential for other events such as Oceania/Pacific or similar worded championships could be undertaken by member nations to promote the sport and provide additional competitive platforms. WDFPF Exec to highlight this is the rule book for 2025.
AUS – The introduction of local rules to supplement safety, in terms of lowering of the bar under control on the deadlift. This was seen a as general point and the enforcement of the bar needing to be returned to the floor under control – WDFPF Exec top ensure rulebook appropriately describes the conduct of the lift.
GBR – Clarification of what constitutes a belly press is required. The rule book wording in ambiguous and needs to be more specific. This was agreed along with the need for the pre-event referees brief at championships to highlight performance standards, so all are coherent on standards.

Sincerely Yours,
WDFPF President
Wim Backelant