U.S. Powerlifting Federations

Powerlifting federations are pretty easy to come by these days and each one you find will have its own unique qualities. Some follow general federation foundations and some have carved out their own set of rules to lift by. The one thing that you can always count on is that every federation has some serious lifters moving some serious weight. Check out this list of federations and when you're ready to get some lifts down in the books give 'em a call.

AAU: Amateur Athletic Union Powerlifting has been a part of the AAU for over 30 years. During this time period they've sanctioned 100's of meets including several national and world invitational championships. They're open to anyone who wants to join and even sponsor high school and collegiate events.	Currently 2.07/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.1/5 (29 votes)

ADAU: Anti Drug Athletes United The ADAU federation is around to promote drug free, RAW competitions and they have a pretty healthy following. They drug test on a regular basis to help keep it clean and fair for the competitors so if you're not into gear or using supportive equipment then this might be the federation for you.	Currently 2.47/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.5/5 (30 votes)

ADFPF: American Drug Free Powerlifting Federation Another solid drug free federation is the ADFPF. Their mission is to provide all amateur athletes with legitimate drug tested competitions on local, state, regional and national levels. We can say first hand that the meets they hold are true to the sport without the BS. Just show up and lift.	Currently 2.41/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.4/5 (29 votes)

AFPF: American Frantz Powerlifting Federation The AFPF is backed by Ernie Frantz (World Powerlifting Congress). They operate several branches of the federation: the AFPF, AAFPF, and CREDO all of which are backed by the federations commitment to respect and discipline. Keep an eye on these guys before they steal your trophies.	Currently 2.46/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.5/5 (26 votes)

APA: American Powerlifting Association The APA is home to some of the strongest powerlifters in the world including Ryan Kennelly and Gary Heisey. Never heard of them? You've got issues. These guys throw some serious weight around and know what it takes to compete at this level of the game. Check them out and learn from some of the best.	Currently 3.50/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 3.5/5 (64 votes)

APC: American Powerlifting Committee The APC (untested) and the UAPC (tested) are still cranking out some serious lifters who are filling up the record books. They've also got some flags planted with their international arms: the GPC, AWPC, and the WUAP. Needless to say, these guys are all over the map. Literally.	Currently 2.25/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.3/5 (28 votes)

APF: American Powerlifting Federation The APF and the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) go hand in hand and both are here to steal your records away from you. These guys don't play around. They've got some of the best lifters in the world on their side and the competition is fierce. If you're looking for an ass kicking... you've found it.	Currently 2.08/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.1/5 (25 votes)

IBP: Iron Boy Powerlifting These guys are new to the scene (2003) but are already making waves in the powerlifting world. Their meets consist of the squat, bench press, and deadlift but you also get the chance to show off your guns with some strict curls. They run meets out of the Carolina's so check them out if you get a chance.	Currently 2.38/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.4/5 (24 votes)


NASA: Natural Athlete Strength Association NASA is and has always been one of our favorites. Rich Peters is the man who founded NASA and he's 100% focused on promoting a clean and fair environment for competitive powerlifters. We've been to several of their meets and walked away smiling every time. No, it wasn't the ammonia caps.	Currently 2.74/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.7/5 (27 votes)

RAW: 100% RAW If you're looking for a no BS federation that will test your absolute strength then this is the one. These guys are, you guessed it, 100% RAW. That means no suits, no shirts, no wraps, and no drugs. They are dedicated to their lifters and strive to promote the sport. RAW means true power? We think so.	Currently 2.00/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.0/5 (26 votes)

SPF: Southern Powerlifting Federation From the south? Like to lift? If you're looking for a solid federation then we suggest you check these guys out. SPF features some strong lifters, regularly held meets, and a hardcore lifting atmosphere. So if you're looking for some real competition go and check out the Southern Powerlifting Federation.	Currently 2.38/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.4/5 (26 votes)

UPA: United Powerlifting Association The UPA is a great federation with some real heavy hitters. They throw some quality meets that allow the lifters to compete under fair and consistent judging and they always put the lifter first. These should be, in our opinion, the founding principles in any federation. Leave it to these guys to perfect it.	Currently 2.08/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.1/5 (24 votes)

USAPL: USA Powerlifting USA Powerlifting (formerly the American Drug Free Powerlifting Association) is the one of the leading powerlifting organizations in the United States. They're also a member of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) so you know they've got some massive lifters and a shelf full of trophies.	Currently 2.86/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.9/5 (29 votes)

USPF: United States Powerlifting Federation The USPF is one of those federations that you can't forget even if you tried. They've been around supporting powerlifting for many years and continue to produce some of the finest lifters walking the platform today. The meets are lively and there's always strong competition. You can't go wrong.	Currently 2.45/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.4/5 (29 votes)

WABDL: World Association of Benchers/Deadlifters Squat? Who in the hell want's to squat? Come on over to the WABDL and compete in their drug free bench press and deadlift only competitions. These guys compete on state, national, and international levels and will kick your ass any day of the week.	Currently 2.21/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.2/5 (28 votes)

WNPF: World Natural Powerlifting Federation The WNPF offers full meets, bench only, deadlift only, ironman, bench for reps, powercurl and squat only divisions so you're going to have to find a really good excuse not to compete in this federation. They play by the rules and every competitor gets a fair shot at every lift. You won't be disappointed.	Currently 2.11/5 1 2 3 4 5 KiloRating: 2.1/5 (28 votes)