Federation rules
USPC Rules
The USPC was founded in 2020 by Johnny Layne, a former USPA regional meet director. It contests five equipment divisions (Sleeves, Wraps, Single-Ply, Multi-Ply, and Unlimited) plus bench-only band-shirt categories, across kg weight classes with attempts in 1 kg increments. Meets are non-tested by default, with an opt-in drug-tested division at most events and separately sanctioned fully tested meets. Best Lifter is scored on DOTS, with the McCulloch formula for masters.
- Independent US federation, founded in 2020
- Official meet results are hosted on OpenPowerlifting
See the current USPC records →
Weight classes
Bodyweight categories the federation contests separately for record purposes.
Men
| Class (kg) | Class (lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 52 | 114.6 | |
| 56 | 123.4 | |
| 60 | 132.2 | |
| 67.5 | 148.8 | |
| 75 | 165.3 | |
| 82.5 | 181.8 | |
| 90 | 198.4 | |
| 100 | 220.4 | |
| 110 | 242.5 | |
| 125 | 275.5 | |
| 140 | 308.6 | |
| 140+ | 308.6+ |
Women
| Class (kg) | Class (lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 97 | |
| 48 | 105.8 | |
| 52 | 114.6 | |
| 56 | 123.4 | |
| 60 | 132.2 | |
| 67.5 | 148.8 | |
| 75 | 165.3 | |
| 82.5 | 181.8 | |
| 90 | 198.4 | |
| 100 | 220.4 | |
| 110 | 242.5 | |
| 125 | 275.5 | |
| 140 | 308.6 | |
| 140+ | 308.6+ |
Age divisions
Each division is its own record category at the federation level.
| Division | Age range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 10 through 23 | Contested in 10-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-19, and 20-23 brackets. Age is taken on the day of the meet. |
| Open | 24 through 34 | Lifters of other ages may enter Open as a paid crossover. |
| Sub-Master | 35 through 39 | |
| Masters | 40 and upwards | Five-year brackets from 40-44 through 75-79, then 80+. |
Equipment categories
Separate record lines are kept for each equipment category the federation tracks.
-
Sleeves · records tracked
The raw division: wrist wraps, knee sleeves, belt, and elbow cuffs or sleeves (not for the bench) are permitted; none are required.
-
Wraps · records tracked
As Sleeves, with knee wraps up to 3 m permitted.
-
Single-Ply · records tracked
Adds single-ply briefs, squat suit, bench shirt, and deadlift suit.
-
Multi-Ply · records tracked
Supportive gear of up to two layers; single-ply briefs under a multi-ply suit count as Unlimited.
-
Unlimited · records tracked
No restriction on layers or construction, commercial or personal gear, at meet director discretion.
-
Band shirt (bench only) · records tracked
Single-ply and multi-ply band shirts are contested in bench-only competition with their own internal record databases; these results are not submitted to OpenPowerlifting as Unlimited.
Drug-testing policy
USPC meets are non-tested by default; most offer an opt-in drug-tested division selected at registration, and the federation also sanctions fully tested USPC Tested meets. Testing is performed at the meet by USPC personnel against the federation's own anabolic-steroid list. Opted-in lifters above published DOTS thresholds are tested, and all-time world record attempts are always tested.
Records distinguish tested from untested: Yes.
Drug-tested records count in the drug-tested division, and a tested lifter whose lift beats the non-tested record claims that record too, following OpenPowerlifting record standards. A first failed test brings a six-month suspension, a second a one-year suspension, and a third a lifetime ban, with the failed results and records stricken.
Banned-substance reference: USPC drug-testing policy
Notable recent changes
Rule changes from the last decade across weight classes, age divisions, equipment, scoring, and eligibility.
- 2026-06-01 Eligibility
Frontline division added for military, law enforcement, fire, EMS, and corrections personnel.
Frontline records and results begin 1 June 2026 with no retroactive entries. The division is not split into tested and non-tested categories.
Reference materials
The federation's own published documents this page is sourced from.
- USPC Rulebook, Version 2026 (effective 1 June 2026), §5 Weight Classes, §6 Age Classes, §VIII Equipment Divisions, drug-testing provisions · retrieved 2026-06-12
- USPC drug-testing page (opt-in mechanics, DOTS thresholds, sanctions) · retrieved 2026-06-12
- USPC FAQ (non-tested by default, 1 kg increments, records updates) · retrieved 2026-06-12