Resources & Information for Athletes
The sport of weightlifting is for all ages and officially has four age categories to compete in! Training the sport of weightlifting provides individuals with a solid foundation of incredible benefits that transfer to other sports and activities in their lives. Find out more about getting started by selecting the age category you’re interested in below.
Youth Information
Internationally in our sport, the Youth category is officially for children between the ages of 13 years old and 17 years old. Children under 13 years old can also compete in the sport of weightlifting at BCWA sanctioned events. It is very important for youth to learn from experienced and certified weightlifting coaches. At BCWA, we have registered weightlifting clubs in our province with excellent Youth Weightlifting programs coached by experienced and certified weightlifting coaches so you can be sure that your child will learn how to train the correct way from the beginning.
Junior Information
Internationally in our sport, the Junior category is officially for individuals between the ages of 15 years old and 20 years old. Individuals in this age category who want to get into the sport can easily find a BCWA registered club with experienced and certified weightlifting coaches to teach them how to train the correct way from the beginning. At BCWA, we offer various Interclub competitions, sanctioned open meets, provincial level meets, and national level competitions that Junior athletes can compete in and qualify for throughout the calendar year.
Senior Information
Internationally in our sport, the Senior category is officially for individuals over the age of 15 years old. Individuals in this age category who want to get into the sport can easily find a BCWA registered club with experienced and certified weightlifting coaches to teach them how to train the correct way from the beginning. At BCWA, we offer various Interclub competitions, sanctioned open meets, provincial level meets, and national level competitions that Senior athletes can compete in and qualify for throughout the calendar year.
Masters Information
Internationally in our sport, the Masters category is recognized officially for individuals over the age of 35 years old. Nationally in Canada, Canadian Masters Weightlifting recognizes individuals over the age of 30 years old. BCWA includes lifters over the age of 30 in its Masters competitions, but only recognizes those lifters over 35 for Masters rankings, records and best lifter awards. Individuals in this age category who want to get into the sport can easily find a BCWA registered club with experienced and certified weightlifting coaches to teach them how to train the correct way from the beginning. Individuals become eligible on January 1 of the year that they will turn 30 or 35. At BCWA, we offer various Interclub competitions, sanctioned open meets, provincial level meets, and national level competitions that Masters athletes can compete in and qualify for higher level events throughout the calendar year.
Resources & Information for Coaches
Are you an athlete that wants to give back to the sport? Or a Coach that is looking to further their career and gain experience in the world if Olympic Weightlifting? Below are the most current resources for coach development in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting!
Getting Started Information
Coaches are the cornerstone of athlete recruitment, development, and leadership in our sport. In order to become a recognized coach within the BC Weightlifting Association, individuals must complete a series of courses and modules which fall under one of the Canadian NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) pathways. Currently, weightlifting offers 2 certification levels: NCCP Competition Introduction (local, provincial level) & NCCP Competition Development (nationals, international level).
NCCP Comp Intro Information
The initial pathway towards formalizing your coaching pathway education. Begins with the "Weightlifting Competition Introduction" workshop delivered by recognized NCCP Learning Facilitators, followed by a series of multi sport modules and an evaluation. Please contact the BC Weightlifting Association for information on upcoming courses.
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NCC Comp Dev Information
Coaches who become fully certified at the Competition Introduction level, can elect to further their coaching certification with the Competition Development pathway. This begins with the "Weightlifting Analyze Technical & Tactical Performance" workshop delivered by recognized NCCP Master Coach Developers, followed by a series of multi sport modules and an evaluation at the national championships. The Canadian Weightlifting Federation requires coaches to develop their athlete to meet the minimum performance standards to qualify for the Canadian Championships (National Standard) in order to be eligible for evaluation.
Learn MoreResources & Information for Officials
How can you help grow the sport of weightlifting? Get started as a technical official! Not only will you learn all the details behind the competition process, but you will also have the opportunity to support the growth of our athletes!
Getting Started Information
BCWA OFFICIALS CERTIFICATION PATHWAYAn individual can achieve a Provincial Level 4 (TO4) Technical Official status by satisfying the following conditions. The candidate: Must be a current BCWA member in good standing. Must have attended a Technical Officials Clinic conducted by a Level 3 or higher Technical Official. Must achieve a grade of 80% or higher in the current Provincial Officials Exam. Must have conducted a weigh in.
TO Certifications Information
There are 5 levels of Technical Officials in Olympic Weightlifting, TO4, TO3, TO2, TO1 and C. There are many benefits that come along with Officials certifications. Completing your Technical Official Level 4 (TO4) Certification is just the beginning!
Learn MoreResources & Information for Parents & Volunteers
Got questions about our sport and if it’s safe for kids? Perhaps want to host a meet. This section will provide you all the answers you need.
What is Weightlifting? Information
The sport of weightlifting consists of two lifts: The snatch and the clean and jerk. Weightlifting is often referred to as “Olympic lifting” or “Olympic style weightlifting”. The snatch is a wide-grip, one-move lift. The clean and jerk is a close-grip, two-move lift. Each weightlifter receives three attempts in each, and the combined total of the highest two successful lifts determines the overall result within a bodyweight category. Weightlifting is not the same as the sport of Powerlifting or the sport of Bodybuilding however training elements may be used from those sports to improve an individual’s weaknesses.
Is it safe for kids? Information
It’s important for parents to understand that training for the sport of weightlifting is 100% safe for kids to learn and participate in regularly. There is no evidence that suggests that training weightlifting will stunt a child's growth or make them bulky. There are however many studies that suggest that when children learn proper execution of lifting technique from experienced and certified coaches and they consistently participate in an appropriately designed strength training program, the positive benefits far outweigh any potential for injury. In addition, the many studies have reported lower injury rates in weight training sports (which include weightlifting, powerlifting, and bodybuilding) in comparison to common team sports such as hockey, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and football.
Youth / Junior Weightlifting Clubs Information
At BCWA, we have a number of registered clubs that have dedicated youth and junior weightlifting programs that are coached by experienced and certified weightlifting coaches. We can’t stress enough how important it is for your child to learn how to execute proper weightlifting technique and training principles from the beginning. Training under the guidance of an experienced and certified weightlifting coach will provide your child incredible physical and mental benefits for as long as they continue to train.
Hosting a Meet Information
At BCWA, we offer various Interclub competitions, sanctioned open meets, provincial level meets, and national level competitions that athletes can compete in and qualify for throughout the calendar year. These events can not happen without dedicated volunteers and hosts. If you’d like to volunteer or host a particular BCWA sanctioned meet, please contact us directly for more information.
