Welcome to the BC Weightlifting Association

All the information you need to know about Olympic-style weightlifting in the province of British Columbia.

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Welcome to BC Weightlifting

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Click on one of the tabs below for more information about our various resources available, or start typing in the search box.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Learn More
NCC Comp Dev

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 More

Resources & 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

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. 


An individual can achieve a National Level 3 (TO3) Technical Official status by satisfying the following conditions. The Candidate: Must be a current BCWA member in good standing. Must be active as a TO4 for a minimum of one year. Must pass the WCH Technical Official written exam conducted by a National Category 3 TO (or higher). The passing grade is 85%Must act as Referee for a minimum of 100 lifts while being adjudicated at a BCWA sanctioned competition by a Jury consisting of IWF Category 1 and/IWF Category 2 Officials (the lifts must be done within one competition and must consist of the weigh-in; passing grade is 85%). Must Referee at least 5 BCWA-sanctioned competitions. Must act as a Technical Controller for at least 3 BCWA-sanctioned competitions. Must act as a Speaker or Marshal for at least 1 BCWA-sanctioned competition. Must show competency in all required competition roles. (BCWA to give feedback where improvement may be required) WCH National Level 3 (TO3) Technical Officials may Officiate at all levels of Provincial and National events.     


For a National level 3 (TO3) Technical Official to be promoted to an International Category 2 (TO2) Technical Official, the following conditions must be met by the candidate. The candidate: a) Must have served as National Level 3 Technical Official at least five (5) years b) Must be proposed by their respective Member Association c) Must have a complete knowledge of the current IWF TCRR d) Must prove their competence in a practical exam organized by their respective Member Federation under IWF TCRR 34 / TECHNICAL AND COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS 2023 › IWF TECHNICAL AND COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS e) Must obtain 90% or more in the practical exam. f) Must obtain 85% or more in the current IWF Technical Officials’ Exam; as prepared and revised by the IWF Technical Committee from time to time. An IWF International Category 2 (TO2) Technical Official may Officiate at all levels of International events, excluding Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, World Championships and Universiades. NOTE: The percentage marking of examinations of IWF Technical Officials shall be rounded off; e.g. 89.74%=90%, 89.45%=89%. (2023 IWF TCRR 7.3.5).  


For an International Category 2 (TO2) Technical Official to be promoted to International Category 1 (TO1) Technical Official, the following conditions must be met by the candidate. 
The candidate: a) Must have served at least two (2) years as an International Category 2 (TO2) Technical Official b) Must prove practical competence to three (3) Category 1 Technical Officials during a competition held under IWF TCRR; may be examined at any IWF Event, except World Championships, Olympic Games and Masters Events c) Must obtain 95% or more in the practical exam d) Must obtain 90% or more in the current IWF Technical Officials’ Exam; as prepared and revised by the IWF Technical Committee from time to time. e) Must be able to understand and speak basic English. An IWF International Category 1 (TO1) Technical Official may Officiate at all levels of International events.NOTE: The percentage marking of examinations of IWF Technical Officials shall be rounded off; e.g. 89.74%=90%, 89.45%=89%(2023 IWF TCRR 7.3.6) 

Learn More
TO Certifications

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 More

Resources & 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?

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?

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

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

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.

  • Athletes
    Athletes

    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

      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.

      Youth
    • Junior

      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.

      Junior
    • Senior

      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.

      Senior
    • Masters

      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.

      Masters
  • Coaches
    Coaches

    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

      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).

      Getting Started
    • NCCP Comp Intro

      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.

      Learn More
      NCCP Comp Intro
    • NCC Comp Dev

      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 More
      NCC Comp Dev
  • Officials
    Officials

    Resources & 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

      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. 


      An individual can achieve a National Level 3 (TO3) Technical Official status by satisfying the following conditions. The Candidate: Must be a current BCWA member in good standing. Must be active as a TO4 for a minimum of one year. Must pass the WCH Technical Official written exam conducted by a National Category 3 TO (or higher). The passing grade is 85%Must act as Referee for a minimum of 100 lifts while being adjudicated at a BCWA sanctioned competition by a Jury consisting of IWF Category 1 and/IWF Category 2 Officials (the lifts must be done within one competition and must consist of the weigh-in; passing grade is 85%). Must Referee at least 5 BCWA-sanctioned competitions. Must act as a Technical Controller for at least 3 BCWA-sanctioned competitions. Must act as a Speaker or Marshal for at least 1 BCWA-sanctioned competition. Must show competency in all required competition roles. (BCWA to give feedback where improvement may be required) WCH National Level 3 (TO3) Technical Officials may Officiate at all levels of Provincial and National events.     


      For a National level 3 (TO3) Technical Official to be promoted to an International Category 2 (TO2) Technical Official, the following conditions must be met by the candidate. The candidate: a) Must have served as National Level 3 Technical Official at least five (5) years b) Must be proposed by their respective Member Association c) Must have a complete knowledge of the current IWF TCRR d) Must prove their competence in a practical exam organized by their respective Member Federation under IWF TCRR 34 / TECHNICAL AND COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS 2023 › IWF TECHNICAL AND COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS e) Must obtain 90% or more in the practical exam. f) Must obtain 85% or more in the current IWF Technical Officials’ Exam; as prepared and revised by the IWF Technical Committee from time to time. An IWF International Category 2 (TO2) Technical Official may Officiate at all levels of International events, excluding Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, World Championships and Universiades. NOTE: The percentage marking of examinations of IWF Technical Officials shall be rounded off; e.g. 89.74%=90%, 89.45%=89%. (2023 IWF TCRR 7.3.5).  


      For an International Category 2 (TO2) Technical Official to be promoted to International Category 1 (TO1) Technical Official, the following conditions must be met by the candidate. 
      The candidate: a) Must have served at least two (2) years as an International Category 2 (TO2) Technical Official b) Must prove practical competence to three (3) Category 1 Technical Officials during a competition held under IWF TCRR; may be examined at any IWF Event, except World Championships, Olympic Games and Masters Events c) Must obtain 95% or more in the practical exam d) Must obtain 90% or more in the current IWF Technical Officials’ Exam; as prepared and revised by the IWF Technical Committee from time to time. e) Must be able to understand and speak basic English. An IWF International Category 1 (TO1) Technical Official may Officiate at all levels of International events.NOTE: The percentage marking of examinations of IWF Technical Officials shall be rounded off; e.g. 89.74%=90%, 89.45%=89%(2023 IWF TCRR 7.3.6) 

      Learn More
      Getting Started
    • TO Certifications

      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 More
      TO Certifications
  • Parents & Volunteers
    Parents & Volunteers

    Resources & 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?

      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.

      What is Weightlifting?
    • Is it safe for kids?

      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.

      Is it safe for kids?
    • Youth / Junior Weightlifting Clubs

      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.

      Youth / Junior Weightlifting Clubs
    • Hosting a Meet

      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.

      Hosting a Meet
About Olympic Weightlifting

About Olympic Weightlifting

The Two Lifts Explained

In competitive Olympic Weightlifting, there are two lifts contested – the Snatch, and the Clean and Jerk.  Each athlete has three attempts at each lift, and the sum of their best Snatch and best Clean and Jerk is their Total.  The goal is to execute a proper lift with as heavy a weight as possible.

The lifter must demonstrate control and stability of the bar; otherwise, the referees will declare a “no lift” ruling and the lift will be deemed as a failed attempt.

Learn More
Upcoming Events

BC Weightlifting Association hosts multiple events each year for athletes, coaches and officials. Please refer to the list below for more information on upcoming workshops, sanctioned competitions, club events and courses.

View all Events