Article I — Name

The Ontario Powerlifting Association (O.P.A.) is the name given to this governing body for Powerlifting in Ontario. The O.P.A. is affiliated with the Canadian Powerlifting Union (C.P.U.)

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Article II — Official Emblem

The official emblem is that of the letters O.P.A. inset in the centre of a barbell with the words “Ontario Powerlifting Association” beneath or to the side. It will be displayed on the cover of the constitution and on all official correspondence as well as at all championship contests in Ontario. The official O.P.A. colours shall be red, black and white.

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Article III — Duration

1. 1. The O.P.A. duration is indefinite.

1. 2. A unanimous executive vote is needed to dissolve it.

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Article IV — Objective

1. 1. To work in accord with the Canadian Powerlifting Union.

1. 2. To promote, control and develop powerlifting on a provincial scale.

1. 3. To promote an interest in and a dedication to better health and fitness through weight training.

1. 4. To help in the development of new training techniques involving weight training for other sports.

1. 5. To develop Powerlifting as a competitive sport in a high school and university level.

1. 6. To set up and enforce rules for competition in accordance with I.P.F. rules.

1. 7. To appoint qualified referees.

1. 8. To regulate and control provincial championships.

1. 9. To set up a committee to discipline clubs and individuals that do not follow the constitution.

1. 10. To honour individuals in the form of special awards for exceptional work and achievement.

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Article V — General Provisions

1. 1. In compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the O.P.A. forbids discrimination and harassment based on, but not limited to, disability, gender (described as “sex” in the Ontario Human Rights Code and including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (faith), age, marital status, family status, receipt of public assistance, and same sex status.

1. 11. The O.P.A. forbids distinctions between individuals, for reasons of race, colour, religion or politics.

1. 12. The O.P.A. headquarters is situated in the town where the President lives.

1. 13. The official form of communication is the website www.ontariopowerlifting.org .

1. 14. The O.P.A. forbids sexual harassment whether it be of a verbal or physical nature to any individual.

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Article VI — Official Language

1. 1. The official language of the O.P.A. is English. All publications, meetings and correspondence of the O.P.A. will be in English.

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Article VII — General Provincial Meetings

1. 1. An O.P.A. general meeting will take place every year on the evening of the first day of lifting of the Provincial Championships. Sufficient time will be given from the conclusion of lifting to allow members to attend.

1. 2. The general meeting is open to any member registered with the O.P.A. All present will be allowed to vote. Voting by proxy is not allowed.

1. 3. Proposals for the meeting must reach the office of the Secretary at least one month before the date fixed for the meeting. The agenda must be prepared two weeks before the meeting and must be published on the website. The meeting will only discuss items on the agenda. Proposed changes to the Constitution and By-Laws may be considered at any AGM. No new proposals to be introduced during AGM unless they relate to existing Proposals.

1. 4. Discussions limited to 2 minutes per person.

1. 5. Candidatures to open posts of the executive council and committee must reach the office of the Secretary one month before the fixed date of the meeting.

1. 6. The election of members of the executive council will be carried out by secret ballot.

1. 7. All items passed at the AGM will become effective the 1st day of the following month with the exception of yearly fees (which will come in effect the following January 1st).

1. 8. A tentative date of the following years AGM is to be set with the hosting club, location and actual date to follow.

1. 9. The OPA will hold a minimum of two executive meetings throughout the remainder of the year.

1. 10. All official communication, such as new proposals and votes, between members of the executive must either be at a formal meeting or over email.

1. 11. All official O.P.A. meetings including the AGM will be conducted using the “Robert’s Rules of Order” as the parliamentary procedures.

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Article VIII — Special Executive Meetings

1. 1. If requested by one half or better of the executive, the executive must meet within one month of the request being received.

1. 2. The OPA executive and officers has the right and/or ability to make special exemptions should they feel it benefits the OPA and/or CANPL. These exemptions and/or decisions will be final with no appeals and must have 2/3 approval of the executive and officials.

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Article IX — O.P.A. Executive Council

1. 1) O.P.A. Executive Council

1. i) President

1. ii) Past-President

1. iii) Vice- President

1. iv) Secretary

1. v) Treasurer

1. 2) O.P.A. Officers

1. i) Officiating Chairperson

1. ii) Records Chairperson

1. iii) Newsletter Editor

1. iv) Registration Chairperson

1. v) Regional Chairpersons

1. vi) Website Editor

1. vii) School Competition Chairperson

1. 3) During the period between general meetings, the O.P.A. is administered by the Executive Council. Executive Council, including O.P.A. Officers, and Board of Directors are one and the same, hereinafter referred to as Executive Council and or Board of Directors.

1. 4) Any registered member of the O.P.A. is eligible for election on a position of the executive.

1. 5) The Executive Council is elected for a term of two years. Retiring members are eligible for re-election.

1. 6) Any members regularly absent from the meetings unless on account of valid reasons, may be suspended by a decision of absolute majority of the Executive Council and replaced at the next general meetings.

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Article X — Duties of the President

1. 1) The President directs the debate and keeps order at the general meetings according to the traditions and rules of parliamentary debate.

1. 2) In case of equal voting on a motion, the President will have the deciding vote.

1. 3) The President will set up a committee that will be responsible for taking disciplinary action against any member whose conduct is considered prejudicial to the O.P.A. or has violated the O.P.A. constitution and rules.

1. 4) The President shall present all awards at Provincial meets. The President may delegate this duty to other officials.

1. 5) The President will issue all official notices of all meetings.

1. 6) The President will provide an annual report at the AGM.

1. 7) The President will, to the greatest extent possible, attend the CANPLAGM to represent the interests of the O.P.A. The President shall be eligible for expense reimbursement for attendance at the CANPL AGM as per the schedules listed in Article XXVI 5).

1. 8) The Past President will be an Officer without Portfolio and will carry out duties assigned from time to time as deemed necessary by the Board of Director.

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Article XI — Duties of the Vice-President

1. 1) The Vice-President shall perform all the duties of the President, whenever the President ceases to hold office for any reason or is prevented from attending to his/her duties.

1. 2) The Vice-President will preside at all meetings of the Association in the absence of the President.

1. 3) The Vice President will be responsible for fundraising.

1. 4) The Vice President will provide a report at the AGM.

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Article XII — Duties of the Secretary

1. 1) To make proper arrangements for keeping the records of O.P.A.

1. 9) To conduct all official correspondence of the O.P.A.

1. 10) To keep a complete record of athletic events held under the auspices of the O.P.A. These records will include the results of the Provincial Championships, newsletters and magazines

1. 11) Delegating the aforementioned duties to such assistants as may be provided by the O.P.A. to perform same

1. 12) To serve as Secretary of the O.P.A. Congress and any special meetings or hearings of the O.P.A.

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Article XIII — Duties of the Treasurer

1. 1) The Treasurer will be responsible for all provincial matters, expenses and receipts. He or she must keep accounts which will be verified by the creditors once a year.

1. 2) Fiscal year end will be January 1st to December 31. Any other organization requiring a different period, such as April 1 to March 31 period, will be provided with such financial statements reflecting that period.

1. 3) To be completed by an auditor as appointed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

1. 4) Financial statements will be completed on a quarterly basis and these quarterly financial statements will be distributed to the Board of Directors within the following month end.

1. 5) The quarterly financial statements will include a copy of the current bank balance and will include prior period comparatives.

1. 6) The Treasurer will inform the Registration Chairperson of all NSF cheques as soon as possible.

1. 7) The Treasurer will provide a report at the AGM which will include the complete set of financial statements.

1. 8) The Treasurer will submit a budget for the following year to be approved at the AGM.

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Article XIV — Duties of the Officiating Chairperson

1. 1) The Officiating Chairperson will be responsible for all testing of provincial referees.

1. 2) The Officiating Chairperson will keep in constant communication with the national officiating Chairperson on rules and referees.

1. 3) The Officiating Chairperson will provide written notification to referees, Referee Newsletter or update, structured Level 1 and Level 2 Referee Training Program, distribution of ties, badges and cards.

1. 4) The unofficial position of Assistant Referee Chairperson is created to share and learn the duties of the Officiating Chairperson.

1. 5) The Officiating Chairperson will be responsible for a yearly report to be given at the provincial general meeting.

1. 6) The Officiating Chairperson shall receive an annual stipend of $1,000.00 to be paid annually at the AGM after the report is given.

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Article XV — Duties of the Records Chairperson

1. 1) The Records Chairperson will keep the Provincial Records up to date and will mail updated record lists to the National Records Chairperson as well as the National Secretary every three months, plus a list for the provincial and national general meetings.

1. 2) The Records Chairperson will keep in constant communications with the National Records Chairperson as to the development or records.

1. 3) The Records Chairperson will be responsible for a yearly report to be given at the Provincial General Meeting.

1. 4) The Records Chairperson will prepare a top ten Ontario Men’s and Women’s list for publication once per year.

1. 5) The Records Chairperson will issue Merit Badges.

1. 6) Upon obtaining the applicable Merit Badge total, the lifter will complete the Merit Badge Application and submit to the Records Chairperson. Merit Badges are free to the lifter

1. 7) A lifter may apply for all Merit Badges below an attained Class at no charge.

1. 8) The Records Chairperson will also distribute other non-lifting certificates such as the OPA Recognition award.

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Article XVI — Duties of Registration Chairperson

1. 1) The duties of the Registration Chairperson are to handle all registration and waivers of powerlifters and clubs in Ontario.

1. 2) The Registration Chairperson is responsible for all registration cards issued.

1. 3) The Registration Chairperson will issue all contest sanctions, and club affiliations.

1. 4) The Registration Chairperson is to ensure that there is a reasonable time between meets as laid out in ARTICLE XXX – Sanctions.

1. 5) The Registrar Chairperson will identify each incoming cheque with the members C.P.U. card number and/or name, if not already clearly marked on cheque.

1. 6) The Registration Chairperson will collect all fees payable to the OPA from the memberships, club affiliations, contest sanctions, record fees for Ontario Records only, drug testing and NSF fees and deposit said fees to the OPA bank account. All fees may be made via e-Transfer direct to Treasurer to the OPA bank account.

1. 7) Once notified by the treasurer of an NSF cheque, the registrar will contact the member in question. The application and/or registration will be immediately suspended until all fees including $10.00 administrative fee and any bank charges have been paid in full.

1. 8) The Registration Chairperson is responsible to give a report to the treasurer quarterly, indicating the breakdown of all deposits. This will be done in February, May, August and November.

1. 9) The Registration Chairperson will issue a replacement letter if a lifter joins or changes clubs once notified in writing.

1. 10) The Registration Chairperson will coordinate meetings assembling tentative dates for upcoming competitions. Once finalized, this information is to be forwarded to the Newsletter Editor/Web Master on a regular basis.

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Article XVII — Duties of the Regional Chairperson

1. 1) The duty of the Regional Chairperson is to run two contests in their region per annum.

1. 2) To hold one Category I referees’ clinic per annum and at least one coaching clinic per annum.

1. 3) When referees are being selected Regional Chairpersons will contact referees in their particular area and submit the names of referees who have committed to work the competition to the Referee Chairperson for approval, at least four (4) weeks prior to competition date.

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Article XVIII — Duties of the School Competition Chairperson

1. 1) To be responsible for development and working on all school-based competition matters, for high school, college and university;

1. 2) To be a voice for Sub-Junior and Junior lifters on the executive committee;

1. 3) To help set standards, and time frames for school regional and provincial championships;

1. 4) To help to develop training for teachers for coaching;

1. 5) To co-ordinate with Referee Chairperson to train and certify referees for school meets, with volunteers in the schools; and

1. 6) To help develop contacts in different regions/schools to help expand the sport in the schools.

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Article XIX — Provincial Championships

1. 1) The OPA will use the “Meet Directors Guide” as a base standard for all Provincial Championships.

1. 2) The OPA Provincial Powerlifting and Bench-only Championships will be held annually as follows:

1. a) Championships for classic powerlifting, classic and equipped bench-only for Junior and Sub-Junior age categories are to be held between September 1st and November 30th.

1. b) Championships for classic powerlifting, classic and equipped bench-only for Open and Master age categories as well as equipped powerlifting for all age categories are to be held between the September 1st and November 30th. The AGM will be held in conjunction with this Championship event.

1. c) The Junior and Sub-Junior Championship and the Open and Master Championship shall be held no less than 21-days apart.

1. 3) The Cut-off date for all Provincial Championship applications is Four (4) weeks prior to competition.

1. 4) Meet Director to send List of lifters to President, Referee Chairperson, and Registration Chairperson so that the Registration Chairperson can check for valid CANPL cards.(This is required to determine if lifters meet qualifications, determine amount of medals, the lifting order can be created, and to ensure a proper number of referees are made available)

1. 5) A lifter may only compete in the bodyweight class in which he/she was registered for 21 days prior to the meet date.

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Article XX — Provincial Records

1. 1) For Ontario Provincial Records, the Standard OPA application form shall be submitted to the Records Chairperson and received no later than 7 Calendar days from the date of the competition (or final day of a multi-day event) in which the proposed record was set. If the application form is not received within 7 days, that record cannot be claimed.

1. 2) If a lifter plans to break a record, they need to send formal information in writing to the meet directory providing such time as to try and ensure the proper referees can be available. If a formal request is not submitted records may not be available at that competition. There is no guarantee the proper referees will be available when requested.

1. 3) All three (3) referees seated during record attempts must be of a Provincial Category 1 (P1) rank or higher in order for the record to be accepted. Provincial Records in the Total will only be accepted if all three referees of a Provincial Category 1 rank or higher were seated during all successful lifts that accumulated the Total Record.

1. 4) Provincial records can be set at any contest held by an IPF affiliate/member country. The onus is on the lifter to show that the referees are officially recognized by the IPF affiliate. As loan as the referee is officially recognized it is assumed that he/she is qualified. The lifter must provide a hard copy of the results with the referees’ signatures.

1. 5) I.P.F. rules must be followed.

1. 6) The lifter is responsible for completion and submission of the application form.

1. 7) Any lifter who registers a positive doping test shall have all previous O.P.A. records that he/she may have held removed. Records will revert back to the previous record holder.

1. 8) An Official Records Certificate will be distributed to all record holders by the Records Chairperson at the time when the record is applied for..

1. 9) All awards won at a meet where a lifter tests positive will be returned to the meet director and awarded to the proper lifter.

INTERNATIONAL RECORDS

All provincial records set at competitions outside of the province must follow the same procedure as set out in Article XX.

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Article XXI — Provincial Referees

1. 1) O.P.A. OFFICIALS CAN ONLY OFFICIATE AT I.P.F./C.P.U MEMBER SANCTIONED CONTESTS.

1. 2) Category I Provincial Referee (eligibility)

1. i) Must attend a referees clinic

1. ii) Must pass a written test

1. iii) Must pass a practical test with two Category I Provincial Referees or higher

1. 3) Duties of O.P.A. referees – must be active and willing to participate in O.P.A. activities.

1. 4) Referee Uniform – the uniform shall consist of grey dress pants, light coloured shirt with collar, dark coloured shoes with socks, an OPA/CANPL/IPF tie and dark blue blazer or suit jacket. Upon passing of the OPA referee exam, the Officiating Chair will present the new referee an Official OPA tie.

1. 5) Referees are required to join the Ontario Powerlifting Association annually, as an associate member or higher.

1. 6) Provincial referees who do not attend mandatory referee Rule Change clinics within 6 months of the I.P.F. Rule changes, be dropped one Class in their Provincial Category standing until such time as a test is passed on the new rule changes with a score of 90%.

1. 7) A goal of the O.P.A. is to increase our National Referees by two and our International Referees by one. To assist, the O.P.A. will fund Provincial Referees, the same amount as lifters when they travel to competitions to obtain their National or International Referees badge.

1. 8) Ontario will use a two level referee system. Level 1 referees remain the same. Level II referees are only permitted to referee as side judges. Those referees who have passed the written exam but not the practical will be classified as Level II referees. Once the practical portion has been passed the referee becomes a Level I referee.

1. 9) Referees are eligible for expense reimbursement as per the schedules listed in Article XXVI.

1. 10) Provincial Referees must officiate at least two meets per calendar year, plus one of the two Provincial Championships, and attend a Referee Clinic once every 2 years to maintain active status subject to the availability of meets within their region. No referee will be required to leave their region to complete this quota provided the referee has made every attempt to officiate two meets within the region. Failure to comply will result in the referee being dropped to inactive status. An inactive referee shall maintain all qualifications but may not be considered for the purposes of a club sanction.

1. 11) Qualifications for a Category 2 Referee are as follows:

1. i) Must take the Category 2 written examination.

1. ii) Must attend Referee Seminar.

1. iii) Must achieve a passing score of 90 percent or more on both written and practical examinations.

1. 12) Qualifications for a Category 1 Referee are as follows:

1. i) Must be a Category 2 Referee in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year.

1. ii) Must have adjudicated at least 4 competitions

1. iii) Must take Category 1 practical examination at 3 lift competition with at least 20 lifters.

1. iv) Must adjudicate at least 75 attempts, 35 of which must be squats, while serving as Chief Referee. First round attempts by lifter will not be counted.

1. 13) The candidate will be credited with 25 points / marks, and observed competence by the examiner/s during gear check, weigh in and while seated at the platform. A deduction of 0.5 (half a point/mark) will be made for any error that may contravene the technical rules. The examiner will be a Provincial Category 1 Referee or higher.

1. 14) The candidate must score at least 90 percent on their total examination. This includes the 75 points on his decisions made at the platform as compared with those of the Jury members and not those of his fellow platform referees. The other 25 points come from decisions and performance of the necessary duties (i.e.

1. 15) Gear check, weigh in and platform control).

1. 16) To be recommended by the OPA president and/or OPA referee chairperson for National Referee test, a Category 1 referee must have adjudicated a minimum 12 three lift competitions and two provincial championships (in succeeding years).

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Article XXII — Clubs and Teams

1. 1) Definition of a Club

1. a) The Club must be registered under a Provincial Organization.

1. b) In order to represent a club, the lifter must train with that club on a regular basis (at least once a week).

1. c) If, for any reason, the lifter wishes to change clubs or is unable to follow the above recommendations, he must send written explanation to the provincial registration chairperson and approval by the O.P.A. executive.

1. d) Except for any club associated with para-powerlifting, each club must provide at least one member to volunteer and at least one member to referee at one of the provincial championships held every year.

1. 1) Definition of a Team

1. a) The team must be registered under a Provincial Organization

1. b) In order to represent a Team, the lifter must procure training programs from a Coach employed by said team for at least 4 weeks

1. c) If a lifter switches teams or joins a new club, they may not compete under the new team/club for 4 weeks.

1. d) If a lifter is part of a different Team from Club; they may compete under either but not both.

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Article XXIII — Levels of Competition

1. 1) In Ontario there are five levels of competition. All age divisions are determined as per the IPF rules:

1. i) NOVICE – is a lifter who has never made Class III in a sanctioned competition.

1. ii) SUB-JUNIOR – from the day he reaches 14 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he/she reaches 18 years.

1. iii) JUNIOR – from 1 January in the calendar year he reaches 19 years and throughout the full calendar year in which he reaches 23 years.

1. iv) SENIOR – is a lifter who has made a Class I rating or higher in a sanctioned contest.

1. v) MASTER – a master is 40 years and over. There are several classifications of Master which are determined by the IPF classifications.

1. vi) High School Competitions – limited to Belt and Wrist Wraps. Must wear proper T-Shirt and Shorts, or Wrestling Singlet.

1. 2) The Ontario Powerlifting Association sanctions the following Championship Contests:

1. i) Men’s Sub-Juniors Women’s Sub-Juniors

1. ii) Men’s Juniors Women’s Juniors

1. iii) Men’s Open Women’s Open

1. iv) Men’s Masters I, II, III, IV Women’s Masters I, II, III, IV

1. v) Men’s Bench Press Women’s Bench Press

1. 3) The words “Ontario” and “Championship” can only be used in the competitions listed in Article XXII 1 and 2.

1. 4) All competitions, other than the Provincial Championships, must allow both “classic” and “equipped” lifters. Awards to be given are at the meet director’s discretion.

1. 5) High School lifters who qualify as an OPA Sub-Junior at the Ontario High School Championships are eligible to compete at the Ontario Sub-Junior Championships in that competition year.

1. 6) A lifter may remain in a particular category throughout the calendar year in which he reaches the stated upper limit of that category.

Additional Points to Remember

1. 1) You must have qualified in the class in which you will compete within the previous 24 months from the date of the intended Provincials.

1. 2) Following CANPL Standards for OPA Championships, you can move up or down in weight class as long as the lifters total meets the requirements for the weight category they lift in.

1. 3) A Master lifter is considered to be in the new age category for the full calendar year in which they meet the age requirement. For instance, a lifter who turns 40 in October would be eligible to lift as a Master lifter in January while still 39.The lifter must have previously qualified either as a MASTER, or within the 12 month period before meeting the minimum age requirement for the class they will compete in.

1. 4) A junior lifter remains a junior until December 31 of the year they turn 23 years.

1. 5) Anyone lifting must obtain at least one level below qualifier in order to get a medal.

1. i) If Class I is required the lifter must total at least Class II

1. ii) If Class IV is the requirement, the lifter must total at least 85% of Class IV

1. iii) Bench Press must lift the qualifying total to get a medal

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ELIGIBILITY

1. 1) Eligibility Requirements For any Member of the O.P.A. to be eligible to compete at the C.P.U. National Championships, the Member must:

1. a) hold a valid Ontario issued C.P.U. card and be an Ontario resident. Proof of residency must be provided to the Registration Chair if required;

1. b) Fulfill all applicable qualifying criteria prescribed by the C.P.U., which may be amended from time to time; and

1. c) Compete at the preceding Provincial Championships.

1. 2) Classic or Equipped Competition To lift at the National Championships in classic or equipped divisions, the athlete must lift classic or equipped at the Provincial Championships but does not have to compete in both as long as the required totals are met. The athlete may compete in one or the other and still be eligible to compete in both divisions at the National Championships if they choose. This also applies to the National Bench Press Championships. To lift at the National Bench Press Championships, the athlete must lift at the Provincial Bench Press Championships.

1. 3) Requirement to compete at the preceding Provincial Championships may be waived The requirement to compete at the preceding Provincial Championships per National Championship Eligibility requirement 1) c) will be waived for a member if they meet one of the following criteria:

1. a) Extreme Circumstances: In the event where a lifter cannot attend the Provincial Championships, the OPA Executive and Officials has the ability to make an exemption due to extreme circumstances. A lifter may apply for exemption to the executive and officials. The lifter will abide by the decision and an appeal will not be an option. If the lifter is applying due to an injury, they must make themselves available to volunteer for at least two sessions of the contest. They may not actually have to volunteer, and the tasks required of them will be dependent on the type of injury (someone with a broken leg would not be asked to spot/load for instance). Note that this does not mean an injured lifter is guaranteed to receive an exemption. This is still at the discretion of the executive.

1. b) Lifter is a consistent International Team member: The lifter has competed at a minimum of two (2) International events (where world records can be set) within the previous three (3) consecutive-year period and has submitted to the satisfaction of the Executive, their performance results from all such events participated in. Such lifters must still attend the Provincial Championships and participate in a volunteer capacity.

1. c) Conflict with International Competition: Within 60-days of the Ontario Championships, any lifter having competed at an IPF international competition where world records can be set, or any lifter who will be competing at an IPF international competition within 60 days following the Ontario Championships, shall be exempt from the requirements to compete at the Ontario Championships and shall therefore receive a “Bye” to compete at the next Nationals. Such lifters must still attend the Provincial Championships and participate in a volunteer capacity.

AWARDS

1. 1) Meet Directors of Provincial Championships, must award medals purchased from the O.P.A.

1. 2) The Ontario Bench Press Championship will have a separate medal from the 3 lift Championships.

1. 3) At all O.P.A. competitions there will be a team award.

1. 4) Men and Women competing will be awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in their respective weight classes. Wilks formula will only be used when determining best lifter.

1. 5) All championship medals should be engraved (either on the medal or a disc) including the following information: Division, e.g. Master I, Weight Class and Year.

TEAM SCORING

Team scoring for all O.P.A. competitions shall be 12, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 for the first eight places in any body weight category. Only the point scorers of the 5 best placed lifters of each club will count for the team competition at all O.P.A. contests.

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Article XXIV — Drug Testing

1. 1) The OPA reserves the right to perform drug testing for banned IPF substances at any contest under its jurisdiction.

1. 2) Any person that is under a current suspension from any sport federation for the use of banned substances will not be permitted to join the OPA.

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Article XXV — Fees

FEE SCHEDULE

Effective January 1, 2016

1. 1) Individual registration – $45.00 (CANPL portion) + $40.00 (OPA portion) = $85.00 (No late fee)

1. 2) Student, Special Athlete, or Parasport Athlete- $45.00 (CANPL portion) + $20.00 (OPA portion) =$65.00

1. 3) Club affiliation – $40.00

1. 4) Team Affiliation – $200.00

1. 5) Sanction fees: 1 DAY CONTEST $100.00* 2 DAY CONTEST $200.00* CHAMPIONSHIP $500.00* * plus sanction deposit as follows:

1. a) $500.00 for a Provincial Championship

1. b) $200.00 for any other Contest

1. 6) Associate member – $30.00

1. 7) High School Students – $2.00

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Article XXVI — Equipment

1. 1) Equipment

1. i) If conditions for proper equipment and venue are not met, infractions will be noted and future sanctions will not be granted. Meet Directors will have to inform competitors about incorrect equipment, and that no records will be recognized.

1. 2) Advertising

1. i) Advertising may appear on T-shirts and other equipment providing there is no profanity and is not deemed inappropriate by the executive.

1. ii) I.P.F. rules regarding size and placement of sponsor logos to be upheld.

1. iii) No fee will be required by the O.P.A.

1. iv) Sponsors and all logos are to be registered with the Registration Chair prior to use.

1. v) The Registration Chair is to be given a copy of the proposed logo as is currently required for registered team logos.

1. vi) Registration is for one calendar year.

1. vii) Registration only applies to that one individual or club.

1. viii) The lifter will be responsible for presenting proof of registration to the equipment check official at every competition.

1. ix) Sponsor logos only apply to the Provincial level contests and below in Ontario.

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Article XXVII — Travel / Accommodations / Expense Reimbursement

1. 1) Lifters:

1. i) Within 30 days of the competition and upon submission of receipts to the Treasurer on the proper fully completed O.P.A. expense form, competing lifters will be reimbursed TWO-WAY TRAVEL and ACCOMMODATION to CHAMPIONSHIP MEETS ONLY as follows :

1. a) $100.00 for Nationals, provided that: (1) The total one-way travel distance is 1001 km or greater; (2) The athlete has achieved a top-3 finish in their weight class; and (3) The athlete has volunteered during at least one lifting session at the event.

1. b) $200.00 for International competitions, provided that the total one-way travel distance is 1001 km or greater.

1. i) Any lifter who travels to a National or International Competition that is selected to drug test and tests positive will not be eligible to receive travel reimbursement from the O.P.A.

1. ii) If any lifter does not achieve a total at a National or International competition, they will not be eligible for travel expenses.

1. 2) Referees:

1. i) Within 30 days of the Competition and upon submission of receipts to the treasurer on the appropriate completed O.P.A. Expense form, via Mail, or E-Mail, referees will be eligible for: (a) $50.00 per session for Provincial Level Referees (b) $70.00 per session for National Level Referee or above (c) Travel over 100 Km – 0.20 ¢ per Km (This is counted from the first KM, so the entire distance is covered). For travelling to all meets, referees are encouraged to share travel and accommodations. If travelling by car and with at least one other referee, the per km reimbursement will be increased to $0.30/km roundtrip. (d) A Referee that has officiated for more than 8 sessions in the year will have an increase in their stipend by $10 per session for each contest officiated thereafter. (e) Travel over 100 Km – Hotel up to the rate of the Meet Registered Hotel Cost per night refereeing, or less if the room is less than the Meet Rate. If no meet hotel is specified, then the amount is $100 per night. For travelling to all meets, referees are encouraged to share travel and accommodations. For hotels rooms when sharing with at least one other referee, the maximum will be increased to $150 per night (or the amount paid, whichever is less). (f) Refereeing at the Nationals or Internationals $200.00 to help offset travel expenses. (g) Travel will only be paid for Referees that are sitting as Referees, TC and Jury. If the Referee is only doing Equipment Checks and/or Weigh In they will be paid $35.00 only. (h) The Referee Chairperson must approve all referee expenses. (i) For contests where a referee also lifts, they will not be entitled to hotel for that night if a multiple night meet, and if only a single day meet, they will only be eligible to claim the $35 referee fee. No travelling expenses will be reimbursed.

1. 3) Provincial Referees when travelling to competitions to obtain their National or International Referees Badge, will receive $200.00 as per the above schedule 2,I,d, provided they pass the test.

1. 4) When traveling outside of Ontario, referees should be eligible for the same travelling considerations as lifters. Reason: Referees are compelled to referee internationally every four years or lose their ticket. There are never enough referees at the national championships. This would encourage national and international referees to travel.

1. 5) All reasonable expenses incurred in the operation of the O.P.A. by its Board of Directors shall be reimbursed by the Association excluding travel and accommodation covered above. The President shall be eligible for expense reimbursement up to $1,000 for flight and two (2) nights accommodation to attend the CANPL AGM.

1. 6) Any Club which hosts a Provincial Championship Meet, finding that their costs have not been covered, may within 30 days of the competition date, submit a complete statement of revenue and expense to the Board of Directors. Upon review of the statement of revenue and expense, the Board of Directors, at its discretion, may or may not fund the Club an amount that may or may not equal the Championship Meet deficit.

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Article XXVIII — Complaints

1. 1) Committee to deal with complaints shall consist of:

1. i) One Executive Member and one lifter of choice;

1. ii) Complainant and one lifter of choice;

1. iii) Recipient of complaints and one lifter of choice;

1. iv) The Executive member will chair meeting.

1. 2) Procedures to deal with complaints:

1. i) All complaints will be submitted to the President in writing;

1. ii) Executive will determine if matter needs to be dealt with and how;

1. iii) Executive will appoint a member to sit on this committee;

1. iv) All decisions made by appointed Committee will be final.

1. v) All complaints to be directed to the Executive and not to the Newsletter Editor. Names and details will be kept out of publication.

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Article XXIX — Results

1. 1) All sanctioned official score sheet results, signed by three referees, held in Ontario, including World meet results, be distributed by the Meet Director within one week of the contest to:

1. i) O.P.A. President

1. ii) O.P.A. Records Chairperson

1. iii) C.P.U. President

1. iv) C.P.U. Web Manager

1. v) C.P.U. Records

1. vi) OPA Media Manager

1. 2) If the OPA is subject to a fee from the CANPL as a result of a late meet results submission, a $250.00 fine will be administered to Meet Directors who fail to submit meet results to the OPA within 7 days from the last day of competition, provided that the meet director is given a prior warning of the outstanding meet results submission.

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Article XXX — Contest Sanctions

1. 1. A sanction application must be received by the Registration Chair three months prior to the proposed date or the sanction will be denied. A sanction application will include a completed application form and payment for all fees and required sanction deposit. Contest sanctions will only be approved if all provisions in this section are met and all applicable standards and guidelines of the OPA, as specified in the Meet Directors Guide/Handbook (as may be amended from time to time) are complied-with.

1. 2. A competition cannot be advertised in the O.P.A. Magazine, website, Social Media (including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or otherwise) prior to the O.P.A. granting a sanction and approving the application form.

1. 3. Any club proposing a sanction for a meet shall provide one club member to function in whatever capacity deemed necessary by the Referee Chairperson. This official must be an active referee, Level II Provincial or higher. While it is possible for a club to have an outside referee represent them, the expectation is that they make every possible effort to develop their own referees. The designated referee must be present at the meet to function in whatever capacity deemed necessary by the Referee Chairperson. The host club must provide one meal per day for each referee officiating.

1. 4. Competitions within Ontario will not be sanctioned within 14 days of each other unless the majority of the executive votes to allow an exception (i.e. Toronto Super Show) if the contest is in the same region and 7 days if the contest is in a different region. Sanctions will be allowed on a first come first serve basis.

1. 5. Confirmation of the Meet with Details of Date, Time, Location and Referee provided by club to be sent to Referee Chairperson, and Drug Testing Committee once all conditions are met.

1. 6. The O.P.A. Executive at its discretion may organize special contests for the purpose of introducing new lifters to the sport of Powerlifting (i.e. Students, Police and Fire personnel). Lifters must be Ontario residents but do not have to have a C.P.U. card. These contests must be approved by applying to the O.P.A. Executive, (attention O.P.A. Secretary).

1. 7. Anyone in the warm-up area must be lifters, coaches and contest personnel.. The only exceptions are media and emergency personnel. For lifters competing classic, there is a limit of one coach per lifter in the warm-up area. Lifters competing equipped may have up to two coaches per lifter in the warm-up area. The Meet Director will provide a stamp, batch or wristband to show that it is a coach and shall be responsible for keeping a list of all coaches and volunteers

1. 8. All open meet contest fees will include a $15 per lifter fee and all Championship meet contest fees will include a $20 per lifter fee that will go directly to the OPA for drug testing. 8.1 The total sum of the drug testing fee must be paid to the OPA no less than seven (7) days prior to the first day of competition. If drug testing fees are not paid the OPA reserves the right to withhold referees until the fee is paid. If the withholding of referees results in the cancellation of the contest, the meet director shall be responsible for reimbursing all registered competitors.

1. 9. Changes to sanctions can happen no later than 60 days before the start of the contest. In the event of a change, lifters already entered in the contest must be notified by both phone and email if both options are available.

1. 10. All sanctions that are granted will adhere to OPA standard and meet all the “Meet Director’s Guide” (as amended). For each sanctioned contest, a participating jury member or senior referee shall submit to the Registrar and Referee Chairperson, a summary report confirming whether the contest adhered to the Meet Director’s Guide. If requirements are not met, fines up to $500 may be imposed on the offending meet director and club hosting the sanctioned event.

1. 11. Contest Sanction deposits shall be collected to ensure that the contest is held in conformity with the approved sanction and all applicable standards of the OPA. All or a portion of the contest sanction deposit may be withheld by the OPA if any such requirements and standards are not followed and/or changes are made from the original bid/sanction, other than those due to circumstances such as unforeseen circumstances causing the venue included in the contest sanction/bid no longer being available. The withholding of any sanction deposit shall be at the sole discretion of the Executive Council.

1. 12. The OPA reserves the right to reprimand meet directors that do not meet or falsify the requirement standards. If the summary report required by Article XXX 10. determines that contest sanction information was falsified, the reprimand can consist of membership suspension, fines up to $500 and refusal of future sanctions.

1. 13. Competitions held in gyms (weight training facilities) shall be limited to a maximum of 42 competitors, or a single lifting session of 3 flights with the maximum 14 athletes per flight. In addition, sanctions for competitions held in gyms will require: i. confirmation of the applicable fire department occupant load for the venue; ii. demonstration of adequate spectator control measures; and iii. submission of a satisfactory floor plan including dimensions of the proposed venue space layout.

1. 14. For the Toronto Pro-Supershow, the OPA Executive Council, in partnership with the meet director will determine how to best execute this event as a premier, high-quality showcase event for the OPA. The Toronto Pro Supershow may include an invitational competition component consisting of out-of-province lifters which will require a special contest sanction subject to final approval of the OPA Executive Council. Any invitational competition component shall be in addition to a regular OPA-sanctioned OPA competition in accordance with these By-laws. Any meet director(s) running a provincial championship will receive a bye from the National Championship eligibility requirement to compete at the preceding Provincial Championships, due to the requirements of running this event. This bye applies to up to two (2) meet directors for any provincial championships.

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Ontario Powerlifting Association By-Law Number One

MEMBERSHIP

1. 1) The O.P.A. recognizes the following memberships:

1. i) Full Member competing athlete

1. ii) Associate Member – non-competing Athlete (receives newsletter)

1. 2) Members – The members of the clubs consist of the subscribers to the constitution and by-law, and every other person, firm, club or corporation admitted as a member by the Executive Council.

1. 3) Applications – To become a member, all applications for membership shall be submitted to the Registration Chairperson along with the appropriate waiver form.

1. 4) Resignations – A member may resign by notification in writing and the resignation shall become effective upon acceptance thereof by the Executive Council. A member remains liable for payment of any assessment or other sum levied or which became payable by him/her to the association before acceptance of his/her resignation.

1. 5) Expulsion – The Executive Council may by a vote of three-fourths of those voting members present and voting at a meeting of the members duly called for that purpose, expel or suspend any member whose conduct has been determined by the Executive Council to be improper, unbecoming, or likely to endanger the interests or reputation of the association of who willfully commits a breach of the constitution of by-law of the association. No member shall be expelled or suspended without being notified of the charge or complaint against him/her without having first been given an opportunity to be heard by the Executive Council at a meeting called for that purpose.

1. 6) Any member of the O.P.A. who is found guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute by means of his/her comments, published article, TV or radio broadcasts or for conduct of language judged improper, unbecoming or likely to adversely affect the interests and reputation of the O.P.A. may be requested to appear before the Board of Directors. Should the Directors decide that a bon aphid case of violation exists, the Directors will decide what punishment to be imposed upon the member

DUES

1. 1) Entrance Fee – There may be a membership entrance fee in such amount as is determined from time to time at a general meeting of the association.

1. 2) Dues – The annual membership dues shall be determined by the members at the annual general meeting. All dues are payable in advance of the first day of January of each year. This is to include the default of a contest entry fee. All terminated memberships which do not appear to qualify for re-admittance will be published in the O.P.A. magazine to ensure meet directors and officials are aware of the terminations. The Executive Council and meet directors reserve the right to request payment for charges incurred by the defaulting member before re-admittance is granted.

1. 3) Default – If any member fails to pay their dues, fee or assessments, within thirty (30) days of the demand by the Registrar Chairperson, he/she thereupon automatically ceases to be a member of the association, but such a member may be readmitted to membership by the Executive Council upon such evidence as it considers satisfactory, upon payment of all arrears of fees, dues and assessments. A member will be suspended for failure to pay fees at sanctioned events held by Regional clubs, including any charges incurred for NSF cheques (within 30 days).

1. 4) The OPA charge $5.00 replacement fee for lost cards/letters

GENERAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS

1. 1) Annual Meeting (AGM) – An AGM called for the purpose of electing directors and transacting such other business shall be held with the Equipped Championships each year. Notice of the time and place of such meeting shall be published on the OPA Website at least one month prior to the date of the AGM, or in such other manner as may be prescribed from time to time by the Executive Council.

1. 2) Agenda – At every AGM, in addition to any other business that may be transacted, the report of the Executive Council, the financial statements and the report of the auditors shall be presented, a board of directors elected and auditors appointed for the ensuing year, and their remuneration fixed. In addition to any other business that may be transacted, the following business will also be transacted:

1. i) Roll call

1. ii) Introduction of guests and tributes

1. iii) Reading of the minutes of the previous AGM

1. iv) Executives Reports

1. v) Auditor’s report

1. vi) Election of new Executive Council (Every other Year Even Years)

1. vii) Appointment of Committees

1. viii) Unfinished business

1. ix) New business/Proposals

1. x) Amendments to Constitution

1. xi) Championship Bids for following year

1. xii) OPA Awards

1. 3) Awards – The following achievement awards will be considered at every AGM:

1. a) Male Athlete of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year: to be awarded to athletes deemed to have demonstrated a high-level competition success and lifting prowess throughout the previous calendar year.

1. b) Outstanding Achievement Award: to be awarded to the member deemed to have consistently demonstrated outstanding achievements for a period no less than seven (7) years in the areas of development and advancement of powerlifting in Ontario, including but not limited to officiating, high-school and collegiate sport development, contest organization, governance and administration, athlete mentorship and recruitment. Candidates for OPA achievement awards will be submitted to the Secretary for consideration at the AGM in accordance with Article VII 3. (General Provincial Meetings – Proposal Submissions) Successful award recipients will be determined at the AGM in accordance with the secret ballot voting procedures of this By-law. The President will present the selected award recipient with a formal trophy or other monument as a symbol and recognition of their achievement. All recipients will be documented on the OPA website and submitted to the CANPL for candidature of respective CANPL National awards.

1. 4) Quorum – A quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting consists of a majority of the voting members of record in attendance, of the association.

1. 5) Voting – With respect to the bi-annual election of Executive, voting privileges will be limited to one vote for each individual member. No proxies will be accepted.

1. 6) Voting Procedure – At all other meetings of the association every question shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast by the members entitled to vote, including one vote from each member of the executive. Every question will be decided in the first instance by a show of hands unless a poll is demanded by any member. Unless a poll is demanded, declaration by the chairperson that a resolution has been carried or not carried and an entry to that effect in the minutes shall be sufficient evidence of the vote without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against such resolutions. In case of an equality of votes at any annual general meeting, the chairperson will cast the deciding vote. Otherwise, the chairperson, who will be a member of the Executive, does not vote. This power of the chairperson is not exercised in the annual election of the Executive/Board of Directors. In the case of an equality of votes, with respect to the election of any member of the board, a runoff vote will be held as determined in such manner by the Executive/Board of Directors.

1. 7) Vacancies – If any member of the Executive/Board of Directors resigns his/her office, or without reasonable excuse absents him/herself from three or more executive meetings, or is suspended or expelled from the association, the Executive shall declare his/her office vacated and may appoint a successor in his/her place to hold office until the next annual general meeting.

1. 8) Indemnification – Every director of the association is deemed to have assumed office on the express agreement and condition that he/her and his/her heirs, executors, administrators, estate, and effects respectively shall from time to time and at all times be indemnified and saved harmless out of the funds of the association from and against all costs, charges and expenses which such executive sustains or incurs in or about any action, suit or proceeding which is brought, commenced, or prosecuted against him for or in respect of any act, deed, matter or thing made, done or permitted by him or any other executive member in or about the execution of the duties of his/her or their office, and also from and against all other costs, charges and expense which he/she sustains or incurs in or about or in relation to the affairs thereof except such cost, charges or expenses as are occasioned by his/her own willful neglect or default.

O.P.A. Web Site

1. 1) The O.P.A. will assume the costs of the web site.

1. 2) The O.P.A. will receive any profits from advertising.

1. 3) The web site will be run according to executive approved guidelines.

COMMUNICATIONS GUIDELINES

General Guidelines for the O.P.A. Newsletter and O.P.A. Web Page

1. 1) No profanity.

1. 2) No discriminatory or discriminating statements.

1. 3) No derogatory statements.

1. 4) All content must be able to be viewed by an unrestricted audience.

Specific Guidelines

1. 1) Only official information, i.e. meet results, records and upcoming events are to be controlled by the O.P.A. executive. All other information is at the discretion of the Vice President.

1. 2) Advertisement will be at the discretion of the Newsletter editor and Webmaster.

1. 3) The Web Site will be the O.P.A.’s primary form of communication. Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or otherwise) will be the secondary form of communication provided as an added service.

1. 4) Prior to publication of the Newsletter, selected members of the executive will review all text information in an attempt to ensure accuracy.

1. 5) Periodically selected members of the executive will review the Web page to ensure accuracy.

Information Collection

1. 1) Upcoming Events – The Web Master and Newsletter Editor will receive information on upcoming events from the registration chair.

1. 2) Tentative Events – One executive member will be appointed as meet coordinator. This person will assemble tentative dates for upcoming events and forward the information to the Newsletter editor and Webmaster on a regular basis. This is for information purposes only and is not to be confused with our sanctioned events. These events will be listed as tentative and pending sanction.

1. 3) Meet Results – The meet director must send all meet results to the Newsletter editor and Webmaster. See the Meet Director’s Hand Book for a complete listing.

1. 4) Records – The records chair will provide the Newsletter editor and Webmaster with a full list of all provincial records once per year for publication. Amendments will be provided prior to the publication of each Newsletter to the Newsletter editor and Webmaster. No other mention of records shall be included in the Newsletter or Web page except as provided by the records chair.

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