Powerlifting Federation host Referees Seminar ahead of today’s Senior Nationals

Dec 03, 2017 Sports, https://www.kaieteurnewsonline...ys-senior-nationals/

22 athletes set to take Ramada Poolside by storm

By Franklin Wilson
Ahead of today’s much anticipated marquee Senior National championships set for the Ramada Princess Hotel, Poolside, the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) yesterday hosted a successful Referees Seminar that was facilitated by Category 11 Referee, Gabre-Jesu McTair of Trinidad and Tobago.
A collaborative effort between the two sister federations, (GAPLF & Trinidad and Tobago Powerlifting Federation – TTPF) yesterday’s event attracted over two-dozen participants who were exposed to the rules of the sport based on the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) rules.
Among the areas discussed during the interactive 7-hour session were the definition, history and governance of powerlifting; categories (age & weight), equipment and specifications, characteristics of a good referee, roles and function, personal apparel/equipment, performance rules, referee commands and signals and reasons for disqualification.
During the opening ceremony, GAPLF President Ed Caesar who welcomed participants underscored the importance of education in whatever is done, noting that there is a dire need to have officials who understand the sport.
Caesar, himself a former athlete who still functions as a Chief Referee also posited that it is vital to engage the youth while not forgetting the elderly who have a significant role to play in terms of nurturing and guidance.
The GAPLF boss also thanked the Trinidad and Tobago Powerlifting Federation for the collaborative role it played in sending one of its certified and experienced Referees to be the facilitator of the seminar. Guyana’s own Cat 11 Qualified Referee, Gordon Spencer assisted in coordinating as did GAPLF executive members, Andrea Smith, Colin Austin and Martin Webster.
Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Executive Dr. Karen Pilgrim also made a brief presentation on the role of GOA in the whole scheme of anti-doping education as Guyana’s affiliate to the Caribbean Regional Anti Doping Organisation.
Today’s action will lift off at 10:00hrs with the first flight of athletes who will be engaging each other in the squat, bench press and deadlift with three attempts in each of the three lifts.
Fans are in for a half time treat with athletes from the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation scheduled to do a round of exhibition poses.
The sponsors for today’s event are Fitness Express, Ramada Princess Hotel. Buddy’s Gym, Trophy Stall, Dynas Embroidery, Banks DIH, Sann Sports, NCN Sports Magazine, Maximum Sports Combat and Strength TV Programme.