This new set of rules began on Jan. 1 and will not allowed hormones, even prescribed, in tested divisions.
The United States Powerlifting Association has implemented some new rules that will impact who can compete in drug-tested divisions. The USPA will no longer allow trans athletes or competitors who are using “any hormone” to compete in tested divisions. This set of rules began on Jan. 1.
The full set of rules can be seen in the USPA’s rulebook. New rule 1.8.19 is the one with a new standard.
“Transgender athletes are not eligible to compete in the drug-tested division and must compete only in the non-tested division.
“The USPA/IPL does not allow any therapeutic use exemptions. This means no lifter using any hormone, regardless of medical necessity or choice, or other banned substance (see sec. 12), is allowed to compete in the drug-tested division.”
The USPA does not just prevent transgender competitors from competing if they are taking fender-affirming treatment, it also bans those who are taking hormonal birth control. This also includes diabetes and thyroid conditions that require hormonal treatment.
This new rule reared its head on Jan. 4 when Angel Flores shared an Instagram post about how she was not allowed to compete in a USPA event. The 22-year-old powerlifter was planning to compete at the Violet Crown Classic, which took place in her home gym in Austin, TX. Instead, Flores was unable to compete in the drug-tested competition because she is a trans athlete.
“This was going to be my very first meet alongside my cisgender peers. Since the announcement of the new 100 kilogram weight class, I was excited at the chance to maybe hit some nice records for my age group. On January 4th, the owner of LBC (my close friend @lauriebjj) received a call telling her that I would be disallowed from competing in this tested meet.
If any athlete has ever had competition taken away from them, you’ll understand how I felt that night. We’ve kept it quiet since to not only preserve my mental health, but also preserve the sanctity of training for all my wonderful friends at liberation. I would say that most of the anxiety I’ve been feeling for this meet stems from this.”
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““The USPA rule book [previously] stated [that there is] ‘no distinction between transgender and cisgender lifters,’ and ‘prescribed hormones’ was understood as only those on the banned substance list. Since many of us have been on the hormones for years, and none of us were using any banned substances, several peers were able compete,” Flores said.
Many powerlifters have commented on Flores’ post. There have been instances where trans athletes have competed alongside cisgender peers. Olympian Laurel Hubbard is the most famous after her performance this year.
There have been many governing bodies that have adopted trans-inclusive policies. It will be interesting to see if the USPA becomes one eventually.
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