IPF Extends Darren Matsumoto's Suspension

I'm sure this he's devastated now that he is USPF Hawaii chairman.

The IPF is a JOKE!!!!

The IPF needs to get rid of that rule.
They are losing quality lifters because of it.
It isnt the usapl's fault. It is an international rule.

I just dont understand that rule.
It seems like a rule that just is meant to control where they can lift.

Like he cares! LOL!

6 months....might as well say 600 years because he's not coming back anyway.

Darren you need to keep doing meets regularly so that they have to keep wasting money and paperwork following your career and continuously suspending you.

headline should read:

IPF Extends their reputation further of people who hate them for 6 more months...

Putt Houston.... now with more Bom Chicka Wahwahhhhhh

Darren Matsumoto suspension extended for six months for competing in company softball game.

The USPF is glad to have a quality lifter like Darren. He already has proven himself a great lifter and a great guy.

so you cannot compete in any "sporting events whatsoever?" so if a bowl in a league i can get suspended by the IPF? damn, i am not even that good of a bowler.

IPF=Internation Punk Federation. Because that's what they just did..."punk" themselves.

Can I use "archaic" and "idiotic" in the same sentence to describe the rule they used ?

"No sporting events whatsoever"? I take it to me, that at least by IPF rules, that means no badminton at backyard family barbeques too ?
oops, badminton requires cardio and powerlifters don't do cardio....my bad.

Peace

For the record - I believe the word 'sport' in Anti-Doping Rule 10.9 refers to international powerlifting events, not 'any sporting events whatsoever' or 'all sports'.

Thanks

Ummm, so when Horace Lane was suspended and he did all those WPO meets a few years back, where was his extension on his suspension? Or for that matter, Jeff Lewis? Seems rule 10.9 is only being selectively enforced here...

Yup, it is very selectively enforced it seems.

I did happen to go check out the list, and it did not mention WHY Darren's suspension was extended - usually rule 10.9 will be cited if it is used. Does anyone have the link to where they saw it was rule 10.9?

What Putt said!!! I can't speak for Darren, but if I were him, I'd tell the IPF to fuck off. That goes for Siders and anyone else who "competed against" a banned lifter or competed when they were suspended.

Why can't they just be suspended from IPF competition? I'm an IPF lifter because for the most part, I believe they have their shit together but instances like this just show how much they don't.

Sponsored by APT Pro Gear

Here is a reference to the rule from the IPF anti-doping rulebook, so we are all clear :

10.9 Status during Ineligibility

No Person who has been declared Ineligible may, during the period of Ineligibility, participate in any capacity in an Event or activity (other than authorized anti-doping education or rehabilitation programs). This would preclude, but not be limited to:
a. practising/training with a national team;
b. acting as a coach or sport official;
c. selection in any representative team;
d. competing in any Competition/Events;
e. receiving, directly or indirectly, funding or assistance from National Federation;
f. use of official National Federation or Member facilities;
g. holding any position with the National Federation.
In addition, for any anti-doping rule violation not involving specified substances described in Article 10.3, some or all sport-related financial support or other sport-related benefits received by such Person will be withheld by IPF and its National Federations. A Person subject to a period of Ineligibility longer than four years may, after completing four years of the period of Ineligibility, participate in local sport events in a sport other than sports subject to the jurisdiction of IPF and its National Federations, but only so long as the local sport event is not at a level that could otherwise qualify such Person directly or indirectly to compete in (or accumulate points toward) a national championship or International Event.

the last part seems to indicate that the individual on suspension is banned from participation in ANY sport for the allotted suspension.(referring to the "A person subject to a period of ineligibility longer than four years..." portion).

Maybe it was rule 14.9 of the constution that they got him for?

14.9 Participating in Non-IPF Competition
Any lifter, coach, referee or official who competes or participates in an international Powerlifting or Bench Press competition not organised, sanctioned or approved by the IPF shall not be permitted to take part in any IPF international or regional competition for a period of 12 months from the date of that non-approved competition.

That doesnt really add up either

There are "behind the door" talks going on for the USAPL to leave the IPF and partner up with the AWPC, everybody ist tired of IPF bullshit and they need to end!

Darren came over last night for a sleep over and we had a Dance Dance Revolution Tournamnet on PS3. By late morning we got a phone call from the IPF and now he's suspended for another 6 months.

Putt Houston.... now with more Bom Chicka Wahwahhhhhh

By lunch time Ed Coan came over and we played monopoly. Now we're both suspended for another 6 months.

I quickly called them back and said "you guys forgot about rule 10.WHO-GIVES-AN-INTERNATIONAL-FUCK

Putt Houston.... now with more Bom Chicka Wahwahhhhhh

Last week Darren came with me to the Houston Family Reuinion. Like all midwest bar-b-ques a washer tournament eventually broke out. I told Darren he couldn't play or otherwise he couldn't compete in the IPF until 2010. All he did was keep score and those sneaky IPF bastards caught him again and tacked on another 6 months. Man those guys are serious about rule 10.9b

Putt Houston.... now with more Bom Chicka Wahwahhhhhh

"Any lifter, coach, referee or official who competes or participates in an international Powerlifting or Bench Press competition not organised, sanctioned or approved by the IPF shall not be permitted to take part in any IPF international or regional competition for a period of 12 months from the date of that non-approved competition."

Wouldnt that rule disqualify the IPF Cat 3 head judge being used at the IPA Pro/Am as well? Lets see if they suspend him.

The AWPC is an international multiply federation with the AAPF as its American affiliation. The AAPF would therefore be likened to the USAPL. Why would a single ply fed partner up with a multiply fed? I could see USAPL partnering with USPF, but not AAPF/AWPC.

We had a charity golf tournament for other suspended IPF powerlifters who are in deep mourning and suffering over not being able to compete. I paid him illegal immigrant wage and all I had Darren do was dress up like Spongebob and pass out lolly-pops.

You guessed it... another 6 months.

Putt Houston.... now with more Bom Chicka Wahwahhhhhh

Like whom? Who was with them and left because of this rule?

I visited Darren a month ago in Hawaii. We were at a pig roast and luau when these two smoking out belly dancers in grass skirts pulled us up from the crowd to dance with them. Of course I was better than Darren but he still recieved a Mojito in a bamboo cup for his participation. Turns out these chicks were National Belly Dancing Champions and Darren got another 6 months, and the chicks phone numbers.

I give up. Darren and I have to stop hanging out. One bad pineapple ruins the bunch.

Putt Houston.... now with more Bom Chicka Wahwahhhhhh

You could probably start with Darren.... lol

Haha, the New and Improved IPF, with Josef Stalin at the helm, apparently. In it's quest to the "purest of the pure" in powerlifting, the IPF apparently missed the "KICK ME" sign somebody taped on it's back.

AFTER him. I am asking because his statement makes it sound like a mass exodus

also consider the lifters that will never consider the IPF because of their overbearing ways and attempts to legislate morality.

So your saying if they lift this ban alone that droves of lifters will come lift IPF?

I can believe a few would, but not many. I think many would find another reason to bash the IPF if the rule was dropped.

I wish they would drop the rule as well.

I want it to be known that Putt is the funniest mother f**cker in Powerlifting. Not to mention the smartest and has the most common sense.

If we had guys like him then powerlifting would be sane again.

Chris,

This section of 10.9 reveals that it is not only powerlifting:

"A Person subject to a period of Ineligibility longer than four years may, after completing four years of the period of Ineligibility, participate in local sport events in a sport other than sports subject to the jurisdiction of IPF and its National Federations, but only so long as the local sport event is not at a level that could otherwise qualify such Person directly or indirectly to compete in (or accumulate points toward) a national championship or International Event."

I understand what you are saying, but I believe when the word 'sport' is being used it is in the context of powerlifting, not other sports. If you read the first part of the Rule you may see what I'm referring to.

The wording does seem unclear and should probably be more accurate, but I stand to be corrected if wrong.

Thanks

C

Ya, bra- that's you think. The Cat 3 is the "hidden" ref. He is a pure elemental judge with the redlighting ability of 1,000 robots that each have the redlighting ability of 1,000 CAT 2 judges.

Hello All,

Personally I like „Powerlifting Watch”. There are sometimes good discussions and interesting topics.

One question: If someone loses his driver licence due alcoholic or drug abuse, shall the public authorities allow driving for this person in another state or country?

If an powerlifting athlete is suspended by using prohibited substances, he has unfortunately the opportunity to participate at other powerlifting federations. It is not necessarily the fault of the athlete; the other powerlifting federations provide him with the attention and the audience. That means these federations are not interested in the fight against doping. This is in my opinion more the mentality and the absence of awareness of such federations.
The athlete has made a mistake against ethics; fair play, honesty and he disrespect the rules and laws. Is it fair that such athlete has now the opportunity to participate at other championships?
What other competitors in these federations think of it? Are they happy to compete against a suspended athlete, who has obviously taken prohibited substances?
I do not know it!
I am writing here not especially about Darren Matsumoto; this is a general question.

The IPF is a part of the world wide sport community (GAISF, IWGA, WADA etc.). That means, if an athlete is suspended by the IPF, he cannot take part in other kind of sports within this sport community (e.g. athletics, soccer, etc.).
Those are the terms of the WADA-Code.
It is also interesting to read that the IPF or his representatives are arrogant. The IPF has his own way to develop and improve powerlifting in the world wide sport community. If someone want not accept our rules, he must not join the IPF.

I wish you all a nice weekend and I know, that I cannot convince these readers, who have prejudices against the IPF. You must not share my opinions, but perhaps you can spend a little time and think about it.

Best regards
Detlev

I had wondered this too, at the LAST PRO-AM. Also, maybe the CAT 3 ref thing might be being used for this very reason of the extra-stringent IPF rules. because the 2007 head judge was definitely a well known ipf judge that I recognized (by face anyways) immediately.

Man I was re-reading my posts and was laughing at myself so hard I almost cried. That sh*t was pretty funny.

that was hilarious!!!

Mr Albrings,

I believe that your analogy describes the reason that many take issue with the IPF. Are you a State or are you a sports agency? I do not like it when my government tries to regulate many things in life and oversteps its bounds, but when my sports organization does it, this INFURIATES me. It comes across as very detached, that the IPF is going to do what it wants regardless of how lifters are treated.

In the same vein, I for one am very happy that you do read PLwatch and that gives me a little hope that maybe some of the issues that I have as an IPF member will be heard. But the general feeling of those who would think you are "arrogant" feel that the IPF does not hear what the lifter wants, and makes decisions on the opinions of the higher ups, who do not always represent the wishes of the lifter.

A clarifying of this rule (10.9) is necessary, as many people either do not know of it, or do not understand it to be any sports competition. I know that obviously not everyone shares my opinion, but this rule is one reason that gives me a problem with the IPF and could one day prevent me from lifting. I know the stigma of arrogance that this rule (and some others may cause) prevent people from even competeing at the USAPL national level of the IPF international. Maybe this is not a great concern to the IPF, but I think that it should be.
We are not compensated athletes. We lift for the love of the sport. I know I am well off compared to some of my brothers in iron in other countries and even I spent 8.5% of my yearly salary, or 3,500 USD to go to 2007 IPF Junior worlds after it was all said and done. That might not seem like much, but when you consider that I spend 17.7% a year in housing costs (hey what can I say - im poor, just out of college) the comparison is a little more clear. That doesn't count training time, lifting suits, lifting equipment, etc, etc, etc. I don't want to be nitpicked to death, or told what other federations that I can't compete in.

While im getting this off my chest, another rule I take umbrance to:

14.9 Participating in Non-IPF Competition
Any lifter, coach, referee or official who competes or participates in an international Powerlifting or Bench Press competition not organised, sanctioned or approved by the IPF shall not be permitted to take part in any IPF international or regional competition for a period of 12 months from the date of that non-approved competition.

I'm sure you meant, "smoking HOT".

(You leave me no choice but to go Donny Osmond on yur ass.) One bad pineapple don't spoil the whole bunch, girl!!

Detlev,
If you feel that strongly about ethics and cheating etc. why is it that Darren Matsumoto will serve a longer suspension than Russia and the Ukraine?

If he promises to be a good boy, will the IPF reduce his suspension as was done for Russia and the Ukraine? His crime was 100 times less than those of Russian and the Ukraine? Furthermore, how many Russian and Ukrainian lifters received extended suspensions while their "drivers licenses" were revoked when they lifted in the WPO and other feds?

You are correct in your statement that you will not convince the readers who have prejudices against the IPF, however, the IPF with it's many hamhanded decisions is driving these prejudices to an all time high.

There are a number of lifters, of extraordinary ability who will seek out the competition in the IPF almost exclusively and will withstand a lot of the negativity associated with the IPF, for a chance at IPF gold however the majority of lifters will never see the IPF platform. These lifters, have REPEATEDLY seen and felt the decisions that the IPF has made and many are even less inclined to pursue a future that includes the IPF.

While the IPF is the only international body in many countries and can get away with whatever it feels it can, in the USA and other countries lifters have choices and each time the IPF make a dictatorial decision that goes against every freedom we believe in, your American affiliate suffers a little bit. We suffer the slings and arrows and have to defend against the reduction of the suspensions of foreign lifters while American lifters get their suspensions lengthened.

Have you heard the saying, "Every time a bell rings and angel gets his wings?" We have a similar situtation here. Every time the IPF makes a horrible decison, a USAPL meet director loses a lifter.

The corollary to that is that when we lose a lifter over something the IPF does, we are not only weakening the USAPL, we are strengthening other federations.

If I understand correctly, Matsomoto was willing to pay his fine and sit out his suspension and not lift in USAPL/IPF. After his supension was lengthened, we can now welcome him as the new USPF chairman of Hawaii.

Great Job. You're killing us over here.

Please note: I speak only for myself and this message is not endorsed by nor approved by anyone in the USAPL and is not meant to speak for USAPL nor it's leadership and in fact, will probably be roundly condemned by the President and EC.

In the words of Ricky Bobby "With all due respect, that idea......"

Although you have repsonded in a clear, polite and professional way I believe most professional American athletes would be inclined to disagree with you and the WADA Code. Our lives, our history was founded on freedom; in particularly the freedom of choices. I believe my fellow citizens would agree that banning an athlete from one sport for any violation (specifically drug use) would be justified. Possibly even get less than a quarter to agree with you on not participating in other federations within the same sport. Since there are other federations that allow drug use or possible drug use, they have no legal authourity to turn these lifters away. The fact that lifters are getting caught worldwide on a daily basis suggest that maybe the only true level playing field is, unfortunately, in the non-drug tested federations. I think most people would agree that where the line is crossed is when the athlete is banned from athletics in general and the entire sports community. Not allowing them their freedom to enjoy life elsewhere, or even make a living doing so is where Americans are going to say you've gone too far. The punishment does not fit the crime. In a case like Darren's where it all snow-balled from something as silly as octopamine, it only demonstrates further the unpopularity of this rule. Perhaps sir, it is accepted worlwide, but I can assure you that its unaccpetance is epitomized here in the states from California to New York.

You are correct that if athletes do not accept this then they must not join the IPF. That is true; however, the IPF is the greatest international powerlifting federation in the world and many Americans aspire to be part of its greatness. Americans want to participate, but many will be turned away by rules that govern the freedom to continue or lives in other avenues within the sport community.

Personally I am gracious that someone of your international stature in the powerlifting community has taken the time out to repsond. Your post does show your interests of concern in this matter and as an athlete that's an important attribute to look for in a leader.

Respectfully,

Putt Houston

If you join the organization, then expect to follow the rules. If they say you have to wear a green shirt on mondays than so be it. If you don't like the rules, try and get them changed through representation. Or what we do here, is make another fed.

The only problem I have with the IPF is they clearly, many examples, do not enforce their policies equally.

I'd really like to read all the comments here and maybe get something out of the discussion, but I can't get through them with putt houston posting bullshit every 15 minutes.

We get it, you don't like the IPF. Now get your ass to the gym or something.

Not sure if your being sarcasitc.. if you are.. disregard.. otherwise.. read on.

If Putt does not like the IPF he has a funny way of showing it. Showing up spotting and loading, running teams, running numbers for everyone at USAPL events. Talking very high of the IPF and USAPL. All this dispite lifting for another fed which is not known for its IPF fans.

Just wanted to say that.. not that Putt needs defending.

Don't hate, Putt is just illustrating the stupidity of this suspension over a stimulate that the average person doesn't know exists.

I have made light of the subject and cracked jokes here repeatedly. When a poster brought up a serious discussion I did respond politely and professionally as well. I can and do both.

I have trained with, coached, handled and supported more American USAPL/IPF lifters than most people in America. I don't' however, have to agree with everything they put in print. I love America but I hate their immigration laws. Does that mean I don't like the USA? I think not.

Most of the time I'm just being funny anyway, but for you I'll promise not to say anything funny on this thread from here on out. I'd hate to offend "anonymous."

sign your name....

Ok I can't help it, I did say AFTER this thread:

If Darren somehow manages to get 6 more months added on his suspension for eating hot dogs with me and Kobyashi, I promise to stand at the torch of the Statue of Liberty donning a full beard and and wig, holding a staff screaming "LET MY PEOPLE GO"

Hawaiins and Samoans are the coolest people on the face of the earth. They shouldn't be taking this much slack for real.

In the words of Ricky Bobby "With all due respect, that idea......"

Putt Houston[/quote]

"Daddy, you made that Grace your Bitch"

People need to learn to seperate USAPL from IPF.

Most lifters will never compete on a high enough level to be subject to that rule.

Horace was never suspended by the IPF, he was suspended by the USAPL.

Facts people!!

NEVER!! Its more fun to make up bullshit

Thank you for the in-depth post. I hope it clarifies some of the questions. Werden Sie in Palme-Frühlingen sein?

Eliot Feldman

Lets use another situation to build an argument for the IPF rule.
Say you commit a felon, like armed robbery. You get 2 years in jail and society expect you to take your punishment. Instead you go to Cancun for 2 years (re. lift in another fed)
What would t you expect would happen when this guy/lifter returned home? Would he be let back into society or would there be any additional punishment?

/Niels

IPF is like a certian federation Prez that we all know and hate. "If you lift for anyone else but me I will ban you and make up lies about you"

I'll second that as the dumbest thing. Since when does the IPF have a social responsibility to prevent a lifter from lifting or competing anywhere else. All they should care about is the lifter disappears from IPF or IPF affiliated competition for the term of the suspension so as to not "muddy" their pool of "pure" lifters (tongue very far in cheek).

Uhmmmm, what was this thread about, again ? Hell, I grew a beard laughing at Putt...lol

I don't have a problem personally with any of the rules. Rules are rules and either you stick by them or you pick up your toys and play somewhere else. I believe the problem really exist when the rules aren't enforced the same for all lifters and all the teams.

I know I am opening a can of worms by saying this but I found if rather peculiar how the Russian team dominated last years IPF World Championships all while they are just coming off of a suspension early. I am sure this information is out on the net somewhere but does anybody know if they participated in any out of meet testing before the championships and to what degree (meaning how many lifters were tested). Am I to believe the training is so much better in Russia they were able to finish up with 7 1st place finishes in the mens division. Let me say that again, 7 (seven) first place finishes. Am I the only one who thinks something smells a little fishy? Because if this is totally legit, I would like to see how they train as the rest of the entire world is doing something wrong.

Putt,

You made my day with your numerous comments on this subject. Geeze, bro, you missed a calling in standup comedy! Keep it up, brother, 'cause we could all use a good laugh.

Personally, this extension of Darren's suspension (which, as Jason Burnell points out, ends up being longer than the Russian/Ukraine suspensions) reminds me of the stupid crap that was thrown at Brian Siders for competing in the same meet as Ed Coan. That situation too, illustrates that the IPF can be pretty nasty to folks they either don't like or want to shove out of the way. Frank C. is absolutely right....I, too, don't have problems with rules, but unequal enforcement of the rules is just bullshit, plain and simple. For all those guys who claim Americans are arrogant, what do you call blatant targeting of American lifters, all being done in an era where whole teams suspended for steroid violations are being let off the hook early? This ain't rocket science, folks! Certain people/countries are getting away with big time violations while our guys are getting smacked up over comparatively minor ones.

'Nuff said.

Detlev, I respect your opinion, though I disagree with you. I personally believe that the IPF has no business telling people they can't compete elsewhere. That sort of control mentality is not "improving" powerlifting! What it does is to establish a dictatorial relationship that basically says that the athletes serve the will of the governing body rather than the governing body being sensitive to and responding to the needs, wants, and preferences of the athletes. There are parts of the world where the idea that the governing body is absolutely in charge is the SOP, but that's not going to work with a lot of people out there, and the IPF governing body should come down off its high horse and consider that.

An EXCELLENT point to bring up. Thanks.

Isn't that the way it's SUPPOSED to go? Only National Champs make it?

Oh, we suffer some criticism, but those people already hate us for other reasons.

Willie, is that you?

I get that you're frustrated because, for some reason, you care what Billy Mimnaugh thinks of the USAPL. However, I doubt that the numbers back you up. Look at the big turnout at Raw Nats. And look at the spectacular collection of inter-fed talent going to Bench Nats. Those people want IN, not OUT.

I am Darren's training partner and all the post here bring up very good points. Darren violated a rule by ingesting a banned stimulant unintentionally; he admitted his fault, paid the fine and resigned from the USAPL and IPF. It's grossly ridiculous for the IPF to continue to suspend him when he wants no part of either federation. I find it funny that Detlev posted on this forum when Darren couldn't get an answer from him for 7 months as to what his suspension would be. Seven months to issue a suspension for a stimulant violation that Darren admitted to. I love how the IPF thinks that they have the power to make a person wait for half a year to tell them what they can and can't do. It all worked out for the better anyway. We will be hosting a USPF full powerlifting meet in March ‘09. Your right Jason the IPF is killing you guys...because that's 30-50 lifters the USAPL could have had. The USPF has gladly accepted Darren's 1500+ total at 148 as a Master lifter!

Leo

If you are a sprinter and get busted for accidentally ingesting a banned stimulant, do you think they let you compete for other 'federations' without actually having to go through your punishment period?

Well, everyone besides Carl Lewis.

do sprinters actually have other feds to "run" to? and do they ask you to become the state chairman when you win their Nationals? did you notice how every day someone gets banned in the olympics? i so glad i m a nobody!

Oh course Darren should have a "punishment", but the punishment is not, nor has it ever been our argument. Darren would have gladly sat out...if the IPF told him that he was actually suspended. They kept him at bay for 7 months before issuing a suspension. He has imposed a lifetime suspension on himself...as he will never lift in the USAPL or IPF again.

PS: Ever drink a bottle or even take a sip of speed stack by ABB? It has Octopamine in it...so we are really taking about a stimulant that is found it many over the counter sports drinks and products. Hell, 24hour fitness keeps their coolers stocked with speed stack drinks from their customers.

Leo

Wow...I gotta lay off the speed stack...too many typos! I guess Octopamine doesn't give me an unfair advantage when it comes to posting.

Leo

Darren had dinner with about 15 other lifters after the Nationals in Rhode Island. Those 15 have now been banned by the IPF from having dinner for the next 6 months.
Everyone that was on the same planes as Darren on his trip to and from the Nationals have been banned by the IPF and must forfeit any air miles they earned from those flights.

Hey putt, any time you wanna come down to the islands(preferably March 7th) we will hook you up!Aloha is something you have to experience...being laid back and funny as hell is always welcome here!

and he broke the rulebook for a second time and has another punishment handed down.

Good to see that there are some interesting discussions at this topic.

The IPF is not a state it is a sport federation. I only wanted to compare with an example “breaking a rule”. The main question is where is your tolerance threshold? If I understand right, it is not acceptable to drive without a driver licence, but to take prohibited substances and then “drive” in another federation, this is acceptable? The result is that a suspension makes no sense.
A suspension has the duty to penalize the athlete and to sensitize him, that his behaviour was wrong.

The two sides of the coin are; if there is a cheater, you have one who is winning (mainly the cheater, if he will not captured) and on the other side the loser. If someone takes prohibited substances and compete at a championship and you are competing against him (without medical support), you can lightly recognize, on which side of the coin you are.

Taking prohibited substances is not a peccadillo. The liberty of an individual ends at that point, where the liberty of another individual begins.

The IPF has at the moment over 110 member nations. That means a lot of different cultures and moral concepts. We cannot satisfy all wishes. It is every time a compromise.

If you want to change or delete a rule, a member nation must submit a proposal to the Congress. Then it will be discussed and voted about it. If someone is convinced about a rule change, he has the duty to convince the others to achieve a majority. That is the nature of democracy.
Please do not overestimate the role of a president. The president has only one vote.
I personally see my role as representative of the IPF and as mediator and primus inter pares within the IPF.

Please keep in mind, the IPF is only responsible for the international part. Athletes, who will never appear on the international circuit, must follow the national rules. It is not and it wills not the duty of the IPF to interfere in national matters.

The comparison between Darren and e.g. Russia is to compare apples with oranges. Those are different items. The Russian matter was long discussed in the different forums. The IPF has published press releases in this matter. In my opinion this was exhausted explained.

Anyway, you must not join the IPF and I have the opportunity to see and evaluate the different perspectives in the forums.

Best regards
Detlev

Darren was notified in writing by the IPF, at the end of October, that he was provisionally suspended. The original notice was given less than a month after the doping violation. The IPF waited seven months to issue the permanent suspension so Darren could be punished unde new WADA guidelines. Had he been punished under the old guidelines, Darren would have suffered a two year suspension instead of one year.

Eliot Feldman

Just for clarification, I know that Detlev said Russia and Darren are apples and oranges but....

Isn't Russia suspended right now until Junior World time, just like last year? If I am wrong, disregard my post.

But if Russia is suspended, didn't they have their 2008 Russia Cup of Titans? Wouldn't that violate the rule about not competing while suspended? They did not get an extension on their suspension (if there is one right now) for this.

That is my question/complaint.

Elliott:

Just curious,
Is there any way that we can bring up the matter of the IPF controlling where a lifter can lift?

Is there a good reason for this rule that I just dont understand?

I just dont understand that for any other reason than control. It isnt like the IPF pays them and should have any say in where they are allowed to compete.

I am really not trying to be a smartass I just was wondering if you could explain it better for me and the others on the forum and if not why we cant do something about it.

Elliott, you are always professional in your responses.

Jason, I can see you on that plane to Hawaii with me in March. Darren will have a special luau just for you brother! Eat Pig and squat big!

Hey, do I get suspended for replying to a reply ? If so, is Mr. Peters now an IPF official ? Somewhere, MC Hammer is laughing his broke ass off .

Peace

OK..there is no such thing as a cat 3 judge. We get it, but you missed the entire point, being that an IPF official is supposedly the head judge at the IPA Pro/Am. Will he also be suspended? Or has it been approved by the IPF? Thats the point..not if there is suuch a thing as a cat 3 judge.