Date of competition: 17th to 27th September 2026

Location: Winnipeg, Canada

Entries

Selection Process

Direct link to the document: Commonwealth Championships Selection Procedure 2026

The 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships will be held in Winnipeg, Canada, from 17th to 27th September 2026.

This document sets out the process for nomination and selection of athletes to represent Team Scotland. It explains eligibility, how to nominate, how selections are made, and what factors will be considered. 

Who is eligible for selection?

Any lifter who has achieved the relevant 2026 British Powerlifting qualifying total for their age and weight class at one of the following Championships will be eligible for selection:

• Scottish Junior Championships 2025
  
• Scottish University and College Cup 2026
  
• Scottish Masters Championships 2026
  
• Scottish Bench Press Championships 2026
  
• Scottish Classic Championships 2026
  

The Scottish Classic Championships 2026 will be the final opportunity to attain the qualifying total before the final team selection is made. Qualifying totals for age category lifters can be found HERE

As there is no current British qualifying total for Open Classic lifters, the following qualifying totals apply for consideration to the Open Classic team. 

Women

47kg	52kg	57kg	63kg	69kg	76kg	84kg	84+kg
290	317.5	342.5	342.5	362.5	380	417.5	435

Men

59kg	66kg	74kg	83kg	93kg	105kg	120kg	120+kg
485	512.5	545	575	610	645	675	702.5

Note for equipped lifters: There will be no separate Equipped Championship in 2026, and therefore lifters who wish to enter in the equipped teams may use any qualifying total achieved at any IPF sanctioned competition between 17th September 2025 and 6th July 2026. 

Lifters may nominate themselves for:

• Full Power (Open, Sub-Junior, Junior, Masters I to IV)
  
• Bench Press only (Open, Sub-Junior, Masters I- IV)
  
• Both, provided the relevant qualifying totals have been achieved
  

Lifters may compete classic or equipped, or both, provided the relevant qualifying totals have been achieved.

Dispensation Process

The dispensation process ensures that athletes unable to follow the standard championships qualification pathway due to exceptional circumstances can still be considered for Team Scotland. Dispensation is not granted for convenience, scheduling preferences, or personal choice; it is only for legitimate, unavoidable situations. This ensures fairness and equal treatment for all eligible lifters.

A lifter may apply for dispensation if they are unable to achieve a qualifying total at the designated championships due to:

• Injury or medical reasons (with supporting medical documentation)
  
• Educational, professional, or personal commitments preventing attendance at qualifying events
  
• Other exceptional circumstances as approved by the selection panel
  

Lifters must submit a Dispensation Request to Will Brown, Head Coach (ats.broon@gmail.com) with the following information provided:

• Explanation of the reason(s) for requesting dispensation
  
• Evidence supporting the claim (medical certificates, proof of commitments, etc.)
  
• Competition history and relevant recent totals, if available
  

Dispensation allows the same consideration in the selection pool as athletes who have followed the championship pathway, but does not guarantee selection.

In situations where two lifters are very closely matched in qualifying totals or GL points, the selection panel may give preference to the lifter who achieved their qualifying total at a designated championship event. This is because championship events provide a face-to-face competitive environment, allowing the panel to assess performance under pressure, consistency, and readiness in a real competition setting. 

Lifters granted dispensation are still fully considered, but in extremely close decisions, demonstrated performance in the championships may be a deciding factor.

How does the team get selected?

Lifters who meet the eligibility criteria (or who have been granted dispensation) may nominate themselves to the selection pool by completing the Commonwealth Selection Nomination Form.

• The nomination form will remain open until 12pm on Monday 6th July 2026 
• The form will be available via the Scottish Powerlifting website and linked on social media
  

Team selection will be based primarily on totals achieved. The selection panel will also consider wider factors including GL points, potential medal or placing opportunities, contribution to overall team points, and a lifter’s engagement within the division, including volunteering, when making final decisions, particularly where totals are matched.

The first team invites will be issued by Wednesday 8th July 2026.  Lifters not selected will be placed on a reserve list to cover withdrawals or cancellations.

Each team (Open, Sub-Junior, Junior, Masters I, Masters II, Masters III, Masters IV) may take up to 8 lifters per age category, with a maximum of 2 lifters in the same weight class.

Weight Class Confirmation

Lifters will normally be selected in the weight class in which they achieved their qualifying total.  Any request to compete in a different weight class at the Championships must be submitted in advance and approved by the selection panel. The panel may require additional evidence of performance in the proposed weight class and may decline such requests where it is considered not to be in the best interests of the lifter or the team.

Anti-Doping and Eligibility

All nominated and selected lifters must be compliant with British Powerlifting, IPF, WADA and Commonwealth Powerlifting Federation anti-doping and eligibility requirements, and will be required to complete specific WADA online training and assessment for International Athletes as a condition of their team placement. 

Selection may be withdrawn at any stage if a lifter becomes ineligible, is unavailable for testing, fails to comply with whereabouts or training requirements, or is subject to disciplinary or anti-doping proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to stay for the entire Championships?

No, there is no requirement to attend the entire Championships. We understand that financial, work, or family commitments may limit how long you can stay.

We do, however, encourage you to stay as long as possible to enjoy the event, meet lifters from across the Commonwealth, and support your fellow Scotland athletes as they compete. We also encourage you to consider the impact of long-distance travel on your preparation, recovery, and performance when planning your trip.

Do I have to stay at the hotel on the invitation?

The IPF by-laws require lifters, coaches and officials to stay in the designated championship hotel(s) for the duration of their official participation in the event, with a minimum stay of 2 nights. This is based on World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requirements for whereabouts reporting – one of the nights must be the night before you are due to compete.

Can I bring my own coach with me to the event?

Team Scotland will have a team of coaches for the event who will be solely responsible for handling lifters at the Championships. You may bring your personal coach to support as a spectator, but they will not be permitted to coach you on the day and all decisions related to attempt selection and game day strategy will be made by the official coaching team.

Can I bring friends and family?

Absolutely! We would always encourage you to bring friends and family to support you and the team. The Team Scotland environment thrives on support and camaraderie, and we very much see everyone as part of the extended team. 

We also require that any sub-junior lifter is accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of their travel, and to attend with them on the day of competition.

Can I go sightseeing / travel independently when not lifting?

We understand that many will also want to see the sights and experience the local culture, and you are welcome to do so outside of competition sessions. However, we do ask that support for the team remains your main priority while at the Championships – Scotland has a very proud reputation for being one of the loudest and most supportive team communities, and that is something we encourage everyone to take part in.

Is there any funding available?

While Scottish Powerlifting continues to work towards securing financial support from sponsors and sporting bodies, it is not currently possible for us to fund athletes attending the Championships. Lifters should therefore carefully consider the costs involved when applying for team selection. Based on previous championships, total costs (including flights, accommodation, entry fees, and drug-testing fees) may range between £1,000 and £3,000, depending on location and travel arrangements.

Lifters are welcome to undertake their own fundraising, and many lifters will run local fundraising initiatives or online fundraising such as GoFundMe. Scottish Powerlifting can also provide official written confirmation of selection to support applications to local councils, sporting bodies, or other funding providers for athlete grants. 

Will I get an SBD Scotland singlet?

Perhaps the most frequent of our frequently asked questions – and yes, you will receive an SBD Scotland competition kit to wear on the day! This includes a singlet, T-shirt, short socks and deadlift socks. As part of our contractual agreement with SBD, you will be required to wear the full platform kit provided to you – you may however wear any IPF approved brand of supportive equipment (belt, knee sleeves, wrist wraps etc.)

If this is your first international selection, Scottish Powerlifting will cover the cost of your first set in recognition of your achievement in being selected to represent your country. If you have competed internationally previously, you may use the same kit that has already been provided, or are welcome to purchase a new set at a discounted price. 

Can I trade my Scotland singlet?

We know that trading international singlets and t-shirts is a common and fun part of international competition and a great way to build camaraderie with other nations. We respectfully ask that you do not trade or sell your singlet, as it is a symbol of your selection and representation of your country and funded by Scottish Powerlifting. Of course if you are to purchase additional at your own expense, you are free to trade these. T-shirts may be traded.