Powerlifting

Overview:

Early Bird Entry Fee: $65 

Entry Fee: $75

Registration Deadline: July 17, 2026

Eligibility:

Eligibility: Since the 2026 State Games of America (SGA) are hosted in State College by the Keystone State Games, ALL PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS CAN REGISTER for the SGA just like they would for traditional Keystone Games Events. 

In addition, due to the NCSG Neighboring State Policy, athletes from DELAWARE, MARYLAND, NEW JERSEY (Except for Figure skating which is hosted by the Garden State Games), NEW YORK (Except for Figure skating which is hosted by the Empire State Winter Games), and OHIO, CAN REGISTER for the 2026 SGA.

Non-Keystone Games Eligible Athletes: YOU MUST QUALIFY!

If you’re an athlete coming from one of the other 30+ National Congress of State Games (NCSG) Member State programs, qualification is more extensive. Here’s how you may have qualified depending on the year you competed in an NCSG Member State program:

• 2024: All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer.

• 2025: All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer.

• 2026: (before July 1): All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer.

• Any medalist from the 2022 and/or 2024 SGA qualifies to compete at the State Games of America in State College 2026.

Note: Any athlete who has qualified in any event within a particular sport will be eligible to participate in all applicable events within said sport. i.e. A Track & Field athlete who only qualifies in one event in Track & Field, would be eligible to enter as many events within Track & Field allowed by the sport, or Gymnastics that qualifies in one event is eligible to participate in the all-around competition, etc. at the SGA 2026.  Click Here for Additional Eligibility Requirements

Sport Director: Josh Woodworth  (570) 239-5577

Divisions: 

Scholastic Female 18 & under  

Open Female 19 & over   

Scholastic Male 18 & under  

Open Male 19-39

Masters Male Age 40-44

Masters Male Age 45-49

Masters Male Age 50-54

Masters Male Age 55-59

Masters Male Age 60-64

Masters Male Age 65 & over 

RAW Male 19-39

RAW Female 19-39

EVENTS:

Powerlifting: Bench Press/Dead Lift

Bench Press Only/Open and Masters Only .

Rules:

- Competition will follow USAPL rules

Scholastic Team Powerlifting – for ages 18 & under as of July 31, 2026; minimum of four, maximum of eight lifters; each lifter will be entered into the individual and team divisions with all athlete privileges. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded to each member of the team. The team would be all athletes listed on the roster and properly registered. Team scoring based on IPF rules. 

Format:

There is no qualifier for powerlifting

This is a Bench Press/Dead Lift only event.

Rules of performance & equipment according to USAPL

Schedule:

Weighins will be held from 12:00-12:30 PM

Competition will begin at 1:00 PM

Powerlifting schedule:

Weights for each event are as follows:

Scholastic Male Powerlifting BP/DL - #114, #123, #132, #148, #165, #181, #198, #220, #242, #275, SHW

Scholastic Female Powerlifting BP/DL - #97, #105, #114, #123, #132, #148, #165, #181, #198, over #198 

Open Male Powerlifting BP/DL - #114, #123, #132, #148, #165, #181, #198, #220, #242, #275, SHW

Masters Male Powerlifting BP/DL - #114, #123, #132, #148, #165, #181, #198, #220, #242, #275, SHW

Open Female Powerlifting BP/DL - #97, #105, #114, #123, #132, #148, #165, #181, #198, over #198

Masters Female Powerlifting - According to age group; placing based on weight lifted/body weight ratio