This weekend, we’re hosting our unsanctioned push-pull competition at PPG, Rainbow Rumble. We also recently had an unsanctioned strongman, Catalina Strongman Mixer. I thought this was a good time to talk about competing in sanctioned versus unsanctioned events and what that difference means for you, the athlete. We host both sanctioned and unsanctioned strongman events throughout the year. Sanctioning is similar for both strongman and powerlifting events, and means that the event is approved by a larger federation.
Sanctioned Events
Affiliated with Federations: Sanctioned events are officially recognized by powerlifting or strongman federations. This means they follow specific rules and standards set by these organizations. These rules can vary between federations, with some having detailed requirements for equipment and your apparel for the day, and others being a bit more relaxed.
Membership Required: To compete in a sanctioned event, you usually need to be a member of the federation. This can involve additional costs for membership fees.
Strict Rules and Testing: Sanctioned competitions often have strict rules regarding gender and weight classes. Some sanctioning bodies do drug testing, and some do not.
Qualifiers for Larger Competitions: In some sanctioned events, you may be able to qualify for national or international competitions. This makes them a good choice if you’re aiming to compete at higher levels.
Unsanctioned Events
No Membership Needed: A big advantage to competing in unsanctioned events is that you don’t need to join a federation. This makes them less expensive since you save on membership fees. Sometimes the competition fee will also be less because the organizers of sanctioned events also have to pay a fee to the sanctioning body.
More Inclusive: Unsanctioned events tend to be more inclusive. They might not have strict gender or weight classes, allowing more people to participate regardless of their body type or identity. This is a big part of why we organized the Rainbow Rumble! There are typically less rules about equipment and clothing, so if a singlet has been the thing preventing you from competing, consider an unsanctioned meet!
Less Expensive: Without the need for membership and often with lower entry fees, unsanctioned events are more budget-friendly. This can be a great option for beginners or those just looking to compete for fun.
Usually Untested: These events are typically untested for performance-enhancing drugs. This can be a pro for some folks & a downside for others. If you’re just looking to get out there and try competing, it probably doesn’t matter much.
Which Should You Choose?
The choice between sanctioned and unsanctioned events depends on your goals and preferences. If you’re aiming to compete at a higher level and want stricter rules and testing, sanctioned events are the way to go. If you’re looking for a more inclusive and budget-friendly competition environment, unsanctioned events might be right for you! Sometimes there’s an idea that sanctioned events are more legit, or more difficult, but the reality is that you can push yourself hard at any competition. Both sanctioned and unsanctioned events give you a chance to push your limits, try something challenging, and explore something new.
