Please note: The time displayed for registrations to open is in AEST, and may differ from your local timezone.

Are you ready to represent your university on the platform?

Battle of the Universities is Australia’s first ever inter-university powerlifting competition, proudly hosted by UNSW in collaboration with the APA. 

This event will bring together students and athletes from various universities to compete for glory, prizes and university pride.

With over $1500 in cash and prizes up for grabs this is your chance to test your strength and showcase your progress, all whilst being a part of a historic competition designed for university students.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Inter-university showdown: Represent your university and go head-to-head with other universities across Australia, with the top-performing university taking home exclusive prizes for their entire team.
• Two Competition Streams:Designed for both beginners and seasoned competitors. There will be a sanctioned (sign up HEREif you are a sanctioned lifter) and novice session, supporting lifters of all levels to compete.
• $1500+ Prize Pool: Each session will have its own prize pool for each division, giving athletes more chances to win. 

• • $1000+for the sanctioned session

  • $500+for the novice session

Scoring:

• University: Universities will be represented by using an average GL points of their best 3 lifters.
• Individual: Individuals will be scored based on GL points NOT WEIGHT CLASS RANKINGS.

So, whether you’re chasing a podium finish, aiming to qualify for nationals, or stepping onto the platform for the first time, Battle of the Universities offers an inclusive and competitive environment for all levels for both sanctioned and novice lifters.

This is more than just a competition - It’s a chance to build community, represent your university and be a part of something new in the university powerlifting space.

Novice Powerlifting Competition Details

The Novice Powerlifting Competition is designed to introduce new lifters to the sport in a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you’re interested in competing in one, two, or all three lifts, there’s a format for everyone!

Competition Options:

• Three-Lift: Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift.

Membership Requirements:

• Novice Membership: Required for all lifters participating in a Novice Competition, aged 15 and above as of 31 December this year.
• Novice Youth Membership: Available for lifters under 15 years old as of 31 December this year.

NOTE: Full Lifting members cannot compete in Novice competitions.

Novice competitions are a great way to gain experience in powerlifting; however, results from novice competitions cannot be used to progress through the APA-sanctioned competition pathways.

What Do I Wear?

Novice competitions do not require IPF-approved gear or specialised equipment. Athletes can compete in comfortable sports attire, such as T-shirts and shorts. Soft suits are optional. 

Inclusive Competition Environment

The APA is committed to making powerlifting accessible to everyone. If you have special requirements or need additional accommodations, please contact us at accessibility@powerliftingalliance.org.au, and we’ll work with you to ensure an inclusive and positive competition experience.

Special Notes for Under-18 Participants:

• Supervision: Parents/Guardians must be present during the competition to supervise their child. If unavailable, a nomination of temporary guardianship must be submitted to the APA and Meet Directors.
• Weigh-Ins: Under-18 lifters must weigh in fully clothed. Parents/Guardians are required to accompany under-18 lifters during the weigh-in process.

This competition offers a fun and supportive environment to build your confidence and skills in powerlifting. Join us and take the first step in your powerlifting journey!

This event has a Special Event component. To be eligible for the "University" scoring, you must be a University student. 

• Non-university students will not be able to register until 8-10 weeks out
  • Once registered, non-university students will not be eligible for cash prizes but may be eligible for goodie bags

Preliminary competition schedule

This Novice League competition will have one session:

• Weigh-in will begin at 1pm local time
• Lifting will begin at 3pm local time

Maximum number of entrants: 28

Meet director: Harry Lu / unswbarbellevents@gmail.com