2010
ARMED FORCES CHAMPIONSHIPS
May 1, 2010
Dear Federation Leader:
Enclosed is an invitation to unite the powerlifting community in support of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces for the first ever, all RAW, multi-sanctioned, “Armed Forces Championships.” The contest will fittingly be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12, at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, home to both the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command.
Federation participation is outlined in the following proposal and will result in minimal cost to your organization. Simply complete and return the enclosed “Letter of Intent to Participate” with a copy of your federation’s Rules of Performance and show your support for our nation’s defenders of freedom.
On behalf of America’s military heroes, thank you for your time and effort; please contact Spero at 321-505-1194 if you have any questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Dr. Spero S. Tshontikidis,Rear Admiral Hal Pittman,
Contest Director & OEF VeteranU.S. Navy, CENTCOM / MacDill AFB
Proposal to Federation Leaders
for the first ever, all RAW, multi-sanctioned
ARMED FORCES CHAMPIONSHIPS
Contest Date
September 11-12, 2010
Location
MacDill Air Force Base * Tampa, Florida
Contest Director
Dr. Spero Tshontikidis * OEF Veteran
321-505-1194 *
Honoring America’s True Heroes
The men and women that make up the United States Armed Forces represent the best our nation has to offer. As a means of saying thanks, the powerlifting community is invited to tear down federation walls and truly come together in support of our troops.
The first ever, all RAW, multi-sanctioned, 2010 Armed Forces Championships has been created to honor those currently serving in the military, our nation’s veterans, and young men and women attending military schools and/or participating in military programs. In united support, please join us in affording our heroes a FREE contest on Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12, at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.
Federation Requirements
Participating federations must submit a letter of intent to participate and a copy of their Rules of Performance no later than Saturday, May 28, 2010. Additionally, participating federations agree to “sponsor” competitors with a complimentary membership card that will cover the event so that lifts can be recognized, records can be set across federation lines, and qualifying totals for National and/or International meets can be honored.
Although not a requirement, federations are welcome to make monetary donations to help offset contest expenses (donations cannot exceed $500.00 per federation), and are encouraged to ensure representation on the contest staff (judges, score table personnel, spotter/loaders, etc.).
Media Exposure
The 2010 Armed Forces Championships is scheduled to be filmed by FOX Sports andlive-streamed on the internet. In addition, the Pentagon Channel, Armed Forces Press Service, local television stations, and newspapers will be invited to cover the contest and all it stands for.
Donations
Donations will be solicited both from within and outside the powerlifting community, and will be utilized to cover contest expenses (donations cannot exceed $500.00 per individual/business). Donations will be accepted up to the August 21 entry deadline; at that time a determination will be made with regard to items/services (contest shirts, awards, banner wall, program, food, lodging, etc.) that can be purchased to run the meet.
In addition, a master list of all sponsors will be compiled and distributed to include a line by line accounting of all expenses. Any remaining funds will be donated to the Space Coast Chapter of the “Sentinels of Freedom,” a non-profit organization that financially supports severely injured soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Eligibility
The following athletes are eligible to compete in the 2010 Armed Forces Championships:
Active Duty Personnel * Reservists * Guardsmen
Armed Forces Veterans
Lifters currently serving must include a copy of their military identification card with their entry; veterans must include a copy of their DD 214 with their entry.
In addition, secondary and post-secondary students actively enrolled/participating in military schools and/or military programs are eligible to compete. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Service Academies
Military Colleges and Universities
CollegeROTC Programs
Secondary Military Schools
Secondary ROTC Programs
U.S. Navy Sea Cadets
Civil Air Patrol
etc.
Students must submit documentation verifying their enrollment/active participation in a military school/military program.
Divisions
Two divisions will be offered at the 2010 Armed Forces Championships: IRONMAN and RAW. The IRONMAN division will be tested; athletes may utilize a non-supportive singlet and a leather belt. The RAW division is not tested; RAW lifters may also utilize non-fastening knee sleeves and wrist wraps. Federations will only be required to “sponsor” lifters that adhere to their respective policies regarding testing/gear. For example, tested federations will only be required to “sponsor” and recognize lifts for IRONMAN competitors; non-tested federations will be required to “sponsor” and recognize lifts for both IRONMAN and RAW competitors.Similarly, federations that do not allow the utilization of knee sleeves and/or wrist wraps, will only be required to “sponsor” IRONMAN lifters.
Drug Testing
Federations that offer drug tested divisions will be collectively responsible for drug testing. For the purposes of this contest, a single date of September 11, 2001 (nine years) will be utilized. This date is both appropriate for the contest at hand, and exceeds the standard for most federations.
Testing will be conducted, as agreed upon by the testing federations, only if necessary. In other words, if the top drug free lifter totals 6.5 times his bodyweight, it may be agreed upon not to conduct drug testing. On the other hand, a lifter that totals 8.5 times his bodyweight is likely to be tested. Simply stated, there is no need to waste time and money to test athletes that are clearly drug free.
Rules of Performance
Rules from each federation will be reviewed immediately following the May 28 deadline, and the “strictest” rules for each respective lift will be selected to govern the contest (rules governing the contest will be published on June 01). For example, if a federation restricts lifters from utilizing a thumbless grip on the bench press, this requirement will govern the entire contest. Likewise, lifters will be required to keep their feet flat on the floor during the bench (as opposed to being allowed to bench on their toes) if one or more federations require the feet to be flat.
Banner Wall, Contest Program, etc.
A banner wall will make up the backdrop on the main lifting platform. Donations of $500.00 will afford federations, individuals, and/or businesses a 4’ x 4’ advertising space on the wall; a 2’ x 2’ space can be obtained for a $250.00 donation.
We hope to design a full color contest program that will feature all contest sponsors (a black and white program will be created if adequate funding is not available to publish in color). The program will include a federation page for each participating federation, a spotlight on the meet’s top lifters, and a complete contest roster.
Results from the 2010 Armed Forces Championships will be released to Powerlifting USA Magazine, POWER Magazine, Powerlifting Watch, and covered in participating federation newsletters/magazines. Please join us in honoring America’s finest!
2010
ARMED FORCES CHAMPIONSHIPS
FEDERATION
LETTER OF INTENT TO PARTICIPATE
Federation:______
President:______
Contact Number:______
Contact E-Mail:______
I agree to the terms outlined in the enclosed “Proposal to Federation Leadersfor the first ever, all RAW, multi-sanctionedARMED FORCES CHAMPIONSHIPS,” and will support this effort to honor America’s true heroes on the competitive platform!
______
President’s SignatureDate
Mail completed “Federation Letter of Intent to Participate” with a copy of your federation’s “Rules of Performance” to:
R.A.W. United, Inc.
c/o THE GYM
2300 Avocado Avenue, Suite E
Melbourne, FL 32935
Please ensure that letters and rules are received (not postmarked) no later than Saturday, May 28
2010
ARMED FORCES CHAMPIONSHIPS
PROPOSED CONTEST APPLICATION
The attached contest application will be finalized immediately following the May 28 deadline for federation participation. Each individual federation and its president will be listed on the liability release page.
Please contact me at 321-505-1194 if you have any questions or concerns regarding the contest application.
Thanks, Spero
The first ever, all RAW, multi-sanctioned,
ARMED FORCES CHAMPIONSHIPS
September 11-12, 2010
Short Fitness Center * MACDILL AFB
Tampa, Florida
Dear Lifter,
Thank you very much for your interest in the first ever, all raw, multi-sanctioned ARMED FORCES CHAMPIONSHIPS! Proceeds from the donations received to fund the contest will be utilized to support severely injured soldiers returning home from Iraq or Afghanistan through the “Sentinels of Freedom”
The following athletes are eligible to compete in the 2010 Armed Forces Championships: active duty personnel, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans. In addition, students attending a military school and/or participating in a military program (ROTC, Navy Sea Cadets, etc.) are eligible to participate. ALL Lifters must provide documentation verifying their military status with their entry (as well as proof of age for record purposes and their driver’s license number for base entry on MacDill)!
The individual entry fee for the 2010 Armed Forces Championships is FREE. In addition, all participating federations will afford competitors a FREE membership card that will be good for duration of the contest; this will allow lifters to set records in each participating federation. We hope to provide each participant with a contest shirt and award; this will be determined by the amount of donations we receive to fund the contest.
Rules of performance for the 2010 Armed Forces Championships will be available on June 1, 2010. A link on the R.A.W. United website ( will be created, and all participants will receive a copy of the governing rules for the meet with their contest packet. Questions concerning the rules can be answered after June 1 by contacting me at 321-505-1194 or .
Two divisions will be offered at the 2010Armed Forces Championships: IRONMAN and RAW. The IRONMAN division is tested and is open to lifters that wear a non-supportive singlet and a leather belt (Velcro belts are not permitted). Lifters competing in the RAW division can also utilize non-fastening knee sleeves and wrist wraps; this division is not tested (all IRONMAN contestants will be placed in the RAW division for record purposes). Please note that this is a full power meet (squat, bench, and deadlift), however, lifters can also choose to compete as a push/pull (bench and deadlift) or single lift contestant.
The 2010 Armed Forces Championships will be a one-platform meet, and all entries must be received by Saturday, August 21; late entries will not be accepted. Immediately following the entry deadline, registered lifters will receive a contest packet that includes a finalized contest roster, time schedule, rules of performance, order of lifting, and flight progression.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (321) 505-1194. Thanks again, and I hope to see you on the platform!
Thanks for your service, and God Bless, Spero
GENERAL INFO:
2010 ARMED FORCES CHAMPIONSHIPS
Meet Director:Spero Tshontikidis * THE GYM * 2300 Avocado Avenue, Suite E * Melbourne, FL 32935 * (321) 505-1194 *
Venue:Short Fitness Center * 8115 Cypress Stand Drive * MacDill Air Force Base 33621 * 813-828-4496
Schedule of Events:09/10Early Weigh-In & Registration
for Saturday lifters1600 to 1900
09/11Contest Weigh-In & Registration
for Saturday lifters0730 to 0900
Rules Clinic, Session I0900 to 0915
Flight A Warm-Ups0915 to 1000
Lifting Starts1000
Early Weigh-In & Registration
for Sunday lifters1600 to 1900
09/12Contest Weigh-In & Registration
for Sunday lifters0730 to 0900
Rules Clinic, Session I0900 to 0915
Flight A Warm-Ups0915 to 1000
Lifting Starts1000
Travel Information:Directions to the meet site can be obtained at mapquest.com. The meet site address is: Short Fitness Center * 8115 Cypress Stand Drive * MacDill Air Force Base 33621
.
Lodging Information:Quality Inn Midtown * 1020 S. Dale Mabry * Tampa, FL 33629 * 813-254-3005
Rules:Rules of Performance will be determined on 01 June
Age Groups:Kids:7-under, 8-9
Youth: 10-11, 12-13
Teenage: 14-15, 16-17, 18-19
Junior:20-24
Senior:25-29, 30-34
Submaster:35-39
Master:40-44, 45-49, 50-54, etc.
Weight Classes:Men’s: 66, 77, 88, 97, 105, 114, 123, 132, 148, 165, 181, 198, 220, 242, 275, 308, 308+
Women’s: 66, 77, 88, 97, 105, 114, 123, 132, 148, 165, 181, 198, 198+
Attire:Athletes mustwear a non-supportive singlet. In addition, lifters must wear at-shirt for the squat and bench; lifters can deadlift “shirtless.”
IRONMAN competitors may wear a leather belt (no Velcro belts). RAW lifters can also utilize non-fastening knee sleeves and wrist wraps.
Contest Application: Be sure to include proof of military service and proof of age with your completed entry!
Entry Deadline:Completed entry form and documentation must be received (not postmarked) no later than Saturday, August 21, 2010. This allows for a more organized contest; absolutely no late entries will be accepted!
Contest Packets:All lifters will receive a contest packet immediately following the August 21 entry deadline. Packets include the finalized contest roster, rules of performance, time schedule, order of lifting, and flights.
Questions:Call Spero at (321) 505-1194.
OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM: 2010 ARMED FORCES CHAMPIONSHIP
Name:______
Street Address:______
City, State, Zip Code:______
Area Code & Phone Number:______
Military Branch & Unit/
School & Program:______
E-Mail Address:______
Drivers License Number______
CIRCLE ONE:
Gender:FemaleMale
Age Group:Kids:7-under 8-9
Youth:10-11 12-13
Teenage:14-15 16-1718-19
Junior:20-24
Open:25-29 30-34
Submaster:35-39
Master:40-4445-4950-54______
Category:IRONMAN RAW
Division:Full PowerBench/Deadlift Single Lift: ______
Weight Class:Women:66 77 88 97 105 114 123 132 148 165 181 198 198+
Men:66 77 88 97 105 114 123 132 148 165 181 198 220242 275 308 308+
Shirt Size:SMLXL2XL_____
Mail completed entrywith proof of military service (or school / program) and proof of age:
R.A.W. United, Inc.
c/o THE GYM
2300 Avocado Avenue, Suite E
Melbourne, FL 32935
ATHLETES MUST COMPLETE AND SIGN THE RAW RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, INDEMNITY, AND THE PARENTAL CONSENT AGREEMENT (“AGREEMENT”)
Release, Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, Indemnity, and Parental Consent Agreement (“agreement”)
In consideration of being permitted to participate in a R.A.W. United/FEDERATION X (“activity”) I, my personal representatives, assigned heirs, and next of kin: ACKNOWLEDGES, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of the activity and that I am qualified, in good health and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I further agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe; I will immediately discontinue further participation in the activity.
FULLY UNDERSTAND that (a) ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS, AND DEATH (“Risks”): (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or in actions of others participating in the activity, the condition in which the activity takes place, or THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASES” NAMED BELOW: there may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time: and I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES I incur as a result of my participation or that of the minor in the activity.
HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE R.A.W. United, Inc./FEDERATION X, Spero S. Tshontikidis/FEDERATION PREZ X, Short Fitness Center, MacDill AFB, any and all contest staff members, related affiliated and subsidiary companies of each, as well as the officers, directors, agents, employees, and assigns of each, coaches officials, administrators, members, volunteers, participants, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises on which the activity takes place, and any other party indemnified and held harmless by R.A.W. United, Inc./FEDERATION X, (each considered one of the “RELEASES” herein) FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES ON MY ACCOUNT CAUSED OR ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASES” OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING NEGLIGENT RESCUE OPERATIONS, NEGLIGENT SECURITY, TRAVEL, AND RECREATIONAL OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES; AND I FURTHER AGREE that if, despite this RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the Release’s, I WILL INDEMNIFY, SAVE, AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH OF THE RELEASES from any litigation expense, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which may incur as a result of such claim.
Drug Testing Statement, Agreement, and Release of Liability (Does not pertain to RAW Division Lifters)
I give my word as an athlete that I have not utilized any type of strength-inducing chemicals (anabolic steroids, growth hormone, etc.) since September 11, 2001. In consideration of the acceptance of this entry, I agree to any test method deemed necessary by the meet director(s) and that the results of said testing method which the meet director(s) and/or sponsors of this meet use to detect the presence of the strength inducing drugs may be released to any third party(ies) and I generally and specifically waive any right to privacy if any, related there to. I hereby waive and release, intending to be legally bound for myself, my executors, administrators, and heirs, all rights and claims for damages I may have against R.A.W. United, Inc./FEDERATION X, Spero S. Tshontikidis/FEDERATION PREZ X, MacDill AFB, Short Fitness Center, any and all contest staff members, and all parties associated with the 2010 Armed Forces Championshipsas a result of testing positive for the utilization of strength-inducing chemicals. My entry into the 2010 Armed Forces Championships constitutes my consent to the testing procedures; and, if any such results test positive, I understand that I shall be disqualified from the pertinent competition and suspended for a period to be fixed by the meet director(s). I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE OF ANY NATURE AND INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW AND AGREE THAT IF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD TO BE INVALID, THE BALANCE, NOT WITHSTANDING, SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.