Selection process for IPF bench worlds 2026

IPF Bench Worlds in 2026 happens within close chronological proximity to CanPL Nationals 2026. Nationals 2026 is the primary means for selecting this team (please see the rest of the policy below for details on how that works).

In order to select the team sent to IPF Bench Worlds 2026 from Nationals 2026, the following criteria and process will be followed. These have been updated in our policies and will also be shared with current members via email.

Please note the highlighted APPLICATION DEADLINE as well as the RESPONSE TIMELINE for successful applicants. There is very little wiggle room here and the process will be followed without exception.

Applications can be made through the CanPL Website using the International Team Application Form.

In strength,

The CanPL Exec and Competitions Committee

NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION PROCESS FOR 2026 IPF CLASSIC AND EQUIPPED BENCH PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP. 

The Championship Secretary shall select men’s and women’s teams to represent Canada at international events with the approval of the board according to these policies.  

All applications must be received no later than FEBRUARY 1^ST, 2026.  Applications received after February 1^st will not be accepted.

All applicants will be provided with the travel and cost information as well as payment deadlines as soon as it becomes available on the IPF website, however team selection for this event will be done after the 2026 CanPl Championships.

a)     The Championship Secretary will track each applicant’s total from 2026 CANPL National Championships in the discipline and weight class for which each applicant applied (ie. classic bench only for classic bench press events, equipped powerlifting for equipped powerlifting international events, etc.) to determine the national team.

b)    Applicants who are class winners from the 2026 CANPL National Championships will automatically earn a spot on the team they applied for, assuming they meet the application deadline. 

c)     If there are remaining spots on the team after b) above, additional applicants will be selected based on placing in the division they applied for from the 2026 CANPL National Championships, with all second-place finishers being chosen next in descending IPF Formula order, followed by all third place finishers being chosen next in descending IPF Formula order, and continuing on with fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. 

d)    If there are remaining spots on the team after c) above, applicants that competed in an alternate age category in the same discipline as the team they’re applying for (classic powerlifting, classic bench press, or equipped bench press) at the 2026 CANPL National Championships would be selected based on descending IPF Formula.  These applicants must have hit the qualifying total for the age category of the team they are applying for at the 2026 CANPL National Championships. 

e)    If there are remaining spots on the team after d) above, applicants who bombed at the 2026 CANPL National Championships will be selected, provided they have a total that met the National Qualifying Standards from a regional or higher sanctioned event in the preceding 12 months.   

f)      If there are remaining spots on the team after e) above, applicants who competed at the 2025 CANPL National Championships will be selected, assuming they met the current National Qualifying Standard at the 2025 CANPL National Championships.  If more than one applicant from the 20205 National Championships applies for the team, they shall be chosen in descending IPF Formula order.   

g)     Once the team selection has been done based on the above criteria, weight classes must be considered to ensure there are not more than two in any weight class (according to IPF policies for the event). If a situation occurs where there is no longer any room in the weight class in which they applied for the team, these applicants will be contacted and given the option to choose an alternate available weight class to move into. Applicants will be given 48 hours to respond, and if no response is received, they will be moved onto the reserve list in the weight class they competed in. This must be done before further team placements can be made.