Are you competing for the first time ever, or maybe first time with PLU, and you are unsure how the gear check and weigh-in process works? We’ve got some reminders to help make sure you’re prepared to have a smooth and quick process!
First – check your e-mails! Meet directors will have sent out important information in these emails related to weigh-in times, LiftingCast information (which includes flights and sessions), parking information, spectator and coaching passes information, vendor information, etc. Most commonly asked questions will be answered in those e-mails, so be sure to read through!
Second – if you haven’t done so already, read through the rulebook! We recently issued a new version for 2025, which can be found here: PLU Standards of Competition V25.1 Even if you are a seasoned athlete, it’s always a great idea to inform yourself of the new updates each year!
Third – prepare yourself for weigh-in day. In PLU, weigh-ins are held 24 hours prior to your session start. Here are some friendly reminders about what you’ll need to bring, and also what to expect.
What to Bring
- A photo ID showing state of residence
- Your opening attempts in kilos (meet directors will have a conversion chart available during check to assist if needed!)
- An active membership to PLU
- As of January 1, 2025, all lifters must have an active PLU membership to compete in PLU sanctioned meets. We are no longer allowing active memberships from other federations.
- All equipment that you are wearing on the platform
- Required Items
- Singlet, t-shirt, shoes, and deadlifting socks (if competing in Full Power or Deadlift Only)
- Optional Items (MUST be checked if you use these)
- Belt, wrist wraps, knee sleeves, knee wraps (if competing raw w/ wraps), elbow sleeves/cuffs (for squat or deadlift use only), legless underwear (if they resemble shorts, they’re not allowed), and headband
- Please read the rulebook for additional specifications around equipment limitations such as t-shirt material requirements, wrap length limits, belt specifications, etc.
- Required Items
What to Expect
- You will first be asked to get your rack and face saver heights
- Deadlift only athletes can skip this step
- You will then check in with a referee with your name, photo ID, and active PLU membership
- All equipment will be inspected
- Your opening attempts (in kilos) will be recorded on your lifter card and you will initial. If your openers are record attempts, this is the time to declare them!
- You will be called to weigh in with a referee. You must weigh in naked, wearing undergarments, or wearing a singlet.
- IF YOU ARE A MINOR, A LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST COME WITH YOU TO WEIGH IN!
- Your weight will be recorded on your lifter card, and you will initial that weight
- After that, you are free to leave and refuel and rest up for meet day!
All of these steps are required. Some meet directors may execute these steps in a different order, or call lifters to weigh in by lot number versus first come, first serve. Remember that weigh-ins cannot occur more than 24 hours prior to your session start. For example: if you are competing in a meet that is a two session meet, and you are in the afternoon session which begins at 2 PM, you cannot weigh in earlier than 2 PM the day before the meet. Some meet directors will allow you to check your equipment in early, others will not. This is why it is important to read the e-mails that your meet director sends you!
As always, reach out to your meet directors if you do have any questions or feedback for how to help improve the weigh-in process! We do this for you, the athletes, and want to help make sure that your experience with us is amazing!
We’ll see you on the platform!
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Ashley Sobel | National Level Referee, NJ