Question 1

When does the OWA season run?

Accepted Answer

The OWA season runs from April 1st to March 31st annually. All memberships expire on March 31st.

Question 2

Are membership fees pro-rated?

Accepted Answer

No. New and rejoining members between April 1st and March 31st pay the full annual membership fee.

Question 3

What if I am a coach and an athlete, do I need to purchase two memberships?"

Accepted Answer

No. Only one membership fee is required and you are to select the appropriate membership category that’s at a higher cost. Members have the option to upgrade their membership at a later date within the current season. See Membership.(javascript:void(0))

Question 4

How do I become a member?

Accepted Answer

You can be a member of our association if you have an Ontario address and you’re affiliated with an OWA-registered club. See Membership.(javascript:void(0)) 
Note: Temporary Residents cannot set records or represent Ontario or Canada at national or international competitions.

Question 5

I want to become a member, but I’m not affiliated with OWA-registered club."

Accepted Answer

To meet the club requirement, you can: join an existing OWA-registered club, have your current gym register as a club, or register your own club. See Club Registration.(javascript:void(0))

Question 6

I’m a novice lifter, which competitions can I participate in?"

Accepted Answer

Athletes can compete at any open competition as long as there are no qualifying standards (e.g. Elite competitions) or limiting factors (e.g. age restriction) to enter.
Four times a year, the OWA runs club challenges. These competitions are held at participating clubs and are great for beginners as it allows athletes to get a feel for how a competition works, but on a smaller scale. See OWA Club Challenge.(javascript:void(0))

Question 7

Where can I learn proper technique?

Accepted Answer

You can contact any OWA-registered club. See OWA Club List.(javascript:void(0))

Question 8

Why are competition registration fees not standardized?

Accepted Answer

Registration fees are set by the hosting club to cover the costs of running the event. While the OWA sanctions the competitions, it is our clubs that are responsible for running each event.

Question 9

How do I prepare for my first meet?

Accepted Answer

The OWA follows the current IWF Technical and Competition Rules and Regulations (IWF TCRR), except where otherwise noted. Refer to OWA Technical and Competitionon Rules (OWA TCR) for any changes we accept. See Information for Athletes.(javascript:void(0))

Question 10

Do I need to be certified in order to coach an athlete at competitions?

Accepted Answer

No, except Elite competitions. At Elite competitions, a coach must be at minimum NCCP Competition Introduction Certified in order to receive accreditation to enter the warm-up area and Field of Play. For national or international competitions, a coach must be NCCP Competition Development Certified. See Course Descriptions.(javascript:void(0))

Question 11

How can I become a certified weightlifting coach?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to take the NCCP Competition Introduction Technical Course. See Course Descriptions (javascript:void(0))and Courses & Evaluations f(javascript:void(0))or scheduled courses.

Question 12

I’m interested in hosting a course at my facility, what do I need to do?"

Accepted Answer

Please contact our Competition Administrator (mailto:competition@onweightlifting.ca)at competition@onweightlifting.ca.

Question 13

How can I help out a competition?

Accepted Answer

You can volunteer by becoming a Technical Official. This is a great way for parents or family members to participate even if they aren’t athletes themselves. See Get Involved.(javascript:void(0))

Ontario Weightlifting Association

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)