MMA

FAQ

Rules & Procedures

It's quite simple:

  • APF = Not drug tested

  • AAPF = Drug tested (see list of banned substances here)

Otherwise all the rules, requirements, and everything else are the same. At Michigan APF we run both APF and AAPF at all our local and state meets and you can compete in both at the same meet. There are separate National and World meets for APF and AAPF however. The APF is the default parent organization as it came first (hence why we're named Michigan APF, not Michigan APF/AAPF, or Michigan AAPF), and the AAPF is usually implied whenever APF is used in official documents.

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State Records

To claim a state record you must submit the online record submission form found below. This may be done any time after the meet is complete. You must do this if you want to claim a record. We do not automatically scan over meet results and assign records. If you want it, you must claim it: State Record Submission

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National/World Records

To claim national or world records you must complete a paper record submission form at the meet where the record is broken. The records form is available at the meet at the scoring table and must be completed before you leave. It needs to be signed by all three judges and the meet officials, so be sure to get all the needed signatures before you, or any of the judges, leave. Once the form is complete you then mail it to the APF home office (the address is on the form).

In 2015 the APF/WPC introduced a new division, Classic Raw. Classic Raw is identical to Raw except for the allowance of knee wraps/sleeves in the squat. All other rules and lifts (bench and deadlift) are the same as Raw. Classic Raw has separate records and Raw records (even those in bench and deadlift) cannot be set if you are Classic Raw.

9:00:00. At Michigan APF we take great pride in running efficient and well organized meets. The meet will start exactly at the time specified on the meet flyer with the playing of the National Anthem. If there is to be any change to the meet start time due to extraordinary circumstances (we had to delay the start of the Winter Meet once because of a Blizzard) it will be clearly communicated to the competitors.

This is a hard question to answer. It depends on the lift (squat generally takes longer than deadlift), the size of the flights, and whether it's raw or equipped (raw goes faster). A general rule of thumb we've come to is that one flight of a lift usually takes 30-35 minutes. Multiply that by how many flights are ahead of you, and you should have a general idea. We also provide a ETA to next flight countdown on our scoring and flight order displays so you have a real-time estimate to help time your warm up attempts.

The official rule book can be found below. It says WPC rules because the WPC is the governing federation of the APF/AAPF. All WPC rules apply to the APF/AAPF unless specifically stated otherwise: http://worldpowerliftingcongress.com/wp-content/uploads/rules/WPC_Rule_book_Official.pdf

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Attire

The wearing of a cover is allowed on the platform only at local and state meets. One may not be worn at national or world meets.

Elbow wraps/sleeves/compression straps may be worn in the Equipped Divisions during squat and deadlift only. They are not allowed during bench press or in Raw or Classic Raw.

No knee covering objects of any kind (sleeves, wraps, scarfs, pants, your lucky binky) are allowed in the Raw division. Period. We know some federations allow knee sleeves and wraps in Raw, the APF/AAPF does not. This applies to all meets, local, national, and world. The new Classic Raw division allows knee wraps/sleeves, but Raw does not.

Yes on squat and bench, no on deadlift. You must wear a t-shirt under your singlet for squat and bench press. This is for hygienic purposes so the bar or bench do not make direct contact with your skin. For deadlift the t-shirt is optional.

Yes. The official rule states: "Footwear more substantial than basic socks must be worn". Deadlifting slippers are OK and may be worn.

  • In Raw: Sport compression wear is not allowed for wear under a singlet. This has been a point of debate recently and the official ruling from the APF home office is that compression wear does not count as standard underwear or a t-shirt as defined by the rules. No specific brand is banned, and other clothing from these companies may be acceptable (i.e. normal UA cotton shirts, UA boxer shorts, ect.). Only the specifically sport compression type garments are not allowed.

  • In Equipped: For equipped lifting compression wear may be worn as the equipped briefs or equipped shirt, but cannot be worn in addition to other briefs or shirts (e.g. squat briefs, bench shirt). In other words it counts as the equipped attire.

No, Kinesio Tape (that black/blue tape stuff people put on) is not allowed in any division (raw or equipped) in the APF/AAPF.

In general any weightlifting or wrestling singlet is acceptable. It can be any color, be it solid or with patterns, images, or text, but cannot be offensive in nature or inappropriate for a general audience. Logos including school, sports team, and military branch are all acceptable. The straps must always be worn up. The length of the leg, when worn, must not extend beyond mid-thigh (medial point between crotch and top of knee cap). Leotards with sleeves or high cut leg lines are not permitted.

Wearing of socks is optional except for deadlifting (shoes are always required). The official rules state: "One pair of socks may be worn. When worn they may not extend over the knee. Full length leg stockings, tights, or hose are not permitted. Long socks, tape, or plastic shin guards are required on the deadlift." You may also use duct tape in place of socks if you are in a pinch.

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Equipment

Yes, at all APF/AAPF meets monolifts are used for squatting. A lifter may "walk out" an attempt though if desired instead of using the monolift functionality by simply letting the spotting crew know before taking the attempt.

The bars used are at the discretion of the meet promoter as long as they conform to the APF rules. At Michigan APF meets we use Texas Deadlift bars, the specialized Mastodon squat bar, and specialized Sabertooth bench bar.

Home of the Michigan APF