First email to all powerlifting feds,
I am conducting research on Australian powerlifting and feel it is only fair to ask officials of each federation for possible input.
see attached.
Cheers,
Chris Lewis
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am currently researching an article on how or whether it is possible that an Australian sport with different federations can be subject to drug testing, in this case powerlifting. This article will be published in an Australian public policy journal, not sure which one yet, assuming the material is good enough.
Despite much conflict in the sport, made evident in various documents since 1989, I hope my inquiry to the different federations can obtain some important input from all of you (I have written this letter to all federations). Hopefully my article can provide a chance for each federation to offer its position to correct any real or exaggerated perception of the sport given recent public debate. It is not my intention to take sides, but to answer the question in a balance and fair way, albeit the article may blame past Australian government/s for the situation.
At the very least, I hope that each federation can answer some of the following questions where they are deemed relevant to each federation. If you are interested, please answer under each question and resend document. Your responses may be documented in the article, so please only answer what you are prepared to say on the public record.
1) Does your federation support or not support drug testing? Please give reasons either way?
2) Does your federation have a drug policy? If so, what is it, and what are the constraints in drug testing implementation, such as costs and so on?
3) Has your federation been approached by officials from other federations to help unite the sport, or are there major tensions between federations that cannot be overcome?
4) Are there other reasons why lifters prefer to lift in your federation that go beyond differences in regard to suits and wraps?
5) How transparent is your federation, and what opportunities are there for members to voice their concerns and wishes.
Your input would be most appreciated. Any query can be directed to me via email.
Yours sincerely,