Powerlifting is a multi-federation sport. That means it has multiple governing or sanctioning bodies. While this is an inevitable trend (and, as I argue, a healthy one) in non-Olympic sports, the existence of a neutral, ecumenical space is important to preserve the sport itself, to promote critical decision making by members of the community and to inform the public. In Powerlifting, this ecumenical space is the virtual portal Powerlifting Watch.
Let us review the concepts involved in defining “sport”, proceed to the nature of governing bodies, the phenomenon of multi-federation organization and Powerlifting Watch’s role in our sport.


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