EPF INFO FEBRUARY 1999

1. 1999 EPF Congress

2. New Proposals for 1999 EPF Congress

1. Bench Press Championships. Bench Press Championships shall be organised without disabled lifters - proposed by Pavol Müller, Slovakia. Reason: In European and World Bench Press Championships the number of disabled lifters is too low. In addition, the standard of these competitions is much lower than in the championships organised exclusively for disabled lifters by the IPC. This means that our championships for disabled lifters are a B category competition. In addition, the number of abled-body lifters is rising. It is often a problem for organisers to find accomodate both abled and disabled body lifters.
2. Referees. The ten referees from different nations nominated by the technical committee that are able to referee throughout the whole championships will receive discount accomodation (or free). These costs are to be paid by the promotor/organiser - proposed by Pavol M¨ller, Slovkaia. Reason: According to personal experience, there are a lot of problems with referees in Junior, Masters and Women's championships. The number of lifters is increasing, but the number of referees willing to referee is decreasing. Perhaps this proposal would help to solve the problem and improve the standard of refereeing in these championships.
3. Constitution. Change the Constitution 909.19 (909.7 after revision) to: (a) The following penalties shall be imposed on a federation that has lifters or officials suspended for drug offences at or in connection with any European Championships (open, restricted or single lift) or Cups.
   1. For the first offence in any twelve month period:
      1. A fine of DM 500 shall be imposed.
   2. For the second offence in any twelve month period:
      1. If the offence relates to banned substances listed under 5.02(e)(1) of the bylaws the fine shall be DM 1000
      2. If the offence relates to banned substances listed under 5:02(e)(2) of the bylaws the fine shall be DM 500
      3. Where the offence relates to banned substances under both 5.02 (e) (1) and 5.02(e)(2) the fine shall be DM 2000
   3. For the third offence in any twelve month period:
      1. All the penalties imposed by 909.7(a)(2) shall apply.
      2. The above fine shall be reduced by 50% of the amounts stated (but subject to a minimum amount of DM 500) if the lifter's federation has an OCT testing program approved by the IPF Executive.
      3. The reduced fines shall also apply if the lifter has completed a negative drug test no earlier than two months prior to the date of the offence. The lifter's federation shall verify the test by producing a copy of the laboratory analysis to the genera l secretary within 21 days of the demand for production being made.
      4. If any of the above fines are imposed the offending federation may not participate in any EPF meetings or championships until the fine is paid.
      5. The executive may reduce or remit any fines or sanctions imposed.

   Reason: Impose the same fines as decided by the IPF. (IPF bylaws that will be included in the new EPF bylaws).

4. Constitution Change Constitution 909.2 to read: A national federation which has not paid its subscription fee to the EPF by the 31st December, despite having received a reminder letter, shall be suspended from membership of the EPF. Reason: The date is changed from 30th June to 31st December to be in agreement with the Bylaws 3.10 stating that "Federations more than one year in arrears with their annual subscription shall be suspended from their EPF membership."

3. 1999 Danube Cup Correction

4. Other Business

1. As you know, from 1st of January 1999 it is possible to pay in EURO. It is now cheaper for member countries who want to send money by bankers draft to do so in EURO. The Membership Fee is 200EURO.
2. The following Members have yet to pay the EPF Fee for 1999: AUT, GBR, POL, SLK, SUI, LIT, EST, BUL, POR, GEO, BLR and CYP. I apologise to DEN, who were listed in the last EPF Info when they had actually paid on time. As it is now February, the EPF Fee is 415DM - including the fine for one month late payment.

|