Better only happens when we expect it.
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Its no secret that we really try and set the standards very high with ProRaw."
Markos Markopoulos
I don't know how many follow ProRaw in Australia but those who do can't help but be envious of what they have put together there. The equipment, awards, competition environment and caliber of competition. For that level to be achieved here it will happen in little steps. Every Fed, meet director and gym should evaluate every meet and ask how could we make this a little better next time. There have been two types of meets I've competed in. Those that make you say "good meet, I'd do that one again" and the ones that make you say "never again." I've recently heard about a meet that gave water bottles as awards and didn't bother to announce placements until the next day via social media. I quizzed the meet director about this. His reply was that lifters don't want trophies, they would rather have something functional. He also quoted the "participation awards" thing. If a Fed is going to have a meet with 10 different weight classes, several events including full power, push/pull, individual lifts plus extra events like strict curl or sling shot and charge $75 to $100 per lifter, be prepared to award first, second and third in every one. The comment about "participation awards" stung me a bit also. You cannot compare an 8 year old getting a trophy in a soccer league that didn't keep score with a powerlifter that's trained for months or years for your meet regardless of where he or she places. If a meet director doesn't believe in giving so many trophies I suggest splitting lifters into two weight classes, light weight and heavy weights. Place first, second and third in each then best overall. For the most part, we have it good here. Better only happens when you expect better. This holds true from the federations down to the lifters.
