Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This letter is in regards to the formation of a Weightlifting Special
Interest Group (WL-SIG) within the National Strength and Conditioning
Association (NSCA). Weightlifting exercises have formed the foundation
for many strength and conditioning programs for athletes and have been
an important aspect of the NSCA over the last 25 years.

In the past decade however, there has been a noticeable decline in the
promotion of weightlifting exercise in strength and conditioning. The
field is overwhelmed by a deluge of so-called “functional exercises,”
machine exercises, and assorted gimmicks. While these methods may
serve usefulness for certain populations, there is little evidence to
show their effectiveness in high-level athletes. Weightlifting
exercises however, have been shown repeated through empirical
observation and scientific research to be an effective method of
improving athletic performance.

As competitive lifters ourselves, and employees in the field of
strength and conditioning, we feel that it is necessary to raise
awareness of the effectiveness of weightlifting exercises in the
training of individuals. It is for this reason that we are seeking to
form the WL-SIG in the NSCA. The following steps are required to form
a NSCA SIG:

1. Development of a Purpose Statement
2. Development of Bylaws
3. Development of an Executive Council
4. Recruitment of at least 50 NSCA members who are interested in
participating in the SIG

The first three steps have being completed, and we are now looking to
recruit NSCA members to participate. The criteria for membership in
the WL-SIG is:

1. Member in good standing of the NSCA
2. Member in good standing of an International Weightlifting
Federation (IWF) affiliated national federation
3. Active member in an IWF affiliated national federation
(includes but is not limited to coaching, competing, officiating,
administration)

If you meet these criteria and are interested in participating, please
send your name, NSCA member number, the name of the national federation
you belong to, and your membership number for that national federation
to me at lchiu@.... You can also contact me for further
information regarding the WL-SIG at that e-mail.

Yours in Sport,

Loren Z.F. Chiu, M.S., C.S.C.S.
Human Performance Laboratories
The University of Memphis