USA Weightlifting has taken a further step to protect the level playing field domestically in the United States, by identifying the need for a policy to remove member clubs with a long history of doping control issues from the membership of USA Weightlifting.

In identifying this extra step, which will be placed in the USA Weightlifting bylaws and Code of Ethics, USA Weightlifting will remove membership from any club with 4 or more Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in a 6 year period. Subject to a hearing, USA Weightlifting will also remove the President and Head Coach of the club from the membership and declare them permanently ineligible for membership in USA Weightlifting.

“First identified by our elite athlete representative and developed by our board & staff, this additional step mirrors the IWF’s stance on member federations being responsible for the behavior of their athletes. Similarly, here we are providing a consequence for clubs who see repeated offenses in the anti-doping area as we continue to seek to be leading National Federation for clean sport, worldwide," said Phil Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of USA Weightlifting.

The policy goes into effect immediately.