Over the past months, many athletes, coaches and partners have asked us the same question: what does the IPF decision on stiff knee sleeves mean for Streetlifting?
We have taken the time to look at this topic carefully, to talk with our partners and to listen to the feedback from our athletes. This article explains our position and an important change that is coming with the next season.
Background: The IPF Decision
In April 2025, the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) announced the removal of several extra-stiff knee sleeve models from its list of approved apparel and equipment. Only weeks later, in May 2025, the IPF reversed this decision: the affected sleeves remained permitted until the end of 2026 while the IPF reviewed its technical rules and approval procedures. In October 2026, the IPF has now confirmed the final step: starting January 1, 2027, seven stiff knee sleeve listings will no longer be permitted at IPF-sanctioned competitions.
We have taken note of this decision and respect it. The IPF governs its own sport and makes its decisions based on its own priorities and assessments.
Why this matters for Streetlifting
Streetlifting is a young sport. In many areas, especially when it comes to equipment, FinalRep has so far oriented itself on the established standards of powerlifting. This gave our athletes and organizers a reliable reference point while our own structures were still being built.
At the same time, Streetlifting is not powerlifting. Our disciplines, our athletes and our competition format are different, and so are the requirements we place on equipment. A decision that makes sense in one sport does not automatically make sense in another.
Our Decision: Stiff Sleeves Stay
After careful consideration, we have decided:
Stiff knee sleeves will remain permitted in FinalRep Streetlifting competitions.
This decision is based on two pillars:
1) Exchange with our partners
We have discussed the topic in detail with our equipment partners. Together, we came to the conclusion that we want to continue supporting the use of stiff sleeves in Streetlifting.
2) Feedback from our athletes
At our events, we regularly collect feedback from athletes, coaches and staff. One thing has been consistent: these products are well received by the athletes who use them. Many of them rely on stiff sleeves as an established part of their competition setup, and we see no reason within our sport to take them away.
Next Step: Knee Sleeve Licensing in Streetlifting
This discussion has also shown us something more fundamental: as long as we orient ourselves on powerlifting standards, decisions made in another sport can directly affect ours.
That is why, starting with the upcoming season, FinalRep will introduce its own licensing for knee sleeves in Streetlifting.
With this step, we aim to:
- define equipment standards that fit the specific needs of Streetlifting
- make decisions like this one independently of the established standards in powerlifting
- give athletes and manufacturers a clear and transparent reference for which products are permitted at FinalRep competitions
Licensed knee sleeves will be listed on our Licensed Equipment page starting in the next season. Further details on the licensing process, criteria and timeline will be announced separately.
What this means for athletes:
- You can continue to compete with stiff knee sleeves at FinalRep events.
- Until the new licensing is in place, the current equipment rules in our Rulebook remain valid.
- Once the licensing starts, please check the Licensed Equipment list before your next competition to make sure your sleeves are approved.
Note: To give athletes time to prepare for the change, there will be a transition period in 2027 during which both FinalRep-approved and IPF-approved knee sleeves will be permitted. From 2028 onwards, only FinalRep-approved knee sleeves will be permitted in competitions.
Closing Statement
This decision is another step on our way to building Streetlifting as an independent, professional sport with its own standards. We are grateful for the open conversations with our partners and for every athlete who shared their experience with us.
As always, your feedback matters to us. If you want to share your thoughts on this topic, please comment below our Instagram post on that topic.
Thank you for being with us on this journey.
Sincere regards,
–– your FinalRep team 🧡
