Any advice/tips for first powerlifting meet?

[Demondosage]

So I have decided to try a powerlifting meet, I have never done one before. I dont have any equipment nor have ever used any, so I'm just doing the raw division. A couple questions, on the deadlifts are knee wraps allowed in a raw division? Do they even help any. I do own knee wraps but have never tried them on deadlifts. I can deadlift around 600 lbs for a 1 rep max right now, but need to try it w/out wrist straps and just chalk. And for the bench press, do guys still wear a belt in the raw division or no belt? Also, how long is the pause at the bottom? is it 1 second normally? I will be competing in the 242 class, my raw deadlift like I said should be around 600 lbs, maybe a little more who knows? My raw bench press should be at least 405 lbs. ARe elbow wraps allowed in the raw division? I know they seem to help me a little. I just dont own squat suits or bench shirts or any shit like that, I have the basics like elbow wraps (I never use them much, but they do help my bench a little bit) knee wraps, and a lifting belt. This is an APF meet. Any help or tips you guys could give me wouyld be great. I seriously know nothing about powerlifting training

[Millard Baker]

Originally Posted by Demondosage

I can deadlift around 600 lbs for a 1 rep max right now, but need to try it w/out wrist straps and just chalk.

How are you approaching transition from straps to no-straps?

[HeadDoc]

Did 5 meets last year. Most federations require a singleton. If you are lifting "raw", wear a single ply singleton. The are the same as worn by wrestlers. You need knee high sox for the dead lift. Velco belts are not permitted. Single, double prong or lever belts are accepted. I prefer a belt with ratchet. Only one federation allowed me to use it. Read the federation rules for any meet that you enter. All the meets will offer an orientation for competitors. The rules define the criteria for each lift. This really makes a big difference between being a monster in the gym versus competing at a formal event. Lifts must be controlled and at the command of judge (s).

[HeadDoc]

Google "powerlifting federations" and then look for APF. You will find the rules. However, you will still need to attend an orientation before lifting begins. Also, plan to be at the meet for a long day. This is largely determined by the number of competitors. Last year, I did an APF meet with a large number of competitors. My first lift was around 9:30 am and the last around 3:30pm. Bring food.

[Demondosage]

Originally Posted by Millard Baker

How are you approaching transition from straps to no-straps?

Just bought some chalk and hands stuck to the bar like glue, no issues at all there. I used to never use straps anyways, but when performing reps on this movement I started using them. But a 1RM my back or legs will quit before my grip does, so thats good I suppose

[mac111]

im coming into this one late.

when is the comp? you can only use belt, wrist straps an knee wraps in raw. some feds may be different, also check out what length of knee wraps are allowed, i rem having to take scissors to mine many years ago at the British finals.

also, i think APF is drug tested, arent you on trt?