how is the best lifter determined at a meet? how do i qualify to lift in the pro day at the shack showdown? Let's connect the "dots."

By Ayngelia 'Star' Ara, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, United States Powerlifting Coalition 

The Dynamic Objective Team Scoring System (DOTS) was introduced into powerlifting scoring models in 2019.  DOTS is a newer and more sophisticated formula that aims to solve the same problem in evaluating the lifter's performance as the IPF GL score.  In the International Powerlifting Federation's (IPF) 2020 evaluation of scoring models (https://www.powerlifting.sport/fileadmin/ipf/data/ipf-formula/Models_Evaluation-I-2020.pdf), DOTS ranked second to the IPF GL (Goodlift) formula in terms of overall scoring efficacy.
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The DOTS formula utilizes the sex of the lifter, the weight lifted, and lifter body weight using the Wilks coefficient. Age is not a part of the formula.  The formula is as follows:

Where:
x = Lifter's body weight
w = Total weight lifted
A, B, C, D, and E = parameters in the table below:

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The resulting score is a percentage that can be compared to the scores of other athletes regardless of their body weight.
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Understanding the significance of the DOTS scoring method is crucial for competitive powerlifters.  These scores are a comprehensive indicator of an athlete's overall strength and performance level.  By gauging a lifter's abilities across the squat, bench press, and deadlift, these scores provide valuable insights into one's competitive standing.  Not only do they allow for comparisons across different weight categories, but they also highlight areas for improvement and growth in training programs.  Ultimately, a good score indicates a powerlifter's competence and potential in competitive powerlifting.

A good DOTS score is crucial for powerlifters as it reflects their overall strength relative to their body weight. It helps in assessing progress and setting performance goals.  A high score signifies an efficient power-to-weight ratio essential for competitive success.  Understanding the significance of a good score motivates lifters to strive for continuous improvement and maintain a balance between strength and body weight, optimizing their performance on the platform.

At a meet, the overall best lifter is determined by the highest DOTS score -- be it male or female. Additionally, other best lifter awards may be announced by a meet director if there a at least five lifters in a specific division (for example: best overall bench press, best Junior raw lifter, best Master's female lifter, best Multi-Ply, etc.).

Invites to the USPC's Pro Day in November 2024 are being sent to lifters based on the highest DOTS scores for years 2023 and 2024 in the raw and wraps divisions. Typically, the lifters that are at the top of the rankings have DOTS scores well into the 600's. 

Curious as to what your DOTS score is? Just go to the results for any meet that you have competed in and you can see your DOTS score to see how you stack up against the best in powerlifting.