It is the official position of the National Correctional Recreation Organization that weight lifting programs are an integral part of rehabilitation services within the spectrum of corrections.

Properly administered weight lifting programs are a vital tool in the daily management of a volatile environment as well as a potentially cost-effective measure. The benefits of these programs can be documented in several areas:

The vast majority of incarcerated criminals committed their offenses during leisure time. Programs such as weight lifting give offenders leisure skills to utilize during free time after parole or release.

In the commission of a crime, the major contributing factors are often the presence or use of intoxicants and/or firearms. Physical strength and size are insignificant in comparison.

Accreditation standards and some court decisions require that institutions offer a comprehensive recreation program with a variety of equipment and supplies. Such programs supply emotional, psychological, and physiological benefits. Weight lifting is a part of a comprehensive program.

Inmate idleness during incarceration has been cited as a cause of serious disturbances in institutions. Inmates who are involved in constructive physical activities such as weight lifting are less likely to become involved in disruptive behavior. Thus, weight lifting programs contribute to good institutional management by providing an outlet through which offenders can appropriately relieve stress and anxiety.

The positive self-esteem that comes from the self-discipline required to obtain improved physical condition is a vital part of the inmate's preparation for a successful return to society. This is especially true when combined with other programs such as education, vocational skills, and drug treatment.

Many correctional systems fund recreational equipment and programs out of monies generated by offenders (ie; store funds, vending machines, and long distance phone call fees). This reduces taxpayer costs in that government funds can be focused on educational, vocational, and security needs while inmates supply funding for their own leisure activities. This promotes a positive work ethic; Linking vocational and recreation programs and enhancing the assimilation of societal norms within the institution and increasing the likelihood that inmates will operate within these norms upon release.

The task of providing a safe environment of positive change is not an easy one and our tools are few. The elimination of any of these tools would create a void that would be difficult and costly to fill. The reality is that nearly all inmates in our prisons will one day return to society. It is our responsibility to ensure that they have every opportunity to return as more productive citizens that when they came to us. Weight lifting is a vital part for correctional programming and we strongly encourage its continued presence in America's prisons.

Recent conference sites:

It was announced at the March 2003 conference, the 2004 conference is being cancelled due to current economic, personel, budgetary and other uncertainties in the corrections industry. Plus it takes almost two years to put a conference together and no one had placed a bid for the conference. There is not enough time left to put on a high quality conference and pull it all together.