Is animosity between clubs common?

[Espi]

While I've not been a member of a club myself, be it a powerlifting or an Oly lifting club, (don't even know whether Strongman clubs exist), I've been to about 4 powerlift meets and 3 Olympic lifting meets (a student, a NC, and another open meet that served as a qualifier for the NC).

What struck me about the PL meets was that in comparison to Olympic lifting, everyone seemed to be very supportive & friendly towards each other plus that PL attracts a relatively large crowd.
Contrast this to the Oly meets I've been to.. there's barely interest for them apart from club members or family. There's probably many more sports where this is the case, since apparently PL is somewhat more understandable and seemingly more impressive due to the very heavy weights. Strongman is even more spectacular.

I was however taken aback by the animosity. This even seemed to go as far as having a jury biased against some by being overly strict and in favour of others by being overly lenient.

Upon asking the person who actually influenced me to start weight lifting. He is works internationally and he claimed that this amount of animosity between clubs is really pretty unique to our country (NL). Isn't that sad?

Was he right?

[Espi]

Nobody who's got a clue if this level of competitiveness between clubs is typical for every country? Or whether this is true in particular for OL and not as much for SM or PL?

[NorthernWisco]

from what i found PL's tend to be super friendly and open to helping each other

[Espi]

That has been my impression too about PL meets. At least from what I noticed ..
Anyone who has been to Olympic WL meets who can chime in?

[tkinsley]

I don't know what it's like across the pond, but I have never encountered anything but good will at OL meets. Sure, there are a few assholes everywhere, but the overall environment is one of support. Theoretically, at least, you're competing to increase your own numbers; if that lands you on the podium, cool.