Ifbb Rules For Bodybuilding and Fitness: 2019 EDITION
Ifbb Rules For Bodybuilding and Fitness: 2019 EDITION
Ifbb Rules For Bodybuilding and Fitness: 2019 EDITION
2019 EDITION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: GENERAL RULES
SECTION 2: MEN’S BODYBUILDING
SECTION 3: MEN’S CLASSIC and GAMES CLASSIC BODYBUILDING
SECTION 4: WOMEN’S FITNESS
SECTION 5: MEN’S FITNESS
SECTION 6: WOMEN’S BODYFITNESS
SECTION 7: WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS
SECTION 8: WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE
SECTIION 9: MEN’S PHYSIQUE
SECTION 10: CHILDREN FITNESS
SECTION 11: MIXED PAIRS
SECTION 12: MEN’S WHEELCHAIR BODYBUILDING
SECTION 13: WOMEN’S FIT MODEL
SECTION 14: MEN’S FIT MODEL
SECTION 15: WOMEN’S WELLNESS FITNESS
SECTION 16: MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE
Article 1 - Introduction
1.1 General:
The IFBB Rules for Bodybuilding and Fitness consist of regulations, policies, directives
and decisions intended to guide the IFBB and its Members in the administration of all
physique sports governed by the IFBB.
1.3 Agreement:
Affiliated National, Regional and Continental Federations, their athletes, officials and
others, join the IFBB of their own free will and, in so doing, agree to abide by the
Constitution and Rules. In becoming a Member of the IFBB, Affiliated Federations
and other Members accept that the Constitution and Rules exist for the good
of the sports of Bodybuilding and Fitness. Should the Constitution and Rules be
contravened by any Member, the IFBB has authority to impose disciplinary measures
against that Member.
1.4 Definitions:
The same definitions that are found in the Constitution also apply to the Rules. The
Code of Ethics, which forms an integral part of the Constitution, also forms an
integral part of the Rules and is attached as Appendix 1.
1.5 Interpretation:
It is recognized that the Rules cannot encompass every possible situation wherein
written guidance might be sought in the resolution of an issue. In such cases, the
President has sole authority to interpret any matter arising out of the Rules, or any
matter not encompassed by the Rules, said interpretation to be final and binding.
1.6 Intent:
It is not intended that the Rules be considered as "cast in stone" but instead, as
guidelines. Each and every issue arising out of the Rules must be judged on its own
merits with the primary consideration given to that which is in the best interests of the
sport of Bodybuilding.
2.2 Contract:
Once the Request for Official Sanction is approved by the IFBB, a Contract will be
forwarded to the Organizer. The Contract will outline the terms and conditions of the
official sanction as well as the responsibilities of the Organizer towards the
successful hosting of the competition.
3.1 General:
The organization of an International Competition will be undertaken at the sole
financial risk of the Organizer. The Organizer must agree in writing to accept this
condition, as well as any other terms and conditions that may be detailed within the
Contract.
Article 4 - Sponsorship
4.1 Sponsorship:
The Organizer of an International Competition may solicit the sponsorship of
government and commercial companies; however, the sponsorship must be
pre-approved by the IFBB.
4.2 Exceptions:
The use of tobacco and alcohol companies for sponsorship of International
Competitions is strictly prohibited.
5.1 Advertising:
The organizer of an International Competition may advertise at the competition by way
of signage and/or banners so long as said advertising is not placed at the back centre
of the stage and in such a manner as to obstruct the view of the judging panel. Signs
and logos may be printed directly on the back cover of the stage or banners may be
hung from the top front of the stage, on either or both sides of the stage, and/or along
the front edge of the stage. Signs and logos may also be projected on the back cover of
the stage or displayed on screens placed on the sides of the stage. Signs, screens
and/or banners must not be placed in such a position as to be within camera-view
when photographing the top six finalists.
5.2 Publicity:
The Organizer will be responsible for ensuring that the competition receives maximum
publicity, before, during and after the competition. The Organizer should retain the
services of a Public Relations consultant to ensure maximum media coverage through
newspapers, radio, internet and television. Prior to the official registration/weigh-in or
immediately prior to the Prejudging the Organizer should arrange a Press Conference
at which the Organizer and the IFBB Chief Official may inform the public about the
competition, the IFBB activity and the sports of Bodybuilding and Fitness.
6.2 Liability:
Should the negotiations between the IFBB and the organization offering the television
and/or video contract fail to produce any fees, the IFBB will not be held liable for any
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7.1 Rights:
The IFBB reserves the right to control any and all press accreditation, whether said
accreditation be television, radio, website, print, photographic, or other media, at
International Competitions.
8.1 Eligibility:
Only National Federations duly affiliated to the IFBB are permitted participation at
International Competitions. Any country which is not affiliated to the IFBB, or any
country which is affiliated but under suspension or disqualification, or any athlete who
is under suspension by either the IFBB or a National Federation, is not permitted to
participate at any International Competition worldwide.
8.2 Participation:
In order to qualify for participation in an International Competition, an athlete must
have a valid IFBB International Card. He or she must either be a citizen, or have landed
immigrant or legal resident status, in the country that the athlete intends to represent.
At the official registration/weigh-in, the athlete must produce a valid passport, or landed
immigrant or legal resident papers, or other documented proof of citizenship status
from the current country of domicile.
8.3 Dual Citizenship:
An athlete, once having been declared a citizen, or landed immigrant or legal resident,
of one country may not compete for another country without written permission from
the National Federation of his/her current country of domicile. No athlete is allowed to
compete for two different countries in any given year.
Athlete, who already represented any country, may change the represented country
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9.1 Guarantee:
Organizers of International Competitions must guarantee unconditional entry to all
countries eligible to participate and to all athletes eligible to compete.
Please be aware that it is full responsibility and obligation of the National Federation to
verify if each one of the athletes to be registered on this international event is NOT
suspended or fulfilling any period of ineligibility due to Anti-Doping Rule Violation or any
disciplinary case at national or international level.
It is also the full obligation and responsibility of a National Federation to monitor all the
athletes affiliated to this National Federation who are actually fulfilling a period of
ineligibility due to Anti-Doping Rule Violation or any Disciplinary case, to make sure
these athletes will not register/compete/or participate in any capacity in any event either
at National or International level, Official or Invitational.
The intent to participate, if possible, should contain the names of the participating
athletes, delegates and judges; however, if the National Federation does not have the
actual names of the athletes and delegates at the time of receipt of the letter of
invitation and/or Preliminary Entry Form, they must forward, by e-mail, and directly to
the Organizer, the actual number of athletes and delegates no later than sixty days
before the date fixed for the Prejudging, failing which the National Federation may be
required to cover the full costs associated with their participation at the competition.
The Final Entry Form must be forwarded to the Organizer no later than the second
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Monday preceding the date fixed for the Prejudging and must contain full details of
each participant. The exact date for the return of the Preliminary and Final Entry Forms
will be written on the form. The Final Entry Form will contain the athlete’s IFBB
International Card number and athlete’s Name, in English and as written on the
Passport or Citizenship Identity Card, of all participating athletes, delegates and judges.
National Federations that fail to meet the deadline date for the Final Entry form may be
deemed ineligible for participation in the competition or may be asked to cover the cost
of their participation by paying the full package rate for their athletes and officials.
2. The maximum allowable number of competitors per National Federation in any one
discipline is unlimited.
4. Each National Federation shall pay a Registration Fee for each of its competitors
and delegates.
5. All national team’s competitors shall compete for placing and awards, including the
Best National Teams Classification, according to Art. 18.
6. A National Federation must fully declare its competitors on the Final Entry Form
and must register competitors upon check-in at the official hotel.
9.5.2 World Fitness Championships (included Women’s and Men’s Fitness, Women’s
Physique, Women’s Bodyfitness, Women’s Bikini Fitness, Women’s Wellness Fitness,
Mixed Pairs):
For four days (three nights) according to the following scale:
9.5.5 World Fit Model Championships (included Women’s and Men’s Fit Model):
For three days (two nights) according to the following scale:
9.5.7 Women’s Athletic Fitness is currently not open in the World Championships level;
however, National Federations may, at their own discretion, host competition in
Women’s Athletic Fitness.
9.5.8 Men’s Athletic Fitness is currently not open in the World Championships level;
however, National Federations may, at their own discretion, host competition in Men’s
Athletic Fitness.
9.5.9 Wheelchair Men’s Bodybuilding is currently not open at the World Championships
level; however, Continental and National Federations may, at their own discretion, host
competition in Wheelchair Men’s Bodybuilding.
9.5.10 Any extra delegates from a National Federation, whether VIPs, special
guests, officials, judges, coaches, trainers, press, supporters or other individuals, in
addition to those detailed in this rule, must undertake to cover all of their own
expenses.
*Limited to transportation between the official airport and official hotel(s) upon arrival
and departure; between the Competition venue site and official hotel(s) for
Prejudging and Finals; and, where applicable, between the Farewell Banquet venue
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10.1 General:
All International Competitions will take place, wherever possible, in a theatre-like venue
complete with an appropriately sized stage, professional lighting and sound, and tiered
seating. The Organizer must pay special attention to the following critical requirements:
10.1.1 Staging:
The judging should be held on a raised stage with an optimum height of 80-100 cm,
width of 16-24 m and 6-8 m depth. If the venue has a large, flat seating area without
tiered seats, the stage must be at an optimum height of 1.0 meter. If the stage is any
higher than that, the seats for the judges must also be raised so as to give them a full
view of the competitors. The top of the stage should be covered by a plain grey carpet
and the front and sides by cloth, panelling or paint.
10.1.2 Background:
The stage background should be of a neutral, non-distracting colour, preferably dark
blue or black and matt. On it must be displayed the IFBB logo, IFBB official sponsors’
logos and the name of the event. The logo of the organizing federation may also be
displayed in this area; however, neither should be placed in such a position as to
distract the view of the judges or photographers. The Organizer must not allow signage
and/or banners to be displayed in this area, however, said signage and/or banners
may be hung from the top front of the stage, on either or both front sides of the stage,
along the front of the posing plinth, or along the front edge of the stage, and/or in any
other area that does not interfere with the judge’s and photographer’s view of the
competitors.
10.1.3 Sound:
The sound system will be of such quality so as to ensure that the competitor’s music is
reproduced in the best professional manner. The Organizer will also be responsible for
ensuring that each competitor’s music starts exactly where it should and on cue.
Where possible, the sound system controls/soundman should be located backstage, on
the same side of the stage where the competitors enter, normally stage left (when
viewed from the front). Microphones must be provided for the IFBB Chief Judge, the
Master of Ceremonies, and the onstage Expeditor (preferably hands-free).
10.1.4 Lighting:
The stage will be provided with one universal lighting system, evenly illuminating the
whole stage. If this is impossible, two basic lighting set-ups are required. The first is
needed to illuminate the complete line-up of all of the competitors when they are first
brought before the judges. The second must be focused on the central area of the
stage (10 m wide, from the front of the stage to the back wall) for the individual posing
routines, comparisons, posedown and awarding ceremony. It is important to avoid the
shadowed area on the stage. The average luminance on the stage should be at the level
of 4500 – 5000 lux.
10.1.5 Seating:
The Organizer must ensure that all judges and spectators are afforded a clear and
unobstructed full-figure view of all of the competitors who stand onstage. Judges and
statisticians must be seated away from the spectators. Photographers and television
and/or video personnel must not be allowed to obstruct the view of the judges.
The Master of Ceremonies plays a significant role in the image that the IFBB wish to
present to the general public at all International Competitions. For this reason, the MC
should have a background in public speaking, or be comfortable in his or her role as
“moderator” in front of an audience, and must be adept at handling impromptu
situations. The MC should have a speaker’s rostrum with a microphone, situated at the
side of the stage from which the competitors enter. Competitors should enter stage left
and exit stage right (when viewed from the front).
10.1.8 Inspection:
The IFBB Chief Judge should inspect the competition venue site prior to the
commencement of Prejudging, for the purpose of ascertaining the readiness of the
facility.
10.1.9 Communications:
The Organizer will be responsible for supplying sufficient communications equipment
(i.e.: headsets/micas, walkie-talkies) for use by the backstage Expeditors.
10.1.10 Office/Photocopier:
The Organizer will be responsible for providing an office complete with computer/printer
and photocopier with additional toner kept in reserve for use by the IFBB throughout
the duration of the International Competition.
10.1.11 Water:
The Organizer will provide sufficient quantities of still (no gas) water for use
backstage by the expeditors and athletes.
10.1.14 Cameras/Videotapes:
Cameras and videotape devices are strictly prohibited in the backstage area/dressing
room area except when used by duly recognized press personnel and, in any event,
these devices are strictly prohibited in the dressing room area.
The IFBB reserves the right to control access to the backstage area during Prejudging
and Finals. The IFBB may issue access control passes (green cards) to each National
Federation. These passes will normally be distributed at the Team Manager’s meeting,
which takes place immediately before the Official Athlete Registration.
Precise venue requirements are provided in the “2016 IFBB Organizational Guidelines”
11.1 Official Athlete Registration: Weigh-in and/or Height Measurement: The Official
Athlete Registration (weigh-in and/or height measurement) at all International
Competitions will be controlled by the IFBB Chief Judge and will normally proceed as
follows:
11.1.2 Each team represented at the competition, regardless of its numbers, will be
accompanied to the Official Athlete Registration by its chief delegate, or other
appointed representative.
11.1.3 All competitors will present themselves in the same posing attire that they will
be wearing throughout the Prejudging comparison round. They must also have with
them their attires to the other rounds, so that the IFBB Chief Judge may ascertain that
said attires meets the accepted standards of the IFBB.
11.1.4 The Organizer will provide a suitable room for the Official Athlete Registration
in which there will be a certified weighing machine, calibrated in kilograms, with
accuracy up to 0.1 kg, as well as one back-up weighing machine, which should be
made available to the competitors prior to the Official Athlete Registration, so that they
may check their weight; tables and chairs for the Judges Secretary and assistants, and
a suitable number of chairs for the competitors and delegates. A measuring device,
calibrated in centimeters, with accuracy up to 1 mm, will also be made available to
record the body height.
11.1.5 All competitors will be required to have in their possession, at the time of the
Official Athlete Registration, the following items:
Note 1: At juniors and masters championships, if the day, month and year of birth are
not indicated in the passport, or other papers, the athlete will be required to produce a
legal document authenticating this information.
Note 2: At the biggest IFBB international contests music CD or USB may be collected
after the Prejudging, from the finalists only.
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11.3 There are the following categories in junior men’s world-level bodybuilding
competition, currently as follows:
11.5 There are five categories in men’s world-level classic bodybuilding competitions,
with the following bodyweight limitations:
Note 1: All of the above mentioned competitors [Class E- a); b); c)] will participate
in the Class E: “Over 180 cm” category.
11.6 There are the following categories in junior men’s world-level classic bodybuilding
competitions:
11.7 There are three categories in master men’s world-level classic bodybuilding
competitions, currently as follows:
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Note 1: Bodyweight limitations for all master men’s classic bodybuilding competitors
are the same like for men classic bodybuilding competitors (see point 11.5).
11.8 There are the following categories in junior men’s world-level games classic
bodybuilding competitions:
11.9 There are two categories in men’s world-level games classic bodybuilding
competitions, currently as follows:
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11.10 There are two categories in women’s world-level fitness competitions, currently
as follows:
11.11 There are the following categories in junior women’s world-level fitness
competitions, currently as follows:
11.12 There is one open category in men’s world-level fitness competitions, with the
following bodyweight limitations:
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11.13 There are the following categories in junior men world-level fitness competitions:
11.15 There are the following categories in junior women’s world-level bodyfitness
competitions:
11.17 There are eight categories in women’s world-level bikini fitness competitions,
currently as follows:
a. Class A: Up to and incl. 158 cm
b. Class B: Up to and incl. 160 cm
c. Class C: Up to and incl. 162 cm
d. Class D: Up to and incl. 164 cm
e. Class E: Up to and incl. 166 cm
f. Class F: Up to and incl. 169 cm
g. Class G: Up to and incl. 172 cm
h. Class H: Over 172 cm
11.18 There are the following categories in junior women’s world-level bikini fitness
competitions:
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11.19 There are four categories in master women’s bikini fitness world-level
competitions:
11.20 There are four categories in senior women’s world-level wellness fitness
competitions, currently as follows:
11.21 There are the following categories in junior women’s world-level wellness fitness
competitions:
11.22 There are three categories in master women’s world-level wellness fitness
competitions, currently as follows:
11.23 There are two categories in women’s physique world-level competitions, currently
as follows:
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11.25 There are six categories in men’s physique world-level competitions, currently as
follows:
11.26 There is one open category in world-level muscular men’s physique competitions.
Note: Muscular men’s physique category is intended for competitors with slightly bigger
muscularity than accepted in the regular men’s physique. This category winner doesn’t
take part in the Men’s Physique Overall Category.
11.27 There are the following categories in junior men’s physique world-level
competitions:
11.28 There are two categories in master men’s physique world-level competitions,
currently as follows:
11.29 There are five categories in men’s world-level classic physique competitions, with
the following bodyweight limitations:
Note 1: All of the above mentioned competitors [Class E- a); b); c)] will participate in
the Class E: “Over 180 cm” category.
11.30 There are the following categories in junior men’s world-level classic physique
competitions:
11.31 There are three categories in master men’s world-level classic physique
competitions, currently as follows:
Note 1: Bodyweight limitations for all master men’s classic physique competitors are
the same like for men classic physique competitors (see point 11.29).
11.31 There are nine categories in female children fitness world-level competitions,
currently as follows:
11.32 There are five categories in male children fitness world-level competitions,
currently as follows:
11.35 Any competitor who fails to register within the time limits set for his or
her category may be eliminated from the competition.
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11.36 Any competitor who does not make weight will be given a maximum of
thirty minutes in which to do so. If, for whatever reason, the competitor does not
return within thirty minutes, he or she will be eliminated from the competition. The
onus is on the competitor to return within the deadline; the IFBB is under no
obligation to issue time warnings or to track down the competitor.
11.37 A competitor who weighs in over his or her chosen category limit may elect to
compete in the next higher bodyweight category, provided this does not result in
more than the maximum allowable number of competitors from the same National
Federation in that category.
11.38 The IFBB Chief Judge, and his or her assistant(s), will control the weighing
machine and measuring device and will verify the bodyweight and/or height of each
competitor, beginning with the lowest bodyweight /height category and proceeding to
the highest or according to other schedule published in the Inspection Report.
11.39 All competitors must produce a valid athlete’s IFBB International Card and other
identity document according to Art. 11, point 5, failing which the competitor will not be
registered.
11.40 The Judges Secretary, and his or her assistant(s), will compile lists of all of the
competitors, by category, once their body weight and/or height is verified by the IFBB
Chief Judge and will then prepare photocopies of these lists for the IFBB Chief Judge,
the IFBB Chief Expeditor and his or her assistants, IFBB General Secretary and his or
her assistants (statisticians), the Music Control Judge, the chief delegates for the
National Federations, the Master of Ceremonies, IFBB Press Commission
representative, the various media personnel in attendance, and other individuals as
required.
11.41 During the Official Athlete Registration, the IFBB Judges Committee will
determine the order in which the competitors will appear before the judging panel. The
Judges Secretary, or an assistant, will issue each competitor with a competitor number,
said number which will be randomly-selected by the athlete and which will thereafter
correspond to the order in which that competitor will appear before the judging panel.
This number must be attached to the left side of the posing trunks, or bikini, and must
be worn throughout the Prejudging and Finals.
11.42 All competitors will be required to hand in their music CDs, properly cued at the
start of the music, at Official Athlete Registration, said CD which must be housed within
a protective plastic case with the competitor’s name affixed upon the case and the CD.
The Judges Secretary, or an assistant, will affix, on the music CD, a number
corresponding to the same number that the competitor was given to attach to his or her
posing attire.
At the biggest IFBB international Competitions, the music CDs may be collected from
the finalists only, after the Prejudging, what will be announced at the Official Athlete
Registration.
11.43 The use of profane, vulgar or offensive language in posing music is prohibited.
If a competitor uses such language in his or her posing music, the IFBB Chief Judge
will order the music to be immediately stopped and will direct the competitor to leave
the stage. The competitor will not be given another opportunity to perform his or her
posing routine and will receive zero points from this round.
11.44 At the time of the Official Athlete Registration, a junior or master competitor
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must produce documentary evidence of his or her date of birth (eg: passport, birth
certificate, etc.).
11.46.1 May compete as a MASTER competitor in the category 40-44 years of age
from January 1st of the year in which the athlete reaches his 40th birthday up to and
including December 31st of the year in which the athlete turns 44. From January 1st of
the next year, he may only compete in the category 45-49 years of age.
- From January 1st of the next year, he may compete only in the over 45 years of age
category (Men’s Physique).
11.46.2 May compete as a MASTER competitor in the category 45-49 years of age
from January 1st of the year in which the athlete reaches his 45th birthday up to and
including December 31st of the year in which the athlete turns 49. From January 1st of
the next year, he may only compete in the category 50-54 years of age.
- From January 1st of the next year, he may compete only in the over 50 years of age
category (Classic Bodybuilding).
11.46.3 May compete as a MASTER competitor in the category 50-54 years of age
from January 1st of the year in which the athlete reaches his 50th birthday up to and
including December 31st of the year in which the athlete turns 54. From January 1st of
the next year, he may only compete in the over 55 years of age category.
11.46.4 May compete as a MASTER competitor in the category over 55 years of age
from January 1st of the year in which the athlete reaches his 55th birthday.
11.47.2 May compete as a MASTER competitor in the category 35-39 years of age
from January 1st of the year in which she reaches her 35th birthday up to and including
December 31st of the year in which she turns 39. From January 1st of the next year,
she may only compete in the category 40-44 years of age.
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11.47.3 May compete as a MASTER competitor in the category 40-44 years of age
from January 1st of the year in which she reaches her 40th birthday up to and including
December 31st of the year in which she turns 44. From January 1st of the next year, she
may only compete in the category over 45 years of age.
11.47.4 May compete as a MASTER competitor in the category over 45 years of age
from January 1st of the year in which the athlete reaches her 45th birthday.
11.48 Any competitor, once having been officially nominated by his or her National
Federation for participation in an International Competition, and who is actually present
at the event, who subsequently withdraws from the event, for whatever reason, without
the expressed permission of the IFBB Chief Judge, may be suspended for a period of
up to one year and his or her National Federation may be fined up to EUR 1,000.
*The Green Card allows access to the restricted areas only and does not absolve the
holder from requiring Prejudging and Finals tickets and/or passes.
12.2 Declaration:
As a participant in an International Competition, an athlete agrees to abide by the IFBB
rules governing doping controls. Should an athlete be found guilty of an anti- doping
rule violation, the athlete agrees to accept whatever penalties or sanctions may be
imposed pursuant to the IFBB Anti-Doping Rules. The athlete agrees that he or she
may be provisionally suspended immediately the results of the “A” sample are known.
12.3 Testing:
12.3.1 In-Competition testing will be carried out as follows:
12.7 Responsibility:
All National Federations and athletes, judges and officials are solely responsible for
remaining current with competition rules. National Federations and their members are
fully aware that these rules are available on the Official IFBB Website, www.ifbb.com.
The IFBB does not accept a member’s claim of ignorance of the rules as a reason to
act in a manner contrary to these rules.
Article 13 - Judges
13.1 General:
All judges wishing to judge at International Competitions must be members of an
affiliated National Federation and must first be qualified to judge at the national level
prior to test judging or judging at the international level.
13.4 There are three classes of the IFBB international judges. Requirements and
procedures for each class are as follows:
C-CLASS
- Nomination by the IFBB-affiliated National Federation a judge is a member of.
- Participation in one of the IFBB Judges Seminars and passing the final judges rules
theoretical knowledge test.
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- Passing the judges practical skills test at one of the IFBB international competition
indicated by the IFBB Judges Committee.
B-CLASS
- Continuity of practical judging activity at the IFBB international events.
- During the period of the C-Class activity, working in the judging panel at no less than:
- 3 international events each of 3 consecutive years or
- 12 international events within 2 consecutive years
- Participation in one of the IFBB Judges Seminars and passing the final judges rules
theoretical knowledge test.
A-CLASS
- Continuity of practical judging activity at the IFBB international events.
- During the period of the B-Class activity, working in the judging panel at no less than:
- 3 international events each of 3 consecutive years or
- 12 international events within 2 consecutive years
- Participation in one of the IFBB Judges Seminars and passing the final judges rules
theoretical knowledge test.
13.5.1. A test judge must complete Prejudging test papers from categories as selected
by the IFBB Chief Judge. To pass the test of practical judging, an average accuracy of
80% at least is required in selected number of categories, with each category having a
minimum of twelve competitors.
13.5.2. A test judge is required to complete test papers for the Prejudging only.
13.5.3. The Organizer should prepare seats and tables (if possible) for the test judges.
These seats and tables should be placed center to the stage in a row just behind the
judge’s panel and photographers. If this setup is not possible, the Organizer should
reserve the middle (or right) part of the first or the second row for the test judges.
These seats will be occupied during the Prejudging only.
A National Federation must provide on the Final Entry Form the names of all individuals
who it nominates to judge at the competition, failing which the individual will not be
allowed to judge. Names of judges nominated by a National Federation should also be
sent to the IFBB Judges Committee Chairman, to his e-mail address provided in the
Inspection Report for a given International Competition.
An IFBB International Judge may represent only National Federation of the country,
which issued his/her valid Passport. The place of his/her current residence is not taken
into consideration. The judge may change his/her National Federation only having a new
Passport issued by a new country.
13.11.1. The Code of Ethics obligate our sport’s officials to ensure that all athletes are
adjudicated by the most qualified judges available. The IFBB Judges Committee is
empowered to take whatever measures it deems necessary to ensure that this
obligation is met by selecting and paneling only those judges who meet or exceed the
minimum accepted standard of judging accuracy approved by the IFBB.
13.11.2. The minimum acceptable standard is an overall average score of 70% at
Prejudging.
13.11.3. Judging accuracy is calculated using the “Deviation Method”. This method
calculates the “deviation” between an individual judge’s placement of an athlete and
the entire regular judge’s panel placement of that same athlete.
14.1.1 The official IFBB uniform for male judges at all International Competitions
consists of a blue blazer with the official IFBB crest on the left breast pocket, pale blue
or white shirt with the official IFBB tie, grey dress pants, black socks and black dress
shoes.
14.1.2 The official IFBB uniform for female judges at all International Competitions
consists of a blue blazer with the official IFBB crest on the left breast pocket, pale blue
or white blouse (official IFBB tie optional), grey skirt or dress pants, and black dress
shoes.
14.1.3 The IFBB Chief Judge has authority to remove from the panel any judge who
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14.1.4 The IFBB may adopt a Relaxed Dress Code e.g. a polo shirt with IFBB logo on
the left breast, which may be worn by judges, expediters and other IFBB officials
working at competition. The decision on when to wear Relaxed Dress is made by the
IFBB Chief Official on a case-by-case basis e.g. tropical climates or hot conditions.
14.2 Officials:
The following officials are needed to control International Competitions:
14.6.1 The Judges Secretary will seat the judges at their respective tables, which will
be located at the front center of the stage, and will then seat the two statisticians at
their tables, which will be located at the end of the row of judge’s tables nearest to the
Master of Ceremonies.
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14.6.2 Each judge’s position on the panel will be numbered using a small card (black
numbers on a white background) situated at the front of the judge’s table. The numbers
will be printed on both sides of the card so as to be viewed by the competitors and the
judges. The regular panel judges will be seated so as to have the best view of the
athletes; alternate judges shall be seated at one end of the regular panel.
14.8 Statisticians:
The Judges Secretary will ensure that the statisticians are seated, preferably on
the same side of the stage as the Master of Ceremonies, and that they are in
possession of the appropriate Statistician’s Score Sheets or laptop with the IFBB
approved software to make the necessary calculations.
The statistician’s score sheets and the competitor’s scores must be kept strictly
confidential and are known only to the statisticians, the IFBB Chief Judge, and the
Judges Secretary who are obligated not to divulge any score, or scores, to any
competitor, judge, other official, administrator, organizer, or member of the IFBB
Executive Council, except the President.
14.9 Refreshments:
The Organizer is responsible for ensuring that liquid refreshments (e.g. water) are
made available to each judge throughout the Prejudging and Finals.
athletes may compete in Semifinals. Semifinals round(s) may not be held if there are 6
or less competitors in a category. Decision will be made by the Chief Judge and will be
announced after the Official Athlete Registration.
Using Form 3, entitled “Judge’s Individual Placing (Prejudging)”, each judge will award
each competitor an individual placing from 1 to 15, ensuring that no two or more
competitors receive the same placing. The judges may use Form 4, entitled “Judge’s
Personal Notes” to record their assessment about each competitor. The scores for the
Semifinals will be used to place the top 15 competitors from 1st place to 15th place.
The top 6 competitors from the Semifinals will advance to the Finals.
The top 6 finalists may be announced after the Prejudging and before the Finals. The
details of Semifinals for each IFBB sports discipline are provided in a Section of rules for
this discipline.
15.1.4 Finals
Only the top 6 athletes from the Semifinals will take part in the Finals. They will start the
Finals with zero points. Each judge will award each competitor an individual placing
from 1st to 6th, ensuring that no two or more competitors receive the same placing.
The statisticians will transcribe each judge’s placing onto Form 5, entitled “Score Sheet
(Statisticians)”, under the Finals section. At the end of the Finals, the “FINAL SCORE”
will be produced. Points from the Prejudging (Round 1 and Round 2) are not taken into
consideration in the Finals. Each competitor begins the Finals with “zero points”. The
competitor with the lowest “FINAL SCORE” is awarded 1st place while the competitor
with the highest “FINAL SCORE” is awarded 6th place.
The details of the Finals for each IFBB sports discipline are provided in a Section of
rules for this discipline.
1. The top 6 finalists will be called onstage to take part in the awarding ceremony.
The Master of Ceremonies, using Form 7, entitled “Top 6 Finalists (for MC)”, will
announce the number, name and country of the competitor in 6th place and that
competitor will stand to the left side (when viewed from the front) of the victory
pedestal and shall receive his or her award. The Master of Ceremonies will then
announce the number, name and country of the competitor in 5th place and that
competitor will stand to the right side of the victory pedestal and shall receive his or
her award. The Master of Ceremonies will then announce the number, name and
country of the competitor in 4th place and that competitor will stand to the left side of
the victory pedestal and will receive his or her award. The Master of Ceremonies will
continue to announce the results from 3rd, 2nd and finally, the winner.
If the victory pedestal is not used, competitors are placed in the center of the stage,
on both sides of the center cross or point.
2. The President of the IFBB, or his representative, will present the official IFBB
competitor’s Gold Medal to the 1st-place competitor, the official IFBB competitor’s
Silver Medal to the 2nd place competitor, and the official IFBB competitor’s Bronze
Medal to the 3rd place competitor. The official IFBB medals are mandatory prizes at
all World Championships and Continental Championships and must be purchased
from the IFBB Head Office by the Organizer. In addition, the Organizer must provide
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six trophies for the six finalists, said trophies, which will also be presented by the
President, or his representative, as each place winner is called to the victory
pedestal. The Organizer will also supply Certificates of Excellence to be presented
to the 6th to 1st place finalists.
The national anthem (short version) of the country of the 1st-place winner will be played
immediately following his or her receipt of the 1st-place award(s). At the same time as
the playing of the national anthem, the flags of the top 3 countries will be slowly raised,
with the 1st-place country’s flag higher than the 2nd-place and the 2nd-place country’s
flag higher than the 3rd-place. During the Awarding Ceremony, competitors are not
allowed to display their country’s flag.
3. After the national anthem, the finalists are obliged to remain onstage for a brief
period of time for photographic purposes, and to follow the IFBB Chief Judge or Stage
Director commands.
Four separate photographs are needed:
- top 6 (finalists) with officials,
- top 6 (finalists) alone
- top 3 (medal winners) and
- the winner
4. Competitors are expected to accept the Official Results of the competition and their
places, medals and/or awards and to take part in the Awarding Ceremony to its end
(photo session). Competitor, who ostentatiously manifests his/her disapproval and/or
leave the stage prior to the end of the Awarding Ceremony, may be disqualified.
17.2 The IFBB Chief Judge will direct the competitors through the compulsory poses or
quarter turns and comparisons, if necessary.
17.3 The judges will use Form 6, entitled “Judge’s Individual Placings (Finals)”, to
place each athlete from 1st to last. The judges must place each athlete and not just
select the one whom they feel is the Overall Champion.
17.4 The statisticians, using Form 5, entitled “Score Sheet (Statisticians)”, will tally the
scores and determine the places of all competitors.
17.5 The “Overall Champion” will be announced and the IFBB overall trophy will be
presented to him or her by the IFBB President or top IFBB official at the contest. The
trophy will be supplied by the organizing National Federation.
18.1.2 At the World Fitness Championships, the results of the following competitors
from each National Team, but no more than 2 per category, will be taken into
consideration to calculate the total points of each team:
1.Men Fitness - top 1
2.Women Fitness - top 2
3.Women’s Physique – top 1
4.Women Bodyfitness - top 3
5.Women Bikini Fitness - top 5
6.Women Wellness Fitness - top 2
7. Mixed Pairs - top 1
18.1.3 At the World Juniors Championships, the results of the following competitors
from each National Team, but no more than 2 per category, will be taken into
consideration to calculate the total points of each team:
18.1.4 At the World Masters Championships, the results of the following competitors
from each National Team, but no more than 2 per category, will be taken into
consideration to calculate the total points of each team:
18.1.5 At the World Fit Model Championships, the results of the following competitors
from each National Team, but no more than 2 per category, will be taken into
consideration to calculate the total points of each team:
18.1.6 At the World Children Fitness Championships the results of the following
competitors from each National Team, but no more than 2 per age category, will be
taken into consideration to calculate the total points of each team:
1.Girls Fitness - top 5
2.Boys Fitness - top 2
18.2 A separate teams classification for Women’s categories and for Men’s categories
will also be run.
18.4 The chief delegates or team leaders of the top 3 countries will accept the
awards on behalf of their countries.
18.5 If a tie exists between two or more countries, the tie will be broken by
determining which country has the “most number-one places, most number-two
places, most number-three places”, etc. If a tie still exists, the country which entered
more competitors to the Championships will be placed higher.
18.6 Points awarded to National Federation for individual places won by its top competitors:
10th 1
19.2 Contents:
The “Final Results” will contain the number, name and country of every athlete
participating in each category, listing the top 15 finalists in order of their final places,
together with their round-by-round point total, followed by the remaining athletes by
number, name and country. Competitors disqualified for any reason will be mentioned
at the end of the list in his category.
19.4 Amendments:
The IFBB will publish online at www.ifbb.com any subsequent amendment(s) to the
initial competition results e.g. as a result of doping control.
2. The chief delegate of each National Federation's team will carry that country's flag
and/or name and will form up at the back of the stage and other places surrounding the
stage, depending on the number of participating countries. The chief delegate must be
dressed in the IFBB official uniform. It is decided at the Technical Meeting if only
delegate or one delegate plus one competitor per country will take part in the Parade of
Nations. The dress code for all athletes taking part in the Parade of Nations is posing
attire.
3. The following individuals will be called upon to give speeches, the order of which will
be as follows:
4. IFBB awards and then other awards will be presented to the Host Country individuals
and other officials to be awarded.
5. Selected English-spoken competitors, one female and one male, the younger and the
oldest, if possible, will swear the competitor’s oath.
8. The speakers will then leave the stage followed by the National Federation
delegates.
9. The host National Federation may present an entertainment show, the time of
which should not exceed 15 minutes.
22.1 Each Official Participant (Athletes and Delegates), must pay the IFBB Registration
Fee, published in the Inspection Report for that International Competition.
Unless otherwise stated in the Inspection Report, the Registration Fee should be paid
BEFOREHAND online at http://www.ifbb.com/competition-registration/ .
If any official participant has not paid the IFBB Registration Fee before the
Championships, and will pay it at arrival to the official hotel, the Registration Fee will be
EUR €50 per person more.
The IFBB Registration Fee is completely separate from the hotel security deposit.
You must pay the hotel security deposit BEFORE your team members are provided
accommodations.
22.2 Crossovers: junior and master competitors may also participate in the women’s
and men’s open categories; however, they will have to pay additional fee of EUR €100
for participation in the second category. Crossovers are not allowed between different
sport divisions, e.g. classic bodybuilder can’t participate in Classic Physique or
Bodybuilding as well at the same event.
22.3 If an athlete or delegate arrives without their National Team Manager or Chief
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Delegate, that athlete or delegate must pay the Hotel Security Deposit or provide his
or her credit card and, if didn’t do this in advance, IFBB Registration Fee BEFORE a
room can be assigned.
23.1 Accommodations:
23.1.1 The Organizing Committee will provide accommodations and three (3) meals
per day for all Official Participants (Athletes and Delegates) from the National
Federations according to the following IFBB Rules:
- Three (3) or more competitors: two (2) delegates
- One (1) or two (2) competitors: one (1) delegate
National Federations with no athletes may send one (1) delegate. Delegates without
athletes will have to pay for the Full Package Special Rate.
23.2 All National Team Official Participants (Athletes and Delegates) must check-in
BEFORE the start of the Weigh-in and Registration. Any Official Participant not
checked-in by the deadline, which will be clearly stated for each event and which will
normally be one (1) hour before the start of the Weigh-in and Registration, will be
classified as an "extra delegate" and will be responsible for all of his or her expenses.
23.3 Any judge, coach or trainer who is not an Official Participant (Athlete or Delegate)
will be responsible for all of his or her own expenses. If your National Federation wishes
to bring a judge, coach or trainer, it is recommended that your National Federation select
this individual to be an Official Delegate for your National Federation; otherwise, this
individual will be responsible for all of his or her own expenses. This ruling also applies
to family members. No exceptions will be made under any circumstances.
23.7.1 Deadlines are set to assist the Organizer with arranging accommodations,
meals, onsite transportation and other Championship activities. A failure to respect
these deadlines is a breach of the IFBB Rules and IFBB Code of Ethics.
23.7.2 If a National Federation fails to respect the deadline written on the Final Entry
Form, each “Official Participant” from that federation will be required to pay all of his or
her own expenses, including accommodations, meals, onsite transportation, and
access to the Prejudging, Finals and Farewell Banquet.
23.8 Misrepresentation:
23.9.1 Misrepresentation is a serious breach of the IFBB Code of Ethics and occurs
when an “official” of a National Federation deliberately misrepresents the number of
Athletes and Delegates so as to obtain free-of-charge accommodations, meals, onsite
transportation, access to the Prejudging, Finals and Farewell Banquet, and other
amenities at the expense of the Organizer.
23.9.2 Part of this misrepresentation may be a false claim that a person is an Athlete
only to have that so-called Athlete fail to officially register as a competitor at the Official
Athlete Registration or, once having officially registered, fail to compete.
23.10.1 Once officially registered, no Athlete may withdraw from competition without
the prior approval of the IFBB Chief Judge. It is not acceptable for a National
Federation to unilaterally withdraw an Athlete without the prior approval of the IFBB
Chief Judge, who has the right to verify the reason for the withdrawal.
23.10.2 Any National Federation that fails to seek the prior approval of the IFBB Chief
Judge before withdrawing an Athlete may, for that Athlete’s non-participation, be fined
up to EUR 1,000.
23.11.1 Visas
It is National Federations responsibility to obtain an entry visa for the country organizing
the championship. All National Federations could ask for an Invitation Letter either to
the Championship Organizer or IFBB. The invitation letter does not mean you are
granted your visa. IFBB and Championship organizer are not responsible of attendants
visas.
To receive invitation letter, the applicant should forward to the IFBB or Championship
organizer a copy (scan) of his/her passport. If the visa is not granted, the Cancellation
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An athlete, included in an official National Federation team, who request and receive an
invitation from the IFBB Head Office or the Organizing Committee of an IFBB sanctioned
event for visa purposes, and uses that visa to unlawfully stay in the host country or any
other country, will be subjected to the disciplinary proceedings and measures.
The relevant National Federation is responsible to carefully control the proper, legal use
of the visa by his/her athlete and it will be subjected to a fine and/or a suspension, in
case of any misuse and/or unlawful utilization of the same visa.
23.11.3 If any of your athletes and/or delegates are travelling and arriving separate
from your Team Manager or Chief Delegate, you must ensure they are familiar with
all of the abovementioned rules and regulations.
APPENDIX 1
Introduction:
The IFBB Code of Ethics exist as a set of beliefs that have been written to serve as
guidelines for the way in which all Members, be they athletes, judges, officials,
administrators or others, should strive to conduct themselves as Members of the
IFBB family. National Federations and other Members join the IFBB of their own free
will and, in so doing, agree to abide by the IFBB Constitution and Rules of which the
Code of Ethics forms an integral part. Any Member who is found to have contravened
the Code of Ethics may be subject to disciplinary measures.
Athletes:
We, the athletes, realizing that our conduct reflects on the good name of the sport,
and realizing the responsibility thereby placed upon us, pledge ourselves:
2. to honour, dignify, and support the sport by competing in the best condition and to
the best of our ability, and by being in top shape when giving an exhibition or a
seminar.
3. to respect our opponents on equal terms in the spirit of friendly rivalry and good
sportsmanship.
4. to respect the IFBB Constitution and Rules as well as the rules of competition and
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5. to accept the decisions of the judges, officials and administrators in the spirit of
good sportsmanship without descending to selfish recriminations, realizing that these
decisions have been made honestly, fairly, and objectively.
7. to work for the IFBB, not against it, in promoting its values, morals and ethics; to
exercise our right of protest in a courteous, respectful manner, following the proper
chain of command; to refrain from innuendo, malicious gossip and rumour-
mongering; to refrain from personal attacks against any other Member of the IFBB.
9. to honour the special trust conferred upon us by our participation in, and by our
representation of, the IFBB and our country, at international events, and to adhere
to the standards of personal conduct expected of us.
10. to recognize the value of the sport and to promote its future by serving as an
example to inspire other people to participate.
11. to cooperate with our officials and administrators in the development of high
standards, both moral and physical, for the sport and in the progressive furtherance
of the objects of the IFBB.
12. to oppose the use of banned substances and methods and to compete drug free.
13. to refrain from any conduct that may be considered prejudicial to the IFBB;
14. to conduct ourselves at all times in a manner that reflects positively upon the
image of the sport and the IFBB.
Judges:
We, the judges, realizing that our actions and decisions as judges reflect on the good
name of the sport, and realizing the responsibility thereby placed upon us, pledge
ourselves:
3. to cooperate in providing the best possible conditions for the benefit of the
competitors, other officials, and administrators.
4. to respect the feelings and competitive drive of the athletes, and to make
reasonable allowances for their heightened emotions in the heat of competition.
5. to respect the IFBB Constitution and Rules and the requirements of an effective
administration and to cooperate willingly and promptly with the officially elected or
appointed administrators and other officials in the carrying out of their duties and
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responsibilities.
7. to refrain from attempting to influence the decisions of other judges or officials, and
to respect their individual opinions and decisions.
9. to work for the IFBB, not against it, in promoting its values, morals and ethics; to
exercise our right of protest in a courteous, respectful manner, following the proper
chain of command; to refrain from innuendo, malicious gossip and rumour-
mongering; to refrain from personal attacks against any other Member of the IFBB.
10. to honour the special trust conferred upon us by our selection as judges, and to
adhere to the standards of personal conduct expected of us.
11. to cooperate with the athletes, other officials, and administrators in the
development of high standards, both moral and physical, for the sport and in the
progressive furtherance of the objects of the IFBB.
12. to oppose the use of banned substances and methods and to take reasonable
measures to ensure that all athletes are competing drug-free.
13. to refrain from any conduct that may be considered prejudicial to the IFBB;
14. to conduct ourselves at all times in a manner that reflects positively upon the
image of the sport and the IFBB.
Officials:
We, the officials, realizing that our policies, decisions, and actions reflect on the good
name of the sport, and realizing the responsibility thereby placed upon us, pledge
ourselves:
2. to promote, through the sport, an understanding of its objects, its values and
achievements, uniting all those who participate, in whatever capacity, in the feelings
of mutual respect and friendship.
4. to provide the athletes with the best possible conditions for achieving bodily
perfection.
5. to provide the athletes, judges, officials, and other administrators, with the best
possible conditions for the conduct of competitions.
6. to cooperate with the organizers, judges, officials, and other administrators, in the
carrying out of their competition duties with the utmost of efficiency.
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7. to respect the IFBB Constitution and Rules and to observe all of the rules of
competition and to apply them honestly and fairly when dealing with the membership
of the IFBB.
9. to work for the IFBB, not against it, in promoting its values, morals and ethics; to
exercise our right of protest in a courteous, respectful manner, following the proper
chain of command; to refrain from innuendo, malicious gossip and rumour-
mongering; to refrain from personal attacks against any other Member of the IFBB.
10. to recognize the value of the sport and to cooperate with the athletes in inspiring
other people to participate in order to ensure the future of the sport.
11. to cooperate with all interested parties in the development of high standards, both
moral and physical, for the sport and in the progressive furtherance of the objects of
the IFBB.
12. to oppose the use of banned substances and methods and to take reasonable
measures to ensure that all athletes are competing drug-free.
13. to refrain from any conduct that may be considered prejudicial to the IFBB;
14. to conduct ourselves at all times in a manner that reflects positively upon the
image of the sport and the IFBB.
APPENDIX 2
JUDGING FORMS
APPENDIX 3
Ethics, the IFBB Rulebook, and the IFBB Anti-Doping Rules. I further agree to
cooperate fully with the IFBB and the Event Organizer. I understand, accept and
agree to the following conditions:
1. That the IFBB has the right to conduct drug testing at this Event, pursuant to the
IFBB Anti-Doping Rules.
2. That if I am selected for drug testing, I will cooperate fully with the drug testing
officials at all times and will, under the direct observation of a witness, provide a
sample of my urine without undue delay.
3. That if I am subsequently found guilty of a doping offence, I will respect and abide
by the relevant rules and regulations governing results management, including those
pertaining to the appeal process.
4. That I accept sole responsibility to remain current with the rules and regulations
governing this Event, including those pertaining to drug testing and results
management.
5. That I do hereby declare and make oath that I am competing in this Event free
from prohibited performance-enhancing drugs.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY
SIGNATURE
DATE
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APPENDIX 4
Rules governing the Registered Athlete Testing Pool and Out-of-Competition doping
control program may be found at www.ifbb.com.
All information provided on this form is strictly CONFIDENTIAL and shall be used
only for the intended purpose of establishing a Registered Athlete Testing Pool and
implementing an Out-of-Competition doping control program.