IFBB confirms new rules for Bodybuilding, Classic Physique and Bikini Divisions

February 13, 2023

IFBB confirms new rules for Bodybuilding, Classic Physique and Bikini Divisions.

The IFBB, has confirmed their new rules for the 2023 season. After several congress meetings with IFBB Executives and IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja, the new regulations have been confirmed.

The main changes to take place are in three popular divisions. Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, and bikini are the divisions that will have new regulations for the 2023 contest season.

Men’s Bodybuilding

Men’s Bodybuilding posing trunk must measure at least 5cm high sides, and 3/4 of gluteus Maximus must be covered. No ornaments in the attire will be permitted. The use of padding anywhere in the trunks is prohibited.

Men’s Classic Bodybuilding

Classic Bodybuilding posing trunk must be as in Classic Physique. Competitors will wear a one-colour, any colour, opaque gymnastic shorts, with at least 15 cm high sides, covering the whole gluteus maximus and all the frontal area but allowing to display the upper legs. No ornaments in the attire will be permitted. The use of padding anywhere in the trunks is prohibited.

Bikini and Artistic Fitness

For the female categories, connectors are only allowed in the top part of the bikini. Bikini and Artistic Fitness- 1/3 of gluteus maximus must be covered.

All others female categories -1/2 of gluteus maximus must be covered.

IFBB CATEGORIES NEW REGULATIONS

All IFBB Categories regulations have been already updated according to the decisions taken in the last IFBB World Congress. All the new files will be uploaded in the IFBB website in the section of the Rules along this week.

In regards with MEN’S BODYBUILDING, and according to the recent decision adopted at the IFBB World Congress, it will include height/weight limitations. These limits are currently being studied by the IFBB Judges Committee and the IFBB Technical Committee and shall be submitted for approval at the next Congress.

While the new Men’s Bodybuilding Rules get approved, the current Rules shall be on duty, with the only change related to the posing trunks (minimum 5cm side / covering 3/4 from the gluteus)

NEW RULES REGARDING PARTICIPATION

– In protection of our disabled athletes, when a National Federation registers a WHEELCHAIR ATHLETE (unless the athlete is an amputee) the application to compete must be sent accompanied by the official document certifying the condition of such athlete.

– New Height Certifying Stamps: for the categories that involve height measurement, and only applicable for senior athletes, height measurement will be inserted in a database and will be stamped as well in the senior athlete’s book by the IFBB Official that measures such athlete.

This certificate will be valid for 5 years, and this will shorten the time in the registration process at next competitions.

CHILDREN FITNESS AGILITY

Children Fitness Agility is a competitive sports discipline for children up to 12 years of age, where movement skills such as agility, strength, acrobatics, explosiveness, and coordination of movements are required.

All these skills are necessary for the categories of children’s fitness, fitness Artistic and fitness Acrobatic. It is an obstacle course, made up of individual exercises to be completed in a precise order on time according to the rules. National Federations are recommended to start to implement it at national level.

This category may be considered to be included at the 2024 Continental and World Children Championships.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE AWARDING CEREMONIES

– The Awarding Ceremonies are a very important moment in IFBB competitions, where the athletes who have been training so hard should enjoy to the most their well-deserved victories.

– Awarding ceremonies must be displayed with proper lights effects, special music, and nice podiums.

– Medals and trophies must be the best quality ones. Athletes placing from 1st to 3rd will receive the medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and athletes placing from 4th to 6th will receive trophies.

– It is important that only the protagonists (the winning athletes) are one the stage, with 2 officials during the presentation of awards.

– A photocall shall be displayed nearby the stage for additional pictures once the awarding ceremony is over.

IFBB FITNESS CHALLENGE

• Fitness Challenge has now available its OWN CALENDAR OF EVENTS and an INDIVIDUAL SECTION IN THE IFBB WEBSITE

• All National Federations are requested to appoint an Official at national level to lead Fitness Challenge in their country. Fitness Challenge is a very promising category and very attractive among the youngsters, as it allows thousands of athletes (over 50% in any gym) to be affiliated and compete.

• Once a National Federation appoints it National Responsible for Fitness Challenge, he/she is requested to contact speedfit@ifbb.com.

• As mentioned above, FITNESS CHALLENGE has been included among the qualifying categories for the WORLD TOUR RANKING.