Should non-athletes be allowed to compete just because they paid the entry fee?

[gtihonov]

We recently had an interesting situation in one of our local federations. A blogger with a mild form of autism, who had absolutely no connection to bodybuilding whatsoever, was allowed to compete in the Men's Physique category at an amateur competition. His fellow bloggers, who are involved in the fitness scene, basically decided to chase some hype and put him on stage as a joke.

This sparked a big argument over whether it's acceptable to allow clowns like this into the lineup alongside actual athletes.

The federation's position: he paid the entry fee, his outfit met the rules, so by the book everything was fine and he fairly took last place.

I'm curious to hear your opinion. Sure, it's just an amateur category, but doesn't it seem like that's no excuse to turn a competition into a freak show? And shouldn't people like this be filtered out at the registration stage in the first place? It's sure won't lead to any noticeable money loss for organization.

 

[Fleezy]

Kid looks great

 

[luki7788]

I honestly think anyone opinion does not really matter here because most of us probably think the same way. Of course there should be some standards, and people who clearly do not belong on stage probably should not be allowed to compete.

The main question is simple: in other sports, do you allow people to compete who have absolutely nothing to do with that discipline?
Have you ever seen a random guy in professional motorsport who is not actually a racing driver? Or someone in a ballroom dancing competition who has no real dance background and only danced once at prom when he was 18 years old? LOL.

Unfortunately, bodybuilding has become a bit of a joke sport in some ways. Most federations around the world are mainly focused on profit, so if you pay for the license and pay the entry fee, you can step on stage. Bodybuilding is often not treated like a serious sport. People also make jokes out of it themselves by showing up on stage completely unprepared.
Another issue is that bodybuilding is based on subjective judging. It is about how people think someone looks, and many people today have a very distorted self-image.

And the third problem is that nowadays you cannot really forbid anyone from doing anything, because immediately people will accuse you of discrimination. In some countries, someone could even sue over something like that and potentially win.
So honestly, situations like this will probably keep happening all the time, and I don’t think there is much we can do about it unless society itself changes and realistically, that is not going to happen.

 

[traininsane11]

We all know the answer is NO but we created a society where telling someone no is basically illegal so this is what you get

 

[hawkmoon]

I am what some might call "liberal" as many of you know (I call myself a humanist, but hey..), and for me that means giving everyone equal respect.

This is by definition disrespect.

It must work both ways or the social contract is null and void.

 

[buck]

I have seen lots of people get on stage that had no chance of doing well.
When the masters division first started there were a couple guys that showed up to multiple shows a years, year after year. And did not look like they ever lifted a weigh or never dieted. And they would get close to a standing ovation.
I lean to the conservative side and like many that do i believe in freedom of choice. It is not all about monikers
So i support others making what ever choices they want for them selves. Shame that others do not feel the same sometimes.

 

[Breck1044]

Makes no difference to me. I don’t see it as disrespectful to myself. If they were taking something away from me, maybe, but, what they do doesn’t impact me in any way.

 

[Dog-Slime]

Wonder how awkward that was...

If it's a beauty contest do they tell the fat or ugly women that they are not allowed to enter?

 

[TheOtherOne55]

There’s two type of “they shouldn’t be able to compete” people that get the BBing up in arms. Those who think it’s funny, which to me is disrespectful. And those who aren’t competitive one bit aka just no where near in shape, but want to do it for the experience or to celebrate a mild transformation. Thattt one isn’t disrespectful, at least in my mind. They might look like shit, but they probably know it and are celebrating some sort of journey.

With that being said, both weirdly have the right to compete. It’s also an amateur show… randos can compete in amateur ballroom dancing shows as well as amateur car races (as long as they have the equipment and check those boxes for criteria).

You also reallly run into an issue when u define who or what a “serious” competitor looks like. Go to any regional Npc show any weekend, 90% of the competitors don’t look “serious.” lol just letttt em compete and look bad.

 

[graybass]

Do not make fun of people with challenges! Probably was the biggest day of his life.

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

It never bothered me at all. I think most people assume that someone doing this has made a transformation, or overcome some other type of obstacle and they are doing it for themselves, because they obviously can tell they don't quite fit.

I don't think you can or should "regulate" it at an amatuer show. I mean it would be akin to saying someone can't run in their towns turkey trot or memorial day 5k because they are slow and are going to finish last. It is what it is.

 

[dfresh333]

We got a real Arnold Swarzasbergers on stage here

 

[qbkilla]

I don't have strong thoughts either way as i have zero knowledge of bodybuilding competitions. My only thoughts are as an avid sports fan...I would not call bodybuilders athletes.

A bodybuilder could also be an athlete however...for example those that partake in sports, mma, marathons etc.

 

[dieselbuilder]

I don't have strong thoughts either way as i have zero knowledge of bodybuilding competitions. My only thoughts are as an avid sports fan...I would not call bodybuilders athletes.

A bodybuilder could also be an athlete however...for example those that partake in sports, mma, marathons etc.

I would. Seems to me they go through extreme lengths to build a lot of muscle and be lean… and lifting weights is a big part of it. Seems like an athletic pursuit to me.

Some twigboy running a marathon isn’t more of an athlete than a bodybuilder just because they run a lot

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

I would. Seems to me they go through extreme lengths to build a lot of muscle and be lean… and lifting weights is a big part of it. Seems like an athletic pursuit to me.

Some twigboy running a marathon isn’t more of an athlete than a bodybuilder just because they run a lot

yeah, I agree 100% with this @dieselbuilder

 

[Mr_Texasrunnerup]

No. It is an embarrassment. Of course I don't support the board short division whatsoever, so maybe I am just a fuddy duddy. In addition to competitive bodybuilding, I have a long time back ground in combat sports. Even in high school wrestling you have to earn that varsity wrestling spot.

 

[Mr_Texasrunnerup]

I don't have strong thoughts either way as i have zero knowledge of bodybuilding competitions. My only thoughts are as an avid sports fan...I would not call bodybuilders athletes.

A bodybuilder could also be an athlete however...for example those that partake in sports, mma, marathons etc.

I agree, you do have zero knowledge of bodybuilding. I have competed 17 times and also have an extensive background in combat sports (coaching and competing). Bodybuilders are athletes. When I was younger and competing, I moved some weights that would make me moderately competitive in powerlifting. Deadlifting 600 plus pounds is an athletic event, as are bent over rows with 300 lbs for 8 reps.

 

[qbkilla]

I would. Seems to me they go through extreme lengths to build a lot of muscle and be lean… and lifting weights is a big part of it. Seems like an athletic pursuit to me.

Some twigboy running a marathon isn’t more of an athlete than a bodybuilder just because they run a lot

Completely disagree. To me an athlete is someone who partipates in a sport. I've heard countless times people who analyze the nfl say certain guys..Jalen milroe, tim Tebow, david boston, Brady Quinn specifically...need to put down the weights because they are too muscle bound and it hurts their athletic ability.

I also don't consider NASCAR drivers, golfers, etc athletes. Again this is a bodybuilding board so my stance will not have many fans. Yes runners are twig boys...I don't see the point.

Desean Jackson, Chris Johnson, chet holmgren are literal twigs...but to say nick walker is an athlete and they aren't...I guess evey man is entitled to his opinion.

 

[qbkilla]

I agree, you do have zero knowledge of bodybuilding. I have competed 17 times and also have an extensive background in combat sports (coaching and competing). Bodybuilders are athletes. When I was younger and competing, I moved some weights that would make me moderately competitive in powerlifting. Deadlifting 600 plus pounds is an athletic event, as are bent over rows with 300 lbs for 8 reps.

Your entitled to your opinion. Id say your combat sports participation would make you an athlete. Your 17 competioms and 300x8 rows i don't consider athletic. Your simply strength training, thats not a sport to me and moving heavy weight demonstrates strength not athletic ability.

 

[Thebiggestdumbass]

Bodybuilders are athletes

i don't consider athletic.

These are two different things. One doesn’t have to be athletic to be an athlete

Baseball players aren’t the most athletic people but they’re still athletes.