the rules

balplayer · Jun 15, 2002

can someone point out to me a place where i can learn and study all the qualifications, rules and specifics when it comes to competing in bodybuilding competitions? also how many amature shows does one need to win to qualify for pro status? these things are on my mind alot and i would like to begin learning about them in full detail. thanks

xcelbeyond · Jun 15, 2002

These are not "official" rules - call them xcel's

You can enter a Novice class until you place (trophy) in a contest.
Then you must enter "Open" class.
You need to qualify for a National (usually top 2) by entering a contest that is a "Qualifier."
Placing in Nationals* qualifies for higher level "amateur" contests.
Some of these high level contests are qualifiers for Pro (*some of the "Nationals" are pro qualifiers also).

xcelbeyond

Big A · Jun 15, 2002

www.ifbb.com has all the rules, etc.

Basically, you enter a small show (city show). You have to place in that to enter a state show. You have to win your division to be qualified for the nationals. You win the nationals (usually overall if it's your country's national champs, or USA's North American's,etc) and you qualify Pro. Or, once you are nationally qualified, you can compete for a World qualifier (for a place on the World Champs team). You win the Worlds, you are pro.

xcelbeyond · Jun 15, 2002

I guess I should have gave a little more "reasoning" to my descriptions. In the US, there are several different sanctions. If you enter NPC sanctioned contests, it's just as Big A says (IFBB recognizes their sanction).

It's the "other" sanctioned events that I'm unsure about the progression. I've seen competitors enter a Novice class, win their class and overall Novice. Next contest, they enter an Open class, win their class and Open overall. Then go to a qualifier a qualify for Nationals.

SwoleCat, a mod at GotFina qualified for nationals after entering only 2 contests!

xcelbeyond