Competitors are required to be current members of the Independent Bodybuilding Association to compete in IBA events. Participants who do not fulfill the membership requirement are subject to disqualification. All events are open to athletes from any state, any country. Competitors must be age 16 or over. Competitors under 18 must have parental consent. Currently, we are not testing for banned substances and do not offer polygraph.

Categories offered include: Women's Bikini, Women's Wellness, Men's Bodybuilding, Men's Cassic Physique, Women's Figure, Men's Physique, and Women's Physique, Wings and Transformation. Competitors can compete in only one category at a particular show but can be subject to change. Special themed shows will have additional categories for their particular shows, ie Best Costume, Best Theme, Best poser, etc.

Our event divisions are carefully designed to honor the diverse backgrounds and experience levels of our athletes, with category offerings determined by the event organizer to ensure a tailored and prestigious competition. The most distinguished divisions typically include:

• Novice: Intended for competitors who have yet to achieve a first-place finish outside of the Teen division, across any
  federation or independent event. An exception is made for cases where
  the competitor was the sole entrant in their class.
• Open: An inclusive division welcoming all athletes, regardless of age or experience, reflecting the spirit of unity and excellence.
• Age-Specific: Divisions based on age as of the competition date, such as “50 & Over,” celebrating the achievements of seasoned athletes.
• Teen: For talented young competitors aged 16 to 19, with those under 18 requiring parental consent to participate.

When divisions encompass more than one class, the majority of events organized under the Independent Bodybuilding Association split competitors into as evenly matched groups as possible based on height, considering the total number of entries in a division.

The formation of classes within divisions at a show is at the promoter's discretion and may sometimes be determined by specific height or weight ranges. To understand which method will be applied, please refer to the details of a particular event.

Currently, our shows are not Pro Qualifier events. This is subject to change in the future.

Sportsmanship

Remember, when you’re on stage, you’re part of a community that’s here to celebrate dedication, hard work, and passion. Your family, friends, fellow competitors, and countless spectators are cheering you on—so let’s make it a positive experience for everyone.

No matter your placement, carry yourself with pride, respect, and kindness during and after the awards. If you’re curious about how the judges made their decisions, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback afterward. It’s a great opportunity to learn and grow for next time!

Everyone has worked incredibly hard to be here, so let’s honor that effort by showing sportsmanship and respect because, when we do, we help build an inspiring, supportive environment that everyone can be proud of. Remember, poor sportsmanship can lead to disqualification and bans from future IBA events, so let’s keep the energy awesome!

IBA Code of Conduct

We all play a part in creating a welcoming, respectful atmosphere. That means treating everyone—athletes, coaches, and spectators—with kindness, respect, and professionalism.

Please avoid using language that’s threatening or foul, and remember to keep interactions positive.

Participants should not sit in the row of seats directly behind the judging table or approach the judges during the competition—let’s give them the space they deserve so they can do their best.

Coaches, family, and friends—only the athletes themselves can request feedback, and only if they choose to.

Respect their privacy and focus on supporting them in a positive way.

It’s important to review the IBA’s guidelines before registering for a show, so everyone is on the same page and can enjoy a smooth event.

Soliciting athletes for coaching or other contests during the event, or promoting other organizations’ events, is absollutely not allowed and will not be tolerated. Anyone caught doing so will be asked to leave immediately and be escorted out of the event and will be banned from future IBA competitions.

Please remember that backstage access is limited to those with the proper wristbands or badges. Anyone without proper authorization will be asked to leave, and their athlete may be disqualified.

Athletes, coaches, and spectators who violate the Code of Conduct will be escorted out of the venue without a refund and will be banned from attending future OCB contests.

Athletes, coaches, and spectators alike are to model professionalism and sportsmanship.

Remember, we're here to have fun in a new and different kind of bodybuilding environment so let’s all work together to make this event a fun, fair, awesome and respectful celebration of everyone’s hard work and dedication. Your amazing, awesome attitude and sportsmanship help create an experience everyone can be proud of!