IAFS Divisions & Rules

COMPETITION PATHWAYS

The IAFS Bodybuilding Federation provides two competition pathways to ensure a fair and inclusive competitive environment for athletes.

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Athletes may choose to compete in either the Drug-Tested Division or the Open Division depending on their eligibility and competitive preference.

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Drug-Tested Division

The Drug-Tested Division is designed for athletes who compete under strict anti-doping standards.

Competitors in this division must:

• Comply with all IAFS drug-testing policies

• Participate in approved testing protocols when required

• Adhere to banned substance guidelines outlined by the federation

Testing methods may include polygraph testing, urinalysis, or other approved anti-doping procedures depending on the event.

The Drug-Tested Division supports athletes who choose to compete under verified natural bodybuilding standards.

 

Open Division

 

The Open Division allows athletes to compete without drug-testing requirements.

This division provides:

• A competitive platform for all athletes

• The same judging standards and division criteria

• An additional pathway for participation in IAFS events

 

Physiques in the Open Division are judged using the same criteria for symmetry, muscularity, conditioning, and presentation.

 

Important Note

Both Drug-Tested and Open athletes compete under the same judging standards and division structure.

The only difference between the two pathways is the drug-testing policy.

 

 

GENERAL COMPETITION STANDARDS

 

All IAFS divisions are judged with an emphasis on:

• Symmetry and proportion

• Muscle shape and balanced development

• Conditioning appropriate to the division

• Presentation, confidence, and stage presence

 

Excessive muscularity, distortion, or conditioning that compromises health or aesthetics is discouraged. Athletes are expected to present physiques that reflect disciplined training, professional preparation, and respect for the sport of bodybuilding.

 

Judging standards apply consistently across both Drug-Tested and Open competition pathways.

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All divisions listed below are available within both the Drug-Tested and Open competition pathways unless otherwise specified by the event promoter.

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Athletes select their competition pathway during event registration.

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MEN’S DIVISIONS

Men’s Bodybuilding

Men’s Bodybuilding is the most traditional division within the federation, emphasizing overall muscular development, balance, conditioning, and proportion.

Athletes are judged on:

• Overall muscle mass relative to structure

• Symmetry and proportional development

• Conditioning without excessive dryness

• Mandatory poses and presentation

This division rewards complete physiques that demonstrate both size and control within natural limits.

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Men’s Classic Bodybuilding

Men’s Classic Bodybuilding honors the timeless physiques of bodybuilding’s golden era. This division prioritizes aesthetics, flow, symmetry, and presentation over sheer size.

Judging emphasizes:

• V-taper and structural balance

• Muscle shape and proportion

• Clean, polished conditioning

• Graceful posing and presentation

Athletes are expected to present physiques that reflect classical lines and long-term development.

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Men’s Physique

Men’s Physique highlights athletic, streamlined physiques with an emphasis on upper-body development, symmetry, and stage presence.

Judging focuses on:

• Shoulder-to-waist ratio

• Chest, back, and arm development

• Overall balance and conditioning

• Confidence and presentation

Extreme muscularity or overly dry conditioning is not rewarded in this division.

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WOMEN’S DIVISIONS

Bikini

The Bikini division emphasizes balance, tone, and overall presentation. Athletes are judged on symmetry, shape, and stage confidence rather than muscular size.

Judging criteria include:

• Overall balance and structure

• Healthy conditioning

• Flow and presentation

• Poise and confidence

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Figure

Figure competitors present athletic physiques with visible muscle tone, symmetry, and proportion.

Judging emphasizes:

• Balanced upper and lower body development

• Muscle tone without excessive hardness

• Confident presentation and posture

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Wellness

The Wellness division highlights lower-body development while maintaining balance and proportionality throughout the physique.

Judges assess:

• Lower-body development relative to upper body

• Symmetry and structure

• Conditioning appropriate to the division

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Women’s Physique

Women’s Physique rewards muscular development, symmetry, and conditioning while maintaining femininity and balance.

Judging focuses on:

• Muscle shape and separation

• Structural balance

• Stage presence and control

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AGE-BASED DIVISIONS

Teen Division

The Teen Division is designed to introduce young athletes to bodybuilding in a structured, educational, and health-focused environment.

This division emphasizes:

• Proper development relative to age

• Symmetry and balanced growth

• Healthy conditioning

• Confidence and presentation

 

The Teen Division exists to encourage disciplined training, positive mentorship, and long-term athlete development within natural bodybuilding.

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Age eligibility is determined by event guidelines and federation policy.

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Masters Divisions

Masters divisions are offered in the following age categories:

• 35+

• 40+

• 50+

• 60+

Masters competitors are judged on the same criteria as open divisions, with respect given to longevity, balance, and presentation.

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CLASSES OF COMPETITION

In the IAFS Bodybuilding Federation, classes are used to group athletes within divisions based on experience level or age. Classes ensure fair competition, appropriate peer comparison, and a structured progression pathway for athletes.

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Classes apply across applicable divisions unless otherwise specified.

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Novice Class

The Novice Class is designed for athletes who are new to bodybuilding competition or who have not previously won a qualifying Open class or overall title.

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This class provides:

• A supportive entry point for first-time competitors

• Fair comparison among athletes with similar competitive experience

• An opportunity to gain stage experience under federation standards

 

Novice competitors are judged using the same criteria as Open classes, with emphasis on fundamentals, balance, and presentation.

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Eligibility for the Novice Class is determined by federation and event guidelines.

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Open Class

The Open Class represents the standard competitive field within each division and is open to all eligible athletes regardless of prior competitive experience.

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The Open Class:

• Serves as the primary competitive category within divisions

• Determines rankings, placements, and qualification outcomes

• Reflects the full application of division-specific judging criteria

Open Class competitors are evaluated strictly on physique, conditioning, symmetry, and presentation according to IAFS standards.

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Masters Classes

The Masters Classes recognize athlete longevity and experience while maintaining competitive integrity. These classes allow seasoned competitors to compete among peers within defined age groups.

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Masters divisions may be offered in both Drug-Tested and Open pathways, depending on event structure.

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IAFS Masters Classes include:

• Masters 35+

• Masters 40+

• Masters 50+

• Masters 60+

 

Masters athletes are judged using the same criteria as Open classes, with respect given to balanced development, conditioning, and presentation developed over time.

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Age eligibility is determined by the athlete’s age on the day of competition unless otherwise specified by event guidelines.

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CLASS PARTICIPATION & CROSSOVER

Athletes may be eligible to compete in multiple classes (e.g., Novice and Open, or Masters and Open) where permitted by event rules. Class eligibility and crossover options are determined by the federation and event promoter.

 

Discounted registration rates may apply for multiple class entries at select IAFS-sanctioned events.

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CLARIFYING NOTE

Divisions define what athletes compete in (Bodybuilding, Classic Bodybuilding, Bikini, etc.).
Classes define who athletes compete against (Novice, Open, Masters).

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CROSSOVER & MULTIPLE DIVISION ENTRY

IAFS allows athletes to compete in multiple divisions or classes where appropriate, subject to event guidelines. Discounted registration rates may apply for crossover or multiple class entries at select events.

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JUDGING & SCORING OVERVIEW

All IAFS competitions utilize:

• Certified judges

• Transparent scoring standards

• Head Judge oversight

• Digital scoring systems where available

 

Athletes are evaluated consistently across divisions, and results contribute to federation rankings and performance tracking.

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RULES & ELIGIBILITY

All competitors must:

• Hold an active IAFS membership

• Select their competition pathway (Drug-Tested or Open) during registration

• Comply with federation conduct standards

• Follow division-specific rules and presentation guidelines

 

Athletes competing in the Drug-Tested Division must comply with all IAFS anti-doping policies and testing requirements.

 

Failure to comply with federation rules or drug-testing protocols may result in disqualification, suspension, or disciplinary action.

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EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

IAFS is committed to athlete education. Competitors are encouraged to review division expectations, posing guidelines, and federation policies prior to competition to ensure preparedness and professionalism on stage.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

Participation in IAFS competitions is subject to federation rules, division standards, judging criteria, and event-specific guidelines.

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Athletes competing in Drug-Tested divisions must comply with all anti-doping policies and testing procedures.