A Rule Change Could Affect the Futures of Some Pro Bodybuilders

The IFBB Professional League has made a rule change regarding the status of pros who have not been maintaining their pro bodybuilding membership. Starting with the 2025 season, athletes who have earned their pro cards but do not maintain their annual membership for three consecutive seasons could lose their pro status and have to requalify to add “IFBB Pro” to their names or bylines.

New Pro Rules

The rule language is below, per the Pro Rules section of the IFBB’s website:

“An Active member who chooses not to renew their membership automatically becomes an Inactive member and may remain Inactive for up to three years. Active and Inactive members must abide by IFBB Professional League rules and policies.”

“If a member is not Active within the three-year period, their IFBB Pro status will be canceled and can only be reestablished through a pro qualifier.”

What Does “Inactive” Status Mean?

“Inactive” status refers to athletes who have become pros but do not pay the annual renewal fee to maintain their membership. It does not refer to competitors stepping onstage.

Consequences of Losing Pro Status

If a pro loses their pro status, they must win an NPC, NPC Worldwide, or Amateur Olympia pro qualifier show to rejoin the pro ranks.

Contract Deadlines for Pro Shows

Another section of the rules page clarifies how athletes can enter pro shows. Contract applications to compete in a pro show must be submitted by 3 p.m. EST on the Monday before the show. After that, the competitor lists are final.

No changes will be made to any Competitor List information or Contest data after the Contract Application deadline.

Conclusion

The new rule change aims to incentivize more competitors to use their pro cards and maintain their membership. The IFBB Professional League has clarified the consequences of losing pro status, which includes having to requalify through a pro qualifier show. The rule change may affect the futures of some pro bodybuilders who have not been maintaining their membership.

FAQs

Q: What happens if a pro loses their pro status?

A: If a pro loses their pro status, they must win an NPC, NPC Worldwide, or Amateur Olympia pro qualifier show to rejoin the pro ranks.

Q: What is “Inactive” status?

A: “Inactive” status refers to athletes who have become pros but do not pay the annual renewal fee to maintain their membership. It does not refer to competitors stepping onstage.

Q: Can past Olympia winners lose their pro status?

A: The rules do not state that Active athletes must compete to maintain their Active status, but they do appear to incentivize more competitors to use their pro cards. The rules section does not state if the change will apply to past Olympia winners, who are granted lifetime eligibility to compete at the Olympia within their division, with permission required after five years following their last Olympia win.