IFBB ethical/moral Code Of Conduct?

[JDawg]

Not sure why, but I been thinking...  Is there an existing "Code of Conduct" (for lack of a better name) for IFBB athletes?  Seems to me it would be a solution to at least some of the issues that plague or reflect poorly on the "sport".   Encouraging or requiring athletes and judges to behave in a manner that is in fact "Professional".  I understand that everyone has a different idea of what constitutes morality/professionalism...some might even argue that bodybuilding in and off itself is the antithesis of the aforementioned terms.   We could start with some broad generalities 
- recreational drug use or abuse = suspension or fine
- drug trafficking = suspension
- Spouse abuse = fine
- Pornography of anykind = fine or suspension
- G4P = suspension or fine
- Etc.
Holding "athletes"/representatives accountable for their actions by directly impacting their ability to compete or make money in the sport seems like a relatively easy solution to problems that are driving bodybuilding into an early grave.  I have only seen fines/suspensions imposed in recent years when it comes to contract violations or participating in a competitive federation's event in some capacity. 

I dont know....call me crazy...just seems to make sense to me.

Thoughts?

JD

[Mars]

bruce patterson.

[Chick]

Yes, there is a code of conduct. Has been for some time.

[BroadStreetBruiser]

bob paris

[JDawg]

Yes, there is a code of conduct. Has been for some time.

Thanks Bob....could you elaborate?  What is the "Code"?  Does it address conduct outside of the competitive arena?  What are the penalities and how are they enforced?  We have had quite a few "athletes" of questionable (by my definition) character get rewarded over and over, which to me reflects poorly on the sport and its athletes as a whole.  Not trying to stir anything up, just curious as to the terms, penalties and process.

JD

[Chick]

Thanks Bob....could you elaborate?  What is the "Code"?  Does it address conduct outside of the competitive arena?  What are the penalities and how are they enforced?  We have had quite a few "athletes" of questionable (by my definition) character get rewarded over and over, which to me reflects poorly on the sport and its athletes as a whole.  Not trying to stir anything up, just curious as to the terms, penalties and process.

JD

The Code of Conduct" is a outline of beliefs that the IFBB has as a guideline as to how to conduct yourself as an IFBB athlete...

You can check them out yourself at www.ifbb.com

[onlyme]

The Code of Conduct" is a outline of beliefs that the IFBB has as a guideline as to how to conduct yourself as an IFBB athlete...

You can check them out yourself at www.ifbb.com

Can you tell everyone why their is a Code of Conduct, yet it is never upheld.  Just wondering.  It couldn't be if they did uphold it there would be no one left to compete is it.

[timfogarty]

http://www.ifbb.com/amarules/IFBBRulebook_2006-2007Edition.pdf

APPENDIX 1

IFBB CODE OF ETHICS

Introduction:
The IFBB Code of Ethics exist as a set of beliefs that have been
written to serve as guidelines for the way in which all Members,
be they athletes, judges, officials, administrators or others,
should strive to conduct themselves as Members of the IFBB
family. National Federations and other Members join the IFBB of
their own free will and, in so doing, agree to abide by the IFBB
Constitution and Rules of which the Code of Ethics forms an
integral part. Any Member who is found to have contravened the
Code of Ethics may be subject to disciplinary measures.

(they have sections for athletes, judges, and officials, all saying pretty much the same thing)

[...]

7. to work for the IFBB, not against it, in promoting its
values, morals and ethics; to exercise our right of
protest in a courteous, respectful manner, following the
proper chain of command; to refrain from innuendo,
malicious gossip and rumour-mongering; to refrain from
personal attacks against any other Member of the IFBB.

(No one breaking that rule here)

8. to continue striving for bodily perfection and correct
moral principles.

[...]

12. to oppose the use of banned substances and methods
and to compete drug free.

(for the offiicals)

12. to oppose the use of banned substances and methods
and to take reasonable measures to ensure that all
athletes are competing drug-free.

(but nothing about being arrested or doing porn)

[Chick]

Can you tell everyone why their is a Code of Conduct, yet it is never upheld.  Just wondering.  It couldn't be if they did uphold it there would be no one left to compete is it.

What makes you say it's never upheld? Do you have any knowledge of warnings that have been issued, or suspentions for infractions?

Maybe you know something I don't....

[timfogarty]

What makes you say it's never upheld? Do you have any knowledge of warnings that have been issued, or suspentions for infractions?

never upheld in the high profile cases.  Drugs: Dennis James, Rodney St Cloud, Victor Martinez, on and on.   How many top women and men are known prostitutes?

[onlyme]

What makes you say it's never upheld? Do you have any knowledge of warnings that have been issued, or suspentions for infractions?

Maybe you know something I don't....

Well can you tell me how many guys take steroids in the IFBB.  I guess none since no one has been fined or suspended for using them.  And doing naked sex stuff that i printed and on the internet is okay then right.  Teachers, cops and allot of other jobs usually get fined, suspended or even fired for doing stuff the IFBB guys do.  But, then again the Code of Conduct doesn't apply.  Sorry.

[HowieW]

What makes you say it's never upheld? Do you have any knowledge of warnings that have been issued, or suspentions for infractions?

Maybe you know something I don't....

Bob, you know from speaking to me and reading my posts that I fully support your efforts as IFBB pro rep.
But seriously, to try and defend what actually goes on with the pros in terms or "conduct" and drug use ,is a 180 degrees from the actual written rules. I think your main focus is on getting the best for the pros rather than what the rule book says. It is kinda retarded looking to see all the drug testing rules and personal conduct rules that we know are not followed/enforced....so why even have them ?The awkward thing is seeing these kind of things in print as  "official "  for the IFBB pros.

I say why not drop all the drug testing rules and personal conduct crap and concentrate on trying to improve the sport with some workable sensible ideas. As IFBB rep you might  try to advise the IFBB brass to delete these sections and be consistant.

I was glad to see you made health Ins available  for the pros. Do many take advanatge of that?
As a fan I really feel your efforts are sincere and in the best interest of our sport overall.

Ok, I gotta ask this. * Do you think it is possible to convince more pros to not be so extreme in terms of drug use?
I am not suggesting we think drug free, just sensible is all.
Ya know, I could care less what a top pro does to get ready for a show. I just hate reading and seeing horrid looking physiques, big bellys and guys I respect on dialysis.

[Voice of Doom]

Bob, you know from speaking to me and reading my posts that I fully support your efforts as IFBB pro rep.
But seriously, to try and defend what actually goes on with the pros in terms or "conduct" and drug use ,is a 180 degrees from the actual written rules. I think your main focus is on getting the best for the pros rather than what the rule book says. It is kinda retarded looking to see all the drug testing rules and personal conduct rules that we know are not followed/enforced....so why even have them ?The awkward thing is seeing these kind of things in print as  "official "  for the IFBB pros.

I say why not drop all the drug testing rules and personal conduct crap and concentrate on trying to improve the sport with some workable sensible ideas. As IFBB rep you might  try to advise the IFBB brass to delete these sections and be consistant.

I was glad to see you made health Ins available  for the pros. Do many take advanatge of that?
As a fan I really feel your efforts are sincere and in the best interest of our sport overall.

Ok, I gotta ask this. * Do you think it is possible to convince more pros to not be so extreme in terms of drug use?
I am not suggesting we think drug free, just sensible is all.
Ya know, I could care less what a top pro does to get ready for a show. I just hate reading and seeing horrid looking physiques, big bellys and guys I respect on dialysis.

They (ifbb) can't delete the "banned" substances section.  It provides legal cover.  This way there is plausible deniability when the laws start poking around. 

[HowieW]

They (ifbb) can't delete the "banned" substances section.  It provides legal cover.  This way there is plausible deniability when the laws start poking around. 

Ya but can you imagine this in open court with real lawyers and a judge?
Why do think they caved in about that "diurectic failure" when Jay got that close 2nd a few years back.

[christinafitness]

The sport of bodybuilding is already very small in terms of audience.
You would have to ban most athletes and make it even smaller.
I would just ban the hypocrisy!

[HowieW]

The sport of bodybuilding is already very small in terms of audience.
You would have to ban most athletes and make it even smaller.
I would just ban the hypocrisy!

Yup! well said

[Birdman]

So what is the penalty for killing your "personal assistant" and burning her in your Jag?

[JDawg]

Thanks for the link Bob.

My issue is more with regard to athletes being held accountable for their actions both on and off the stage
Alot of that document in reference to athletes is pretty fluffy and not really measureable
For example...
14. to conduct ourselves at all times in a manner that
     reflects positively upon the image of the sport and the
     IFBB.

What does that mean?  Everyone will have a different interpretation!

Where is the "consequence" section?  How is this all enforced?  I honestly feel that people will aspire to be better if the expectation is placed upon them.  To state that "no one would be left" is rediculous... but if there is no standard or expectation clearly and measurably established people will realize that low expectation.  There needs to be more accountability!

JD

[Chick]

never upheld in the high profile cases.  Drugs: Dennis James, Rodney St Cloud, Victor Martinez, on and on.   How many top women and men are known prostitutes?

you wouldn't have any knowledge either way, would you?

don't make assumptions based on what YOU think...

[Chick]

Thanks for the link Bob.

My issue is more with regard to athletes being held accountable for their actions both on and off the stage
Alot of that document in reference to athletes is pretty fluffy and not really measureable
For example...
14. to conduct ourselves at all times in a manner that
     reflects positively upon the image of the sport and the
     IFBB.

What does that mean?  Everyone will have a different interpretation!

Where is the "consequence" section?  How is this all enforced?  I honestly feel that people will aspire to be better if the expectation is placed upon them.  To state that "no one would be left" is rediculous... but if there is no standard or expectation clearly and measurably established people will realize that low expectation.  There needs to be more accountability!

JD

The code is just that..a code, a eference, a guideline...there is a reason they are seperate from the rules.

Athletes are held accountable on a individual basis...case by case, and depending on the severity of the infraction, or number of occurances, they may be issed a verbal warning, a written warning, etc...

[Audioslave]

gets followed as well as the drug testing rules 

[240 is Back]

Athletes are held accountable on a individual basis...case by case, and depending on the severity of the infraction, or number of occurances, they may be issed a verbal warning, a written warning, etc...

That's selective enforcement by a nonprofit org.  Interesting.

[Chick]

Bob, you know from speaking to me and reading my posts that I fully support your efforts as IFBB pro rep.
But seriously, to try and defend what actually goes on with the pros in terms or "conduct" and drug use ,is a 180 degrees from the actual written rules.


I don't "defend" it...I explain tp people how it works.Personally, I would get rid of it or enfoce it to the letter...obviously, there isn't much you can with the grey area stuff....


I think your main focus is on getting the best for the pros rather than what the rule book says. It is kinda retarded looking to see all the drug testing rules and personal conduct rules that we know are not followed/enforced....so why even have them ?The awkward thing is seeing these kind of things in print as  "official "  for the IFBB pros.

Agreed, but it's in print for a reason...much like any business/ company has similiar "rules" that are rarely enforced, but there if they need it.

I say why not drop all the drug testing rules and personal conduct crap and concentrate on trying to improve the sport with some workable sensible ideas. As IFBB rep you might  try to advise the IFBB brass to delete these sections and be consistant.

I do what I can...can't change it all overnight.


I was glad to see you made health Ins available  for the pros. Do many take advanatge of that?
As a fan I really feel your efforts are sincere and in the best interest of our sport overall.

Thanks...yes, many have taken advantage...i would hope many more would.

Ok, I gotta ask this. * Do you think it is possible to convince more pros to not be so extreme in terms of drug use?

no.

I am not suggesting we think drug free, just sensible is all.
Ya know, I could care less what a top pro does to get ready for a show. I just hate reading and seeing horrid looking physiques, big bellys and guys I respect on dialysis.

The judging criteria could put an end to it very easily....just don't place those guys high...they'll stop looking like that...much like the FBB discussion, stop rewarding a look that doesn't sell, and they'll (the girls) stop looking so extreme. You get what you pay for...

You'll be in Colorado, Howie?

[Chick]

That's selective enforcement by a nonprofit org.  Interesting.

Different circumstances may lead to different results...multiple infractions will always be treated more harsh than a one time infraction...this is the way it's done at every level, at every company, and at every workplace...being non-profit is here nor there.

[chester_bbb]

Well can you tell me how many guys take steroids in the IFBB.  I guess none since no one has been fined or suspended for using them. 

She wasn't fined or suspended but sean gay did get disqualified for testing positive for winstrol at the Arnold Classic.