New 2012 IFBB rules for all pros and shows (including Olympia)

[Meso_z]

this new rule will force good competitors to compete pretty often

they will need to earn their money

About time..

only the best will compete at the O.

[240 is Back]

If you choose to SKIP the Olympia, you should be banned the following year.

Nothing worse than a guy entering a rookie year show, getting the gift 3rd place, then skipping the O.

Would make the Arnold a lot bigger too - Branch vs. Kai vs. Cento next year, for example.

[Stavios]

If you choose to SKIP the Olympia, you should be banned the following year.

Nothing worse than a guy entering a rookie year show, getting the gift 3rd place, then skipping the O.

Would make the Arnold a lot bigger too - Branch vs. Kai vs. Cento next year, for example.

well I can see why they skip

people compete to win. If you know you will get 10th, why give a shit about that show.

I wouldn't compete at the national because I would place dead last, it's the same thing

[JasonH]

Nice rule change - but they should have thought of this 20 years ago.

[erics]

Nice rule change - but they should have thought of this 20 years ago.

The powers that be are very clever people...

[Chick]

Nice rule change - but they should have thought of this 20 years ago.

It wasn't necessary 20 years ago, as there were only 8-10 pro shows a year...now there are close to 20. Also...the pros 20 years ago competed much more often than the pros of today...which is part of the problem when it comes to new guys having the ability to qualify....better in that the top pros are making some serious cash, but we don't want or need 30 pros at the Olympia...

[dantelis]

So under this new rule, at this point only Phil, Jay and Kai are qualified for the 2012 Olympia.  Is that right?

Its a good move.  It will keep the Olympia to a manageable number of good quality physiques.  It will also force the Pros to compete more. 

Would have been very interesting if Jay had placed lower than top 3 this year, as he should have been.  That would have forced him to compete in a non-Olympia event for the first time since 2006.  Even though he is qualified for the 2012 Olympia, I think Jay should compete in the Arnold and try to regain some momentum. 

[maxkane69]

yip, just what the O needs, more male bbers and less women.  

G-Thong if more woman on the stage is what you want you should be watching Miss America and Miss Universe were there are really beautiful girls competing!  The Olympia should get rid of all this stupid Fitness, Figure, Bikini, Physique division because this drug addicted female on Hormone are just a waste of time!  

[fathead]

so dexter,vic and dennis arent qualified for next year?

[Ron]

So under this new rule, at this point only Phil, Jay and Kai are qualified for the 2012 Olympia.  Is that right? Its a good move.  It will keep the Olympia to a manageable number of good quality physiques.  It will also force the Pros to compete more.  Would have been very interesting if Jay had placed lower than top 3 this year, as he should have been.  That would have forced him to compete in a non-Olympia event for the first time since 2006.  Even though he is qualified for the 2012 Olympia, I think Jay should compete in the Arnold and try to regain some momentum. 

I think the new rules begin for all contests starting January 1st, 2012.  So the top six at this years Olympia are still qualified for next years O. 

[slaveboy1980]

12 is a good number for the Mr O. Even something like 16 is too many in my opinion.

[dantelis]

I think the primary goal is to have no more than 12 on stage, maybe more for the men.  The best of the best!   If not enough competitors qualify, then special invites for the ones who earned the right to be up there (close second's to the winners, or even thirds).

At this Olympia, 29 Figure competitors, 28 Bikini competitors.  The top 15 is considered the best of the best, in my opinion.

I say they increase the number of bikini competitors to 50 or 100 and let them stroll around the Expo all weekend in their bikinis and high heels and let the audience vote on the best competitor.  Add that vote to the judges vote and the wet t-shirt contest held at the Mandalay Bay on Saturday afternoon and then you'd have a bikini competition!   

[deceiver]

Bikini, figure and all this crap should be removed. Who the fuck watches this shit? Especially bikini, I mean cmon - what the fuck bikini has to do with bodybuilding? It's health and fitness industry, this got nothing to do with bodybuilding which is all BUT health and fitness.

[dantelis]

Bikini, figure and all this crap should be removed. Who the fuck watches this shit? Especially bikini, I mean cmon - what the fuck bikini has to do with bodybuilding? It's health and fitness industry, this got nothing to do with bodybuilding which is all BUT health and fitness.

Did anyone at Getbig attend the Olympia?  Give us an idea of the numbers in the audience for the Bikini competition vs. the Mr. Olympia.  I bet that the bikini competition was better attended than the Mr. Olympia.  And I'll bet that bodybuilding show organizers that have added bikini have seen their attendance numbers shoot up from past years when it was just pro bodybuilding (male and female) and fitness.

Much as you like the oiled-up, thong-wearing male bodybuilders with striated glutes, Deceiver, there is only a limited audience for that extreme (-ly gay) look.  Bikini competitors definitely don't look like bodybuilders...that is exactly why this competition was created.  The IFBB is a business, like it or not.  They are trying to get butts in the seat and bikini accomplishes this much more than steroidly enhanced, GH bloated bodybuilders.

[deceiver]

Did anyone at Getbig attend the Olympia?  Give us an idea of the numbers in the audience for the Bikini competition vs. the Mr. Olympia.  I bet that the bikini competition was better attended than the Mr. Olympia.  And I'll bet that bodybuilding show organizers that have added bikini have seen their attendance numbers shoot up from past years when it was just pro bodybuilding (male and female) and fitness.

Much as you like the oiled-up, thong-wearing male bodybuilders with striated glutes, Deceiver, there is only a limited audience for that extreme (-ly gay) look.  Bikini competitors definitely don't look like bodybuilders...that is exactly why this competition was created.  The IFBB is a business, like it or not.  They are trying to get butts in the seat and bikini accomplishes this much more than steroidly enhanced, GH bloated bodybuilders.

I know all of that yet still I believe bikini is boring crap. If you perceive bodybuilding as something gay then I have no idea what are you doing here. I am perfectly healthy heterosexual male and yes, I do enjoy watching guys in thongs and no, I hate bikini kind of look on women. It's simply becouse I don't connect my perception of bodybuilding with anything sex related and I cannot get proper distance to judge and enjoy bikini show. All I can see is artificial, exaggerated look which I don't find attractive. It's weird, but can't help it. It's perhaps why most women don't understand bodybuilding, they can't help thinking "it's not kind of man I want" and they cannot think about it as an art or sport without sexual context.

[DK II]

this new rule will force good competitors to compete pretty often

they will need to earn their money

Which is good.

[TK]

From Betty Pariso:

Changes regarding qualifying for the Olympia

As a result of our recent IFBB Committee meeting that was held during the Olympia weekend, I'm sure many of you have heard through the grapevine that there are going to be changes regarding the qualifying spots for the Olympia. Some of what you are hearing is untrue... here is the basic information that was voted on that will affect ALL IFBB ATHLETES AND ALL DIVISIONS.

# (1) QUALIFYING SPOTS FOR THE OLYMPIA

Olympia - (3) Top three places qualify for the next Olympia.
Arnold - (3) Top three places qualify for the Olympia.
All Other Shows - (1) First place ONLY qualifies for the Olympia.

The goal is to only have around 12 or so competitors on stage for each division. If the desired number is not met due to the lack of shows for competitors to compete in, then a committee will issue a special invitation to the next most qualified competitor(s) to increase the number. (The number of times an athlete has competed at other shows and placed 2nd or 3rd will be weighed heavily)

REASONS FOR THE CHANGE:

1. So that the best 12 or so competitors in the world are standing on the Olympia stage.

2. So that all shows, other than the Arnold and the Olympia have a chance to get more of the top competitors in their line up. We are losing shows every year due to the lack of ticket sales and attendance.

3. Financial... The Olympia has been affected tremendously from so many competitors qualifying and the spiraling costs of paying for all these athletes takes its toll on the budget. It also has taken away some of the prestige of the having the best 12 or so competitors on the Olympia stage.



# (2) ATHLETE CONTRACT

Four (4) weeks out from any given show, the athlete must have their contract signed or they will pay a $200 fine that goes to the promoter and is not negotiable.

REASON FOR CHANGE:

1. This will allow the promoter to use the list of athletes competing for advertising and publicity purposes.



# (3) SHOW FINALS PARTICIPATION

There will be a $1,000 Fine paid to the promoter for any competitor who does not show up for the Finals.

The athlete will not be allowed to compete again at any show until the fine is paid.

REASON FOR CHANGE:

1. Not only is this poor sportsmanship, usually because the competitor didn't like the way the prejudging went, but in some cases it takes away the chances of another competitor getting to pose, and inconveniences the expediting of the event.




I hope this helps clarify the decisions that have been made, and I encourage each of you to check the official IFBB web site www.ifbbpro.com for complete details and information for the coming year of competitions.

Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.

FYI....Based on the great turnout of FBB in Hartford this year, Ed and I will be having FBB again in 2012.

Betty Pariso
Female BB Representative

[Meso_z]

Ive heard Stalkerpani got anxious.

[bigmikecox]

From what I heard and not official until the IFBB says it is, the new rules begin JANUARY 1st for all IFBB contests...

So for the contests up until then, the old rules still apply - top three in each contest.

After January 1st, the only person that will qualify for the Olympia is the winner.
Personally, having the top 12-15 competitors on stage on each division is what the Olympia should be.

Having 23-29 competitors on stage is way too much. Obviously, some of them did not deserve to be up there, even if they did place 3rd or 4th on some contests.

Now, IF there are not enough competitors that are qualified to compete in the Olympia, the IFBB will reserve the right to issue special invites to the top competitors in the division (2nd places, etc) to make up for that.

This way, the best of the best are on that stage

Glad to see the IFBB is concerened about the health of the bbers. Competing more to qualify, more drugs and diueretics. Nice.

[Super Natural]

I know all of that yet still I believe bikini is boring crap. If you perceive bodybuilding as something gay then I have no idea what are you doing here. I am perfectly healthy heterosexual male and yes, I do enjoy watching guys in thongs and no, I hate bikini kind of look on women. It's simply becouse I don't connect my perception of bodybuilding with anything sex related and I cannot get proper distance to judge and enjoy bikini show. All I can see is artificial, exaggerated look which I don't find attractive. It's weird, but can't help it. It's perhaps why most women don't understand bodybuilding, they can't help thinking "it's not kind of man I want" and they cannot think about it as an art or sport without sexual context.

Good post, I always find it strange how even people who compete in bodybuilding get confused and connect bodybuilding with sexuality. Guys like Kai, Tony Freeman etc. shaking their asses like strippers and doing dodgy stuff- fucking embarrassment!   ... I guess they're trying to leverage things on sexuality to try and place higher/get more attention. It’s no surprise really if you look at today’s media and advertizing "sex sells" so they are mistakenly trying to apply the same principles and project sex onto bodybuilding...but Proper Bodybuilding IMO is like you say a sport or an art and shouldn't come across as seedy or anything sex related, it should be inspirational. Guys like Arnold, Yates, Zane, Haney etc. they had it right.

[stuntmovie]

Sounds good to me but it’s  going to be interesting to see how well it works, particularly under the following rare but possible scenario …….

A.   Let’s assume that eight pro bodybuilders qualify in any given year for the Olympia

B.   But the Olympia promoters want twelve pros to compete. So they ‘go looking ‘ for four more contenders who have taken second place in an earlier Olympia qualifying event.

C.   Therefore every second place finisher in an earlier Olympia qualifier will ‘stand by’ with the hope of getting an invite due to an insufficient number of Olympia contenders who qualified as first place winners.

Over the next few years the above scenario could become a distinct possibility causing all second place IFBB pros to retain their physical conditioning up to the date that the promoters decide that there are a sufficient number of contestants for that year’s Olympia and no more are needed.

And another  possible problem could  arise when and if it becomes necessary to determine which second place winners will be allowed to compete to fill the void.

In an effort to solve that problem I would suggest that the officials approach this on an invitational basis only after thoughtful consideration of  second place winners’ participation in previous qualifying events.

But regardless of how such a decision  is made it will always be met with adverse criticism and animosity,

[bigmikecox]

All former Mr. Olympia's are qualified for life. Problem is, if you get Vic, Kai and Branch at the ASC, Evan will be the odd man out. No more Rockel, or Hide or a lot of "2nd tier" pros.

[bigmikecox]

Do the athletes get to vote on the rule changes or does the IFBB just make the changes. Would make sense to me to ask the guys competing if they are in favor of the changes

[stuntmovie]

MIKE, any attempt to get the athletes to make a decision on anything is usually an exercise in futility. (But I don't believe that the athletes would be barred from any such meeting.)

So any rule changes are made after careful analysis and discussion and debate by 'those in charge' ... meaning the officials and the reps.

And then a vote is called and the new rule is passed or placed aside. (I forget the exact terminology).

And on most all occasions (if not 100% of all occasions) these rules are made within public forums so that those in attendance can offer their two-cents worth before the change is voted upon.

I have been involved in some of these official meetings and have yet to see any decisions that were made that purposely conflicted with the overall enhancement of the organizations and those involve within it.

But some may disagree with me due to personal reasons of their own.

[Ron]

I think almost everybody agrees that there were way too many competitors at the Olympia, and that it should be between 12-15 competitors in each division. The question is how to get this done.   Since we dont have anything official yet on how this is going to be, the following is based on a Top 3 qualification at the Olympia and Arnold, and only a first place qualification at all other shows.  If it is done this way, it may lower the number way below what the audience and fans are looking for.  

They can also consider having ONE competitor qualify at every contest (with the exception of three at the Olympia and the Arnold). That way, we dont go via a few contests (on the womens side of it) without any Olympia qualifier). In Figure, the last 5 contests would NOT have had anyone qualifying to the Olympia.

Here is what it can look like....

Mens Pro Qualifications

09-24 - Olympia (Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Branch Warren)
02-19 - Flex Pro (Evan Centapani)
03-04 - Arnold Classic (Branch Warren, Dennis Wolf, Victor Martinez)
03-12 - Australian Pro (Dennis Wolf)
03-19 - British Grand Prix (Branch Warren)
03-26 - Spain Mr. Europe (Ronny Rockel)
04-16 - FIBO Germany (Dexter Jackson)
04-30 - Orlando Pro (Cedric McMillan)
05-28 - NY Pro (Kai Greene)
06-17 - Toronto Pro (Craig Richardson)
06-25 - Tampa Pro (Marius Dohne)
07-29 - Connecticut Pro (Troy Alves)
08-12 - Dallas Pro (Toney Freeman)
08-27 - Phoenix Pro  (Troy Alves)
09-10 - Tijuana (Ed Nunn)

At the 2011 Olympia, there would of been 15 men qualified.
    Only 12 would of competed.

=======================================

Mens 202 Olympia Qualifications

09-24 - Olympia (Kevin English, David Henry, Ed Da Silva)
11-06 - Sacramento Pro (Tricky Jackson)
03-19 - British Pro (Flex Lewis)
05-28 - NY Pro (Jose Raymond)
06-17 - Toronto Pro (Shaun-Joseph Tavernier)
06-25 - Tamapa Pro (Al Auguste)
08-05 - Jacksonville Pro (Vaughn Ettienne)
08-12 - Dallas Pro (Gaetano Cisterino)
08-20 - Greensboro Pro (Vaughn Ettienne)

At the 2011 Olympia, there would of been 10 men qualified.
  Only 8 would of competed.

========================================

Womens Pro Olympia Qualifications

09-24 - Olympia (Iris Kyle, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, Debi Laszewski)
03-04 - Ms International (Iris Kyle, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, Alina Popa)
04-16 - FIBO Germany (Helle Nielsen)
06-17 - Toronto Pro (Brigita Brezovac)
06-25 - Tampa Pro (Cathy LeFrancois)
07-29 - Connectcicut Pro (Kim Buck)

At the 2011 Olympia, there would of been 8 women qualified and competed.
  
====================================

Bikini Pro Olympia Qualifications

09-24 - Olympia (Sonia Gonzales, Nathalia Melo, Nicole Nagrani)
10-23 - Houston Pro (Shelsea Montes)
11-06 - Sacramento Pro (Amanda Latona)
11-20 - Ft. Lauderdale Pro (Nicole Nagrani)
03-05 - Arnold Bikini (Nicole Nagrani, Sonia Gonzales, Nathalia Melo)
03-19 - St. Louis Pro (Jennifer Andrews)
03-26 - Musclecontest Pro (Amanda Latona)
04-29 - Orlando Pro (Nathalia Melo)
05-07 - Pittburgh Pro (Jamie Baird)
05-20 - Louisiana Pro (Barbara Bolotte)
05-28 - NY Pro (Ali Rosen)
06-17 - Toronto Pro (Shelsea Montes)
06-25 - Tampa Pro (Diana Graham)
08-05 - Jacksonville Pro (Ali Rosen)
08-12 - Dallas Pro (Natalie Pennington)
08-27 - Phoenix Pro (Dianna Dalhgren)
09-10 - Tijuana Pro (Abbie Burrows)

At the 2011 Olympia, there would of been 14 women qualified out of 17 contests
  Only 13 women would of competed.

=====================================

Figure Pro Olympia Qualifications

09-24 - Olympia (Erin Stern, Nicole Wilkins, Heather Mae French)
10-23 - Houston Pro (Courtney West)
10-30 - Border States Pro (Teresa Anthony)
11-13 - Kentucky Pro (Cheryl Brown)
11-20 - Ft. Lauderdale Pro (Kristal Richardson)
Mar 4 - Figure International (Nicole Wilkins, Erin Stern, Ava Cowan)
Mar 12 - Australia Pro (Erin Stern)
Mar 19 - New Zealand Pro (Erin Stern)
Mar 19 - St. Louis Pro (Nicole Wikins)
04-29 -  Florida Pro (Cheryl Brown)
05-07 - Pittsburgh Pro (Cheryl Brown)
05-20 - Louisiana Pro (Candice Keene)
05-28 - NY Pro (Cheryl Brown)
05-28 - Cal Pro (Felicia Romero)
06-17 - Toronto Pro (Genn Strobo)
07-29 - Conn Pro (Genn Strobo)
08-05 - Jacksonville Pro (Erin Stern)
08-12 - Dallas Pro (Ava Cowan)
08-27 - Phoenix Pro (Candice Keene)
09-10 - Tournament of Champion (Nicole Wilkins)

At the 2011 Olympia there would of been 10 women qualified  out of 20 contests
   Only 8 would of competed.

=============================

Fitness Pro Olympia Qualifications

09-24 - Olympia Pro (Adela Garcia, Tanji Johnson, Trish Warren)
11-20 - Ft. Lauderdale (Kizzy Vaines)
Mar 4 - Fitness International  (Adela Garcia, Tanji Johnson, Trish Warren)
Apr 9 - NY Pro (Camala Rodrigues)
Apr 16 - FIBO Germany (Regiane De Silva)
Jun 17 - Toronto Pro (Jodi Boam)

At the 2011 Olympia, ther would of been 7 women qualified.  
 Only 6 women would of competed.