Tanji (and all)...
A fellow getbigger emailed me as to this topic...
The problem here isn't the judging, and it isn't the rise in numbers of Figure girls competing, it isn't the stage, etc, etc.
The problem comes down to one thing...MONEY.
The Fitness girls work harder than ANY of the BB related sports (yes, including the men). The problem is...because it's the hardest discipline, it's very easy for girls to switch to Figure...which is far easier but just as rewarding when it comes to exposure (which is bigger) and more importantly...MONEY.
What we (as a group) have to focus on, is getting a bigger purse to the Fitness shows, and reward the girls for their efforts. It's a tough sell when there is a NET LOSS for the 2nd-5th place finishers...even the winner loses money or at best makes $500-$1,000 after expenses and taxes.
THIS is where the changes need to be made in order to bring the numbers up.
One item I'm working on, is getting the rules changed reguarding the IFBB's stance on making appearances, guest pposings, Expo work, store openings, etc. in NON-SANCTIONED events...I believe this is illegal given the fact that we (as IFBB pro's) are listed as independant contractors, yet, receive no compensation directly from the IFBB, or Pro League. Unless the IFBB is willing to make us "employees", pay us a monthly fee, and 10-99 us at the end of the year...they are impeding our ability to make a living from our chosen profession.
As long as an IFBB athlete is in good standing, and is advertised/ promoted as a IFBB athlete for any of the above mentioned functions...I see no reason why we cannot be representing the IFBB at any other BB related event...IFBB or not.
This would open up many doors, and give more money making opportunities to the many athletes that make the IFBB what it is. It would also serve a dual purpose in allowing us to represent the company and bring up the overall interest to our sport.
Tanji, Adela...I could use all the support from your girls in getting this rule changed...working together, we have the ability to make changes for ourselves, and the next generation to follow us.
Bob Cicherilllo
IFBB Athlletes Rep