Section 7: Violations & Penalties
- Not ready when called (Article 5.1): a competitor not present and prepared when the category is called may be eliminated from the competition.
- Prohibited body alterations (Article 6.1.2): implants or fluid injections that change the natural shape of any part or muscle of the body are strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.
- Attire (Article 6.4): the IFBB Chief Judge, or a delegated official, decides whether attire meets the criteria and acceptable standards of aesthetics. The athlete may be disqualified if it does not.
- Tans and bronzers (Article 6.2): tans and bronzers that can be wiped off are not allowed, and a tan that comes off by simply wiping bars the athlete from entering the stage. Artificial colouring and self-tanning products may be used, and professional airbrush or cabin spray tanning is allowed if applied by professional companies and qualified personnel. Sparkles, glitter, shiny metallic pearls and gold coloring are prohibited, whoever applies them.
- Oil (Article 6.3): excessive oil is strictly prohibited. Body oils and moisturizers may be used in moderation.
- Props (Article 6.1.4): strictly prohibited in Prejudging and Finals.
- Pulling up trunks (Appendix 1, 1.1.2 and 1.1.5): strictly forbidden in the front and back lat spreads.
- Chewing gum or drinking (Article 5.2.3, Notes 2-3): not allowed onstage.
- Exceptional cases (Article 10.1): where a competitor's anatomical structure drastically differs from accepted criteria of body condition (for example an extended belly, unnatural shape of muscles, gynecomastia or too high a bodyfat level), the Chief Judge may prevent the athlete from competing or disqualify them at any moment of their stage presentation.
- Awards ceremony (Article 15.1): competitors may not display their country's flag. A competitor who ostentatiously shows disapproval, or leaves the stage before the end of the ceremony, may be disqualified.