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Classes
TRUE NOVICE
For athletes who have never competed onstage in any division or organization. This class gives first-time competitors the opportunity to compete alongside others who are also new to the stage. Athletes competing in True Novice may also enter any other Amateur divisions.
AMATEUR NOVICE
Generally intended for beginner athletes. These are not Pro Qualifying Classes, and athletes cannot earn an IPL Pro Card in them. Athletes may not compete in an Amateur Novice class for a division in which they have already achieved IPL Professional Qualified status.
AMATEUR MASTERS
Athletes must be at least 40 years old. These are Pro Qualifying Classes, where athletes can earn an IPL Pro Card. Athletes may not compete in an Amateur Masters division in which they have achieved IPL Professional status.
AMATEUR OPEN
Open to athletes of all ages. These are Pro Qualifying Classes, where athletes can earn an IPL Pro Card. Athletes may not compete in an Amateur Open division in which they have achieved IPL Professional status and competed as a Pro.
PROFESSIONAL MASTERS
Athletes must have won Pro Masters status at an IPL Pro Masters Qualifier.
PROFESSIONAL OPEN
Athletes must have won Pro status at an IPL Pro Qualifier.
CELEBRATIONS
Bikini Mommas & Inspiration/Transformation are open to all contestants and have no Professional level (No Pro Cards).
Crossovers (Pros & Amateurs)
Competitors can crossover to as many divisions and classes as they wish.
The IPL believes that many competitor’s physiques may be on the line between divisions. We do not believe that competitors should be forced to choose. Let your body go where it wants or where you want it to.
Also, many competitors are trying to figure out exactly which division(s) they will best fit into. The crossover is a great way to experiment with this.
***PLEASE BE AWARE THAT COMPETITORS WHO COMPETE IN MULTIPLE DIVISIONS AND CLASSES MAY RECEIVE VARYING (EVEN CONFLICTING) SCORES FROM DIVISION/CLASS TO DIVISION/CLASS. FACTORS THAT MAY EFFECT THE VARYING SCORES INCLUDE YOUR LOOK RELATIVE TO THE OTHERS IN EACH DIVISION/CLASS, YOUR SPECIFIC SUIT FOR EACH DIVISION/CLASS, POSING, PRESENTATION ETC…
Judging & Scoring
First, we are introducing new posing and prejudging guidelines across all divisions. Moving forward, posing will be more standardized and less open to interpretation. Each mandatory pose will have a defined look, and athletes will be expected to perform those poses according to the IPL posing guidelines.
There will still be some flexibility and individuality during transitions, but once athletes settle into a pose, it must match the standard.
Quarter turns will remain part of prejudging across all divisions. Beginning in 2027, athletes should be prepared for one round of quarter turns. The Head Judge may call additional rounds at their discretion.
If an athlete performs a pose incorrectly, the Head Judge may issue a correction. A correction does not automatically mean points will be deducted. If the athlete makes the adjustment, the judges may or may not deduct points from the Posing and Presentation score, at their discretion. If the athlete does not make the correction, points will be deducted.
Following the quarter turns, the Head Judge will call athletes into formation. The first call-out will be positioned in the center, with subsequent call-outs on either side. These call-outs will indicate likely placings, but they do not guarantee the final results. At that point, the Head Judge may consult with the panel briefly for a final look before asking the class to exit the stage.
At Finals, the top five athletes in each class will perform their Model Walk or, in Bodybuilding, a posing routine. Bodybuilding athletes have more freedom to freestyle their posing, but should include as many of their division’s mandatory poses as possible. In all other divisions, athletes may perform only poses permitted in their division. Unauthorized poses may result in point deductions.
Judging Criteria
There are also changes to the judging criteria. Athletes will continue to be judged in six categories: Muscularity, Conditioning, Symmetry, Posing and Presentation, Suit or Outfit, and Model Walk or Routine at Finals.
Definitions of the Six Scored Categories:
Muscularity
How much the athlete’s physique shows the results of training and muscle development. There is no such thing as too muscular, regardless of the division.
Conditioning
How lean the athlete is. There is no such thing as too lean, regardless of the division.
Symmetry
How balanced and proportionate the athlete’s physique is.
Posing and Presentation
How well the athlete poses and presents their physique according to the guidelines for their division.
Suit or Outfit
How well the suit or outfit fits, whether the color is appropriate, and whether it meets the guidelines and expectations for the division. The amount of bling or embellishment is not the focus.
Model Walk or Routine at Finals
How well the athlete poses and presents their physique during the Model Walk or routine, and how well their performance follows the guidelines for their division.
Beginning in 2027, the point values will follow one of three breakdowns:
Men’s & Women’s Bodybuilding, Figure, Bikini, Men’s Athletic, Women’s Athletic
Muscularity = 15
Conditioning = 15
Symmetry = 15
Posing and Presentation = 5
Suit = 5
Routine at Finals = 5
Total = 60 points
*This breakdown puts more emphasis on the three physique-based categories: Muscularity, Conditioning, and Symmetry.
Bikini Model, Bikini Mamas, Fitness Angels, Swimsuit Model, Evening Gown
Muscularity = 10
Conditioning = 10
Symmetry = 10
Posing and Presentation = 10
Suit = 10
Routine at Finals = 10
Total = 60 points
*Each of the six categories is worth 10 points, for a total of 60 points.
Shape
Muscularity = 15
Conditioning = 5
Symmetry = 10
Posing and Presentation = 10
Suit = 10
Routine at Finals = 10
Total = 60 points
*This breakdown places more emphasis on muscularity and fullness, while giving conditioning less weight.
Pro Cards
To earn a Pro Card, the first-place athlete must receive at least 80% of the available points. Since each judge can award up to 60 points, the athlete must average at least 48 points out of 60. There will be no automatic Pro Cards, regardless of the number of athletes in the class.
What are Pro Scores?
When the maximum number of points in a category is 15, a Pro level score is 12 more more.
When the maximum number of points in a category is 10, a Pro level score is 8 more more.
When the maximum number of points in a category is 5, a Pro level score is 4 more more.