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 items (Article 6.1.2): implants or fluid injections that change the natural shape of any part or muscle of the body are strictly prohibited an...
Source: Article 5.1, Article 6.1.2, Article 6.4, Article 6.2, Article 6.3, Article 6.1.4, Article 5.2, Article 10.1, Article 15.1 — IFBB Federation Rules, Section 2: Men's Bodybuilding, 2026 Edition
Why people argue about this
People often argue that they were "ready when called," misunderstanding what constitutes proper preparation in bodybuilding. In reality, it's about visible changes or enhancements that alter a competitor’s physique beyond natural muscle definition, like implants or fluid injections affecting muscle shape, which are strictly prohibited according to the IFBB rules.
