ANBF Show Format
In an effort to condense the prejudging and night shows into one and make the show more streamlined and entertaining, all ANBF sanctioned events will adhere to a straight-through format as indicated below.
Individual Presentation – Introductions
As each class is introduced, competitors will be announced individually by name. Each competitor will proceed to center stage and be given 10-15 seconds of free posing. Competitors can perform any poses of their choice that display their physique in the most favorable manner. Once complete, the competitor will remain on stage and line up on a diagonal line placed in the back corner of each side of the stage.
Group Comparisons
After the individual presentation for each competitor is complete, the class is brought to front center stage and is guided through mandatory poses as specified for each division (see division specific criteria).
Note: Competitors not following ANBF posing guidelines may, at the discretion of the head judge, be corrected. If the competitor fails to adjust when corrected, then judges are instructed to address this in their scoring. Failure to comply with ANBF posing guidelines may result in a lower placement in the presentation/posing round. This applies to group comparisons as well as individual presentations (stage walks and routines).
Individual Presentation – Introductions
After the individual presentation for each competitor is complete, the class is brought to front center stage and is guided through mandatory poses as specified for each division (see division specific criteria).
Note: Competitors not following ANBF posing guidelines may, at the discretion of the head judge, be corrected. If the competitor fails to adjust when corrected, then judges are instructed to address this in their scoring. Failure to comply with ANBF posing guidelines may result in a lower placement in the presentation/posing round. This applies to group comparisons as well as individual presentations (stage walks and routines).
Group Comparisons
As each class is introduced, competitors will be announced individually by name. Each competitor will proceed to center stage and be given 10-15 seconds of free posing. Competitors can perform any poses of their choice that display their physique in the most favorable manner. Once complete, the competitor will remain on stage and line up on a diagonal line placed in the back corner of each side of the stage.
Individual Presentations – Stage Walks and Routines
- ANBF will implement a 10ft wide box or rectangle on stage for all presentations, routines, and walks.
- This restriction ensures optimal lighting, efficient use of time, and better photos and videos.
- The promoter decides the length of each routine, walk, or presentation.
Music for Routines and Presentations:
- Bodybuilding and Classic Physique athletes must submit their own music for routines. If they do not, they will pose to house music or music chosen by the promoter.
- All other divisions will perform their walks and routines to house music or music selected by the promoter unless specified by the promoter. Some ANBF events will request all athletes in all divisions to submit music for presentation/routines/walks.
Note: If a competitor has already performed a stage walk or routine in a previous class, they will not do the stage walk or routine a second time. If the competitor has crossed over to another division, Figure to Women’s Physique for instance, the competitor may perform their walk/routine in subsequent class.
Stage Walk. Click to Enlarge
- The competitor will enter the stage and proceed toward the designated presentation/routine box. Upon reaching the box, they will have a set amount of time, determined by the promoter and based on their division, to complete their presentation or routine. Once the time limit has expired and the presentation is complete, the competitor will exit the stage from the same point they entered.
Stage Walks/Presentations
- Bikini
- Wellness
- Figure
- Men’s Physique
- FemFit Physique
Routines
- Women’s Physique
- Men’s Classic Physique
- Men’s/Women’s Bodybuilding
Finals
Finals for all ANBF events will commence immediately following a short intermission once judging is complete. During finals, all competitors are called to the stage for one final presentation to the audience. Competitors are then asked to file off stage, where the top five will be called in numerical order, where each competitor in the top five will receive a trophy or medal.
Tanning Products
Competitors are encouraged to use stage tanning products, but should remember to be careful not to wipe such products on competition facilities’ surfaces such as walls, floors, and auditorium seats.
Classes
At the promoter’s discretion, classes may be split by height or weight depending upon the number of competitors registered for a particular class.
Divisions
The Divisions that the ANBF offers:
- Bikini
- Wellness
- Figure
- FemFit Physique
- Women’s Physique
- Women’s Bodybuilding
- Men’s Physique
- Classic Physique
- Men’s Bodybuilding
Amateur Cross Overs
In the ANBF, amateur competitors have the flexibility to cross over into multiple divisions and classes at a single show. This allows you to participate in any of the divisions mentioned, as well as compete in Open, Novice, or Masters categories within the same event, whether they are in the same or different divisions.
However, there are specific restrictions to consider:
- Debut classes are exclusively for first-time competitors in the ANBF.
- Once you have won a novice class in a specific division, you are no longer eligible to compete in novice classes within that same division.
- If you hold a professional status in a specific division, you cannot compete as an amateur in that same division, except if you are a Masters pro seeking an Open pro card. You CAN however compete as an amateur in a division that you do not hold an ANBF pro card in.
- Masters classes are determined by age, with categories such as 40+, 50+, etc.
Pro Cross Overs - Effective 2025
In the ANBF, the ability for professional competitors to crossover into multiple pro divisions at a single event depends on the type of Pro Membership they hold and the specific divisions in which they have earned Pro status.
Pro Crossover Based on Membership:
- Pro Membership: Allows competitors to enter only the Pro divisions where they have earned or carried over Pro status.
- Joint Pro/Am Membership: Enables competitors to participate in both Pro and Amateur divisions, as long as they hold the appropriate statuses in each.
- Universal Pro Membership: Grants unrestricted access to all Pro divisions, regardless of where Pro status was earned, but prohibits competing in any Amateur divisions.
Masters and Open Pro Crossover:
- Masters Pros: A Masters Pro cannot crossover into an Open Pro division unless they have earned Pro status in that Open division.
- Open Pros: An Open Pro can crossover into a Masters Pro division if they meet the age requirement for the Masters category.
Crossover Restrictions: Once you compete as a professional in a specific division within the ANBF, you are not allowed to return to amateur status in that same division. This ensures consistent progression and upholds the competitive standards within the federation.
Special Invitations: There will be special events where Masters Pros may be invited to compete in an Open Pro Division. Participation in these events is by special invitation only.
Recognizing Pro Status from Other Organizations - Effective 2025
Membership Requirements:
- Mandatory Membership Purchase: Any professional athlete from outside the ANBF must purchase an ANBF membership to compete in ANBF events.
Membership Options:
- Amateur Membership: Any outside pro has the option to start as an amateur when entering the ANBF. If they choose this path, they must compete as an amateur and waive the right to compete as a pro in that division until they have earned pro status within the ANBF.
- Pro Membership: Ideal for athletes who have earned single or multiple pro cards through the amateur ranks in their original organization. Allows the athlete to carry over their pro status in multiple divisions if applicable. Restricts competition to pro divisions only, with no access to amateur events.
- Joint Pro/Am Membership: Suited for athletes who want to compete in both pro and amateur divisions within the ANBF. Enables competition in pro classes earned via amateur ranks in an outside organization. Provides the opportunity to earn additional pro statuses within the ANBF by competing as an amateur in other divisions.
- Universal Pro Membership: Offers unrestricted access to any ANBF pro division, regardless of original pro status. Waives all future rights to compete as an amateur in any division within the ANBF.
Overview:
This approach ensures that outside professional athletes have a clear and structured pathway to join the ANBF, whether they wish to continue their pro career or start fresh as an amateur. The options provided align with the athlete’s goals while maintaining the integrity and fairness of ANBF competitions.
Masters Division Rules and Provisions - Effective 2025
Masters Pro Status:
- If you earn Masters Pro status in one or more divisions, or carry over Masters Pro status from another organization, you are only eligible to compete as a Pro in those specific Masters Pro divisions.
- A Masters Pro in a division cannot compete in an Open Pro Division unless they also possess Open Pro status in that division.
Crossover Rules:
- Open Pros in a division can compete in the Masters Pro Division if they meet the age requirement for that division.
- An athlete who is only a Masters Pro cannot purchase a Universal Pro Membership at any time. Only athletes with Open Pro status are eligible for a Universal Pro Membership.
Earning an Open Pro Card:
- A Masters Pro who wishes to earn an Open Pro Card in the same division where they hold a Masters Pro Card, or any other division must obtain a Joint Pro/Am Membership.
- A Masters-only Pro who purchases a Pro Membership will be limited to Masters Pro events in the specific division(s) where they have earned or carried over pro status, which may result in fewer opportunities to compete
- Masters 40+ is the only Pro Card eligible Masters Division.
Membership Recommendations:
- Unless you hold multiple Pro cards, including a mix of Open Pro Cards, we recommend that a Masters-only Pro consider purchasing a Joint Pro/Am Membership to maximize competitive opportunities.
Special Invitations:
- There will be special events where Masters Pros may be invited to compete in an Open Pro Division. Participation in these events is by special invitation only.