Page 143 - BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020

2019 IFBB INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

2019 IFBB ANNUAL

CONGRESS

As usual, at the beginning the Congress adopted the Minutes of the
previous Congress (2018) and it passed smoothly. Then, IFBB

President, Dr. Rafael Santonja, delivered his annual report,
discussing all top current matters.

IFBB AND THE OLYMPIC FAMILY CHANGES IN THE IFBB ELITE • NATIONAL EVENTS – open
IFBB has already been WORLD RANKING to national athletes and legal
recognized by most of the IOC The Congress approved some residents.
continental and regional important modifications of the • INTERNATIONAL
organizations, including both Ranking rules. CHAMPIONSHIPS –
Americas, Asia, Africa and regional, continental and
Oceania. Only Europe has • Arnold Classic Europe and world.
become a challenge. Following Arnold Classic Africa have • INVITATIONAL EVENTS
recognition, our sports have been been moved into the second- – Grand Prix, Diamond Cup,
included in the regional games: level events, so the same points other names. Grand Prix
will be awarded like at the awards will include one Elite
• Panamerican Games continental championships. Pro Card per overall winner
• Central American Games • CLASSIC BODYBUILDING but no points to the Ranking.
• South American Games has been moved one level Open continentally.
• Bolivarian Games down to the second level of Diamond Cups awards will
• Asian Beach Games money awards, same as for include up to 3 Pro Cards for
• Asian Indoor Games (in Bodyfitness. overall winners plus points to
progression) • With continuously growing the Ranking. May be open to
• African Beach Games (in popularity, MEN’S CLASSIC all IFBB-affiliated National
progression) PHYSIQUE has been added to Federations.
• Pacific Games (in the Ranking sport divisions.
progression) • WELLNESS FITNESS has IFBB DISCIPLINARY CODE
been moved one level up, This new IFBB official document
IFBB has applied to be a with new prize money was presented, discussed and
member of the International established separately for this approved. It describes
University Sports Federation, what division. infringements of the IFBB Rules,
is an important step towards the • WOMEN’S FITNESS AND determine the sanctions incurred
IOC recognition. WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE: new and regulate the organization and
level of prize money has been function of the bodies responsible
NEW INITIATIVE: WORLD established. for taking decisions and the
POWER GAMES • There is a new system of procedures to be followed.
To be held under the patronage of points awarded in case of less IFBB HALL OF FAME was
GAISF, will include physique, than 5 athletes in a category. created and the first 17 stars were
power and strength sports: Athletes will receive less qualified to it, mainly Elite Pro
Armwrestling, Bodybuilding & points but will not go back world champions and World
Fitness, Powerlifting, Tug of War, home with nothing. Very fair Ranking winners.
and Weightlifting. Will take only 4 solution for the athletes. Traditionally, at the end of the
days and will be a biannual event. Congress, IFBB awards were
The first edition was planned for TYPES OF SPORT EVENTS presented to different officials to
2021 but is not sure due to the IFBB recognizes the following honor their outstanding
worldwide pandemic. types of events: achievements.

142 2019/2020 BOOK OF THE YEAR