These rules go into effect on June 1, 2024
1. The following substances are prohibited for the listed time frame before entering an NPC/IFBB PRO natural contest:
PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES TIME FRAME
1. ANABOLIC AGENTS [1] 3 years
2. HORMONE AND METABOLIC MODULATORS 3 years
3. INSULIN [2] 3 years
4. PEPTIDE HORMONES, GROWTH FACTORS,
RELATED SUBSTANCES, AND MIMETICS [3] 3 years
5. SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) [4] 3 years
6. THYROID HORMONES [5] 3 years
7. BETA-2 AGONISTS 6 months
8. DIURETICS AND MASKING AGENTS 6 months
9. INSULIN MANIPULATORS [6] 6 months
10. STIMULANTS 6 months
11. INTOXICATING SUBSTANCES [7] 12 hours before polygraph
12. MUSCLE IMPLANTS OR INJECTIONS OF ANY KIND [8]
[1] Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (Exogenous, Endogenous when administered exogenously), and other Anabolic Agents (e.g. Clenbuterol, Tibolone, Zeranol, Zilpaterol)
[2] When used for the purpose of bodybuilding (prescribed insulin is permitted)
[3] Including but not limited to EPO, Peptide Hormones and Hormone Modulators, Growth Hormone, Growth Factors and Growth Factor Modulators
[4] Andarine, LGD-4033, Ostarine, RAD140
[5] When used for bodybuilding purposes including but not limited to: Synthroid, T3, T4 (prescribed thyroid hormones are permitted)
[6] When used solely for weight loss (e.g. Wegovy, Ozempic, Metformin, Rybelsus, etc.)
[7] Cannabis, Alcohol, Narcotics
[8] Including Synthol
TUE FORMS
TUE form will only be considered by the NPC under the following circumstances:
1. The athlete would experience a significant impairment to health if the prohibited substance were withheld while treating an acute or chronic medical condition.
2. The use of the prohibited substance would produce no additional enhancement of performance other than that which might be anticipated by a return state to normal health following the treatment of a legitimate medical condition.
3. There are no reasonable therapeutic alternatives or other alternatives are ineffective. NOTE: hormone replacement therapy (HRT), for example supplementing with prescribed testosterone in any form to raise testosterone levels due to natural decreases that occur with aging (even if to just elevate levels to within ‘normal’ ranges), is NOT considered a medicinal exception.
- TUEs granted by the NPC are valid for the duration of the treatment as prescribed by the physician up to a maximum of four years. It is the athlete’s responsibility to know when the TUE expires and to apply for renewal before this date if necessary.
Click here for the TUE form
If you wish to submit a TUE form please click on the link above and send the completed form to Kieran Foley at KieranFoley@mcdougallenergy.com AT LEAST 14 days prior to your planned event.
2. Natural NPC Regional contests will:
• have at least all Open Class Winners tested backstage by urinalysis by a qualified nurse or doctor;
or
• have a minimum of 50% of the competitors tested by polygraph scheduled before or during check-in.
3. Natural NPC Pro Qualifier contests, such as the Ben Weider Naturals Pro/Am, will:
• have at least all Open Class Winners tested backstage by urinalysis by a qualified nurse or doctor or accredited collector; and
• have polygraph testing during check-ins.
4. Natural IFBB PRO USA contests, such as the Ben Weider Naturals Pro/Am, will:
• have the Top 2 in each division tested backstage by urinalysis by a qualified nurse or doctor or accredited collector;
and
• have polygraph testing during check-ins.
NOTE: Natural IFBB PRO International contests will be governed by the same rules used by NPC Worldwide.
5. Polygraph Rules: Polygraph results are final. Testing will begin at check-in. Any competitor who, for whatever reason, fails to check in and make themselves available for testing will be disqualified. Any competitor who refuses to be tested, or who leaves before testing is completed, will be disqualified. Under no circumstances will refunds be given for entries, tickets or other event-related expenses if an athlete is disqualified as a result of a positive urinalysis or failed polygraph.
6. The penalties for a positive test result are as follows:
OFFENCE PENALTY
First: One year
Second: Two years
Third: Lifetime
NOTE: The suspension is from all NPC, NPC Worldwide and IFBB PRO contests.