NPC/IFBB PRO NATURAL CONTEST RULES

These rules have force and effective as of June 1, 2024

PART 1 – NATIONAL PHYSIQUE COMMITTEE (“NPC”) 

2025 NPC Natural Contest Schedule

  1. Prohibited Substance List (PDF download)

The following substances are prohibited for the listed time frame before entering an NPC natural contest:

  • ANABOLIC AGENTS 3 years [1]
  • HORMONE AND METABOLIC MODULATORS3 years
  • INSULIN3 years [2]
  • PEPTIDE HORMONES, GROWTH FACTORS, RELATED SUBSTANCES, AND MIMETICS3 years [3]
  • SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)3 years [4]
  • THYROID HORMONES3 years [5]
  • BETA-2 AGONISTS6 months
  • DIURETICS AND MASKING AGENTS6 months
  • INSULIN MANIPULATORS6 months [6]
  • STIMULANTS6 months
  • INTOXICATING SUBSTANCES12 hours before polygraph [7]
  • 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

  1. Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”) (PDF download)

A TUE will only be considered by the NPC under the following circumstances:

  • The athlete would experience a significant impairment to health if the prohibited substance were withheld while treating an acute or chronic medical condition.
  • 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.
  • There are no reasonable therapeutic alternatives or other alternatives are ineffective.
  • 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.
  • If you wish to submit a TUE form, please click on the link shown below and send the completed form to KieranFoley@mcdougallenergy.comAT LEAST 14 days prior to your planned event.

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.

  1. Competitor Selection

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.

Natural NPC/NPC Worldwide Pro Qualifier contests, such as the Ben Weider Natural Pro Qualifier and Pittsburgh Natural Pro Qualifier, 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.
  1. Polygraph

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.

NOTE:      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.

  1. Penalties

The penalties for a positive test result are as follows:

(1)    First Offense:         One-year suspension

(2)    Second Offense:   Two-year suspension

(3)    Third Offense:        Lifetime suspension

NOTE:     The suspension is from all NPC, NPC Worldwide, and IFBB PRO contests. 

PART 2 – NPC WORLDWIDE 

  1. NPC Worldwide natural contest rules are available at this link: https://www.ifbbpro.com/npc-worldwide/natural-contest-rules/.

PART 3 – CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE (”CPA”) 

  1. CPA natural contests rules are available at this link: https://canadianphysiquealliance.com/drug-testing. 

PART 4 – IFBB PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE (“IFBB PRO”) 

*For complete IFBB PRO natural contest rules, visit www.IFBBPRO.com 

  1. Ben Weider Naturals Pro (USA) 
  • The top 2 in each division will be tested backstage by urinalysis by a qualified nurse, doctor, or accredited collector; and
  • Polygraph testing will be conducted during check-ins. 
  1. Other IFBB PRO (USA) Natural Contests 
  • The top 2 in each division will be tested backstage by urinalysis by a qualified nurse, doctor, or accredited collector.
  • Polygraph testing may be used instead of, or in combination with, urinalysis.
  1. IFBB PRO (International) Natural Contests 
  • The top 2 in each division will be tested backstage by urinalysis by a qualified nurse, doctor, or accredited collector.
  • Polygraph testing may be used instead of, or in combination with, urinalysis.