Categories vs Divisions & Eligibility
Complete guide to ICN competition divisions and eligibility requirements.
Understanding Categories vs Divisions
Category = the physique type (e.g. Bikini, Figure, Bodybuilding, etc.)
Division = a subsection within a category (e.g. Rookie, Novice, Age Group, Open)
ICN Membership Requirement
All competitors must hold a current ICN Athlete Premium Membership to enter any ICN-sanctioned event. Membership must be valid for the season in which the athlete competes.
Core Divisions
Divisions are subsections within a specific category. Choose the divisions that match your experience level.
First Timer
Never Competed
First Timer means you have never competed before in any federation — ever. This is your first contest. You may enter multiple First Timer divisions within your chosen category in your first contest.
First Timer does not mean this is your first time competing in a specific division. Do not enter a First Timer division if you have competed previously in any federation.
Rookie
First Year
Rookie refers to your first year of competing in a specific category. A competitive year consists of two seasons. An athlete is considered a Rookie for two consecutive seasons (Season A and B, or Season B and A).
Rookie status resets when an athlete changes categories.
Novice
Haven’t Won Open
Entry is eligible to competitors who have not won (placed first) in an Open Division within a category, including an Open Height Class, at any level of competition (state, regional, national, or international).
If you have won an Open Division in a category at any level, you are no longer eligible to enter a Novice division in that category. Novice divisions are intended for athletes early in their competitive careers or still developing their physique.
Open
Highest Amateur Level
Open Divisions represent the highest level of amateur competition within a category. Entry into an Open Division is required for eligibility toward Overall Titles and progression toward ICN Pro status.
Open to all eligible athletes. Usually the deepest and most competitive line-ups and the primary pathway to professional status.
– Age Divisions –
23 and Under
You must be under 23 on January 1st of the competition year.
Note: You may turn older later in the year, including before the competition date, and still remain eligible.
Age Divisions (30+ and Above)
30+
For athletes aged 30 and above on the day of competition.
40+
For athletes aged 40 and above on the day of competition.
50+
For athletes aged 50 and above on the day of competition.
60+
For athletes aged 60 and above on the day of competition.
Note: Eligibility is determined by your age on the day of the competition. You must have reached the minimum age for the division by the date of the show. Athletes older than the minimum age may compete in that division within their category.
Momma Division
You must have had a child. This division applies within the athlete’s chosen category.
Special class celebrating mothers. Available in women’s categories only.
Note: Not all categories and divisions are available at all shows. Refer to the event information for each show.
Overall Titles
Overall Titles are awarded per category.
National-Level Events
Only Open Division winners within a category are eligible to compete for the Overall Title.
State or Regional-Level Events
Category Overalls may be entered by winning a division within that category; however, this is not guaranteed. Eligibility must be confirmed with the event promoter or State President, as inclusion is at their discretion.