IBC WORLD TOUR RULE BOOK
The official IBC Rule Book is compiled and written by BIO (Bodyboarding International Officials) for the IBC. Specials thanks to Craig Hadden (BIO Limited) and Chico Garritano (BIO Limited / IBC Head Judge).
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the express permission, obtained in writing, from Bodyboarding International Officials Limited. Bodyboarding International Officials Limited is a registered non-profit organisation.
2026 Event Structure: Introduction to the “Prime Series” and “Rising Series” tiers.
New Junior System: Unified qualification structure and the 2026 Grand Final format.
Competition Formats: Specific progression rules for Men, Women, Junior Men/Women, Drop Knee, and Masters divisions.
Seeding System: Ranking calculations (2025/2026 base) and Top 16/Top 8 rotation protocols.
Points Allocation: Scoring criteria and tie-breaker rules (Surf-Offs).
Entry Procedures: Registration, confirmations, beach entries, and non-attendance policies.
Event Protocols: Check-in requirements, press conferences, and security zones.
Competition Areas: Boundary definitions, access zones, and penalties for free-surfing.
Heat Management: Heat durations, competition vests, start/end signals, and paddle-out rules.
Interruptions & Restarts: Protocols for heats stopped due to safety issues or lack of waves.
Re-Surf Rules: Technical criteria for restarting heats due to judging or timing errors.
Water Photographers: Permits, limits, and regulations within the competition zone.
Right of Way: Rules for Point Breaks, Beach Breaks, and multiple peaks.
Interferences: Definitions and penalties for Snaking, Paddling Interference, and Blocking.
General Priority System: Priority display usage and loss of priority rules.
One-on-One Priority: Possession dynamics and blocking in Head-to-Head heats.
4-Rider Priority: Rotation system and hierarchy in multiple-rider heats.
Caddies: Rules for water caddies, equipment replacement, and prohibited assistance.
Conditions of Use: Safety requirements, insurance, and pilot qualifications.
Rescue & Safety: Emergency protocols and heat suspension during rescues.
Competitor Transfers: Rules for PWC Assist (Tow-back) in extreme conditions or long paddles.
PWC Priority: How PWC positioning affects athlete priority in the lineup.
Judging Panel: Composition, selection of International Touring Judges, and Regional Judges.
Roles & Responsibilities: Duties of the Technical Director, Head Judge, and Priority Judge.
Judging Criteria: Definitions of Speed, Power, Flow, Innovation, and Commitment.
Scoring Scale: Scoring ranges (0.0 to 10.0) and wave tabulation methods.
Panel Standards: Professional conduct, visual separation, and conflict of interest policies.
Emergency Protocols: Procedures in the event of death or disablement.
Code of Conduct – Staff: Integrity, confidentiality, and duty of care.
Code of Conduct – Competitors: Sportsmanship, respect, and prohibitions (drugs, alcohol, betting).
Disciplinary Committee: Sanctions, fines, appeals process, and warning systems.
Intellectual Property: Rights regarding the IBC brand and athlete image rights.
Technical Infringements: Fines for vest violations, missed heats, or wave quotas.
Safety & Conduct: Penalties for unauthorized surfing or disobeying directives.
Protocol Violations: Fines for missing ceremonies, briefings, or press events.
Severe Offenses: Sanctions for aggression, property damage, harassment, or gambling.
