Online & Live in-person

Battle/Tournament Rules

Eligibility, time limit, model requirements, deadlines, scoring criteria, tiebreaker, review window, prizes and refund terms.

Live In-Person Barber Battles

  1. Entry and eligibility
    Enter only a category you qualify for. Complete your battle entry and any required PBA competitor registration before the published cutoff.
  2. Know your category
    Read the theme, time limit, permitted techniques and products, model requirements and judging criteria before entering. Category-specific instructions apply alongside these rules.
  3. Check-in and readiness
    Arrive by the published competitor check-in time and be ready when called. Late arrival or absence may prevent you from competing under the event’s attendance rules.
  4. Models and preparation
    Follow the event’s model or mannequin arrangements. Only preparation expressly permitted by your category may be completed beforehand. Confirm whether you need to bring a model.
  5. Tools and sanitation
    Bring the tools and supplies your category requires unless the event states they are provided. Disinfect your tools, maintain a clean station and follow product instructions.
  6. Competition time
    Begin scored work only when officials announce the start. Stop immediately when time is called. Unauthorized work before or after the competition window can lead to penalties or disqualification.
  7. Outside assistance
    Only the registered competitor may perform the scored work in a solo category. Team categories allow registered teammates only. Outside assistance is prohibited unless expressly permitted.
  8. Judging and results
    Judges evaluate the published category criteria. Ties follow the announced tiebreaker. PBA confirms official results after reviewing scores and eligibility. Career W/L records follow PBA’s ranking policy.
  9. Conduct and concerns
    Respect competitors, models, judges, staff and the venue. Unsafe work, interference, harassment or cheating can result in removal or disqualification. Report suspected scoring errors or rule violations through the event’s stated review process.
  10. Prizes and entry terms
    Prizes, payout requirements, refunds, transfers and cancellations follow the terms published for the specific event. Purchasing an entry does not guarantee a prize or advancement.

Online Tournaments

  1. Entry and commitment
    Meet the tournament’s eligibility and registration requirements. Review the full schedule before entering, including every round and any announced live finale.
  2. Tournament format
    Follow the advertised format, whether head-to-head elimination, Survivor or another announced structure. Advancement follows official judged results and the published tournament rules.
  3. Fresh work every round
    Create a new submission for every round you reach. Previous cuts, portfolio work, photos and recordings cannot be reused. Connected themes may be allowed, but each round still requires fresh work.
  4. Solo and tag-team participation
    Only registered competitors may perform the scored work. For tag-team battles, both teammates must work together in the same location and appear in the time-lapse proof. Undisclosed assistance is prohibited.
  5. Required submission package
    Submit clear before photo(s), one continuous time-lapse showing the full required process, and final photos showing the front, back and both sides. Include category detail shots and the supplied overlay when required.
  6. Proof and accurate presentation
    Keep the competitor and model or mannequin visible in the recording. Do not remove stages or splice separate sessions together. Keep the original recording available for verification. Filters, retouching, AI edits and changes that misrepresent the work are prohibited. Overlays must not cover judged details.
  7. Round requirements and deadlines
    Follow each round’s theme, permitted preparation, time limit and proof instructions. Submit through the official channel by the listed deadline and time zone. Posting on social media does not replace submission.
  8. Corrections and missed rounds
    Corrections must follow the submission process and arrive before the deadline. After the cutoff, PBA may request original files or clarification without permitting new competitive work. Missing or invalid entries may result in forfeiture or elimination under the tournament rules.
  9. Judging and official records
    Judges use the published scoring criteria and announced tiebreaker. Report suspected calculation errors, eligibility issues or rule violations through the stated review process. Official eligible outcomes are recorded under PBA’s ranking policy.
  10. Integrity, prizes and entry terms
    Borrowed work, falsified proof, hidden assistance or harassment can lead to disqualification. Use safe, sanitary practices throughout your submission. Prizes, refunds, transfers and cancellations follow the tournament’s published terms.

Online Barber Battles (One Submission)

  1. Entry and eligibility
    Meet the category’s eligibility requirements and complete your battle entry and any required PBA registration before the cutoff.
  2. How the battle works
    Submit one complete final entry for judging against the other eligible entries. Winners follow the published scoring and tiebreaker rules. There are no advancing rounds unless expressly stated on the battle page.
  3. Original work only
    Create fresh work specifically for this battle. Previous battle entries, portfolio photos, borrowed work and submissions created by another barber are not eligible.
  4. Follow the challenge
    Meet the posted theme, permitted preparation, techniques, products and any time limit. Only the registered competitor may perform the scored work unless the category expressly allows a team.
  5. Required submission package
    Provide clear before photo(s), one continuous time-lapse showing the full required process, and final photos of the front, back and both sides. Add required detail shots and the submission overlay when applicable.
  6. Proof and presentation
    Keep the competitor and model or mannequin visible in the recording. Do not remove stages or splice sessions together. Retain the original recording for verification. Use clear lighting and accurate color. Filters, retouching, AI edits and changes that misrepresent the work are prohibited.
  7. Submission deadline
    Send your complete entry through the official channel before the published deadline and time zone. Confirm that every file is accessible. A social media post does not replace the required submission.
  8. Corrections and incomplete entries
    Corrections must follow the posted process and arrive before the cutoff. Afterward, PBA may request original files or clarification without allowing a new cut or replacement competitive work. Late entries or missing proof may make your submission ineligible.
  9. Judging and results
    Judges score the published category criteria. PBA confirms results after scoring and eligibility review. Report suspected errors or violations through the stated review process. Career W/L records follow PBA’s ranking policy; submitting an entry alone does not count as a win.
  10. Conduct, prizes and entry terms
    Respect competitors, models, judges and staff. Use safe, sanitary practices. Cheating, falsified proof or harassment can lead to disqualification. Prizes, refunds, transfers and cancellations follow the battle’s published terms.