When judging a figure competition the judges shall assess the athleticism of the physique. This is not a bodybuilding contest. A SMALL DEGREE OF MUSCULARITY WITH SEPARATION IS DESIRED, WITH NO VISIBLE STRIATIONS. The muscle tone should appear firm and round with a small amount of body fat over the muscle, and no excessive leanness. The figure competitions provide alternatives for athletic women who (a) Train. (b) Do not wish to gain muscle size and vascularity and (c) do not have a strong gymnastic / dance background. All Figure and Fitness competitors must have reached their eighteenth (18) birthday by the day of the contest.

Any questions you have can be answered by e-mail at info@musclecontest.com. You may also get information by going to www.npcnewsonline.com.

To answer MANY of your questions concerning the judging process, you can purchase a very informative tape titled "What the Judges Are Looking For" from Repetrope at 1-800-948-6223.

If you plan on wearing a different suit for the evening finals, the suit must be approved by the head judge at the morning prejudging.

2. NUMBERS: Your number should be pinned on the flat plane on your left hip, this way the judges will be able to see it clearly.

3. CONTEST FORMAT:

Figure (local/regional events)
Class A: up to 5'2"
Class B: over 5'2" to 5'4"
Class C: over 5'4" to 5'6"
Class D: over 5'6"

Master Figure (Over 35)
Class A: up to 5'4"
Class B: over 5'4"

Master Figure (Over 45)
One Class

Figure (State Championships and all NPC National events)

A: up to 5'1"
B: over 5'1" to 5'2.5"
C: over 5'2.5" to 5'4"
D: over 5'4" to 5'5.5"
E: over 5'5.5" to 5'7"
F: over 5'7"

4. ROUND OF COMPETITION: During the course of the day there is one round of competition as follows:

You will be asked to walk individually to the center of the stage, stop while facing the audience, then slowly do a series of 1/4 turns so that the judges can see your physique from all angles. Proceed now to the back of the stage standing with the other athletes who preceded you on stage.

The head judge will call you out by your number in groups of 5-7 athletes for quarter turn comparisons. You may be called out several times to be compared with different competitors, so stay focused and S-M-I-L-E.

At the morning prejudging all competitors will be judged in their (2) piece bikini and hi-heels.

5. SCORING: The scores will be compiled and the athletes will be placed numerically 1st place to last place. At the evening finals all competitors will be introduced and the top 5 in each class will be re-judged and awards will be given at that time 1st through 5th. Following the height class awards the head judge will call the class winners back out on stage for comparisons and an overall winner will be chosen at that time.

6. SUITS: Suits may be solid or multi colored – Thong or T back swim suits cannot be worn. V style suits are acceptable and should cover 50% of the glute area.

Two-piece suits may be as follows:

1. Metallic
2. Triangle top or push-up
3. Have any decorations, i.e. studs, sequins, rhinestones, ribbons, etc.

HAIR: There are no rules that say you must wear your hair in any particular style, including up, or down. The judges cannot judge what they cannot see. If your hair is long, be reminded to move it off your back during quarter turns.

JEWELRY: Jewelry may be worn, however it should not detract from your overall appearance.

MAKEUP: The more finished and feminine you appear, the better your overall presentation is. Keep in mind your face makeup should be dark enough to match your body makeup. The judges are looking for the best package of symmetry, stage presence, overall skin tone and femininity.

JUDGING RESULTS: If you wish to approach the judges for feed back, or questions, please do so after the end of the competition at the evening finals.

SPORTSMANSHIP: The NPC requires that athletes conduct themselves in a manner which will reflect favorably on the sport of "figure" and the NPC. Any conduct contrary to that effect is discouraged, and depending on the severity can lead to suspension from competition. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1. Making disparaging remarks concerning any NPC official, judges or competitors anywhere in the venue location.
2. Making disparaging gestures while on stage.
3. Smashing, breaking or throwing an award, damaging or vandalizing the contest venue,
4. Or conduct which demeans you, your fellow athletes, judges or officials.

You will be notified before the end of the prejudging when you need to return to the venue.

Competition can be a source of great triumph and personal growth, We thank you for your interest and look forward to seeing you on stage at one of our NPC sanctioned events real soon.