Beginning January 2009,
the one-piece round has been eliminated.

When judging a fitness 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, with no excessive leanness. I stress this is not a bodybuilding competition. The fitness competitions provide alternative contests for athletic women who train, but do not wish to gain muscle size, vascularity, or "cuts" required for bodybuilding competitions. 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.

1. CHECK-IN: Double check your entry form for information concerning the location and time of check-ins. It is your responsibility to be on time.

If you are planning 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 judges will be able to see it clearly.

3. CONTEST FORMAT: Special note:Generally speaking, the stage area is 12' x 30' . However please check with Lindsay Productions as these dimensions change depending on the venue.

In California, at local events, there will be one height class.

If there are more than 15 athletes in the event, the elimination round will be used as follows.

All athletes will be brought out on stage in round # 1 in their 2 piece bikini swimsuit, which must cover 50% of the glutes, V style suits are acceptable, however, no thong, or T backs, high heels required. Quarter turns will be directed by the head judge. At this time the judges are assessing the overall physique for degree of athleticism, proportion and skin tone. An X will be placed by the numbers of the athletes that the judges feel best represent the top 15 athletes present. The head judge will then tally the judges scores and the top 15 athletes with the majority of X's will continue in the prejudging with their fitness routine.

4. ROUNDS OF COMPETITION: Prejudging will consist of one round of competition – swim suit round (2 piece bikini). Round #2 - two (2) minute fitness routine (performed at evening finals only at local/regional events)

ROUND #1 Bikini swimsuit: High heels required, 2 piece bikini swimsuit must cover 50% of the glutes, no thong or T back allowed, however V style suits are acceptable.

The athletes will be brought out in numerical order in their 2-piece swimsuit. At this time the judges may ask for certain contestants to be placed next to other contestants. Quarter turns will then be directed by the head judge so they can make any final comparisons they wish.

ROUND #2 Fitness routine round: Wood floor, costume, tennis shoes required, no oils (this round is performed at the evening finals only).

Each athlete will perform a maximum two minute routine to music. The judges will be looking for strength, flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning, style, personality, coordination and overall performance. Contestants should give special attention to their costume, since it too will be judged. Routines may include aerobics, dance, gymnastics or other demonstration of athletic talent. Keep in mind the judges will be looking for overall cardiovascular conditioning from start to finish.

Props are allowed and encouraged, but must be approved by Lindsay Productions prior to the competition.

NOTE: For national events only The following mandatory strength moves must be incorporated into your fitness routine: 1-arm push-up, leg extension hold, high kick, straddle hold, full split front, full split side. For questions on these moves, please email Sandy Ranalli at sandra_ranalli@yahoo.com or call her at (818) 763-7247. These moves are not required at the local level events.

MUSIC: CD only IS ACCEPTABLE. Each CD must contain only one song (music mixing allowed), must be pre-set, and must bear the contestant’s name. Each contestant is responsible for picking up his/her music at the Evening Show. Lindsay Productions will not accept liability for music left behind. Music that contains profane language or disparaging remarks is not allowed. If such music is used, it will be be turned off and you are subject to disqualification by the meet chairman.

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

HAIR: There are no rule that says 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 during both rounds, however they 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 Women's Fitness / 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. Any 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 for the finals. At the local/regional levels of competition all athletes will perform their 2-minute routine at the evening finals. Remember that this portion of the competition will be judged at that time and only then will placements be made.

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 events real soon.