How to Assess NPA Fitness/Figure Contests
Sessions: (One or Two)
One : Live Judged//Two : Prejudging and Finals
1. Round One – Contestants are bought on stage as an entire group and will perform a series of ¼ turns wearing high heels. If necessary, smaller groups of no more than 5 competitors will additionally perform ¼ turns that are directed by the head judge. Uniform: Bikini or two piece swimsuit and high heels with numbers worn on the left side of the bottom suit.
2. Round Two - This round contestants come out one at a time and will do the pattern model walk. They will move to stage left or stage right as directed by the head judge. When all the contestants are on stage they will be lined up for ¼ turns. The head judge will take them through a series of ¼ turns as in round one. If necessary, smaller groups of no more than 5 competitors will additionally perform ¼ turns that are directed by the head judge. Uniform: One piece suit w/high heels and number worn on the bottom left side of suit.
3. Round Three – (Fitness only) is when the contestant performs their routines. Each athlete will be introduced in numerical order and will perform a maximum of a two minute routine. Routines should be well choreographed, creative, performed at a high tempo/speed. Routine should include: elements of strength, example straddle hop, leg extension hold, and or one arm push ups, elements of flexibility for example, high kicks, side splits and finally the speed or tempo demonstrates a degree of cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and endurance. Uniform: Athletic exercise gear and numbers will be worn on bottom left side of the outfit. In case of more than one class winner, the class winners will repeat round one, this includes the changing into the appropriate attire.
3A. Round Three – (Figure only) – In case of a tie or more than one class winner the head judge will conduct a figure round three which be a repeat of round one, this includes the changing into the appropriate attire.
Judges focus: Judges are strongly reminded that they are judging a women’s fitness/figure competition and not a women’s bodybuilding competition. The type of muscularity, vascularity, muscular definition and /or dieted leanness displayed by a female bodybuilder will not be considered acceptable.
General Presentation: Judges are reminded that the competitor’s posture and bearing, at all times while on stage is to be considered. The overall image displayed should demonstrate poise and self confidence. This is especially true at all times when the competitor is standing relaxed and during the comparisons of the quarter turns.
Competitor Stance: When standing relaxed, the competitors shall be warned against adopting a tense pose, with arms flexed and out to the side in a display of muscularity. A relaxed stance means that the competitor must stand erect, head and eyes towards the front, shoulders back, chest out, stomach in, feet together, and arms relaxed and hanging freely at the side.
Quarter Turns: These poses display the physique from each side- front, left, and right in that order. This gives the judges the opportunity to assess the physique and to compare it, part for part, with the other contestants on stage from every possible angle.
Transitions: Just as important as hitting the poses themselves is how the contestant looks between poses. This is known as a transition.
Round Three: (Fitness round)Elements of Strength – example, straddle hold, leg extension hold, and/or one-arm pushups (gymnastic movements such as front and back flips, handsprings, and cartwheels are not considered strength elements). The number of strength moves, their degree of difficulty, and the overall creativity of the moves should be considered in the judging of the routine.
Elements of Flexibility – for example: high kicks, side splits and or front splits. The number of flexibility moves, there degree of difficulty and the overall creativity of the moves should be considered in the judging of the routine.
The Speed or tempo – of the routine demonstrates a degree of cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and endurance. Example; if two routines contain the same type and number of strength and flexibility movements, the routine that is performed at a faster tempo will be the more difficult to achieve, so long as the movements are correctly performed. Bottom line, the judge must consider the “Total package.”
Class Restrictions: All athletes will be measured barefoot!
One class (no height restrictions)
Two classes (Under 5’5” – Short) (Over 5’5” – Tall)
Three classes (Under 5’2” – Short) (5’2” to under 5’5”– Medium) (Over 5’ 5” – Tall)
