Contest Info So you want to compete!? Just a little info on NPC physique shows How they are judged, what is expected from the officials etc. NOTE - NPC Membership Registration on Bottom of this Page ~ Brief summary ~ The National Physique Committee judges must go through a testing procedure, which normally requires at least 3 test judging outings. If the test judge meets the requirements, which are normally 85% or better at each of the 3 test’s, they are permitted to judge a lower level event, which usually means a non national qualifying event. If the probationary judge becomes consistent in his / her scoring they will be invited to judge larger and more prestigious events. If their scores are not consistent, they either must re-test and hopefully improve their consistency or will no longer be asked to judge. Even though in most cases the judges consist of current or former high level NPC competitors, not every test judge is a good judge of what the National Physique Committee is looking for in a physique. Women’s Figure seems to be the most difficult for most judges to judge. Bodybuilding and Figure competition is of course a subjective sport, thus the number of judges needed to fairly judge a physique show. Some judges may prefer a larger physique, some may feel conditioning is more important, but symmetry is no doubt one of the most important. Of course many factors come into play along with symmetry and conditioning and posing / presentation of the physique has won or lost many shows. The bottom line is that if the judges “can’t see it they can’t judge it”. A perfect example of this is posing the back. Using Bodybuilding as an example, more competitors than not have a very difficult time posing their back whether it is a lat spread or presenting the back correctly in a double bicep pose from the front or rear. Quarter turns - (or facings) are the first opportunity to compare physique’s whether in Figure or Bodybuilding. According to NPC rules, during quarter turns you would face forward, legs straight, heels on the floor and no “body English” or “twist” into a posing position. Some head judges are strict on this and some are a little lax, but the correct way in all fairness to the competitors is to make everyone perform the same as called for by the rulebook. There is plenty of time to pose during the mandatory phase (or in figure, the presentation phase). Scoring - These Days the Ohio, KY & WV shows are not manually scored. The judge's scores when completed are passed straight to the official scorer and entered into a computer program specifically designed for physique shows. Rarely does, even the head judge see the scores until the evening show. There can be mistakes, but they seem to be extremely rare with this method. Posing Video's - Although there are several decent posing video’s available, I have found that there is no replacement for one on one coaching from an experienced professional that actually knows how the judging procedure works and can help you tap into that mind / muscle connection. There are also at times acceptable variations in several poses such as straight leg, bent knee etc. Keep in mind that not everyone looks good in the same exact pose. Suits - There are many suit manufactures out there these days especially since figure has become so popular. There are also many used suits and shoes (figure) available at very reasonable prices. Suit fit can vary quite a bit from person to person even if you are the same weight and height, so be sure to get a suit that compliments your hard work. Tanning (color) - Contest color is obviously important, but remember it is not a tanning contest. Darker contest color doesn't win shows. If you are light skinned and in need of contest color, we strongly suggest a professional spray tan, not in your local salon, but an actual professional person or company associated / familiar with the physique shows. Considering the price of many self applied tanning products the spray tanning is usually a good deal, hassel free and the color is hard to beat. For any additional info on the NPC and it's rules, you can contact us or go to npcnewsonline.com Print this application, complete it, enclose a check for $85 and mail to: D.S.I. P.O. Box 13541 Pittsburgh, Pa. 15243 |
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