Q: Gina, I have a few questions about figure/bikini competing. What do the judges keep in mind when they are comparing us on stage? and How does a competitor move onto the National Level Shows?
A: Great question and one I get asked all the time! Below are some rules and regulations to help you…
COMPETITION JUDGING OF BIKINI:
Presentation
* Competitors will walk onstage alone and perform their Model Walk (personal preference)
* The Model Walk consists of the following:
Walk to the center of the stage, stop and do a front stance then a full turn and do a rear stance then turn to the front again in front of the judges and then proceed to the side of the stage.
Comparison Round, Two-Piece Swimsuit
* Competitors will be judged wearing a two-piece swimsuit and heels.
* The competitors will be brought out in a group and directed to do a full front and rear stance.
* Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other in half turns. (No side judging permitted, front and back only.)
* Judges will be scoring competitors on the following items:
o Balance and Shape
o Overall physical appearance including complexion, skin tone, poise and overall presentation.
COMPETITION JUDGING FIGURE:
A typical competition consists of a two piece round. The competitors wear two-piece swimsuits and high-heeled shoes, presenting their physiques with a series of quarter- or half-turns toward the judges and audience. They execute a series of quarter-turns to the right, allowing the judges to view and compare them from all sides for symmetry, presentation, and other aesthetic qualities such as skin tone, hair, make-up, and stylishness of suit. Figure competitors are judged more critically against the others for conditioning, leanness, and how “feminine” and “athletic”. Physique guidelines typically suggest a small amount of muscular mass; clear separations between muscle groups (but, no visible striations); and, leanness. Figure competitors are judged solely on muscular symmetry and tone and muscle size is downplayed. Figure competitions appeal most to women who want to compete in a body competition, but wish to avoid Fitness shows’ additional athletic and creative demands or muscle mass of bodybuilding.
It is hard to say what body fat percentage you should shoot for as it depends on everyone’s particular body, composition, lines, symmetry and overall muscle tone, as what percentage looks best on them! Someone may look better with more body fat than someone else. You really have to be the best you can and shoot for a body fat percentage that is going to suit your physique, allowing to you be lean yet curvy and not too defined.
NATIONAL EVENTS:
QUALIFYING FOR NATIONAL LEVEL EVENTS
* An athlete must have competed in an NPC Bikini or Figure event prior to entering a national contest.
* An athlete must have placed top 5 in an NPC National Qualifying show. Their qualification is good for 1 year.
The NPC national level contests are listed below:
*JUNIOR USA BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
*JUNIOR NATIONAL BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
*USA BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
*TEAM UNIVERSE BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
*IFBB NORTH AMERICAN BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
*NATIONAL BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
