NPC Worldwide Rules

Check-in

All competitors must present themselves at Check-in where they will be registered and, if required, weighed and height-measured.

Music

If required, all music must be submitted at Check-in.

Backstage Access

The only people permitted in the backstage area are approved officials and media.

Competitor Health

• Any competitor who appears to be disoriented or light-headed, or who experiences undue cramping, will not be permitted to compete.
• Any competitor disqualified for health reasons must be checked by the attending EMT and, if it is advised by the EMT, must go to the nearest hospital for evaluation.
• Competitors who refuse to be evaluated by the EMT or at the hospital will be suspended from competition for a period of one year from the date of the occurrence.

1. CLASSES

2. ATTIRE

1. Posing suits must be standard men’s swimsuit with at least ½ rear coverage. Suits must meet acceptable standards of taste and decency. Thongs are prohibited.
2. Posing suits must be one color. Fringe, wording, sparkle or fluorescents is prohibited.
3. Competitors must not alter the fit of the posing suit by hiking it up in the back or by pulling up the sides during Front and Rear Lat Spreads.

3. MUSIC

1. Posing music must be on a CD or USB stick.
2. Posing music must be the only music on the CD or USB stick.
3. Posing music must not contain vulgar lyrics. Competitors using music containing vulgar lyrics will be disqualified.

4. ONSTAGE

1. During the Judging, competitors shall not wear jewelry except for a wedding band.
2. Prescription eyewear (except sun glasses) is permitted.
3. The following is prohibited while onstage:
   • Props
   • Chewing gum
   • “Moon Pose” (any competitor performing this pose will be disqualified)
   • Lying on the stage.
   • Bumping and shoving (the first and second person involved will be disqualified)
4. Competitor numbers must be worn on the left side of the posing suit during the Judging and Finals.

5. FORMAT

JUDGING

Presentation

1. Each competitor proceeds to center-stage individually in numerical order and automatically performs the mandatory poses. No signal from the Head Judge is required.
2. Each competitor has a maximum of 60 seconds to perform the poses. A warning will be given when 10 seconds remain.
3. Competitors are not required to use the full 60 seconds.
4. The mandatory poses are:
   • Front Double Biceps
   • Front Lat Spread
   • Side Chest
   • Back Double Biceps
   • Back Lat Spread
   • Side Triceps
   • Abdominals and Thighs

Comparisons

1. The Head Judge will call the competitors, in small groups and in numerical order, to center stage to perform the quarter turns and mandatory poses.
2. In the call-outs, the Head Judge will direct specific competitors to perform the quarter turns and mandatory poses. Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other.

*Judges will score competitors according to the “total package”, which is a balance of size, symmetry and muscularity.

FINALS

Routine

1. Competitors are called onstage individually in numerical order to perform a posing routine to music of the competitor’s choice.
2. The length of the posing routine is a maximum of 60 seconds.
3. Depending on the number of competitors, the promoter and Head Judge may decide that only the top finalists shall perform their posing routine.

Confirmation

(if necessary*)
Competitors are called onstage and, under the direction of the Head Judge, are compared in groups while performing the mandatory poses.
*The judging panel, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to re-judge using a Confirmation round.

Posedown

(overall title only)
The top finalists take part in a 60-second posedown.

6. SCORING

1. The Judging is scored 100%.
2. Ties are broken using the Relative Placement method.

1. CLASSES

2. ATTIRE

Competitors are required to wear posing shorts (see image below). Board shorts or bodybuilding posing trunks are prohibited. Competitors are required to wear the same type of cut and all shorts that are worn in competition must be black.

NATIONAL PHYSIQUE COMMITTEE & IFBB PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE
ANNOUNCEMENT
Pittsburgh, PA
December 19, 2018

Since the inception of the Men’s Classic Physique division two years ago, the standard to wear was
the Black Classic Physique Shorts. Over time we’ve heard you, the competitors, with suggestions
and have previously followed through by both adding another height division from three to four
and increasing the allowable weights for your height in both the NPC and IFBB Professional
League.

Probably the suggestion we’ve heard the most though is competitors wanting to compete in more
traditional posing trunks that don’t cover the top of the thighs and hamstrings. Well you wanted
“Classic” and now you are going to get “Classic”! Starting January 1, 2019, ALL Men’s Classic
Physique competitors, both IFBB Pro and NPC, will be competing in Classic Physique Posing
Trunks!

Competitors are required to wear the same type of cut and all Classic Physique Posing Trunks that
are worn in competition must be black and no less than 4-1/2 Inches on the sides/hips. See the
photo examples.
You can purchase your Classic Physique Posing Trunks now at www.npcwear.com

3. MUSIC

1. Posing music must be on a CD or USB stick.
2. Posing music must be the only music on the CD or USB stick.
3. Posing music must not contain vulgar lyrics. Competitors using music containing vulgar lyrics will be disqualified.

4. ONSTAGE

1. During the Judging, competitors shall not wear jewelry except for a wedding band.
2. Prescription eyewear (except sunglasses) is permitted.
3. The following is prohibited while onstage:
   1. Props
   2. Chewing gum
   3. “Moon Pose” (any competitor performing this pose will be disqualified)
   4. Lying on the stage.
   5. Bumping and shoving (the first and second person involved will be disqualified)
4. Competitor numbers must be worn on the left side of the posing suit during the Judging and Finals.

5. FORMAT

JUDGING

Presentation

1. Each competitor proceeds to center-stage individually in numerical order and automatically performs the mandatory poses. No signal from the Head Judge is required.
2. Each competitor has a maximum of 60 seconds to perform the poses. A warning will be given when 10 seconds remain.
3. Competitors are not required to use the full 60 seconds.
4. The mandatory poses are:
   1. Front Double Biceps
   2. Side Chest
   3. Back Double Biceps
   4. Abdominals and Thighs
   5. Favorite Classic Pose (no Most Muscular)

Comparisons

1. The Head Judge will call the competitors, in small groups and in numerical order, to center stage to perform the quarter turns and mandatory poses.
2. In the call-outs, the Head Judge will direct specific competitors to perform the quarter turns and mandatory poses. Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other.

*Judges will score competitors according to the “total package”, which is a balance of size, symmetry and muscularity.

FINALS

Routine

1. Competitors are called onstage individually in numerical order to perform a posing routine to music of the competitor’s choice.
2. The length of the posing routine is a maximum of 60 seconds.
3. Depending on the number of competitors, the promoter and Head Judge may decide that only the top finalists shall perform their posing routine.

Confirmation

(if necessary*)
Competitors are called onstage and, under the direction of the Head Judge, are compared in groups while performing the mandatory poses.
*The judging panel, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to re-judge using a Confirmation round.

Posedown

(overall title only)
The top finalists take part in a 60-second posedown.

6. SCORING

1. The Judging is scored 100%.

Ties are broken using the Relative Placement method.

1. CLASSES

2.ATTIRE

1. Competitors compete in Board Shorts.
2. The shorts must be above the knee in length and can be 1” below the belly button.
3. Spandex is not permitted.
4. Logos are not permitted except that a manufacturer’s logo (i.e. Nike, Billabong) is acceptable.
5. Competitors compete shirtless and barefoot.

3. ONSTAGE

1. Prescription eyewear (except sunglasses) is permitted.
2. Competitor numbers must be worn on the left side of the shorts at all times while onstage.
3. The “Moon Pose” is prohibited.
4. Gymnastic moves are prohibited.

4. FORMAT

JUDGING

Presentation

1. Each competitor, in numerical order, walks onstage and performs front and back turns, finishing facing the judges. Length of time allowed is 30 seconds.
2. Depending on the number of competitors in the class, each competitor may be directed to:
   1. exit the stage until the entire class has performed the front and back turns, at which time the entire class is called back onstage; or
   2. line up along diagonal lines on the sides of the stage.

Comparisons

1. The Head Judge will call the competitors, in small groups and in numerical order, to center stage to perform the front and back turns.
2. In the call-outs, the Head Judge will direct specific competitors to perform the front and back turns. Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other in the front and back turns.

5. SCORING

The Presentation and Comparisons are scored 100%.

Muscularity and Body Condition

Judges will be looking for fit competitors who display proper shape and symmetry combined with muscularity and overall condition. This is not a bodybuilding contest so extreme muscularity should be marked down.

Stage Presence and Personality

Judges are looking for the competitor with the best stage presence and poise who can successfully convey his personality to the audience. *If necessary, the judging panel, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to re-judge at the Finals using a Confirmation round.

1. CLASSES

2. ATTIRE

1. Posing suit bottoms must be V-shaped with at least ½ rear coverage. Suits must meet acceptable standards of taste and decency. Thongs are prohibited.
2. Posing suits may include a printed design with fringes, lace, sparkle or fluorescents.
3. Competitors must not alter the fit of the posing suit by hiking it up in the back or by pulling up the sides during Front and Rear Lat Spreads.

3. MUSIC

1. Posing music must be on a CD or USB stick.
2. Posing music must be the only music on the CD or USB stick.
3. Posing music must not contain vulgar lyrics. Competitors using music containing vulgar lyrics will be disqualified.

4. ONSTAGE

1. During the Judging, competitors shall not wear jewelry except for a wedding band. During the Finals, earrings and other jewelry may be worn.
2. During the Judging, the hair must be worn up, off the shoulders and back. Decorative pieces in the hair are prohibited. During the Finals, the hair may be worn down, and decorative pieces in the hair are permitted.
3. Prescription eyewear (except sunglasses) is permitted.
4. The following is prohibited while onstage:
   • Props
   • Chewing gum
   • “Moon Pose” (any competitor performing this pose will be disqualified)
   • Lying on the stage.
   • Bumping and shoving (the first and second person involved will be disqualified)
5. Competitor numbers must be worn on the left side of the posing suit bottom during the Judging and Finals.

5. FORMAT

JUDGING

Presentation

1. Each competitor proceeds to center-stage individually in numerical order and automatically performs the mandatory poses. No signal from the Head Judge is required.
2. Each competitor has a maximum of 60 seconds to perform the poses. A warning will be given when 10 seconds remain.
3. Competitors are not required to use the full 60 seconds.
4. The mandatory poses are:
   1. Front Double Biceps
   2. Front Lat Spread
   3. Side Chest
   4. Back Double Biceps
   5. Back Lat Spread
   6. Side Triceps
   7. Abdominals and Thighs

Comparisons

1. The Head Judge will call the competitors, in small groups and in numerical order, to center stage to perform the quarter turns and mandatory poses.
2. In the call-outs, the Head Judge will direct specific competitors to perform the quarter turns and mandatory poses. Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other.

*Judges will score competitors according to the “total package”, which is a balance of size, symmetry and muscularity.

FINALS

Routine

1. Competitors are called onstage individually in numerical order to perform a posing routine to music of the competitor’s choice.
2. The length of the posing routine is a maximum of 60 seconds.
3. Depending on the number of competitors, the promoter and Head Judge may decide that only the top finalists shall perform their posing routine.

Confirmation

(if necessary*)
Competitors are called onstage and, under the direction of the Head Judge, are compared in groups while performing the mandatory poses.
*The judging panel, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to re-judge using a Confirmation round.

Posedown

(overall title only)
The top finalists take part in a 60-second posedown.

6. SCORING

1. The Judging is scored 100%.
2. Ties are broken using the Relative Placement method.

1. CLASSES

2. ATTIRE

1. Competitors may dress as they deem appropriate to perform their fitness routines, except that:
   1. Fitness routine attire must meet acceptable standards of taste and decency.
   2. Thongs are prohibited.
2. Athletic footwear may be worn at the discretion of the competitor.

3. MUSIC

1. Routine music must be on a CD or USB stick.
2. Routine music must be the only music on the CD or USB stick.
3. Routine music must not contain vulgar lyrics. Competitors using music containing vulgar lyrics will be disqualified.

4. ONSTAGE

1. Prescription eyewear is permitted. Sunglasses are permitted if they are an accessory to the routine attire.
2. Competitor numbers must be worn on the left side of the routine attire.
3. Props are permitted under the following conditions:
   1. They must be of a size and weight to allow transport onto and off the stage by the competitor, without assistance.
   2. They must not leave any residue on the stage that might cause a safety hazard for other competitors, or that might require cleaning the stage before subsequent use by other competitors.
   3. If discarded during the routine, they must be transported off the stage by the competitor, without assistance.
4. Competitors are prohibited from wearing product (e.g., oils, lotions, creams, etc.) that may leave slippery residue on the stage.

5. FORMAT

NPC AND NPC WORLDWIDE FITNESS RULES – 2022 UPDATE

Beginning in 2022, for NPC and NPC Worldwide Fitness division, the Two-Piece
Swimsuit Round will return just as it is in IFBB Professional League Fitness and will
count for 1/3 of the score.

• The bottom of the suit must be v-shaped. No thongs are permitted. All swimsuits
  must be in good taste.
• Competitors must wear high heels
• Competitors may wear jewelry

The Fitness Routines must include the following mandatory moves and be a maximum
of 2 minutes to music of the competitor’s choice:

• Push Up (of any kind)
• High Kick
• Straddle Hold
• Side Split

The Fitness Routine will count for 2/3 of the score.

1. CLASSES

2. ATTIRE

1. Competitors compete in a two-piece suit. The bottom of the suit must be v-shaped. Thongs are prohibited. Competitors can compete in an off-the-rack suit. All suits must meet acceptable standards of taste and decency.
2. Competitors must wear high heels.
3. Competitors may wear jewelry.

3. ONSTAGE

1. Prescription eyewear (except sunglasses) is permitted.
2. Competitor numbers must be worn on the left side of the suit bottom at all times while onstage.

4. FORMAT

JUDGING

Presentation

1. Each competitor, in numerical order, walks to the center of the stage and performs the quarter turns. Length of time allowed is 30 seconds.
2. Depending on the number of competitors in the class, each competitor may be directed to:
   1. exit the stage until the entire class has performed the quarter turns, at which time the entire class is called back onstage; or
   2. line up along diagonal lines on the sides of the stage.

Comparisons

1. The Head Judge will call the competitors, in small groups and in numerical order, to center stage to perform the quarter turns.
2. In the call-outs, the Head Judge will direct specific competitors to perform the quarter turns. Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other.

5. SCORING

The Presentation and Comparisons are scored 100% using the following criteria:

1. Small degree of muscularity with separation, no visible striations
2. Overall muscle tone with shapely lines, overall firmness, and not excessively lean
3. Full general assessment
4. Healthy appearance
5. Skin tone and make-up

*If necessary, the judging panel, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to re-judge at the Finals using a Confirmation round.

1. CLASSES

NPC, NPC WORLDWIDE & IFBB PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE UPDATED BIKINI RULES, MARCH 2020 BIKINI COMPETITOR RULES

1. PRESENTATION

   • Competitors will walk on stage 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 back stance, then turn to the front again and face the judges as directed, then proceed to the side of the stage.  No lewd acts are permitted.  Length of time allowed is 10 seconds.

   • NOTE:

     We do not want to see the arm off to the side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards or downwards.

2. COMPARISON ROUND, TWO-PIECE SWIMSUIT

   • Competitors will be judged wearing a two-piece swimsuit and heels.
   • The competitors will be brought back out in a group and directed to do a full front and back stance.
   • Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other in half turns. (No side judging permitted, front and back only.)

   • NOTE:

     We do not want to see the arm off to the side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards or downwards.

3. SCORING

   Judges will be scoring competitors using the following criteria:

   • Balance and Shape
   • Overall physical appearance including complexion, skin tone, poise and overall presentation.

   Correct Posing

   (see example images below)

   

   Incorrect Posing

   (see example images below)

   

   

   BIKINI COMPETITOR RULES

   • Competitors will compete in a two-piece suit. The bottom of the suit must be v-shaped. No Thongs are permitted.  Competitors can compete in an off-the-rack suit.  All swimsuits must be in good taste.  Athletes will be warned about improper suits and are advised to bring two (2) suits to
     check in.  If the fronts of the suit(s) bottoms are too low and the judges deem them so at check-in’s, then the suit must be constructed higher, otherwise the Athletes will be scored down if the suit is not up to standard.
   • Competitors must wear high heels.
   • Competitors may wear jewelry.

   *Note:

   The NPC, NPC Worldwide and IFBB Professional League Have Not Authorized or Granted the license, authority or exclusivity to any competition suit company or designer to be their Official Suit Maker and to advertise their suits as an Official Cut or Approved Cut. There has never been an Official
   or Approved “Pro Cut Bikini” for Any Division! That term was erroneously created by suit makers.
   Full Bikini Rules Can Be Viewed Here: http://npcnewsonline.com/bikini-rules/

1. CLASSES

2. ATTIRE

1. Competitors compete in a two-piece bikini.
2. The bikini bottom must be v-shaped. Thongs are prohibited.
3. The bikini must meet acceptable standards of taste and decency.
4. Competitors can compete in an off-the-rack bikini.
5. The bikini does not have to be solid in color.

3. MUSIC

1. Posing music must be on a CD or USB stick.
2. Posing music must be the only music on the CD or USB stick.
3. Posing music must not contain vulgar lyrics. Competitors using music containing vulgar lyrics will be disqualified.

4. ONSTAGE

1. Prescription eyewear (except sunglasses) is permitted.
2. Competitor numbers must be worn on the left side of the bikini bottom at all times while onstage.
3. Competitors compete barefoot.
4. The “Moon Pose” is prohibited.
5. Lying on the stage is prohibited.
6. Gymnastic moves are prohibited.

5. FORMAT

JUDGING

Presentation

1. Each competitor, in numerical order, walks onstage and performs the mandatory poses as follows:
   1. Front double biceps/open hands (no flat footed full front pose – some sort of front twisting pose)
   2. Back double biceps/open hands
   3. Side triceps with leg extended
   4. Side chest with arms extended
   5. Front abdominals and thighs
2. The competitor has up to 60 seconds to perform the mandatory poses. A 10-second warning will be given.
3. Depending on the number of competitors in the class, each competitor may be directed to:
   1. exit the stage until the entire class has performed the mandatory poses at which time the entire class is called back onstage; or
   2. line up along diagonal lines on the sides of the stage.

Comparisons

1. The Head Judge will call the competitors, in small groups and in numerical order, to center stage to perform the quarter turns and mandatory poses.
2. In the call-outs, the Head Judge will direct specific competitors to perform the quarter turns and mandatory poses. Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other.

FINALS

Routine

1. Competitors are called onstage individually in numerical order to perform a posing routine to music of the competitor’s choice.
2. The length of the posing routine is a maximum of 60 seconds.
3. Depending on the number of competitors, the promoter and Head Judge may decide that only the top finalists shall perform their posing routine.

Confirmation

(if necessary*) Competitors are called onstage and, under the direction of the Head Judge, are compared in groups while performing the quarter turns and mandatory poses. *The judging panel, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to re-judge using a Confirmation round.

Posedown

(overall title only) The top finalists take part in a 60-second posedown.

6. SCORING

1. The Judging is scored 100%.
2. Ties are broken using the Relative Placement method.

Comments on Judging

The Women’s Physique division has been created to provide a platform for women who enjoy weight training, contest preparation and competing. Competitors should display a toned, athletic physique showcasing femininity, muscle tone, and the beauty and flow of the physique. The following are examples
of common terms used in the bodybuilding industry. These words can be helpful to assess what should not be descriptive of the physiques being judged in Women’s Physique – ripped, shredded, peeled, striated, dry, diced, hard, vascular, grainy, massive, thick, dense, etc. All types of physiques will
be considered when it comes to height, weight, structure, etc. Excessive muscularity should be scored down. Women’s Physique competitors should have the overall aesthetics and look that is found in Figure with a little more overall muscularity.

What is the Wellness Division?

This division is for females with athletic physique’s that showcase more body mass in the hips, glutes and thigh areas.  The upper body is developed but not to the same degree as the lower body.

Height Classes

Posing and Presentation

Front:

Competitors will face front with one hand on hip, one arm straight down and one leg slightly extended. We do not want to see the arm off to side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards.

Quarter turn Right:

Competitors will turn slightly facing the judges with right hand on hip and left arm straight down and right leg bent at knee. More like a twisting side pose that Bikini competitors perform. We do not want to see the arm off to side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards.

Quarter turn Rear:

Competitors will face the rear with lower back arched with glutes pushed back. We do not want to see the arm off to side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards.

Quarter turn Right:

Competitors will turn slightly facing the judges with the left hand on the hip, right arm relaxed and left leg bent at knee. We do not want to see the arm off to side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards.

Model Walk:

As it is currently performed in the Bikini Division. Listen to instructions from the Head Judge. *As with All Other Divisions, No Lewd Acts Are Permitted and will result in automatic disqualification. *We do not want to see the arm off to side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards as seen
below.