NGA FIGURE COMPETITION STANDARDS AS INDICATED IN NGA BY-LAWS V.1 Modifications 5/3/11

NGA judges will consist of experienced fitness, figure, beauty and performance professionals. A panel of five to seven impartial men and women will be scoring judges. High and low scores will be dropped and a placing system will be used. The head judge may be a scoring official. Ethical concerns are at the discretion of the NGA, the promoter and its’ officials. All participants will be drug screened prior to competition in accordance with NGA regulations.

n coordination with the NGA by-laws the following standards will be used as guidelines.

• A general athleticism to the body (a feminine conditioning) will be viewed in mandatory quarter turns.

• In each quarter: a relaxed erect stance, eyes and head facing the same direction as the body, heels together, feet inclined outward at a 30 degree angle, knees together and unbent, stomach in, chest out, shoulders back, arms relaxed at side and slightly back from center line of the body, elbows slightly bent. As you turn, the positioning of the arms will cause the torso to torque toward judges and open up your features, lines, and shape.

• The contestant should show good balance, proportion and symmetry of her physique.

• From the front, shoulders should be well defined and flow nicely into the triceps and biceps. There should be a taper from the lats into the oblique, noticeably flowing into the sweep of the upper thigh. In general, her physique should show separation and conditioning but not be over lean or striated.

• From the side, her body should show a nice taper from the lat, to the waist. A shoulder cap and firmness throughout the upper torso should be evident. The legs should be muscular with a minimum separation of the quads. The calves should be well developed, and semi-flexed with the use of heels.

• From the back, the shoulders should be well toned, a balanced posture and the entire back mildly defined, showing all components of each muscle group. The figure pose here is to elaborate the tone, not to flex or round out the muscles. The glute’s and hamstrings should be firm ans slightly separated, and should show a well-developed outer sweep to the thigh. Calves will be firm and nicely developed. Limited body fat in this area is a strong adage.

• Presentation and color tone will be considered. We do not judge scars or tattoos.

• Transitions from each quarter turn should be fluid without hesitation and her poise must be well practiced.

• Overall polish, hair, make-up and accessories can make a difference. It is recommended you use heels, not platforms. Pastel and skin colored suits wash out on stage. Body piercing is allowed, but jewelry should be limited. Ornamentation for the evening is fine.

• T-Walk will start from back of stage to the house music. Stroll forward, make quarter turns stage center, striking a favorite pose on each side. Continue stage right, half turn, stroll across stage to stage left, half turn. At the corner pivot points, half turns and pauses will allow for hair repositioning, attitude display and professional demeanor. Return to stage center for a favorite pose and exit per stage direction. Waves and smiles are always nice.

COMPETITION ROUNDS AND RULES

Figure divisions are based on Promoters discretion and National ranking. Novice, Master’s and Open are separate divisions. Classes may be separated for judging purposes only. How an athlete is moved around during this process does not determine the final outcome. All women are to participate at both day and evening line-ups. There are no cuts. Music is at the discretion on the promoter. All figure competitors should contact their NGA Promoter for contest specifics regarding house music of individual music requirements.

PRE-JUDGING / AFTERNOON
Round One – Two-Piece Suit Group Comparisons and Stage Walk

• Contestants will be brought out all at once and guided through comparisons in quarter turns. Two-piece suits are required, and vary in ornamentation. No thongs permitted. Light oil or sheen may be used. Jewelry and hairpieces may be worn. No props are used. Heels are mandatory.

• Judges are scoring Shape/Symmetry and Tone/Condition. The judges may move you around. Keep smiling and listen to the calls. Body shape includes how the muscle groups are shaped, pleasing to the eye, balanced.

• Symmetry is how they fit together, the harmony and proportion of the physique. The body structure should have an equal ratio of torso to leg length, shoulders to hips, etc. This also includes the equal development of upper to lower body groups. Lean to fat ratios and body type are viewed.

• The judges will look for a fitness type of physique, which includes a level of overall muscle tone achieved through athletic endeavors but not a bodybuilding development style. The muscles should have a complete and firm appearance, indicating good condition. There should be muscle definition between major muscle groups, like Biceps and Triceps, but not excessive separation or cut. Muscle tone also means the absence of excessive fat and water with a sense of overall body hardness. Minimal vascularity is suggested.

• Once quarter turn comparisons are complete, the group lines up at stage back. Individuals are then called out to perform a stage walk. Start stage center, stroll to stage right, pause, one pose, stroll to stage left, pause, one pose, back to center to a favorite pose, return to the line-up. This allows the officials to prejudge your stage presence and movement

FINALS / NIGHT SHOW
Round Two- Two-Piece Suit Individual T -Walk

• Contestants will be brought out again as a group. A two piece suit is required. Extra ornamentation is permissible and props are allowed. Exiting off stage, you will be re- introduced individually for "T-Walks". Follow the stage directions given earlier, and stroll at a pace that will take up approximately: 60 seconds. You will be judged on Presentation/Poise. Judges are looking for confidence, grace and overall style. Charisma, inner beauty and appearance are taken into account. How you walk, carry yourself and "come across" is pertinent.

• A final line-up may follow. Judges may ask to compare contestants for any final comparisons.

• Each round is considered 50 percent of the total.

• At the awards time, all ladies will come out for a final group stroll.

• The final Top Five in each class will receive awards.

• The Overall Division Winners may earn an invitational application to join our Elite NGA Pro Figure Division.