NANBF Wellness Guidelines

Overview 

• Competitors compete in a two-piece suit. NO Thongs or Thong-like suites are permitted. 

• The suit top can’t be connected to the suit bottom

• The suit top and bottom are the same standard as the bikini category. 

• Athletes concerned with the cut of their suit not being up to standard will submit pictures by contacting info@nanbf.net to ensure it is not an improper suit. If suit fronts or bottoms are too low or small and the judges deem them to not be up to standard, the competitors will be scored down.

• Competitors must wear high heels.

• Competitors may wear jewelry

• Each competitor must be a member of the NANBF.

• Wellness divisions are height based and split according to competitor numbers.

• Wellness competitors are permitted to crossover to Figure, Bikini, Women’s Physique or Women’s Bodybuilding.

• Competitors must be 13 years of age or older. Competitors under 18 must have parental consent.  

• The use of performance-enhancing substances is never permitted. All competitors must successfully pass a polygraph screen prior to competition.

 

Judging criteria

• Judging is based on more lower body muscle development (compared to the upper body) through the hips, gluties, hamstrings, quads and calves. The upper body is developed but not to the same degree as the lower body. 

• Stage presence - poise, posture and confidence. 

• Overall appearance - hair, make-up, skin tone, suit fit and tan. 

• Wellness competitors should not display striations or graininess.

 

Group Comparisons

Each Open class competitor, individually, will be required to hit 3 poses (and no more) of their choice, center stage, prior to group comparisons.  

These poses should be specific to the category and designed to highlight the competitor's physique and presentation/posing ability for the judges.  

The head judge will then direct the competitor to line up in the back of the stage to be ready for group comparisons.  

Each class is then brought to front center stage and is guided through quarter turns as a group by the head judge, to display their physique from front, side and back to determine the most balanced physique.

The 3 required poses prior to group comparisons is not required for Novice, Masters, teen or collegiate.

​

Front Pose

• Competitors will face the judges 

• One hand on hip and the other arm down to the side

• Competitors hips can be square to the front or slightly shifted to either side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

Side Pose

• Competitors face the side.

• Hips and feet face side of the stage.

• Turn your head to look at audience/judges

• The leg facing the judges must be straight with the arm extended down. Bent elbow is not allowed. The leg facing away from the judges must be slightly bent with hand on hip.

​

Back Pose

• Feet no more than shoulder width apart.  Hands placed on the front of your quads

• Slight modification allowed, feet closer together.

• Back is open but not overly flared.

• Feet more than shoulder width apart or leaning forward excessively is NOT permitted, and will be scored down.

• Like all other divisions No Lewd Acts will be permitted and result in disqualification

​

​

Individual presentation stage walks

The individual presentation portion is a stage walk.  This portion of the show is for the crowd and gives the competitor a chance to win a "Best Presentation" award. Competitors walk out to house music of promoter's choice and perform a T-walk or L-walk.

 

T-walk: Consists of walking out from rear center stage, do a single pose, then walk to front center stage turn and walk to stage left and do a pose, then walk to stage right do a pose, then walk to the front center of the stage doing the final pose then exit the stage. 

L-walk: walk from center stage to either right or left stage. Do the same amount of poses in three spots in a straight line, then leave the stage. 

 

Venues vary in accessibility so competitors should reach out to perspective promoters about model/stage walk specifics so that you can prepare properly.

 

Individual presentations should be done tastefully and be conducive to a family atmosphere. Bodybuilding-type poses, fitness moves (like push-ups) and costumes/props should be avoided.

 

Sportsmanship

Remember, you are not alone on stage. Good sportsmanship is important. It makes competitions more enjoyable for everyone. While winning might feel like the most important thing during competitions, good sportsmanship teaches competitors how to be gracious and respectful towards others. If you're disappointed with a placement, show good sportsmanship. Consider asking the judges for feedback after the show. Everyone worked hard. Don't allow poor sportsmanship to ruin the event for others. Sportsmanship also applies to an audience, including viewers and coaches. Competitors or coaches who exhibit what IPE/NANBF deems as poor sportsmanship at the event or on social media are subject to disqualification and may be banned from future IPE/NANBF events...

​

Coaches Code of Conduct

• Coaches are to refrain from using threatening or foul language while at IPE/NANBF events.

• Coaches are not permitted to sit in the row of seats located directly behind the judging table. 

• Coaches cannot approach the judging table at any point before or during prejudging.

• Coaches are responsible for reading and understanding IPE/NANBF Guidelines & Criteria before registering a client in an IPE/NANBF show.

• Coaches are not to poach or solicit the clients of other coaches while attending IPE/NANBF events. 

• Marketing of other organizations' events is strictly prohibited. 

• Coaches who are caught doing any of the above will be escorted out of the venue without a refund. Coaches are to model professionalism and sportsmanship.