2011 NPC Men's Physique Division Brings in a Different Type of Athlete

Douglas-Zimmerman1Each year there seems to be a new class, division or major change in the sport of bodybuilding and 2011 will be no different.  With the introduction of the Bikini division competitors wondered when a "men's bikini division" would arise and although that didn't happen  there was the birth of something else. The Men's Physique Division. If you can't get your mind around that then think of chiseled abs and the muscularity of a Men's Health cover model  with an appealing combination of aesthetics and symmetry.

 

This new physique division will open the doors to many men who are just shy of being bodybuilders and carry a sculpted physique.  Just as the other divisions have a judging criteria so does the men's physique division.  The basic premise is conditioning, muscularity and good presentation in board shorts and barefoot.  This division is open to competitors who don't want to look like the three hundred pound beast seen on theIFBB stage or for those who would prefer to minimize or exclude the use of performance drugs.

 
 

Rules and Regulations of Men's Physique Division

 

Men’s Physique Division
Beginning in 2011 a new division for men will be introduced – Men’s Physique. The following are the guidelines/rules.

Judging Criteria:

* Muscularity and Body Condition
Judges will be looking for fit contestants 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
Contestants will be asked to walk in board shorts (shorts must be just above the knee in length and can be one inch below the belly button, no spandex and no logos are permitted on the board shorts however a manufacturer’s logo such as Nike symbol or Billabong are acceptable. Competitors will enter the stage without a shirt and barefoot. No lewd acts are allowed. Example: The moon pose. Judges are looking for the contestant with the best stage presence and poise who can successfully convey his personality to the audience.

COMPETITION JUDGING

Presentation:
* Competitors will walk to the center of the stage alone and perform quarter (1/4) turns with optional pose of hand on hip or hand in pocket, face the judges as directed then proceed to the side of the stage.

Comparison Round:
* The competitors will be brought back out in a group and directed to do quarter turns
* Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other in quarter turns.

Promoters can choose to have one class or two. For contests with two classes:

* Up to including 5’8”
* Over 5’8”

National level contests do not permit competitors to crossover into Bodybuilding. All other competitions are permitted to have crossovers at the discretion of the promoter with district chairperson’s approval.

Who Qualifies for National Level Men’s Physique Competitions:

Competitors that place in the top five (5) in each class at national qualifying contests will have a one year qualification for national level events.

Note: For 2011 a place in the top five (5) of any Men’s Physique contest will qualify you for national level contests.

QUALIFYING FOR IFBB PROFESSIONAL STATUS:

* NPC JUNIOR USA CHAMPIONSHIPS – Top 2 placers in the overall comparison earn IFBB Pro Card
* NPC JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – Top 4 placers in the overall comparison earn IFBB Pro Card
* TEAM UNIVERSE – Height class winners earn IFBB Pro Card
* NPC USA CHAMPIONSHIPS – Height class winners earn IFBB Pro Card
* IFBB NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS – Top 2 placers in the overall comparison earn IFBB Pro Card
* NPC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – Height class winners earn IFBB Pro Card