IPE - International Pro Elite

Pro Figure

Overview

Competitors wear a two-piece suit and high heels. No thongs or thong like are permitted. All suits must be in good taste. Athletes will be warned about improper suits and are advised to contact show promoter if they are concerned a suit does not meet specifications. Competitors may wear jewelry.
Each competitor must have an active IPE membership.
Figure divisions are height based and split according to competitor numbers
Crossovers are not allowed in other Pro Devisions in the same show.
The use of performance-enhancing substances is never permitted. All competitors must successfully pass a polygraph screen prior to competition.

Judging Criteria
Competitors will be judged in a group.
Based on full, shapely muscularity, balance, proportion and conditioning.
Symmetry in both muscularity and conditioning. No body part overpowers another. Upper and lower body conditioning equal overall.
Figure competitors should not be over-conditioned displaying graininess as seen in Bodybuilding.
Stage presence should display gracefulness and confidence.
Hair, make-up, tan, suit and accessories should compliment the competitors physique.

Group Comparisons:
Each Pro, 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.The turns should not be hard; rather soft feminine turns.

Front and Back Stance:
Both feet together, and arms down by sides.

Side Stances:
(Choice 1) Standard side pose. Feet together. Upper body can be twisted towards judges to accentuate V-taper. Arms down by side.
(Choice 2) Face the side with the standard side pose. Back hand on back hip.

Individual Presentation:
Competitors walk out to music. Judges will evaluate poise, stage presence and how well poses are presented.The individual presentation is not factored into scoring but does count toward consideration for Best Presentation award when offered.

Overall Comparisons:
If the division has more than one class, the winners of each class will compete for an overall title. Overall comparisons are conducted in the same manner as judging.

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.

Coach 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.

SCORING AND TIE-BREAKERS

	7 judges are required for Pro events.
	Each judge takes all criteria for a category into account and assigns one overall score for each contestant in the form of rank during the group comparison rounds.
	A highest and lowest rank for each competitor is dropped as a safeguard against human error and/or bias, whether intentional or on a subconscious level.
	The remaining judges' placements are summed, and the competitor with the lowest sum total receives 1st place in the class. Second lowest sum receives 2nd place, and so on.
	In cases of a tie, competitors ranked higher by the majority of all judges are awarded the higher placements.

Become a IPE judge

Are you a CURRENT NANBF JUDGE looking to take your love of judging to the next level? Become an IPE judge!
To become a judge, you will serve as a test judge for at least two competitions. If you score 90% or better of the total points, as compared to the official judging panel, at both competitions, you will be certified as an IPE judge.
For this certification to remain active, you must judge at least one time per year.
To find out more on becoming a judge, email: info@ipeproelite