PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Whatever your reason for selecting a goal to compete and get on stage, we have been thrilled to see that this goal ultimately leads to personal growth and positive life changes.  Confidence increases;  happiness, focus and the sense of being ‘present’ is achieved;  new healthy and active lifestyles are adopted;  great friendships and close bonds are formed; energy is renewed; life is appreciated more; and athletes often also become a source of inspiration to countless others motivating family and friends to also make positive life changes.

STAGE PRESENCE

You came this far.  You set your own personal goals and now you’re on stage, so be proud!  Show your accomplishments to the judges, media, sponsors and audience. Stage presence is very important and is the final component after contest preparation.  Pay attention to your posture; act confident; practice your walk, poses, presentation and turns prior to the event so that no thought is required while on stage. Show your personality, confidence, poise and personal flair. Walk with ease and style. Appear graceful. Keep your head up. Stand straight. Feel free to add your own personality or signature into your presentation. Never play with your suits or talk to your neighbor. Always look up and have a relaxed or pleasant look on your face.  You should do all these things even when you are not in the spotlight because the judges are always evaluating... Remember that!  Article.

SIGN UP EARLY

Signing up in advance allows you to set a goal that is more concrete.  It also helps us on the administration side.  :-)  Plus, you will receive your athlete prep kit 'A FAMErs Guide to Pursuing Sponsorship & Media Opportunities'.  Best of all, most events of the FAME World Tour will include the FAME Advantage Show Program Magazine in which YOU will be featured, should you sign up on time!

TANNING

Athletes tend to look better on stage when they are dark so it is a good idea to tan &/or use tanning creams. Practice your procedure in advance to ensure you achieve your best color and that the tan looks even and natural. Be careful around your face. You may want to use proper face makeup to match the color of the rest of your body.  Article

REMEMBER YOUR SYMMETRY

Remember that posture is always important. Stand tall, shoulders back, chin up.  Look straight ahead rather than down at the judges. Sometimes it's good to catch the judges’ eye but if your head is down too much it will throw off your symmetry. You can glance down with out actually looking down.

YOUR FANS

The more people you have in the audience the more it can actually help improve your performance.  When people are there applauding for you, cheering your name, or yelling trigger words it definitely has a positive impact on your overall presentation.  It gives you that additional vote of confidence,  motivation to do even better (for you and them) and makes your moments of ‘FAME’ that much more remembered and special.  If you are getting a group of people to attend the event, we can arrange so that they all sit in one section and you can also ask them to all wear one color, or a special t-shirt. Ask them to yell your name and clap loud when you perform. This does boost your energy and actually does impact your overall performance. Ask them to shout out trigger words when you need a reminder about your posture, smile or to contract a certain muscle. Hearing their voice and feeling that extra energy is definitely beneficial! Plus, getting applause once your name is called is very uplifting and can help bring up your score!

PROJECTION

Walk with your head up to exude confidence and poise! Try to connect with the crowd. Be the centre of attention. Smiling also helps - whether it be with your mouth &/or your eyes. FAME:  Your Body... Your Goals... Your Time to Shine!

TATTOOS

Many athletes have tattoos. Generally tattoos are fine, however, if they are large or covering up your muscle definition, you may want to try to cover them up with a product such as Dermablend.

PIERCINGS

Navel piercings, earrings, nose rings etc. are fine.

ACCESSORIES

Keep accessories down to a minimum for the symmetry or swimsuit round. Earrings are okay.

BACKSTAGE

Backstage is limited only to athletes, their trainer or one designated person (space permitting - ie. show dependent). We prefer that those people only be backstage with you when their assistance is necessary so that you can actually bond with your fellow athletes.  We will also have WNSO Pros and/or Staff backstage to assist with tanning and questions.

MULTIPLE CATEGORIES

You are allowed to compete in as many categories as you would like. Entering more than one category can be beneficial as it just increases your overall stage time and competition experience. You’ve come this far so you may as well take full advantage of the opportunity to ‘shine’ on stage.  Plus, if you’re looking to be ‘seen’ or ‘scouted’ by media, photographers, and/or sponsors this is definitely a great way increase your recognition.  If your eye is on the prize, this just increases your chances of winning.  Since all categories are based on ranking and individual point scores, it all depends on who else you are competing against - so even if you’re unsure you fit a certain category, you may still do well.

For those competing in multiple categories or divisions that require routines, you can choose to either use the same or different music.  If you are performing the same routine you will only be required to perform it once and your score will be transferred over.  Please bring as many CDs (to the Athlete Meeting  - and as backup) as the number of categories that you are competing in. So if you compete in 2 categories, make sure to bring 2 CDs. This is very important for the event administration and smooth running of the show.

ATHLETE MEETING

Athletes or their Trainer must be at the Athlete Meeting prior to the event. It is the athlete responsibility to ensure someone is there to hand in their music, ask any questions, and fill out any remaining paperwork. The athlete meeting is the time when the show format will be discussed, when all questions will be answered, when category openings are announced (allowing those in attendance to select an additional category), and when the competitor sequence will be shared. Only those athletes who register in advance will be eligible to receive the sponsor gifts that are distributed at the meeting.

DRUG TESTING

All athletes will be viewed by the Physique Screening Panel  the day of the competition during their first round. Select athletes will be sent for further questioning if they fall outside the standard height-weight ratio and/or display other questionable signs of possible banned substance use. In addition, athletes may be urine tested and/or asked to undergo a Voice Stress Analysis Test (lie detector). Please note that WNSO also performs random testing out of competition as well. If you are selected to partake in this random test, you must comply. Should athletes not show for a requested drug test, or refuse to get tested, that athlete may be banned from the event, future WNSO events and will lose any title they may have won.

Banned substances include all products that are not sold over the counter in North America. Non-natural diuretics, steroids, beta blockers, stimulants, anabolic agents/androgens, testosterone, prohormones, Growth Hormone, Andro, Peptide, Glycoprotein Hormones and all derivatives are banned. Ephedrine can be used within the recommended dosage. We do not test for recreational drugs, except cocaine which is a stimulant. Herbal diuretics are fine.   More Details - Click Here.

Prescription Medication: Athletes must provide a signed letter from their doctor indicating their medical condition, the reason for the medication, and the prescription bottle bearing the athletes name, physicians name, drug name and dosage strength. Prescription meds are all fine UNLESS the athlete has a visibly enhanced physique (that appears non-natural) or their height-weight ratio is off. If an athlete is uncertain whether a particular product or medication may be a concern he/she should be advised to contact the Head Judge prior to the event registration to determine an appropriate course of action. However, this does not mean that the athlete will be given a pass. They will still have to undergo the same drug testing procedures as all other athletes.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is NOT permitted backstage or at the event at all, unless the venue has a liquor license (which is not very likely).  We understand that many athletes like to use it as a means to prep for the stage, however that is against our rules. So  PLEASE do not bring alcohol to the event as this is a legal issue and serious offense. The fine is similar to that if you are seen drinking in public.  Should you have alcohol at the show you will be subject to any fine put upon the organization, show producers or event.  This is serious as fines can run up to $20000 or more!  This is also stated within the waiver that all athletes sign meaning that you will be liable to pay the fine.  So again... NO ALCOHOL.

RELIABILITY / PUNCTUALITY

It is your responsibility to arrive at the event on time for your division. If you miss your time on stage, unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done as the judging must be done in a particular order. If you decide to leave the backstage area, you must ensure you are ready in time for your division to go on stage. Anyone who misses their cue may be cut from the contest.

ATTITUDE

A positive attitude is very important. Keep this in mind, even if you are not happy about something - whether it pertain to the contest, another athlete, your own performance etc.  Anyone who resorts to swearing or heated arguments will be disqualified from that event &/or future events. Judges also have the option to deduct points based on athlete attitude.  So please be aware of this and remember to be PROACTIVE rather than REACTIVE.  There are a lot of eyes on you so keep this as a positive experience overall.

POSING OILS

Bodybuilders & Figure Athletes: Posing oils help to accentuate your musculature. Be careful not to lather it on as too shiny can detract from your physique.

POSEDOWN

Bodybuilders & Figure Athletes: Once the house music is turned up loud, and the emcee announces 'POSEDOWN' athletes have the opportunity to outpose and outdo each other. Sometimes it helps to practice your posing sequence ahead of time. Other times it's fun to play around with the athletes and audience. The point is that you want to be noticed by scouts, sponsors, judges and photographers. Bring attention to yourself and 'posedown'! This is your time to shine!

TRAINING TIPS

Be sure to practice your walking, stances and posing (if required) as part of your competition prep.  Most athletes don’t train the few days or week of the show as it may cause water retention, especially leg workouts.    It’s good to test out contest diet and training techniques prior to the show to ensure your body responds well.  Sometimes it takes trial and error.

PROPER POSING:

All Models & Fitness Athletes:

* Symmetry - Everyone has varied posing techniques, which is fine - use whatever looks best for you.   Remember judges are looking first at symmetry so be sure to stand with good posture and in a way that makes your physique look most symmetrical & proportional.

* Walking & Turns - You should appear relaxed and comfortable on stage while accentuating your walk. Shoulders back, chin up, natural smile (in your eyes &/or lips), stomach in, proper posture.  Arms should be swingling comfortably (not too loose nor too stiff). Practice the style that best suits you and your physique.  Wear shoes in which you can easily walk.  Always angle yourself towards the judges while in the line up & when performing your turns off to the side of the stage. Sometimes it helps if you give a slight twist at your waist anyway so that your lower body is facing the side, and your upper body is facing front.  This can help make your waist look thinner.  Bend the front leg and keep the toes pointed. Too much of a twist is not ideal and the Head Judge may ask you to straighten out.  Foot closest to judges can be up on the toe roughly in the middle of the arch of your other foot. Practice which stance looks best to display your ideal symmetry and overall physique.

* Hand Position - Again the hand positioning is up to you based on your comfort and what looks best for you.  Generally, having your arms curved somewhat away from body so that there is air under your armpits allows judges to see your v-taper and body at its best symmetry. If you’re putting one hand on your hip, use the back hand so the rest of your phsyique is visible.  The other hand should be placed slightly behind so the judges can get a good view of your body.  If you don’t put the back hand on your hip, you can hold it slightly in front & to the side of the body in view of the judges.

* Facing the Rear:  Arms should be positioned out from your sides and away from the body. Make sure your shoulder blades are flat against your back.  They should not be sticking out and your back your should look wide. If you have long hair, practice gracefully moving it off your back as you turn.  Legs are generally together but it also depends on what looks best for your physique.

Bodybuilders & Figure Competitors:

Posing requires a great deal of strength and endurance. It is extremely difficult to simultaneously flex everything from your feet to your head while trying to appear relaxed and confident. It is not uncommon to practice the various poses for ½ an hour a day.

* “Bottom Up” Technique - when going into a pose, remember to plant your feet, flex your calves, your quads, your hamstrings.  Stand tall, keep your abs in & tight, keep your chest up and shoulders back, lats flared, and remember your biceps and triceps.  Your head should be facing forward, and you should try to keep a blank look or a smile on your face.  Remember this for each pose including the ‘relaxed’ state.  This will help to make all muscles always look defined.

* Symmetry - Everyone has varied posing techniques, which is fine - use whatever looks best for you.   Remember judges are looking first at symmetry so be sure to stand with good posture and in a way that makes your physique look most symmetrical & proportional.    Judges are also looking at Definition which is why you have to remember the “bottoms up” technique. All your muscles should be flexed and look defined throughout the competition.  Look in the mirror while practicing to determine what is best for you.

* Stances & Poses - Some people find that keeping your heels together (toes flared out) while performing the symmetry round & the bicep posing round, the front lat spread, & the relaxed state helps to make your legs look bigger and can make you appear more symmetrical.   Others prefer standing on the toes of one foot.  It’s up to you which shows off your muscles best. When performing a pose facing the back of the stage, it’s a good idea to extend one leg, slightly bent, so you are on your toes, and then flex the calf muscles & hamstrings. You will notice that each athlete may have a slight variation on the poses as it all depends on what best displays their symmetry and accentuates their physique.

* Relax- When the Head Judge says ‘Relax’ - he doesn’t really mean to relax.  At all times you must hold yourself in a semi-relaxed state which isn’t so relaxed at all.   All your muscles should be tight & you should be looking forward.  Don’t talk to your neighbors, or play with your posing suit,  or completely go limp.  Remember the judges are always scanning the stage and at any time they may be focused on you - even if you are in a lineup at the back.  So, a simple rule is to always maintain composure and muscle tension at all times while on the stage.

* Turns - it is very important to practice your turns - both quarter turns and half turns.  You will need to perform quarter turns for the symmetry round - and they will be a part of the judging.  You should be doing them smoothly, still standing tall & strong.  Remember judges are looking at you at all times.  Pay attention also to your half turns. When you are turning to face the back to perform a pose, the first thing the judges should see is a wide back - so make sure to widen your back as you are going into the turn.  Keep your head up.

* Lat Spread. (Not for Figure Athletes).  Pull your elbows back, anchor your thumb in behind your back just over your obliques, and then spread your elbows out to the sides while flaring your lats.  Hold your back and shoulders high.  Practice not arching your back too much and make sure that you are not covering your lats with your arms.  Stand tall. Remember to flex your leg muscles as well.  When facing the back plant one foot down behind your body & remember to flex your calf first.   Make sure you open up your pose so your back looks its widest.

* Biceps Posing.  Begin with your arms up towards the ceiling & pull your arms down keeping your muscles flexed, and then lift them up again so that you end up with your biceps higher than your shoulders.  When facing the back, you should extend one leg, slightly bent on the toes & flex your calves.  Remember that after you crunch your shoulder blades together, you still have to open up your pose.   Also keep your lats flared & shoulders high.  Make sure not to hold your fists too close to your head, or too far away.  Female Bodybuilders can choose to hold their hands open. Figure athletes must abide by the open handed rule. Stand tall & remember to flex your leg muscles as well.  Female bodybuilders & Figure athletes may choose to hold their legs out to the side.

* Side Chest. Front foot should be on your toes.  Use your back leg to your advantage by pressing it into your front leg.  This will help make your front leg look bigger.  Make sure you do not turn too far forward.  Grab onto your front wrist - and while doing this you should squeeze so that you can tighten up your chest and arms.  Figure Athletes make sure too keep your palm open and not to grab onto your wrist. Make sure not to cover your chest with your arms.  Look straight.

* Side Triceps.  Front foot should be on your toes.  Use your back leg to your advantage by pressing it into your front leg.  This will help make your front leg look bigger. Grab the wrist of your front arm and pull downwards. Keep your shoulders rolled back.  Turn your head to face the front but  make sure that you do not turn your body too far forward.  Figure athletes must do an open handed pose and can just hold their arm straight down behind their back

* Abdominal & Thighs.  Hold one or both hands behind your head.  Practice flexing each leg. Performed facing the side. One or both hands are placed behind your head and slight bend at the waist. Front leg should be slightly bent and pressing against the back leg.

* Most Muscular.  (Not for Figure Athletes). You may be asked to choose your favorite most muscular pose, or you will be told to go into a Crab pose or a Hands-on-Hip Most Muscular.  Either way you must flex all your muscles.  Be sure not to shake

ROUTINES

Bodybuilders, Figure Competitors, Dancers, Fitness Athletes, Pairs & Routines Only Athletes:
Only include movements you can perform with complete accuracy and ease. It's best not to 'chance' something for risk of losing marks. Select to ensure that fits with your personal style, purpose or theme.  The music selection itself can help your overall performance, especially if you add elements and make it unique.  If choosing to use props or themes, make sure you are using them effectively as part of your routine. Although a prop can add to the entertainment value of a routine, you are not given a higher score just for having one. So if you choose to use a prop be sure to incorporate it effectively within the choreography.  Prop set up & tear down must take minimal time and should not exceed 20 seconds, as this just delays the show for everyone. If you have any large or unusual props such as dry ice, smoke or pyrotechnics, please contact us in advance. Regardless of if you choose a prop or theme, make your routine entertaining, captivating, artistic &/or creative - give us the ‘wow’ factor.  If you have any special talents that other athletes may not have, think about incorporating those as it can boost the uniqueness of your performance which is great for the judges, media and sponsors to see.  Please also practice your routine in advance so that it comes second nature and no thought is required.   Most important... Enjoy the process! :-)

MUSIC

Bodybuilders, Figure Competitors, Dancers, Fitness Athletes, Pairs & Routines Only Athletes: All music should be in audio format, not data format (eg MP3). Test your music on a regular CD player (NOT a DVD player). Make sure to burn MP3’s on CD recordable (not re-writable or DVD) discs. Music selection and its recording can make or break your routine. Although you are not getting judged on your music itself, if the sound quality is not great (or if there is profanity) it could impact the judge's impression. So please have your music professionally recorded by a proper DJ at a high quality (as it will be played loud).  This will ensure there is no background static or pops, and that transitions between songs are smooth and volume is consistent.  As well, professional recordings allow for special effects, accents, climax building and allows you to sync your poses to the music. If you are burning your CD from your computer, please ensure that it's nothing less than 192 KBPS // 44 KHZ. All CD’s must be CD-R only.

Music must be submitted at the Athlete Meeting.  Always also keep a backup at the event (should it be required) and leave the original at home. Please write your name on all your CDs. If you want your CD back it will be your responsibility to request it from the DJ that night. Otherwise all music will be discarded.

Select music that best shows your personality and allows you to be creative. Avoid lyrics with profanity as you could lose marks. Music should have good beats &/or rhythm changes that are specific to your routine. To signify the end of your routine it's a good idea to have your music end or fade out.  When athletes leave in the middle of the song it leaves the audience feeling that the routine was not as polished.

If there are any technical difficulties with your music please remember that you are still being judged. Your reaction and how you handle the situation will be noted. Please also note, that any time there is a technical issue, you will be permitted to start your routine over. Just bring this to the attention of the stage manager. If you need the contact information of a reputable DJ please contact us.

EXPOSURE PRE & POST EVENT

Getting yourself into competition shape and actually competing is something to proud of.  Media and the general public love hearing the stories of FAMErs, especially when your ‘story’ can inspire others or involves personal growth or success. However, the only way that they can be made aware of your story is if you actively seek exposure and explain to the media what you are doing. It’s important to realize that the media may not approach you, however that does not mean they are not interested - it just means they are unaware.  Everyone who competes is worthy of exposure. So take lead and maximize your competition experience by acting as your own agent. Do some research, contact and/or send ‘your story’ to local newspapers, industry related websites, magazines & publications, radio shows &/or television.  Since you’re already in shape you may as well take advantage of all opportunities that competition provides. Additional exposure is definitely worth the memory and could even lead to something bigger.

If you need additional information or backup details from FAME, please just contact us.  Whenever possible, we would really appreciate it if you could include the proper name of the event &/or the event website - FAMEworldtour.com . Thank you!

Once you do get some exposure, please notify us and we will post the exciting news on our site!

PRO STATUS

FAME and WNSO Pros are distinguished athletes who can become role models to countless individuals. In winning and accepting professional status and any monetary or endorsement contracts from FAME, each Pro becomes an official FAME Ambassador and have multiple opportunities available to them to further their exposure and career.

In order to maintain status, Pros must behave in a manner in line with FAME and WNSO values and use their FAME or WNSO title in all media exposure.

Pro Status recipients must compete within 2 years of their win in order to maintain their status.  Should they chose not to compete against other pros and continue to compete on the amateur side, they must earn their Pro Status again just like everyone else.

COMPETITION DAY APPROACHING

Mental preparation is very important.  Visualize yourself going through all aspects of the event with perfection and ease.  Remember to also get plenty of sleep.  Finally, stay positive!

SHOW CHECK LIST

Do you have yours? Be sure to make up a list well in advance of the competition so that you remember to bring everything you need (& more). If, on the off chance, there is something that you forgot, everyone is really friendly backstage and likely someone else can help you out!  

HAVE FUN!

Sure it's a competition, but it's meant to be fun. Enjoy the experience!