NPC Illinois - Promoting Bodybuilding In Illinois - Illinois Competitor Information

If you are interested in competing, here's some of the basics to get you started:

Complete A Show Application
Fill out an application to compete in the event and mail it in at least two weeks prior to the show. Check deadline on entry form.

Join the NPC
You must be a member of the NPC and must have a card prior to the show or may purchase one the day of the show. You will be asked to present your card at the show.

Before the show:

Training
Hire a trainer with experience in bodybuilding to work with you throughout your preparation and start your training and preparation at least 12 weeks out on average. Individual needs vary.

Posing
Be sure you know your mandatory poses and if possible, work with someone who has experience in posing who can offer suggestions and advice.

Tanning
Start your basic tanning as early out as possible. Time required to tan can vary based upon skin types so allow enough time based upon your individual needs.

Music
Make sure your music CD works before you arrive at the show and that it is on a clean CD with only one song on it (yours). Mark the CD with your first and last name.

The day of the show:

Tanning
Make sure your tanning is on before the show. Most contests in Illinois will disqualify you if you put on tanning in the building. Light oil allowed. Athletes who compete in prejudging must participate in evening show. No Hot Stuff or Analgesic Sprays allowed. (No exceptions) No bottled tanning lotion allowed in building. Please have your tanning preparation done before you arrive.

Suits
Solid-color posing suits only. No t-back suits permitted. No jewelry is permitted (except wedding rings).

Conduct
Athletes must exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Only competitors and officials are allowed backstage or in the pump-up room. Current NPC rules apply.

Arrive Early
Show up early. The number of competitors can vary and it's better to allow more time to prepare yourself and get through the registration process.

Identification
Be sure you have some form of photo identification and make sure you have your NPC card. If you do not, you may join the day of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions By Competitors

Who can compete in an Illinois NPC sanctioned show?

Anyone is eligible to compete in an Illinois NPC sanctioned show. You must be a member of the NPC and able to provide proof of membership.

Why compete in an Illinois NPC show?

The NPC is the only gateway to the International Federation of Bodybuilding or IFBB. Anyone who wants to compete as a professional athlete in an IFBB sanctioned show must hold a Pro Card.

Do I need to join the NPC in order to compete?

Yes, you must be a member of the NPC before you can compete in any sanctioned show. You can begin by filling out an NPC Membership Application.

Why do athletes choose to compete in an Illinois NPC show?

The reasons for competing vary greatly. Some people are looking to win a Pro Card and move on to IFBB sanctioned shows. Others want to compete for personal reasons. Regardless of what motivates athletes to train and compete in the Illinois NPC, we believe that everyone who steps up on stage is a winner.

What are the divisions?

Novice Women: 3 classes, same as open women.

Novice Men: Lightweight, Middleweight, Light, Heavy, Heavyweight

Classes for Men:

Bantam wt. - 143 1/4 and upper
Lightweight - over 143 1/4 and up to and including 154 1/4
Middleweight - over 154 1/4 and up to & including 176 1/4
Light Heavy - over 176 1/4 and up to and including 198 1/4
Heavyweight -over 198 1/4 and up to and including 225
Super Heavyweight - 225 1/4 and over

Classes for Women:

Lightweight - 118 1/2 and under,
Middleweight - over 118 1/2 and up to & including 132
Heavyweight- over 132.

Masters for Men comprised of 5 classes:

35 to 39 years old
40 to 49 years old
50 to 59 years old
60 to 69 years old
70 and over

Masters Women, 1 class:

35 and over

Teen Men:

2 classes to be determined at show.

What are the eligibility requirements to compete?

ALL COMPETITORS:

Each competitor must be currently registered with the NPC. To meet this requirement, he/she must present his/her current NPC card, current NPC receipt, or purchase an NPC card at this event.

MASTERS MEN AND MASTERS WOMEN:

Each competitor in these divisions:

(1) must have reached his/her 35th birthday by the show to compete in the Masters Division.

(2) must provide proof of age with a birth certificate, drivers license or state ID.

TEEN MEN:

Each competitor in this Division

(1) must have reached his 13th birthday, but not his 20th birthday, and

(2) must provide proof of age with a birth certificate, driver's license or state ID.

What are the awards?

Trophies awarded to the top 5 places in each weight or age class and to the overall winners of the Men's and Women's divisions.