Frequently Asked Questions for Competitors
Please take a look at these
along with the information, rules, directions on www.essentialfitness.com first. After reviewing this material if you have
any further questions, please feel free to contact me to answer your questions.
HOW DO I ENTER THE EVENT? Simply print the printable application and send the appropriate
fees by regular US Mail. Do not ever send the application with a signature
requested (if we are not here when it arrives, we have to send someone to the
post office, and if this is a late application, we may not be able to do this
in time to get your application, and you may have to pay again (we will return
the original when we get it). If you really feel that receipt proof is
necessary send it Certified Mail, but make sure to check the box "No
Signature Required".
WILL I RECEIVE A RECEIPT THAT MY APPLICATION WAS RECEIVED? On your application, we asked for your email
address. If you print this clearly and legibly, then we will respond to what we
see. If not, it will go off into the internet ether. If you do not get an
acknowledgment within a week (allow the mail to get here), then email or call
us.
N.G.A CARD - The N.G.A CARD is good
from the month that it was purchased in, until end of the preceding month in
the following year (i.e. If you purchased it in June of 2015, it would expire
in May of 2016). The 2015 cost of the amateur card is $60 and must be possessed
to compete in any NGA event, in any class (1 per athlete). The best place and
time to purchase your N.G.A. card is at Event Check-In on the day of your Mid
Atlantic event (Cash only). This will ensure that you are given a hard receipt
to show at Check-In as proof of purchase (no loss in the mail) and we keep the
receipt books for 1 year (in case you misplace your actual card for a future
Mid Atlantic event). If you purchase an NGA card at some other show prior to
our show DEMAND a hard receipt as proof of purchase (even if they have to have
the promoter hand write one - there is too much chance the card not to appear
for a show in the immediate weeks before our event, and you may have
re-purchase one. (Note: If you do not have one the week before the event call
Andy Bostinto at the NGA [Tel: 954-344-8410] for verification and have him
notify Pam or Sarah Spindel.)
PRO CARD ELIGIBILITY - The NGA PRO CARD is
eligible to any athlete who has qualified for a pro card from a recognized organization,
provided that the qualification occurred against a minimum of 5 competitors
(there are organizations that will award a pro card with as little as 1
competitor in the competition). We cannot consider this for the NGA PRO CARD).
The cost of the 2015 card is $100. Eligibility is good for 1 year (same as
amateur card). If you are not sure about your eligibility, please call Pam Spindel (Tel: 703-405-3036) OR Sarah Spindel (cell: 703-463-0516, work 703-492-2722) to
discuss, prior to applying for it. Apply for your card through the website at: www.nationalgym.com. Please do not show up for the Mid Atlantic Pro
Blowout without your card or confirmation that it was purchased (or you will
have to buy one that day).
POLYGRAPH FORM - Every NGA Promoter is
required to test ALL competitors appearing on stage. The successful POLYGRAPH
FORM is YOUR property (not the promoters - they all know this) and is to be
returned to you immediately after the test, since this is good for all shows
occurring within 90 days of the test, and is your only proof that you took the
test. You will need to show it to the next promoter. If you take your test at a
Mid Atlantic event, we maintain proof in our databases for your next Mid
Atlantic Show (but keep your form - the polygrapher will give it to you).
Also another benefit competing in a Mid Atlantic event is that if you compete
in the Annapolis (6/7/15) and the Potomac Cup (8/1/15) then you will not have to
be re-tested at the Potomac Cup. If you compete at the Potomac Cup (8/1/15)
then you will not have to be re-tested at the Mt. Rogers (11/21/15) a bit more
than 90 days but in the 3 month window. And since the NGA card is good for a
year, if you enter the June show the August show will only cost you your entry
fee ... and you'll look great for your summer vacation photos!
CROSSOVERS FROM NOVICE TO OPEN BODYBUILDING CLASS - As of 1/1/2014 we are allowing Crossovers from
Novice to Open Bodybuilding.
CROSSOVERS FROM NOVICE TO OPEN FIGURE CLASS - same as for the bodybuilding classes.
CROSSOVERS FROM PHYSIQUE TO OPEN BODYBUILDING CLASS - same as for the
bodybuilding classes.
FIGURE to BIKINI CLASS - since these classes
are based on different body types and judging criteria, competitors will need
to decide prior to the event day which class that they are going to participate
in. In the NGA Mid Atlantic Region we will not permit crossovers between these
classes.
THE ANNAPOLIS IS REALLY ON A SUNDAY - This live judged show has been held on a Sunday for more than 3
decades. In this show, Prejudging and the Finals all occur in the same show.
Typically, quarter turns and compulsory poses, or presentations for Figure, Bikini and Men’s Physique occur, and then the MC introduces the individual
competitors prior to their artistic posing routines to their music, and the
presentations of the Figure, Bikini and Men’s Physique competitors to house music. Trophies and over-all are
presented following intermission. The entire event is usually over by 5PM. It
doesn't get better for the competitor.
DO I NEED TO CHECK-IN ON EVENT DAY, I SENT MY REGISTRATION FORM? ALL competitors must Check-In on event day
during the Check-In period (your appearance for your polygraph appointment has
nothing to do with this). Since we make the actual competition roster during
this period (weights, heights, age, etc are taken - there are a great deal of
logistics that go into presenting a show with a large number of competitors),
if you are not there for Check-In, you will not be permitted to compete (NO
exceptions!). So get there early, to account for potential traffic issues. We
cannot delay the entire show and inconvenience all others, because one
competitor could not be where they were supposed to be in a timely fashion. So
plan to get there early enough to permit unforeseen delays. (We'll feel bad if you miss the show, and you'll
feel worse.) Remember that there are NO refunds of entry fees.
More FAQs to be added, if it is felt that they will be beneficial
to most competitors. I hope that this was
helpful.
All
the best,
Pam & Sarah Spindel
N.G.A. Mid-Atlantic Regional Chairwoman &
Show Co-Promoter
Tel: (703) 405-3036 - Pam's direct line OR for Sarah cell: 703-463-0516, work
703-492-2722