Post by 1705total on Nov 26, 2004 8:27:09 GMT -5
Tim, if you feel this should be moved to the "article" section go right ahead.
Some of you know that I judge here in western Pa on a local and state level. I've been doing so for the past 2 years. The district chairman out here is Gary Udit, and he has been an excellant teacher. So having said that I thought I would give you guys a heads up to what we are looking for.
If I get a good response I'll write more articles concerning the womens aspect.
There are certain aspects of prep that cannot and should not be overlooked!
1. First of all never show up late for an athletes meeting or weigh in. This puts a burden on the judges. Most judges at local shows pull double duty. Checking athletes in, signing them up, measureing for height, and weighing. As well as preparing the score sheets and assinging numbers. When you show up late this affects all of that. Some head judges won't even let you compete. Also be prepared about the rules, as to what to wear, and what type of music is allowed. Last year at the PA states one fitness girl was not allowed to compete because she didn't have a one piece suit.
2. Grooming. A dark tan is necessary, but consider getting a fresh hair cut, as well as someone helping you out with your face as well. I can't tell you how many times guys have shown up looking like they just got done coming up from the coal mine! Pro tan, and other instant tans are good for the body (go easy on coarse areas like the elbows and knees), but try something else for you face.
3. If your doing a local show, leave the "trainer" in the seats. No one but expiditors and athletes are allowed back stage.
4. Here is a tip that can help when your on stage! Smile and try to look relaxed. Listen to the judges. If you practice your stage presence (meaning how you stand, and hit the mandatories) you will get our attention.
I've never been to a contest in which the athletes were told to do a quarter turn to the "left". Its always to the "right"!!!
If you practice how to stand, you will look more comfortable and at home on the stage. Your strengths will then come out and be more noticable.
5. Be prepared! Judging can take a lot out of an athlete. Be prepared for several callouts and sometimes in a row. But make sure your in shape.
6. Be in shape! From my experiance as a judge your better off being tight and ripped, then big and holding a little water. Tim always says: "you can't flex fat" and he is right! I've placed many guys who are ripped in front of guys who are big, because I can see there muscles. I always have walked away saying "if only mr. big was tight he would have won."
7. This is optional advice. Your 60 second routine during the prejudging doesn't have to be the same as the night show. We are looking for who is in shape at that point. We are looking for weakness and strengths. Not how fluid you move without music. Practice how you hit your most impressive shots, and get an objective opinion on what your strengths and weakness are.
I've seen guys with great backs never hit a back shot???
Hope this "advice" helps
Some of you know that I judge here in western Pa on a local and state level. I've been doing so for the past 2 years. The district chairman out here is Gary Udit, and he has been an excellant teacher. So having said that I thought I would give you guys a heads up to what we are looking for.
If I get a good response I'll write more articles concerning the womens aspect.
There are certain aspects of prep that cannot and should not be overlooked!
1. First of all never show up late for an athletes meeting or weigh in. This puts a burden on the judges. Most judges at local shows pull double duty. Checking athletes in, signing them up, measureing for height, and weighing. As well as preparing the score sheets and assinging numbers. When you show up late this affects all of that. Some head judges won't even let you compete. Also be prepared about the rules, as to what to wear, and what type of music is allowed. Last year at the PA states one fitness girl was not allowed to compete because she didn't have a one piece suit.
2. Grooming. A dark tan is necessary, but consider getting a fresh hair cut, as well as someone helping you out with your face as well. I can't tell you how many times guys have shown up looking like they just got done coming up from the coal mine! Pro tan, and other instant tans are good for the body (go easy on coarse areas like the elbows and knees), but try something else for you face.
3. If your doing a local show, leave the "trainer" in the seats. No one but expiditors and athletes are allowed back stage.
4. Here is a tip that can help when your on stage! Smile and try to look relaxed. Listen to the judges. If you practice your stage presence (meaning how you stand, and hit the mandatories) you will get our attention.
I've never been to a contest in which the athletes were told to do a quarter turn to the "left". Its always to the "right"!!!
If you practice how to stand, you will look more comfortable and at home on the stage. Your strengths will then come out and be more noticable.
5. Be prepared! Judging can take a lot out of an athlete. Be prepared for several callouts and sometimes in a row. But make sure your in shape.
6. Be in shape! From my experiance as a judge your better off being tight and ripped, then big and holding a little water. Tim always says: "you can't flex fat" and he is right! I've placed many guys who are ripped in front of guys who are big, because I can see there muscles. I always have walked away saying "if only mr. big was tight he would have won."
7. This is optional advice. Your 60 second routine during the prejudging doesn't have to be the same as the night show. We are looking for who is in shape at that point. We are looking for weakness and strengths. Not how fluid you move without music. Practice how you hit your most impressive shots, and get an objective opinion on what your strengths and weakness are.
I've seen guys with great backs never hit a back shot???
Hope this "advice" helps
