"The pro figure letter"

[Siouxcountry]

The Pittsburgh Pro will be the first show to be judged after Jim Manion sent out "the letter" to all IFBB Figure Pros.

They are looking for an athletic, not to hard, & symmetrical physique, and "pretty" face.

Terry & Elaine Goodlad interview IFBB Judge Jim Rockell over at Bodysport.com (March 16th)...

RADIO INTERVIEW (http://www.bodysport.com/radio/shows/eight/player.html)

Soften Up...Now!

IFBB Chairman Mr. Jim Manion delivered a very clear and concise directive this week to all IFBB Professional Figure athletes just days after the 2008 Arnold Classic Ms. Figure International. The message…you are too big and hard.

Mincing no words Manion spelled it out in clear English, "After the first figure event for 2008 the Figure International, the IFBB Professional League wants to see less muscularity and hardness in the figure competitors. The Deltoids are too big and cut and the thigh cuts are too deep. The next IFBB professional figure event is the 2008 Pittsburgh Pro Figure to be held on May 3/2008 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Beginning with this event the judges will be marking down competitors with excessive hardness and muscular separation."

In a brief interview IFBB Men's judging representative and veteran IFBB Head Judge Jim Rockell stated simply "I applaud him (Jim Manion) for acting swiftly and sending out the letter." Rockell is a guest on Fitness and Figure Talk Radio this week and openly discusses judging criteria for figure.
LINK (http://www.bodysport.com/archives/2008/03_mar/softenup.html)

[Femphysiquefan]

Yet again we have a group of men dictating to women how they should and should not look. How about leaving that choice up to the women for a change?? Just a thought (it is THEIR division, after all), but I guess the idea of women actually being in charge of their own competitive division is anathema to the powers-that-be in the IFBB.

[frannyfran]

Yet again we have a group of men dictating to women how they should and should not look. How about leaving that choice up to the women for a change?? Just a thought (it is THEIR division, after all), but I guess the idea of women actually being in charge of their own competitive division is anathema to the powers-that-be in the IFBB.

I think you have a good point there. :cool:

[FigureRX]

They would never get everyone to agree, they might not even come up with a majority of athletes for any one position. There are a lot of different viewpoints among the judges. We obviously favor more muscle and intense conditioning - physique excellence, as we call it, with no excuses. An organization like Bodysport emphasizes "natural" in figure and their definition of excellence falls within that framework. You can see Bodysport's "spin" on the letter in their commentary, we see more ambuigity because we believe the judges look for the best of all those in front of them on any given day, and we are tremendously thankful that the NPC allows for more muscle and doesn't typically "dumb down or soften up" figure like many other federations are prone to do. So I think we will continue to see many adjustments over time, but at least in the long run people with total packages tend to win. Some have more muscle, some are less hard, etc - we all may not know what criteria to use but we know that perfect combo of beauty, symmetry, muscle, etc when we see it.

Our report on the "letter" along with an IFBB interview:

http://www.bodybuildingweekly.com/index.php?news=272

[Ondrea]

Please letter, don't be true!

[xena]

The Pittsburgh Pro will be the first show to be judged after Jim Manion sent out "the letter" to all IFBB Figure Pros.

They are looking for an athletic, not to hard, & symmetrical physique, and "pretty" face.

Terry & Elaine Goodlad interview IFBB Judge Jim Rockell over at Bodysport.com (March 16th)...

RADIO INTERVIEW (http://www.bodysport.com/radio/shows/eight/player.html)

LINK (http://www.bodysport.com/archives/2008/03_mar/softenup.html)


If they want the softer physique and pretty face look, why don't they become judges for the Ms. Universe/America/etc. pageants???

[Femphysiquefan]

If they want the softer physique and pretty face look, why don't they become judges for the Ms. Universe/America/etc. pageants???

EXACTLY right, Xena. How sad would it be if, in a figure competition, the final decision between two well-muscled sculpted physiques came down to not who has the better symmetry or definition in their overall muscularity, but who has the better cheekbones resulting in a prettier face?? Utter nonsense!!! :nuts:

[Shelly]

the proof is in the pudding.

we shall see how the RESULTS end up at the pittsburgh.

actions speak louder than words

[Heather]

I don't see anything wrong with being athletic and symmetrical - I think that is what a figure competitor is supposed to look like. However, I have come across a wide variety of judging in every show I have done - so I wonder if there will ever be a standard criteria in figure judging -whatever it is, I think it should be consistent. But giving that judging is so subjective that will be hard to enforce.

[Shelly]

I don't see anything wrong with being athletic and symmetrical - I think that is what a figure competitor is supposed to look like. However, I have come across a wide variety of judging in every show I have done - so I wonder if there will ever be a standard criteria in figure judging -whatever it is, I think it should be consistent. But giving that judging is so subjective that will be hard to enforce.

YAY heathers here!!!:hula:


i agree mamas...take it from this woman shes done 18+ shows she knows her stuff :D

:kiss:

[Heather]

I know I'm finally here! You are right - we'll see what happens after Pittsburgh - it will be interesting to see what happens! :)

[Erin]

Please letter, don't be true!

LMAO!! You crack me up. I CANNOT wait for the results of the Pittsburgh Pro!! :popcorn:

[Siouxcountry]

LMAO!! You crack me up. I CANNOT wait for the results of the Pittsburgh Pro!! :popcorn:

Soon. Hiya! :kiss:

[buffbabeGA]

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr *rolls hey eyes*

[darlina]

"Some have more muscle, some are less hard, etc - we all may not know what criteria to use but we know that perfect combo of beauty, symmetry, muscle, etc when we see it."
I think the above quote by FigureRX is exactly the case and if woman will just focus on presenting their own "personal best" package then most of these debates will cease.

I will use myself as an example. I am ALWAYS muscular but I can present a much leaner physique or a fuller one with a "prettier face." I personally prefer what my body looks like tighter and leaner but I HATE what my face ends up looking like. I look drawn and unhealthy. Just look at the difference between Houston Pro in July 2008 and Sacramento Pro in November. I finally decided to present what I think is my best package and ended up qualified for the Olympia. I'll admit it felt too easy to achieve but its what looks "overall" the best on me. However, I am now training once hoping to bring in a slightly tighter physique than November. Again, its what I LIKE the best on me. At the end of the day, the competitor has to walk around in that body. Aim to please yourself first while taking into consideration what the judges advice is.

[DixieReynolds]

"Some have more muscle, some are less hard, etc - we all may not know what criteria to use but we know that perfect combo of beauty, symmetry, muscle, etc when we see it."
I think the above quote by FigureRX is exactly the case and if woman will just focus on presenting their own "personal best" package then most of these debates will cease.

I will use myself as an example. I am ALWAYS muscular but I can present a much leaner physique or a fuller one with a "prettier face." I personally prefer what my body looks like tighter and leaner but I HATE what my face ends up looking like. I look drawn and unhealthy. Just look at the difference between Houston Pro in July 2008 and Sacramento Pro in November. I finally decided to present what I think is my best package and ended up qualified for the Olympia. I'll admit it felt too easy to achieve but its what looks "overall" the best on me. However, I am now training once hoping to bring in a slightly tighter physique than November. Again, its what I LIKE the best on me. At the end of the day, the competitor has to walk around in that body. Aim to please yourself first while taking into consideration what the judges advice is.


Hey Dar!!! Been thinking about you the last few days!!! I cant wait to see you in your 2008 debut in New York!! I know you are gonna rock it out!! You know I am a huge fan!!!

I couldn't agree with your above statement more!! Very well said. I feel the same way about myself. I love the leaner look on my body but hate the toll it takes on my face... gaunt and drawn in! When I did the Florida State I was much leaner and my face was somewhat guant and then at the Palm Beach I was a tad fuller and my face was much healthier looking! Everyone brings a different package to the stage and some look better more muscular while some look better less muscular. And as for it feeling too easy for you, that is only because you are are already in such great condition that you can afford be a little less hardcore than normal. Not easy by most standards I can assure you!!! The entire "package" is different for everyone! Personal best is all you can do and hope the judges like it!

[DixieReynolds]

Or maybe it is Cal Pro instead of NY? Sorry, I cant keep up.

[darlina]

Or maybe it is Cal Pro instead of NY? Sorry, I cant keep up.


LOL!! Hey Girlie! Missed ya. Glad to see you on hear. I just couldn't leave Sioux behind....Yep, Cal it is. Not too much longer!

You have the same problem as me...lean face to begin with. If only wearing a bag on my head were an option! So, what r your plans for this year?

Girl, I am very fortunate...this I know. I started dieting for Cal 8 wks out and I could step onstage now and be pleased with how I look. I struggle with the diet. I am an emotional eater for sure and a junk food junkie by nature. I could put down a box of Krispy Kreme's in the blink of an eye! Fortunatley i do know when I've got to get super strict. How some girls diet for 12 weeks plus??? God bless them....much :respect:!

I was told at the Sacramento Pro that I was not a "real competitor" because I admitted to going to IHOP every Sunday until 3wks out from the show.:popcorn: What I am is "real." I am not super human...I have plenty of weaknesses and sweets are #1! I'd rather do an extra hour on the stepmill anyday.......Keep in touch girl! I miss chatting with ya! Hugs...

[DixieReynolds]

LOL!! Hey Girlie! Missed ya. Glad to see you on hear. I just couldn't leave Sioux behind....Yep, Cal it is. Not too much longer!

You have the same problem as me...lean face to begin with. If only wearing a bag on my head were an option! So, what r your plans for this year?

Girl, I am very fortunate...this I know. I started dieting for Cal 8 wks out and I could step onstage now and be pleased with how I look. I struggle with the diet. I am an emotional eater for sure and a junk food junkie by nature. I could put down a box of Krispy Kreme's in the blink of an eye! Fortunatley i do know when I've got to get super strict. How some girls diet for 12 weeks plus??? God bless them....much :respect:!

I was told at the Sacramento Pro that I was not a "real competitor" because I admitted to going to IHOP every Sunday until 3wks out from the show.:popcorn: What I am is "real." I am not super human...I have plenty of weaknesses and sweets are #1! I'd rather do an extra hour on the stepmill anyday.......Keep in touch girl! I miss chatting with ya! Hugs...


Ha Ha! No kidding on the bag!! lol!!! Doing Jr USA in two weeks and then on to Jr Nationals, after that not too sure, all depends on what my trainer decides and how I fair at those shows. Two weeks to go and I am feel pretty good now, I had some setbacks early on and was a bit worried about my progress but I am feeling much better about now. I could prob be ready in a week if need be.

I feel you about the diet thing. I am lucky enough to be able to get away with a 6-8 week diet if I keep it fairly tight in the off season. As far as not being a "real competitor" WHATEVER!!! I have one weekly cheat meal every week up until I reach two weeks out! My trainer insists upon it. We do have lives to live and cant sacrafice every single aspect! What would be the point if we couldnt enjoy it!

Well, if I dont see you before, stop by the ALR booth at the Olympia and say hey!! I will be there!!!

Hugs!