• All NFF athlete members must be free of all illegal performance-enhancing drugs for at least 7 years.
• Pro qualifier winners and any monetary winning earners are urine tested.
• In addition to the standard qualification for testing, all athletes are subject to random sample collections,
• A positive urine test result or adverse analytical finding may result in athlete suspension.

More information on our Drug Testing Policies Here→ Click here for more

Before committing to a competition it’s important to understand the costs that will be associated with competing and to help make yourself a competition budget

• Membership - $100 Amateurs / $150 pros - this is good for a full year from date of purchase. So once you’ve paid for this, you will not need to worry about it again until the next year.
• Registration Fees - $90-150; Great way to save here is by registering in early. Most events will offer sales leading up to the competition. The best discounts are always offered first and the discount amount typically goes down as the event gets closer. If you miss the registration deadline all together, you may be hit with a late fee. The NFF also has a strict NO REFUND POLICY.  **Key takeaway here, register early to save the most money!**

Competition Attire

• Guys, y’all have it the easiest here in terms of what you need to buy and cost! All you need are your competition trunks or shorts - see division guidelines for details.
• Women- see division guidelines for type of suits required for each division
  • Suits will vary from $50-1000+ depending on how your suit is designed
    • Money saving tip: Rent instead of buy
• Shoes - $35-50 depending on amount of bling
  • Figure & Bikini competitors will need to buy clear heels.
    • Click here to buy
• Optional items
  • Jewelry - $10-50 depending on quality of jewelry
    • Earrings, bracelet and/or ring
    • TIP: inexpensive costume jewelry from places like Sam Moon work great for stage!
  • Robe - this is something you can get customized

Additional expenses to consider:

• Tanning: $100-150
• Hair & Makeup- $150-200
• Photography- $25-100 depending on package
• Travel expenses for an out of town event
  • Airfare or gas costs
  • Hotel room expenses
• Post competition treats & festivities!
  • You did all of that hard work to get on stage, now it’s time to relax and enjoy some fun- so remember to budget for those goodies!
• Vendor swag
  • Each event has vendors that help support the event and the organization. They will be selling unique apparel, supplements & other fun swag. So, don’t forget to budget a little extra to buy yourself some mementos from your event!

Tanning: While this is not required by the NFF it is recommended that everyone get a competition tan for the event- the stage lights will wash you out and the tan helps to emphasize your physique on stage. Even if you already have a naturally dark complexion- you still need to get a competition tan. Competition spray tans are 4-5 shades darker than anything you will get at a typically tanning salon and it is always recommended that you book with the tanning service working with the event. This is because they will be available backstage for touch ups as the day goes on. How to prep for your spray tan: Prior to your spray tan:

• Wax or shave 1-2 days prior to your spray tan. NEVER wax or shave the same day as your spray tan.
• The day before exfoliate your skin with an oil free scrub (a scrub cloth works great)

Day of tan(this is also the day before the competition):

• Exfoliate your skin with an oil free scrub (a scrub cloth works great)
• DO NOT apply any body lotion, deodorant or perfume the day of your spray tan!
• Wear loose, dark clothing - long sleeves & pants- to prevent any rubbing. It is also recommended that you sleep in this attire as well
• After you are sprayed- DO NOT shower. You can shower after the event and the dark spray tan will leave you with a nice, more natural looking tan that will last for 3-5 days if you moisturize.

Tanning Timeline:

• First coat will be applied the day before your competition
• Second coat and touch ups will be applied backstage the next morning.

Hotel Tips: bring your own sheets for the bed and towels for the bathroom so you do not get tan on any of the hotel’s stuff. Posing: This is EXTREMELY important to your overall presentation. There is nothing more disheartening than seeing someone who has trained and prepped so hard to have it all unravel on stage due to poor presentation. You are judged on your physique, but if that physique is not presented properly, you will drop in placements. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE Hire a coach or attend a class: The NFF offers posing clinics, classes and has a list of recommended posing coaches here→ You can also do research and explore sites like bodybuilding.com for more posing resources.

GET A COACH! Having a great coach in your corner can make your competition experience. A competition prep coach will be able to guide you step-by-step all the way to stage. Some coaches are all-inclusive and can take control of your diet, training & posing. Some will work well with others and may share those responsibilities- for example a male coach with a female client may outsource that posing.

Diet & Training: There are so many variables here that it is hard to generically speak to what someone should do to get ready for a competition. Questions such as- is this your first show? What is your physique’s current condition? How long have you been lifting weights? Have you ever done a structured diet before? Etc, etc…. This is why we recommend you seek out a coach or mentor that can assist with the process.

**TIP -- start researching! There are some great free resources out there to help guide you to stage as well. CAUTION: be sure to look for resources with education & experience to back it up.

Here are a few of our recommendations: Coaches

It should go without saying that all competitors are asked to abide by the “Golden Rule”- treat others how you would like to be treated.

We take pride in the fact that NFF Athletes lift each other up and support one another on game day- let’s continue in this way. This is a competition, but we can also have a lot of fun, get to know one another and build some long lasting friendships with other athletes.

Back Stage Etiquette: Depending on the venue, space backstage can be limited. Please minimize the amount of space you are taking up and be willing to make room for other competitors- again supporting a "team work" type atmosphere back stage. Please don't bring multiple bags & coolers to a small backstage area limiting any space for other competitors. Simply put, be courteous and aware that you are not the only person backstage.

Placements: if you are unhappy with your placement, please take it with grace! Remember that ALL of the competitors have worked hard to be there, friends & family are out in the crowd and no one deserves for their moment to be taken away by another competitor that feels their placement was off. Our judges are always available after the event for a more in depth discussion about your placement concerns, so please find a judge after the event and politely request clarification on your placement, you may walk away with some good critiques & insight to help improve for your next event.

• Volunteer at an NFF Show - email info@naturalfitfederation.com
• Become an NFF Judge - email waprall@gmail.com
• Promote an NFF Show - email larry@naturalfitfederation.com