December 1, 2008 TO                   :           District Chairpersons FROM             :           Jim Manion SUBJECT       :           2009 RULE CHANGES AND BIKINI DIVISION GUIDELINES At our November 20, 2008 meeting in Atlanta, Georgia the following rules/changes were mandated: A new division – NPC Bikini – was implemented. (See attached guidelines and rules) New Rules for National Contests: An athlete may qualify in any division – bodybuilding, fitness, figure and in 2009 bikini however when they enter a national contest they must select one division as a competitor. IF they qualify in more than one division they must select only one division – no crossovers For all other contests, crossovers are permitted at the discretion of the promoter with the District Chairpersons approval. If a competitor qualifies as a Masters competition, they are limited to compete in the masters divisions only. Beginning in 2008, eligibility is reduced to one year for National contests with the         exception of the Nationals and USA Championships that have two (2) years of eligibility. Eligibility for athletes that qualified in 2007 will be grandfathered under the previous eligibility. The overall second place in women’s bodybuilding at the USA Championships will receive her pro card – the same as the men at this contest. Fitness is reduced to two (2) rounds. Each round is scored at 50% of the final score Two piece suit. And, routine round Figure is reduced to one (1) round Two piece suit The NPC registration fee for 2009 is $85.00