FAME Tier System

[Mindy Blackstien]

FAME TIER SYSTEM

The FAME Tier System streamlines athletes to ensure everyone competes at their appropriate level based on experience and competition history. As such NO advancement is automatic. FAME maintains a clear and distinct difference between every division (visual, stage presence, poise and more). The spectators of FAME World Tour events should have NO question as to what division they are cheering on. So, even if you win your division, that does NOT mean you will advance. You must meet the base criteria for the higher division.


The Levels of the new tier system are:

1. Novice
2. Advanced
4. Pro

Juniors, Masters, Grandmasters & Super Grandmasters do not follow this Tier System.

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LEVEL 1 – NOVICE:

This level is for first time competitors and those who have not yet placed Top 5 in a show with 10 or more athletes in your division. Those who placed 4th & 5th and those who feel they should advance up a level after placing in a show with less than 10 athletes are invited to submit photos to the FAME Board of Directors. Those who have not yet competed with FAME yet have competed in other organizations are permitted to submit an application (scroll to bottom of page) to bypass the Novice division. With your application, you must show contest photos, explain what Body Proud means to you and include a link to your Body Proud profile.

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LEVEL 2 – ADVANCED:

This division is designed to specifically groom athletes for the professional division. It represents athletes who show great potential. FAME will guide these athletes in areas of improvement, help refine stronger areas (physique and presence) and further encourage their development in various communities (social and media). Once these athletes meet the base requirements for the professional division, they will be able to submit for approval into the ranks of coveted FAME Pros. The Advanced Class is open to all athletes who place Top 3 in a Novice Show with 10 or more athletes as well as those who got the approval from the FAME Board of Directors. (see above).

Once a competitor accepts their 'Advanced Level Status' and competes as an Advanced Athlete they cannot go back to the Novice level.

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LEVEL 3 – PRO:

Pro Status is designed for the elite of the elite athletes. It is limited to those who have developed a physique matching their categories’ specific criteria, have a strong community presence, have begun to be seen in the media and have perfected their competitive presence. They are now eligible to compete for prizes of monetary value and are promoted as the premier athlete role models within the FAME World Tour. As such they must exemplify the Body Proud way of life and be a true role model to others.

All Amateur Athletes or Pro Athletes from non-WNSO sanctioned events must apply for FAME Pro Status. This is to ensure that all FAME Pros are proper role models to others and represent a true body proud type lifestyle.

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FAME Board of Directors:

The Board is comprised of the FAME World Tour Presidents, the Head of Doping for the World Natural Sports Organization, select World Champion PRO Athletes, the Acting Head Judge, and that Country's Director.


Applications for Advancement:

* Eligibility is based on physique, stage performance, final placing, adherence to a Body Proud lifestyle and a positive attitude. * Submissions may be in the form of Video or Essay. Those applying for FAME Pro Status Click Here. Let the Board know why you feel you deserve the advancement, give a brief personal and contest history, provide the board with links to ALL the sites you are associated with, including your updated and active Body Proud profile and be sure to point out how you exemplify and inspire body proud. If you are sponsored please explain your reasons for endorsing those products or brands. * Photos – Please submit both competition 'athlete' photos and everyday 'life' photos (modeling or not) as the Board needs to see you in various forms.

* Every submission will be scored in the same manner. Should the Board decide you are not yet ready to advance, you will be contacted to discuss the areas which need more focus. In some cases, you will be given specific guidelines that if reached within a certain timeframe will allow you to reapply prior to another contest.

* Those accepted to Pro Status are those who the FAME World Tour would be thrilled to endorse as a Role Model for Healthy Living and Natural Athletics.


Maintaining Pro Status:

* Athletes must renew their FAME/WNSO membership yearly to maintain active Pro Status.
* FAME Pros are eligible for random drug testing at any time during the year and must submit to such drug testing if requested.
* FAME Pros are now role models within the community and are expected to appreciate the Body Proud concept to promote healthy nutrition and Body Proud lifestyle.
* FAME Pro Status may be reviewed at any time and may be rescinded if an athlete engages in conduct deemed unbecoming of a FAME Pro, fails a drug test for substances banned by FAME, or refuses to submit to a requested random drug test.
* FAME Pros who have gone more than 2 years without competing or renewing their FAME / WNSO membership must send a written request to have their FAME Pro Status reinstated.

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Good luck! Welcome to the FAME Family! FAME: Your Body. Your Goals. Your Time to Shine!

[Andre M Bland]

This is interesting...I'm definitely trying to compete!

[April]

I competed in the Open level last year. I am wanting to compete again this year, am I able to go in the open level again? I did one of the fame posing camps last year so would I have to do that again? as that was the prerequisite for entering the open level the first time.

[Jessica Meeks]

What is the benefit for a first timer to jump past the NOVICE category and compete in Open right off the bat?

Please advise!

[Mindy Blackstien]

Hey everyone!

@ April - If you competed in Open but did not place you can stay in the Open class. If you choose not to accept an Advanced status you can remain in Open. However as soon as you move up to Advanced you are no longer entitled to move back down to Open.

@ Jessica - Novice Athletes who feel their physique/performance would be competitive amongst athletes who many not be newbies may wish to skip the Novice Class and compete directly in the Open. This is a great idea for those athletes whose goal is to move up through the tier system at a quicker pace.

@Jodie - That is correct. It's now your choice if you would like to benefit from a FAME Camp.

:-) See you all on the FAME Stage!

[Andrea]

Hi Mindy,

Under "Note on Age Categories" it states that Masters+ have the opportunity to become Pro Athletes by winning the Masters Category. I won the Masters Fitness Model category at the last FAME West show. What is my next step?

[Mindy Blackstien]

Andrea... Was it FAME West 08 or 09?

[Andrea]

Just a few weeks ago...09

[Mindy Blackstien]

Awesome... That's what I thought.

Okay, you must submit recent photos and a letter outlining your reasons that you feel you would be a proper representative of a FAME Pro and the Body Proud lifestyle. It will then take about a week or so for the Board to determine the next step. :-)

Good luck!

[Andrea]

Thank you so much for explaining. Now, last question....

Where do I submit my photos and letter. Can this be done online or do I need to send a written letter with prints? I will need an address or email address or if there is a section on the Body Proud site I can use?

[Mindy Blackstien]

Hey again... Great point... lol.

You can submit by email directly to me and I will ensure it gets passed along the proper channels. [e-mail]

[rachel sarah needham]

Is this for the Fame UK comps too?
I have never competed before ... and admittedly am still a long way off but would love to take part in the novice bikini or figure competitions :) .. so great idea for the novice categories x

[Mindy Blackstien]

Hi Rachel,

Yes the Tier System is for all the FAME World Tour shows, but just double check on any specifics for FAME UK with the promoter Angie Weston