How to enter National Pole Sports Competition 2016 at Pole Fest 2016
NPSC 2016:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1662481227358291/
Let’s take a look at the overview for the SAPSF’s fifth annual National Pole Sports Competition, aka NPSC 2016.
NPSC 2016 will be organised, regulated and judged according to the International Pole Sports Federation system that has been implemented as a format for pole sports all over the world.
Arguably, this judging format is currently the most highly developed and objective way to judge pole sports.
Due to the amount of athletes that we can accept for NPSC 2016, it seems likely that most people who enter will be able to compete in the final in their chosen division.
Entry is by video entry. Your video entry does not have to be exactly the same as your final competition routine. Please check out the FAQs below for more information.
You will need to read the IPSF Code of Points 2015/16.
The Code of Points contains a lot of information and a lot of moves, but once you have decided which division to take part in, you will be able to focus on your own moves.
Here are the divisions you need to choose from. Men, women and different age categories compete separately from each other.
Amateur 1
Amateur 2
Professional
Elite
Doubles
Let’s say that you decide that Amateur 1 is the best division for you. You go to page 13 in the Code of Points and find this:
Amateur – 9 moves required
· three (3) flexibility moves
· three (3) strength moves
· one (1) spin for a spinning pole
· one (1) spin for a static pole
· one (1) dead lift
Great, from this point onwards at least you know how many compulsory moves you need. But hold on, you also need to know the value of the moves you are allowed to select for your division. So turn over to page 14 on the Code of Points. Here you will find that you can choose moves with a value of +0.1 – +0.5.
Now you can read through the compulsory moves and decide which ones you can do from the moves you are ‘allowed’ to do according to your division.
Note that there is a cap on the score you can rack up for your compulsory moves. In the case of Amateur 1, you should add up the values of your chosen compulsory moves and check that they do not exceed 2.7. If they do exceed this amount, you either need to change your mind and go up to Amateur 2, or choose some lower value moves.
Please see example photos from the Code of Points attached with this post.
Referencing the photos, F2 ‘Side pose straddle’ has a value of 01. F4 ‘Inside leg hang’ has a point value of 0.2.
OK, so these look awesome, I can do these moves, they have the right value attached to them, therefore I plan to use them as two of my three required flexibility moves in the Amateur Division. #yay #simple .
The Code of Points also explains how to get bonus points, for example by combining moves, being creative and using dynamics. It also warns you of ways that you can lose points, for example, not pointing your toes, not achieving moves fully because you chose moves that were too hard.
The IPSF has also implemented rules about the amount of ‘off pole’ work you are allowed to do. The reason for this is because pole sport is to be identified as a stand-alone sport that is not dance or gymnastics.
To learn about the Code of Points, and how to complete your Compulsory Moves and Bonus sheet.
http://www.epic-training.com/coaching-courses/level-1-code-of-points/
All in all, the NPSC 2016 is a heavily regulated and structured competition. But the structure and guidelines are to be used to each athlete’s advantage. Consider it this way, you know how to score points, you know what moves are required, you can challenge yourself to learn harder moves and find original ways to combine moves. Extra bonuses are awarded for level of difficulty, originality and creativity.
All judges are IPSF certified and have undergone a thorough training process. Each judge is watching a routine and looking out for specific elements. This allows them to focus 100% on what they are scoring.
All IPSF accredited competitions utilise this international scoring system.
Elite athletes stand the chance to qualify for the World Pole Sports Championships by placing first or second at NPSC 2016.
FAQs NPSC 2016
What poles must I use for video entry?
For NPSC 2016 video entry you have to follow the specific guidelines using compulsory moves, meaning, you have to do spinning and static pole in one routine in an unedited video.
Pole height can be anything from standard ceiling to 4m, as long as you can do your required moves safely.
Can I enter an old video?
The Code of Points has been recently updated, so for NPSC 2016 videos, you will need to make a new video based on the Code of Points 2015/16.
What if I am a foreigner and/or I live in another country?
To enter NPSC 2016 you have to be an SA citizen or legal resident with appropriate documentation.
Do I have to do the same routine in my video entry as the final routine on competition day?
NPSC 2016 video entry requires you to perform an entire routine, as per the IPSF Code of Points. This means that you ‘could’ just keep practicing your video entry routine and perform it at the final competition. But no, you do not have to. You could do one routine in the video entry, then do a different routine at the final. It is up to you.
Am I too old or young?
NPSC 2016 age groups start at 6+ up to 60+
Where’s my Code of Points?
We can send it to you. info@polesports.org.za
Need a teacher?
If you want to discuss moves from the Code of Points we can help you find an instructor.
info@polesports.org.za
I need help on IPSF scoring documentation and the Code of Points?
http://www.epic-training.com/coaching-courses/level-1-code-of-points/
Where are the entry forms?
Entry forms will be posted online (www.polesports.org.za) during January 2016 when entries are officially open. The deadline for video entries for NPSC 2016 is 31st March 2016.
