What the contest will entail...

Rounds

The women's and men's competitions will be divided into two rounds, each counting for 50% of the final score.

Round 1 - Swimsuit (for women it can be one- or two-piece; for men and women, the suit you choose is your choice of style). All competitors must wear shoes and no props are allowed (i.e., devices that are not clothing).

Round 2 - Fitness-wear, one outfit, style at the discretion of the competitor. Competitors must wear shoes. Hats, gloves, etc., are all allowed, but no props are allowed (i.e., devices that are not clothing).

For examples of what the competitors wore at the Stratford '05 competition, please click here.

Competition format

• For each round, each competitor will be brought on to the stage one at a time, their name announced, and they will be able to walk forward to the front of the stage, displaying their physique and outfit – at this point designated photographers will be allowed to photograph the competitors to showcase them individually. The competitors will then take their place in the lineup with the competitors that have already arrived onstage.
  
  
• In groups of three to five competitors, comparisons will be done between the competitors to help the judges place them appropriately. The judges may ask the competitors to stand facing the front, side, or rear, depending on the comparison necessary.
  
  
• Please note: there will be not strict, compulsory poses as in figure- and fitness-type competitions. Competitors will be allowed the freedom to stand in way that best shows off their physique and outfit. The only things that are mandatory is that the competitor must face in the direction the judges ask when asked, and during the "quarter turns" that the feet be held together (don't worry, prior to the competition we'll be giving brief instructions so everyone is informed).

What our judges will be looking for

• Our goal is to promote a positive, refreshing, attractive, and healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the judges will look for three main things: confidence, athleticism, and attractiveness. The ideal competitor, whether male or female, will have good muscle tone – but not too much – as well as a trim, athletic look, but not too lean. This is not a bodybuilding contest, and it's not a show to show the results of extreme, unhealthy dieting.

You choose your own style – and have fun with it!

You might have read the words "style at the discretion of the competitor." We think that's a great thing for us, and you!

Unlike contests that dictate what you must wear, right down to the style of your shoes and the cut of your clothes, we're leaving that up to you – to let you look your best. The only thing we ask is that the outfit be in good taste – no nudity or see-through outfits. (Please note: we reserve the right to not allow a competitor onstage, or remove a competitor from the stage, if we deem that an outfit is not appropriate for public display.)

Our Girls of Sportlab are encouraged to develop their own styles and showcase a unique personality – and that's what we hope you'll do at the Sportlab Fitness Model Search. We can't wait to see what you look like there.

The Guys of Sportlab are encouraged in the same way. Sportlab is about health, happiness, and fitness, and that's what we want from you! Be unique!