A Professional Perspective Unknown in Turkey — Stage, Podium & Backstage Management at International Standards

Author: IFBB PRO COACH CAN ÜNAL

• Turkey’s leading IFBB Pro Coach and Official NPC Pro Qualifier Event Consultant

• Active Director of both athlete preparation and event management for IFBB Pro League in Turkey

• Professional contest promoter, stage designer, and event advisor

• Global leader in athlete coaching and competition consultancy, dedicated to raising international standards in Turkey

• An expert in overlooked details — bringing to the field what no one else in Turkey teaches or implements

• A true field professional involved in sponsorship, media, and organizational leadership at every layer of the event

Introduction — Why Is This Article So Important for Turkey?

In Turkey, most event organizers see the stage as “just a raised platform.”They overlook the critical details of lighting, judges' setup, backstage flow, and athlete preparation zones.

Having spent years both coaching athletes and working directly inside international bodybuilding events, I can confidently say: Turkey lacks a deep, professional understanding of stage design and management at NPC Pro Qualifier level.

That’s exactly why this article exists — to highlight every single aspect of this critical subject in a way nobody in Turkey has thoroughly explained before.

Because the stage is not just where athletes stand; it is a mirror reflecting the athlete’s effort, the organization’s quality, and the prestige of the competition.A wrong lighting angle, poorly designed backstage, or a chaotic judging area can ruin the entire event and the athlete’s presentation.

Who Am I — And Why Am I Writing This?

I am IFBB PRO COACH CAN ÜNAL, working actively in Turkey as a coach, promoter, organizer, and consultant.

I personally plan, execute, and constantly work on improving every stage of the competition process.

• I hold hands-on expertise in athlete preparation, stage management, and professional lighting design.

• I am dedicated to applying global standards in every part of competition setups, especially podium and backstage management.

• I have witnessed how wrong lighting, slippery floors, or chaotic athlete flow have compromised entire competitions.

• I share this knowledge to help elevate the professionalism of bodybuilding contests in Turkey.

This is not just a guide — it is a call to create a professional stage management culture in Turkey.

2 Podium Dimensions & Design

• Width: Minimum 10 meters (Allows athletes to pose comfortably side by side)

• Depth: Minimum 6 meters (Ideal for T-walks and group posing)

• Height: 1 meter (Ensures optimal visibility for judges and audience)

• Flooring: Matte black, anti-slip surface (To prevent reflections and ensure safety)

• Shape: Flat platform with an optional triangular front edge (For walk-in flow)

• Side Panels: Black drapes or LED panels surrounding the stage sides

• Stairs: Dual access on both sides, wide, non-slip steps

2 Judges' Area Setup

• Judges' Table: Positioned in front of the stage, center-aligned, seating for 6–8 judges

• Platform: Slight elevation for better visibility

• Clearance: Minimum of 1.5 meters between the judges’ table and the stage

• Media Zone: A 1-meter-wide space in front of judges for photographers and videographers

Separation of Judges’ Area from the Audience:

• The judges' area must be physically separated from the audience with barriers and security staff

• Athletes must not approach judges before the event concludes

• This rule is essential for fairness and event integrity

• Security is responsible for strictly enforcing this separation

3 Lighting System & Technical Setup

Lighting Layout:

[Backlight] [Backlight]

[Spot] [Spot] [Spot] [Spot] [Spot] [Spot]

[Yan] [Yan]

[Softbox] [Softbox]

• Spotlights: 6 units angled at 45° from above (To highlight muscle definition)

• Side Lights: 4 units, 2 on each side (Enhances depth and contrast)

• Backlights: 2 units from the rear (Creates 3D separation)

• Softboxes: 2 units in front (Eliminates harsh shadows, balances skin tones)

• Color Temperature: 5600 Kelvin (Daylight) — Ideal for Protan tan reflection

• Bulbs: LED, flicker-free, 1000W equivalent

• Light Intensity: Minimum 1000 lux at the center of the stage

4 Backstage Area & Athlete Preparation

Backstage Setup Details:

• Flooring: Non-slip, hygienic, preferably matte black vinyl or rubber

• Tanning Area: Well-ventilated, temperature and humidity-controlled environment

• Ideal Temperature: 18–21°C (preferably around 20°C) — Too cold stiffens muscles; too hot causes tanning products to run

• Humidity: Between 40–60% — Ideal for tan drying and athlete comfort

• Warm-Up Zone: Spacious, with anti-slip mats and mirrors

• Equipment: Protan kits, towels, scissors, water dispensers, hairdryers, LED mirrors

• Waiting & Rest Area: Comfortable seating, access to water and light snacks

Athlete Flow:

• Single-direction movement (Tanning → Warm-Up → Waiting → Stage)

• Personal badge and schedule for each athlete

Preventing Tan Smudging:

• Controlled environment with optimal temperature

• Proper waiting time post-tan application

• Regular cleaning and hygiene maintenance

5 Athlete Comfort & Waiting Area

• Athletes called in numerical order for stage time

• Quiet, dimly lit waiting areas for focus and relaxation

• Communication provided by stage coordinators

• Hydration and energy support provided

• Towels and cleaning materials available for each athlete

6 Security Protocols

Judges’ Area & Backstage Security:

• Professional security must control judges’ area, backstage, and stage entrances

• Unauthorized access to the judges’ area is strictly prohibited

• Athlete-judge interactions are only allowed after the event under security supervision

Audience Area Security:

• Physical barriers between the stage, backstage, and audience

• Emergency plans and medical teams on standby

Entry Control:

• Separate control points for staff, athletes, media, VIPs, and judges

• Accreditation via badges, wristbands, or digital access systems

7 Setup & Event Flow

• Stage & Flooring Assembly: Platform setup and non-slip flooring installation

• Side Panels & Stairs Placement

• Judges' Area & Table Setup

• Lighting System Installation & Adjustment

• Backstage Arrangement: Tanning, warm-up, and waiting areas

• Security & Signage Placement

• Final Rehearsal & Light Tests with Athletes

8 Why Are These Details Critical in Turkey?

In Turkey, a stage is still often seen as "just a platform."But for an international event like NPC Pro Qualifier:

• Lighting is crucial — Poor lighting ruins visibility, photography, and live broadcasting quality

• Backstage management affects athlete performance — Prevents tan smudging and reduces pre-stage anxiety

• Judges’ area setup and security — Essential for fair scoring and event integrity

• Controlled athlete-judge interaction — Maintains objectivity and prevents disputes

• Smooth athlete flow — Prevents chaos and ensures professional execution

I am writing this to help Turkey understand, implement, and advance these standards.In professional stage setup — every single detail matters.

Prepared by:IFBB PRO COACH CAN ÜNALPromoter, Organizer, Athlete Preparation Consultant, and Pioneer of NPC Pro Qualifier & IFBB PRO Culture in Turkey

LIGHTING TESTS & GENERAL REHEARSALStage Lighting Test and Rehearsal Procedures in NPC Pro Qualifier EventsPrepared by: IFBB PRO COACH CAN ÜNAL

1 PURPOSE OF LIGHTING TESTS

• Ensure optimal muscle definition visibility on stage

• Adjust spotlights, side lights, and softboxes to the correct angle and intensity

• Control light spread according to the judges’ viewing angles

• Provide suitable light intensity for professional photography and videography

• Prevent unwanted reflections or shadows on athletes' skin

2 PREPARATIONS BEFORE LIGHTING TESTS

• All lights undergo technical pre-check after installation

• Color temperature is set (Standard: 5600 Kelvin)

• Light intensity at stage center is measured using a lux meter (Minimum 1000 lux)

• Athlete flow from backstage is prepared for the rehearsal

3 ON-STAGE LIGHTING TEST PROCEDURE

Spotlight Test:

• Athletes are positioned at stage center with mandatory poses

• Spotlights angled at 45° on athletes

• Shadows and glare are checked

Side Light Test:

• Athletes move towards stage sides

• Muscle lines, contrasts, and symmetry are evaluated

Backlight Test:

• Athletes face towards judges under backlight

• Silhouette, contrast, and body separation checked

Softbox Test:

• Softboxes positioned frontally; skin tone and shadow softness are assessed

• Focus on face and upper body for shadow correction

4 GENERAL REHEARSAL FLOW

Synchronization with Judge Area and Lighting:

• Light behavior from judges’ viewpoint is evaluated

• Spotlights must not glare judges’ eyes

With Photography & Video Crews:

• Real-time shoots under full lighting to check real conditions

• Test shots from multiple angles

With Athletes:

• Groups of 3–5 perform mandatory poses

• T-walks and transition rehearsals on stage

Sound & Light Synchronization:

• Check alignment of lighting cues with stage announcements

• Ensure sound and light effects transition smoothly

5 POST-TEST EVALUATIONS

• Document shadow, glare, and reflection findings

• Adjust angles, intensity, and directions if required

• Review test footage with judges and organizers

• Lock light positions after approval until competition starts

6 RISKS IF TESTS ARE NOT PERFORMED

• Muscle lines are poorly defined, leading to unfair judging

• Poor photo/video quality

• Judges miss important muscle details

• Lights disturb judges or audience

• Event seems amateurish and unprofessional

CLOSING — LIGHTING TESTS & REHEARSAL: THE FORGOTTEN STEP IN TURKEY

Sadly, most competitions in Turkey neglect this vital stage.As IFBB PRO COACH CAN ÜNAL, I apply these professional procedures at every NPC Pro Qualifier and IFBB event I’m part of.An event’s true professionalism shows in its attention to these details.

NPC PRO QUALIFIER & IFBB PRO LEAGUE STAGE PLAN & JUDGES' POSITIONING

A Professional Approach No One Talks About in TurkeyBy: IFBB PRO COACH CAN ÜNAL – Organizer | Promoter | IFBB Pro Coach | Contest Consultant

1 JUDGES' SEATING — OFFICIAL STANDARDS

• The judges’ table must be placed centered, in front of the stage

• Slight elevation, facing the stage directly

• A panel of 7–9 judges (minimum 5), with a full view of the stage width

• Judges’ sightline must allow front, 45° side, and side-angle evaluation during poses

2 JUDGES' VIEWING ANGLES

• Judges sit slightly looking up to the 1-meter-high stage

• This ensures the ideal perspective for symmetry, muscularity, and conditioning assessment

• Wrong judge angle leads to misjudged muscle details

3 CHIEF JUDGE’S ROLE & POSITION

• The Chief Judge sits centered at the table

• Controls athlete calls, comparisons, and overall stage flow

• Maintains constant contact with the stage director and supervises all judges

4 LIGHTING FOR OPTIMAL JUDGES' VIEW

Lighting must include two systems:

• General Lighting for prejudging & group poses

• Focused Lighting for individual presentations & finals

Lighting Layout:

• 6 Overhead Spotlights: angled at 45° from front

• 4 Side Lights: two on each side of the stage

• 2 Backlights: from the back, top-mounted for contrast

• 2 Softboxes: front-mounted to soften shadows

Color Temp: 5600K (Daylight)Light Intensity: Minimum 1000 lux at center stageLights must be angled away from judges’ direct view

5 STAGE LAYOUT SCHEME

[ BACKLIGHT ] [ BACKLIGHT ]

[ SPOT ] [ SPOT ] [ SPOT ] [ SPOT ] [ SPOT ] [ SPOT ]

[ SIDE ] [ SIDE ]

[ SOFTBOX ] [ SOFTBOX ]

------------------------------------------

JUDGES' TABLE (Centered)

------------------------------------------

[ MEDIA AREA – 1-meter clearance ]

------------------------------------------

AUDIENCE & BARRIERS

6 IFBB PRO LEAGUE-SPECIFIC PROTOCOLS

• Judges must wear official attire (navy blazer, gray pants/skirt)

• Prejudging may include trainee judges observing behind the panel

• Maximum two judges per country in the panel

7 FOR NPC PRO QUALIFIER IN TURKEY

• Judges’ table placed straight, centered in front of stage

• Lighting must follow 45° front + side + backlight + softbox pattern

• Chief Judge centrally positioned

• Judges separated from spectators by 1-meter media zone & barrier

• Mandatory athlete rehearsals with lighting tests before show

8 WHY THIS MATTERS

• Poor lighting and wrong judge placement can cost athletes fair judgment

• If judges can’t see details clearly, scoring will be inaccurate

• Chaotic front stage ruins score consistency

• Proper positioning and testing are crucial for professionalism

9 SUMMARY

• Judges' table centered, stage-facing

• Lighting set for maximum stage detail visibility

• Media area & audience barriers in place

• Judges seated to meet official stage plan

• Mandatory rehearsals and lighting tests before event

TURKEY-SPECIFIC NOTE — BY IFBB PRO COACH CAN ÜNAL

I wrote this because these vital details are neglected in Turkey As a professional coach, promoter, and international stage consultant, I believe we must adopt world-class systems here.NPC Pro Qualifier & IFBB Pro League stages aren’t random platforms — they represent global standards and prestige.