TIER 1 - General NGA Contests:
Novice competitors can not have placed 1st in a novice division or placed in the top 3 in the open division in any organization.  If you are ineligible to compete in the novice class, via a placing in another organization, then you must place in the top 3 in the open division in a TIER 1 contest to advance to the State qualifier.

TIER 2 - State Qualifiers:
The top 3 placing in the open division will qualify for a TIER 4 or TIER 3 Show.  To qualify for TIER 2, the athlete must place in the top 3 in a TIER 1 contest or 1st place in a Novice division in a TIER 1 or 2 contest.  TIER 2 may also include other divisions such as Novice, Teens and Masters.

TIER 3 - Limited Pro Qualifiers:
The overall winner in the men's and women's division will qualify to receive an NGA Pro card.  (The CAN/AM will award the top American and/or Canadian in the men's and women's open division).  To qualify for TIER 3, the athlete must place in the top 3 in a State or TIER 2 level contest.  TIER 3 may also include other divisions such as Novice, Teens and Masters.  However, Pro cards will only be awarded in the Open division.

TIER 4 - Top Level Pro Qualifiers:
Each class winner in each division will qualify to receive an NGA Pro card.  To qualify for TIER 4, the athlete must place in the top 3 in a State or TIER 2 or 3 level contest.  TIER 4 may also include other divisions such as Novice, Teens and Masters. However, Pro cards will only be awarded in the Open division.

TIER 5 - NGA Professional Shows:
Eligible to all athletes who have won a placement in an NGA pro qualifier and any natural professional from another organization (proof required).  Seven years drug-free required.

NOTE 1: Novice, masters, and teenagers may compete in any TIER show that has a novice, master or teenage division.

NOTE 2: NGA open classes in TIERS 2, 3 and 4 are 7 years drug-free. All other divisions are a minimum of 5 years drug-free.  However, an athlete can request to be tested for 7 years.

NOTE 3: In an open divison there will be three weight classes for women and four weight classes for men.  In TIERS 2, 3 and 4, if there is less than 5 athletes in a weight class, the weight class winner can only turn pro if they win the overall title.