RULES

Rules (Bold means a change from the V1 rules):

1. Contest will run for 12 full weeks - This round will begin on 1/1/2012 and end 3/24/12 (Final weigh-in due 3/28/12)
2. Each participant must have at least 5lbs to lose, and cannot go below an 18.5 BMI as a goal.
3. Goal weight can be no more than a loss of 2% per week or 24lbs whichever is greater.
4. Goal weight must also decrease the BMI category of a participant, UNLESS that participant's BMI is 25 or lower, or the participant has 20+ lbs to next category.
5. Points will be tallied on an overall basis as well as on a weekly basis with the following structure:
1. Overall:
• 10 points for reaching goal
• 5 points for being within 0.1 - 1.0% of goal
• 3 points for being within 1.1 - 2.0% of goal
• 1 point for being within 2.1 - 3.0% of goal
• 5 points for each category of BMI change between Morbidly Obese and Normal based on the following definition:
• Below 18.5= Underweight, 18.5 -24.9= Normal, 25 - 29.9= Overweight, 30 -39.9 Obese, 40+ Morbidly Obese  
• 2 points for each % of weight loss
• 1 point for each full inch lost from the following areas - Chest, Waist, Mid-waist, hips, thighs, calves, bust, upper arms - if males are competing, bust measurement will be eliminated to keep competition fair.
1. Weekly:
• 1 point per person who had a lower weight loss percentage that week
• 1 point per person who had fewer inches lost that week
• 2 points per week that goal is maintained
1. Penalties for unhealthy behavior:
• -1 point for each week where weight is gained
• Forfeiture of week's points each week that weight loss exceeds 3%
• -1 point for each .1 of BMI under 18.5
• Automatic last place for the week if no weigh in/measurements are given - Weigh in must be completed by Wednesday of that week, or exception must be granted to avoid this penalty.
6. Points will be tallied at the end of the contest and the winners will be awarded as follows (provided there are a minimum of 4 participants:
• Winner - (# Participants - 4)/#Participants x Total pot
• First Prize - 1- (# Participants - 3)/#Participants x Total pot
• Second Prize - 1- (# Participants - 2)/#Participants x Total pot

Exceptions will be granted by simply posting on the wall that you need more time, and letting us know when you can do it.  It's a casual group, but since points are based on consistency, you must put in the effort.  The intention of this contest is to be a fair chance to win for anyone that reaches their 12-week weight loss goal, consistency and healthy practices are the best plan to win.  Goal setting must be done with the group and each week's weigh in must be recorded with a camera or in the presence of another participant.  Before & After pictures will be taken and there will be a group to help support the competition as well as to display results of each week and overall.

Payment is $25 and is due via Amazon Payments or by check by 1/4/12 - if you wish to mail a check, please message Kelly on FB and she'll send the address.  Amazon "invoices" will be sent as soon as you confirm yourself as a participant, and provide your email address that will be used for weekly updates and payment information.  Payouts will be made NO LATER THAN 3/31/12 to all winning participants.

Auditing is welcome, and all auditors are encouraged to weigh in on the same schedule as the participants to help keep up this community.  Auditors are allowed to send in +/- weight loss and measurements for the week, however, the standard scale/numerical measurements are HIGHLY preferred. 

Questions? Ask us on the wall!  Any of our past participants can probably answer it!

Best of Luck to everyone!