Aspects of Judging

Judges have a responsibility to ensure that they are viewing competitors on stage according to WFF International standards.
This means that the competitors placed first, second, third and so on, must meet the criteria in their respective classes.
Judges look for a range of aspects of the physique.

The physical aspects of bodybuilding and fitness are:

      • Muscularity – the amount of visible muscle on a competitor.
      • Condition – the definition or separation of individual muscles, and muscle groups.
      • Size – the overall size of the physique, or parts of the physique, relative to the competitor’s height.
      • Shape – the aesthetic quality and curvature of individual muscle groups.
      • Proportion – the relative size of one individual part of the physique as compared to another.
      • Symmetry – the relative proportion of the left and right sides of the physique.
      • Balance – the relative proportion of the lower and upper halves of the physique.

 

In addition to the physical aspects of judging, competitors should also consider the importance of their Stage Presence. That is the confidence, and overall positive energy they project while on stage. This is especially important for Model categories.

Each one of these aspects plays a vital role, and depending on the category, may be weighted differently in terms of judging the physique.

Bodybuilding and figure competitors complete three separate rounds of judging wherein the panel will determine the winner based on the various aspects of the physiques on stage. The first round is the 60 second individual free posing routine. The second and third rounds are judged in groups; the Symmetry Round (quarter turns) and the Compulsory Posing (muscularity) round.

Models are judged in two rounds – individual stage walk, and group stage walk. The individual stage walk may consist of a T-Walk, V-Walk or catwalk depending on the size and configuration of the stage. The group stage walk consists first of moving in a line from the front of the stage to the back and then returning to the front. The second part of the group stage walk consists of a circle parade of the stage in one line.

The ideal physique for any category will meet all of the aspects of the criteria to the requisite degree.

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Bodybuilding & Figure Judging Manual

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Model Classes Judging Manual

Bodybuilding and Figure

All of the aspects of the physique are important when judging bodybuilding and figure. Competitors in these classes are expected to display a high to very high degree of muscularity and condition. The overall size of the competitor becomes more of a contributing factor to the final placings when considered alongside the proportion of the physique. A competitor who is out of proportion, no matter what size, will struggle to find a top three placing against smaller competitors who are better proportioned.

Latino Figure (Wellness)

All of the aspects of the physique are important when judging figure. Competitors in these classes are expected to display a moderate to high degree of muscularity and condition. The overall size of the competitor becomes more of a contributing factor to the final placings when considered alongside the proportion of the physique. A competitor who is out of proportion, no matter what size, will struggle to find a top three placing against smaller competitors who are better proportioned.

Bikini Model

The core physical aspects for Bikini Models are proportion and shape. Muscularity is less important, and a lower level of condition is expected from Bikini competitors as compared to Sports Model. As a general rule, Bikini Models should have slight definition through the abs, shoulders and back. The legs should exhibit at most a low level of definition between the hamstrings and quads.

Beach Model (Men's Physique)

The core physical aspects for Beach Models are muscularity and proportion. Judges will look for full definition in the abs, chest, arms and back. The level of condition however should not be to the extreme level such as that required for Bodybuilding. This means that vascularity and intra-muscular striations are not taken into account when judging the quality of the physique.

Sports Model

The core physical aspects for Sports Models are condition, muscularity and proportion. A high level of condition with full definition in the upper and lower body. Condition should not be to the extreme level, such as that required in bodybuilding and figure, however, should be enough to produce some vascularity and intra-muscular striations.