top of page

Class Division Information

General Guidelines

Eligibility
Competitors must pass a drug test administered in the form of a urine screening in order to be eligible.

Classes
Classes are based or age, category status and level of experience.

  • Teen: Ages 15-19.

  • Debut: Ages 18+. First competition ever. Cannot have competed anywhere else, in any category, with any organization.

  • Novice: Ages 18+. Cannot have placed first in any class besides Teen or Debut with any organization (with the exception of cases where first place was won in a class that only had one competitor in it).

  • Masters: Age as of day of contest must fall within the stipulated age range. Master’s categories start at 40+ (example Master’s 40+, Master’s 50+, Masters 60+, etc)

  • Open: Open to everyone 18+ with any level of experience. This is a Pro Qualifying class. 

 

If the urinalysis test reveals Adverse Analytical Findings for an overall winner at a Pro qualifier, the competitor who was ranked 2nd in the Overall will be recognized as the Overall Champion.

SCORING AND TIE-BREAKERS

Each judge takes all criteria for a category into account and assigns one overall score for each contestant in the form of rank during the group comparison rounds. A highest and lowest rank for each competitor is dropped as a safeguard against human error and/or bias, whether intentional or on a subconscious level. The remaining judges' placements are summed, and the competitor with the lowest sum total receives 1st place in the class. Second lowest sum receives 2nd place, and so on.

In cases of a tie, the Head Judge will decide who is awarded the higher placement.

Bikini

Bikini division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall Comparisons (if needed). 

Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes. For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions at the time of competition. 

 

Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:

Posing/Presentation – Posing/Presentation refers to how well the competitor presents herself and displays their physique on stage. Competitors should present themselves with poise, good posture and confidence and should utilize posing that enhances their physique (i.e. no overly pointed elbows, arms too far from midline of body, or inability to display symmetry. Competitors should be able to quickly and smoothly transition between poses. 

​

Symmetry – Symmetry refers to the evenness of development of the competitor’s physique and how well the parts of the physique flow together. It includes the balance and proportion of the competitor from side to side, top to bottom and front to back. Symmetry is a measurement of evenness of development between all muscle groups and proportion when viewed from all sides. No body part or muscle group should stand out from the rest.

​

Muscularity – Muscularity refers to muscle size and development relative to the competitor’s frame, including shape and size. The level of muscularity is determined by the extent of development in relation to the size of the competitor’s skeletal structure. Also to be considered is the shape and contour of the developed muscle and muscle groups. Bikini competitors should display: 

  • A slight level of muscularity;

  • Full/round shoulder caps;

  • Visible quad development;

  • Visible hamstring development;

  • Full, round, firm glutes;

  • Should NOT display an abundance of muscle size

 

Conditioning – Conditioning refers to the level of differentiation between adjacent muscles delineating sections or fibers within the same muscle group and the degree of firmness (hardness) of muscle tone.  Leanness is important but an overly dieted appearance is neither advantageous nor desirable. Bikini competitors should display:

 

  • Overall healthy and fit muscle tone;

  • Visible abdominal definition;

  • Visible quad definition;

  • Visible hamstring definition;

  • Full, round, firm glutes with visible tie-in to hamstrings

  • Should NOT display deep cuts, striations, or overly dieted look

  • Should NOT display deeply drawn-in faces or stringy-looking muscularity (an emaciated look).

 

GROUP COMPARISONS:

Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display their physique from all sides. Stances should be fairly relaxed and competitors should not appear to be flexing. Excessive twisting is NOT allowed & both feet must be pointed forward & remain on the main comparison line during the front pose. Excessively leaning forward is NOT allowed during the back pose. Competitors will also be asked to walk to the back and front of the stage to further assess comparisons.


INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION:

Competitors walk out to music of their choice and perform a “T” walk (amateurs are allowed up to 60 seconds while Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds). A T-walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side (as instructed by staff). The walk resembles a “T”, which is how it got its name. 

​

PLEASE NOTE: 

Competitors are allowed to choose a suit cut that best compliment their frame/structure/physique. With that said, thongs, T-Back & "Micro Pro Cut" suit bottoms are prohibited. 

Figure

Figure division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall Comparisons (if needed). 

 

Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes. For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions at the time of competition. 

 

Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:

Posing/Presentation – Posing/Presentation refers to how well the competitor presents herself and displays their physique on stage. Competitors should present themselves with poise, good posture and confidence and should utilize posing that enhances their physique (i.e. no overly pointed elbows, arms too far from midline of body, or inability to display symmetry. Competitors should be able to quickly and smoothly transition between poses.

​

Symmetry – Symmetry refers to the evenness of development of the competitor’s physique and how well the parts of the physique flow together. It includes the balance and proportion of the competitor from side to side, top to bottom and front to back. Symmetry is a measurement of evenness of development between all muscle groups and proportion when viewed from all sides. No body part or muscle group should stand out from the rest.

​

Muscularity – Muscularity refers to muscle size and development relative to the competitor’s frame, including shape and size. The level of muscularity is determined by the extent of development in relation to the size of the competitor’s skeletal structure. Also to be considered is the shape and contour of the developed muscle and muscle groups. Figure competitors should display: 

  • A degree of muscularity greater than bikini is sought after but excessive mass is not desired.

  • Well-defined muscles that flow evenly.

  • Round, full delts that flow into the biceps and triceps.

  • A taper in the lats flowing into the oblique with fluid lines into the sweep of the upper thigh.

  • Visible quad development.

  • Visible hamstring development.

  • Full, round, firm glutes

 

Conditioning – Conditioning refers to the level of differentiation between adjacent muscles delineating sections or fibers within the same muscle group and the degree of firmness (hardness) of muscle tone.  Leanness is important but an overly dieted appearance is neither advantageous nor desirable. Figure competitors should display: 

  • In general, the figure physique should demonstrate visible muscle separation and conditioning without striations including:

  • Visible abdominal separation

  • Visible separation between delts, biceps and triceps

  • Visible quad/hamstring separation

  • Round, firm glutes with visible tie-in to hamstrings

  • These words can be helpful to assess what should not be descriptive to the ideal physiques in this division: Ripped, shredded, peeled, striated, dry, diced, hard, vascular, grainy, massive, thick, dense, etc.

  • Note: Figure competitors should not display deeply drawn-in faces or stringy-looking muscularity (an emaciated look).

 

Round 1 - Group Comparisons:
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display their physique from all sides.

FRONT QUARTER TURN – This front pose should have the competitor facing front with hands near her side and the heels together. Toes can angle out slightly. Hands should remain at the side.

SIDE QUARTER TURN – Hips should face the side of the stage, upper body can have a slight twist enough to show the rear shoulder. Eyes and toes and should face the side of the stage. Both feet must be flat on the floor. Hand should extend away from the body. The head judge can correct over exaggeration. 

 

REAR QUARTER TURN – Same as the front pose except the competitor is facing the rear or back of stage. Competitor may want to move hair as not to block the judges view of the competitor’s back.

 

Round 2 - Individual Presentation:

Competitors walk out to music of their choice and perform a “T” walk (amateurs are allowed up to 60 seconds while Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds). A T-walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side (as instructed by staff). The walk resembles a “T”, which is how it got its name. 

Wellness

Wellness division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall Comparisons (if needed).

Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes. For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions at the time of competition. 

Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:

Posing/Presentation – Posing/Presentation refers to how well the competitor presents herself and displays their physique on stage.. Competitors should present themselves with poise, good posture and confidence and should utilize posing that enhances their physique (i.e. no overly pointed elbows, arms too far from midline of body, or inability to display symmetry. Competitors should be able to quickly and smoothly transition between poses. 

​

Symmetry – Symmetry refers to the evenness of development of the competitor’s physique and how well the parts of the physique flow together. It includes the balance and proportion of the competitor from side to side, top to bottom and front to back. Symmetry is a measurement of evenness of development between all muscle groups and proportion when viewed from all sides. 

​The Wellness category is the only category that is asymmetrical.  Although both upper body and lower body should be developed, the lower body should have more body mass than the upper body. Wellness competitors should display a level of muscularity.  Competitors should have visible quad development with slight separation, but not as lean and defined as Figure or Women’s physique.  There should be visible hamstring developments and full, round and firm glutes.

 

Muscularity – Muscularity refers to muscle size and development relative to the competitor’s frame, including shape and size. The level of muscularity is determined by the extent of development in relation to the size of the competitor’s skeletal structure. Also to be considered is the shape and contour of the developed muscle and muscle groups. Wellness competitors should display: 

  • A level of muscularity;

  • Full/round shoulder caps;

  • Visible quad development with slight separation but not as lean and defined as Figure or Women’s Physique;

  • Visible hamstring development;

  • Full, round, firm glutes;

 

Conditioning – Conditioning refers to the level of differentiation between adjacent muscles delineating sections or fibers within the same muscle group and the degree of firmness (hardness) of muscle tone.  Leanness is important but an overly dieted appearance is neither advantageous nor desirable. Wellness competitors should display:

 

  • Overall healthy and fit muscle tone;

  • Visible abdominal definition;

  • Visible quad definition with slight muscle separation but not as lean and defined as Figure or Women’s Figure;

  • Visible hamstring definition;

  • Full, round, firm glutes with visible tie-in to hamstrings

  • Should NOT display deep cuts, striations, or overly dieted look

  • Should NOT display deeply drawn-in faces or stringy-looking muscularity (an emaciated look).

 

Wellness Poses consist of:

Front Relaxed Pose – Facing forward one leg is slightly bent with one hand on the hip.

Quarter Turns – Side stances will have the back hand on hip elbow rotated forward and front shoulder and arm open to the judges.  Both feet should remain on the designated line and not be staggered.

Rear Pose - Head facing back of the stage and both variations below will be called by the head judge:

        •  Legs crossed with both hands to the side

        •  Quarter Turns

        •  Hip extended outward, with foot slightly angled outwards and opposite foot pointing forward.  


 

GROUP COMPARISONS:

Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display their physique from all sides. Stances should be fairly relaxed and competitors should not appear to be flexing. Excessive twisting is NOT allowed & both feet must be pointed forward & remain on the main comparison line during the front pose. Excessively leaning forward is NOT allowed during the back pose. Competitors will also be asked to walk to the back and front of the stage to further assess comparisons.


INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION:

Competitors walk out to music of their choice and perform a “T” walk (amateurs are allowed up to 60 seconds while Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds). A T-walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side (as instructed by staff). The walk resembles a “T”, which is how it got its name. 

​

PLEASE NOTE: 

Competitors are allowed to choose a suit cut that best compliment their frame/structure/physique. With that said, thongs, T-Back & "Micro Pro Cut" suit bottoms are prohibited. 

Women's Bodybuilding

Women’s Bodybuilding division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall Comparisons (if needed). 

 

Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes. For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions at the time of competition. 

 

Competitors cannot compete in Figure or Bikini in the same show.

 

WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING JUDING CRITERIA

The Women’s Bodybuilding judging criteria is based on the competitors’ degree of symmetry, overall muscular development and conditioning.

Group Comparisons:
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display their physique from all sides. After the quarter turns competitors will be directed through the mandatory poses which consist of:
 

  • FRONT DOUBLE BICEP

  • FRONT LAT SPREAD

  • SIDE CHEST

  • SIDE TRICEP

  • REAR DOUBLE BICEP

  • REAR LAT SPREAD

  • REAR DOUBLE CALF RAISE

  • AB / THIGH

  • HANDS ON HIP MOST MUSCULAR


Individual Presentation:
Competitors will perform a posing routine to music of their choice. Costumes and/or props are permitted, but are not required. If costumes or props are utilized, they should still allow presentation of the physique.

Men's Physique

Men’s Physique division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall Comparisons (if needed). 

 

Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes. For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions at the time of competition. 

 

Men’s Physique competitors wear board shorts, are shirtless and there is no footwear.    

  • Board shorts must be just above the knee in length and can be one inch below the belly button.

  • No Spandex

  • Small earrings and wedding bands are permitted

  • No Props or Costumes Allowed 

  • Men’s Physique competitors may not crossover into Men’s Bodybuilding at the same show.

 

Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:

Posing/Presentation – Posing/Presentation refers to how well the competitor presents herself and displays their physique on stage as well as adherence to USBF posing guidelines. Competitors should present themselves with poise, good posture and confidence and should utilize posing that enhances their physique (i.e. no overly pointed elbows, arms too far from midline of body, or inability to display symmetry (i.e. flaring the lats). Competitors should be able to quickly and smoothly transition between poses. Other factors that can affect overall presentation score are skin tone, complexion and suit fit.

​

Symmetry – Symmetry refers to the evenness of development of the competitor’s physique and how well the parts of the physique flow together. It includes the balance and proportion of the competitor from side to side, top to bottom and front to back. Symmetry is a measurement of evenness of development between all muscle groups and proportion when viewed from all sides. No body part or muscle group should stand out from the rest.

​

Muscularity – Muscularity refers to muscle size and development relative to the competitor’s frame, including shape and size. The level of muscularity is determined by the extent of development in relation to the size of the competitor’s skeletal structure. Also to be considered is the shape and contour of the developed muscle and muscle groups. Men’s Physique competitors should display:

  • A significant level of muscularity; however excessive muscularity that would qualify as bodybuilding will be scored down accordingly.

  • Well-defined muscles that flow evenly throughout the physique.

  • Rounded delts that flow into the biceps and triceps.

  • A taper in the lats flowing into the oblique with lines that flow evenly to the upper thigh.

 

Conditioning – Conditioning refers to the level of differentiation between adjacent muscles delineating sections or fibers within the same muscle group and the degree of firmness (hardness) of muscle tone.  Leanness is important but an overly dieted appearance is neither advantageous nor desirable. Men’s Physique competitors should display: 

  • In general, the men’s physique competitor should demonstrate visible muscle separation and conditioning without striations.

  • Visible ab separation.

  • Visible separation between delts, biceps and triceps

  • These words can be helpful to assess what should not be descriptive to the physiques being judged in this division: Ripped, shredded, peeled, striated, dry, diced, hard, vascular, grainy, massive, thick, dense, etc.


Round 1: Quarter Turns


Round 2: Individual Presentation
Competitors walk out to music of their choice and perform a “T” walk (amateurs are allowed up to 60 seconds while Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds). A T-walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side (as instructed by staff). The walk resembles a “T”, which is how it got its name. 

Men's Classic Physique

Classic Physique division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall Comparisons (if needed). 

​

Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes. For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions at the time of competition. 

​

Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:

In this division an emphasis on symmetry and aesthetics will take priority over sheer size or an extreme conditioned / overly dieted appearance. The judges will be looking at the competitor’s overall symmetry with balance & proportion in all areas of the body. No one body part should overpower the rest of the physique.

The athlete should be well conditioned but not to the degree where muscle striations are evident.

Round 1: Quarter Turns

Round 2: Mandatory Poses. (Listed below)

  • Front Double Biceps

  • Front Lat Spread

  • Left Side Chest

  • Left Side Triceps

  • Rear Double Biceps w/ Calf Flexed

  • Rear Lat Spread w/ Calf Flexed

  • Right Side Chest

  • Right Side Triceps

  • Abdominal & Thigh

  • Hands on Hips Most Muscular                                                                                                                                                                                      

– CLASSIC POSES –

  • Victory Pose

  • Vacuum Pose

  • Twisting 3/4 Back Pose 


Round 3: Individual Presentation
Competitors will perform a 60 second posing routine to music of their choice (Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds). There will be a Best Posing / Presentation Award given to the Classic Physique Competitor who not only presents his physique to its fullest potential but also brings an energy and excitement to the stage. Confidence is key here along with displaying aesthetic muscularity & poised stage presence.

Competition Attire:
Classic Physique style trunks must be worn (colors are allowed if desired, NO LOGOS)

Men's Bodybuilding

Men’s Bodybuilding division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall Comparisons (if needed). 

 

Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes. For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions at the time of competition. 

​

Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:

Posing/Presentation – Posing/Presentation refers to how well the competitor presents himself or herself and displays their physique on stages. Competitors should present themselves with poise, good posture and confidence and should utilize posing that enhances their physique (i.e. no overly exaggerated elbows, arms too far from midline of body, or inability to display symmetry). Competitors should be able to quickly and smoothly transition between poses.

 

Symmetry – Symmetry refers to the evenness of development of the competitor’s physique and how well the parts of the physique flow together. It includes the balance and proportion of the competitor from side to side, top to bottom and front to back. Symmetry is a measurement of evenness of development between all muscle groups and proportion when viewed from all sides. No body part or muscle group should stand out from the rest.

 

Muscularity – Muscularity refers to muscle size and development relative to the competitor’s frame, including shape and size. The level of muscularity is determined by the extent of development in relation to the size of the competitor’s skeletal structure. Also to be considered is the shape and contour of the developed muscle and muscle groups. Bodybuilding competitors should display: 

  • Greatest level of muscularity is as compared to all other categories.

  • Well-defined muscles that flow evenly.

  • Full, round delts that flows into the biceps and triceps.

  • A taper in the lats that flow into the oblique with fluid lines into the sweep of the upper thigh.

 

Conditioning – Conditioning refers to the level of differentiation between adjacent muscles delineating sections or fibers within the same muscle group and the degree of firmness (hardness) of muscle tone.  Leanness is important but an overly dieted appearance is neither advantageous nor desirable. Bodybuilding competitors should display: 

  • Visible muscle separation and deep cuts with striations.

  • Visible ab cuts.

  • Visible cuts between delts, biceps and triceps.

  • Visible quad/hamstring separation.

  • Round, firm glutes with visible tie-in to hamstrings.

  • Muscles should be full and round.

  • The following are examples of common terms used in the bodybuilding industry. These words can be helpful to assess what should be descriptive to the physiques being judged in this division: Ripped, shredded, peeled, striated, dry, diced, hard, vascular, grainy, massive, thick, dense, etc.

  • Should not display stringy-looking muscularity (an emaciated look).

​

Round 1: Quarter Turns

​

Round 2: Group Comparisons:
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display their physique from all sides. After the quarter turns competitors will be directed through the mandatory poses which consist of:

​

  • Front Double Biceps

  • Front Lat Spread

  • Left Side Chest

  • Left Side Triceps

  • Rear Double Biceps w/ Calf Flexed

  • Rear Lat Spread w/ Calf Flexed

  • Right Side Chest

  • Right Side Triceps

  • Abdominal & Thigh

  • Hands On Hips Most Muscular

  • Crab Most Muscular


Round 3: Individual Presentation:
Competitors will perform a 60 second posing routine to music of their choice (Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds). Costumes and/or props are permitted, but are not required. If costumes or props are utilized, they should still allow presentation of the physique.

bottom of page