JUDGING CRITERIA
CRUCIAL TO
COMPETITOR SUCCESS
Understanding worldwide WNBF judging criteria will ensure that all athletes are properly prepared to compete in WNBF sanctioned events in any country.
JUDGING CRITERIA VARIES
Each category in the WNBF has specific criteria; knowing what the judges are looking for will help competitors excel, particularly if they are competing in more than one category to see where their physique best fits.
Scroll below to click the criteria tabs for each category
QUICK GUIDES
SCROLL BELOW FOR DETAILED JUDGING CRITERIA
BODYBUILDING
Men and women in the Bodybuilding Divisions will be judged through a series of poses that will allow the judges to evaluate not only individual body parts but also "the most balanced physique throughout.”
Men wear a bodybuilding posing suit; women wear a two-piece bodybuilding suit with or without embellishments.
ATHLETES ARE JUDGED IN TWO ROUNDS
WORLDWIDE MANDATORY POSES
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WHEELCHAIR BODYBUILDING
The Wheelchair Bodybuilding Divisions will be judged through a series of poses that will allow the judges to evaluate not only individual body parts, but also the “whole package.”
Athletes shall wear black sweat pants or “joggers”, black athletic shoes, and black socks
Athletes are judged in two rounds:
- Symmetry – Encompasses the overall balance of the physique from the waist up through the shoulders and trapezius muscles. 1/4 turns will be executed on stage. If athletes need help to manipulate their wheelchair they may receive support.
- Muscularity – Wheelchair athletes will be judged on the size of muscles and conditioning/definition by executing a series of mandatory poses. Competitors must perform all mandatory poses in a timely manner. Judges are looking at the complete package from all parts of the physique not
just one body part at a time.
ATHLETES ARE JUDGED IN TWO ROUNDS
WHEELCHAIR BODYBUILDING MANDATORY POSES
Front Double Biceps, Front Lat Spread, Side Chest, Side Triceps, Rear Double Biceps, Rear Lat Spread, Most Muscular of Choice.
BIKINI
Bikini is a women’s physique division designed to find athletes with a fit and shapely body that is not heavily muscled or over-defined.
A traditional two-piece bikini posing suit is worn and may be multi-colored or solid, and embellishments and jewelry are permitted. Shoes are required, but the height of the heels is optional.
Competition Bikini Suits - Athletes should choose suits that best complement their physique.
COMPETITORS ARE JUDGED IN TWO (2) ROUNDS
ROUND 1
ROUND 2
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FRONT POSE EXAMPLES
FIGURE
The figure is a class of physique competition judged equally on symmetry and muscle tone.
Athletes wear two-piece figure suits; thongs or T-back bottoms are not allowed. The suit may be embellished with rhinestones, sparkles, or sequins for added effect. High-heeled shoes are required. Jewelry and body piercing is allowed but must not be offensive or obscure the physique.
THE FIGURE DIVISION IS JUDGED
IN TWO (2) ROUNDS
FIT BODY
Fit Body judges are looking for an athletic physique but without the level of muscle mass of the bodybuilding division.
Athletes wear two-piece figure suits; thongs or T-back bottoms are not allowed. The suit may be embellished with rhinestones, sparkles, or sequins for added effect. High-heeled shoes are required. Jewelry and body piercing is allowed but must not be offensive or obscure the physique.
FIT BODY IS JUDGED IN TWO (2) ROUNDS
MEN'S PHYSIQUE
Physique Division competitors are lean, fit, and muscular yet do not have the muscle mass or extreme leanness required for the Bodybuilding Division.
Athletes wear conventional board shorts cut ABOVE the knee. 11″ inseam (28cm) or slightly shorter is allowable. Athletes wearing board shorts at mid thigh length may be scored down.”
Judges are looking for:
MEN'S PHYSIQUE IS JUDGED IN TWO (2) ROUNDS
Round 1
Below are some general stage walk guidelines for physique athletes. Many venues vary in accessibility, so athletes should reach out to prospective promoters about stage walk specifics so that they can prepare properly.
