Judging Criteria

1. Class Breakdown

Men’s Bodybuilding classes shall consist of the following 4 weight classes:

1. Lightweight – up to 156 ¼ lbs.
2. Middleweight – over 156 ¼ lbs. to 172 ¼ lbs.
3. Light Heavyweight – over 172 ¼ lbs. d 189 ¼ lbs.
4. Heavyweight – over 189 ¼ lbs.

The promoter has the option to run one class with four competitors or less.

2. Bodybuilders are judged on the overall quality of their muscular development.

Judging is based upon the presentation of:

1. Mass
2. Definition
3. Proportion
4. Symmetry
5. Stage Presence

Mass:

A natural Bodybuilder must have large, developed muscles with visible separation in order for judges to accurately critique the shape, proportion, symmetry, and conditioning of the athlete's physique.

Definition:

Indicates the degree of muscularity brought about by the absence of subcutaneous body fat. Bodybuilders must come in at a body fat percentage low enough to see the texture of the actual muscle as well as vascularity. Defined muscularity is necessary to fully display the development of the physique. Definition is only of value when it allows massively developed muscles to be displayed.

Proportion:

Implies an even balance of muscular development in comparison to each muscle group. Bodybuilders must strive for equal development between all muscle groups. Proportion specifically indicates a comparison of muscle groups. As an example, large biceps and small quads will indicate a nondproportionate physique.

Symmetry:

Symmetry is simply equal development of muscularity on both right and left sides of the physique. As an example, a left bicep less developed than the right bicep indicates a lack of symmetry.

Stage Presence:

Includes posing performance and other factors influencing general appearance such as skin tone, grooming, charisma, and poise. Effective stage presentation is essential to display the physique to its maximum potential.

Structure of NGA Bodybuilding Competition

NGA bodybuilding competitions consist of the following:

Prejudging (Day Show)

Symmetry Round

Relaxed poses from front, left side, rear, and right side. Competitors should be semid flexed, not aggressively posing. The feet should remain flat on the floor and the body and head facing stage left and stage right for the side shots.

Muscularity Round-MandatoryPoses

Athletes will be called in groups of three to six to stage front for Mandatory Pose comparisons. Judging panels associated with the NGA shall use the following mandatory poses. These poses should be presented such that the judge may make a clear determination of comparisons, with contestants not turning from sidedtodside (unless instructed). Contestants must hit the pose and relax on the command of the Head Judge, or he/she will be penalized with lower placement for not following instructions.

The poses are:

Front Double Biceps

Contestants should stand on two feet and have upper arms out to the sides parallel to the floor, with elbows bent at approximately 90-degrees with forearms parallel to the torso. Legs, lats, chest, abdominals, and arms should be flexed. Front Lat Spread

Contestants should face the stage FRONT facing the judges and grasp the waist with closed hands and spread elbows to flare latissimus. Show judges the width of the lats as well as detail in the lats, teres major, rhomboids and trapezius, erectors and rear deltoids.

Side Chest Pose

Contestants should stand on foot farthest from the stage with the front leg bent to show the calf and leg development. The front arm should be bent at approximately 90-degrees with the rear hand gripping at the wrist. The chest should be lifted and the abdominals pulled in tightly. The competitor may pick a side of choice to display to the judges unless told otherwise.

Side Triceps Pose

Contestants should stand in leg position like side chest pose, with the frontal arm hanging alongside the body, grasped at the wrist by the rear hand from around the lower back. The triceps should be tightened, shoulders, chest and abdominals flexed, and the legs and calves tight. The side of choice may be displayed unless instructed otherwise.

Back Double Biceps

This pose is exactly as the frontal version except that the contestant must bring the leg of choice toward the judges and "spike" the foot to show calf and leg biceps development. Contestants should not lean excessively toward the rear of the stage, nor lean backwards too far toward the judges.

Back Lat Spread

Contestants should face stage rear with the calf of choice "spiked" toward the judges and grasp the waist with closed hands and spread elbows to flare latissimus. Hamstrings and glutes should be flexed, with emphasis on showing judges the width of the back (V-shape) as well as detail in the lats, teres major, rhomboids and trapezius, erectors and rear deltoids.

Overhead Abdominal with Quads

The contestant must stand facing the judges with one leg extended slightly forward, and with hands clasped behind the neck. The abdominals must be fully flexed, with air expelled, with the legs and chest also tight. Onedarm variations of the abdominal pose are PROHIBITED unless instructed by the Head Judge.

Most Muscular Pose

This pose will be required only for the men. The contestant must stand with one leg slightly extended toward the judges and assume a favorite of the following most muscular poses. Either the "crab", handsdondhips or partial crab (with one hand behind back variations may be used. Side most muscular poses are not permitted unless instructed by the Head Judge.

Optional Poses

The judging panel may request additional poses depending on necessity. These may include Side Hamstring Curl, StanddOndCalves Pose, Serratus Side Pose, etc.

Finals (Evening Show)

1. Presentation of the linedups (should be omitted for classes of five or less)
2. Posing routine shall include all mandatory poses
3. Announcement of the top five per class
4. Pose down (class)
5. Presentation of class awards
6. Symmetry and muscularity comparisons for class winners (judged)
7. Pose down (overall)
8. Presentation of overall awards.