Judging Criteria

1. Class Breakdown

Promoters have the option to divide the class as they see fit.

2. Women’s Physique athletes 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 women’s physique competitor must have 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. Athletes 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 well developed muscles to be displayed.

Proportion:

Implies an even balance of muscular development in comparison to each muscle group. Competitors 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, beauty, charisma, and poise. Effective stage presentation is essential to display the physique to its maximum potential.

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 - Mandatory Poses

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:

A Front Double Biceps

Contestants should stand with one foot flat and the other leg extended and have upper arms out to the sides parallel to the floor, with elbows bent at approximately 90ddegrees with forearms parallel to torso and open hands. Legs, lats, chest, abdominals, and arms should be flexed.

Side Chest Pose

Contestants should stand on one flat foot with the other leg extended. The arms are extended with one hand on top of the other. 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 development. Contestants should not lean excessively toward the rear of the stage, nor lean backwards too far toward the judges.

Overhead Abdominal with Quads

The contestant must stand facing the judges with one leg extended 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.

Finals

Finals routine will be a maximum 60 seconds for amateurs and 90 seconds for Pro’s, performed to music of Athletes choice following the rules set forth by the NGA. The promoter has the option to adjust the maximum time limit. Music containing profanity or explicit language will not be allowed and may result in being disqualified from the contest.

Attire

Suits worn by women’s physique athletes for prejudging must be a twodpiece that crosses in the back. Suits do not need to be a solid color. The bottom of the suit must be Vdshaped. Absolutely no thongs are permitted. All suits must be in good taste. No heels may be worn, or props will be used at any time during competition/judging of women’s physique.