Crucial to Competitor Success

Understanding the judging criteria process will ensure that athletes are properly prepared to compete in INBF & WNBF sanctioned events.

Judging Criteria Varies

Each division has specific criteria; knowing specifically what the judges are looking for will help competitors avoid penalties, particularly if they are competing in more than one division.

Scroll below to click the criteria tabs for each category

QUICK CRITERIA GUIDE

SCROLL BELOW FOR DETAILED JUDGING CRITERIA

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 “whole package.”

Men wear a bodybuilding posing suit; women wear a two-piece bodybuilding suit with or without embellishments.

Athletes are judged in two rounds:

  • Symmetry – Encompasses the overall balance of a physique
  • Muscularity – Muscle mass, proportion, conditioning, and definition of the physique

Download Bodybuilding Division Judging Criteria.


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 – Muscle mass, proportion, conditioning, and definition above the waist

Download Wheelchair Bodybuilding Criteria

The Bikini Division 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 is permitted.  Shoes are required but height of heels is optional.

  • Bikini divisions are height based and split according to athlete numbers keeping events competitive but fair.

Competition Bikini Suits

  • “Micro Pro”, “Scoop”, or other suits with minimal glute coverage are not allowed.
  • “Pro Cut” or “Brazilian” cut or suits that provide more coverage are preferred.

Competitors are judged in two (2) rounds:

  • Round 1
    • Fitness and balance in the Bikini division is achieved through a lightly muscled and not overly lean or hard appearing physique as compared to Figure, Fit Body, or Bodybuilding.
    • One hand placed on the hip on front and side poses
    • Hands shall be placed on the thighs on the back pose
    • Hair shall be swept to the front and lats lightly flared forward to display nice shape on the back pose
  • Round 2
    • Physical Appearance refers to the overall appearance of the athlete.  Stage presentation, hair, tanning, make up, and suit choice are encompassed in this round.
    • Ties are broken in round 2

Below are some general stage walk guidelines for physique athletes.  Many venues vary in accessibility so athletes should reach out to perspective promoters about stage walk specifics so that you can prepare properly.

Download Bikini Division Judging Criteria

Figure is a class of physique competition judged equally on symmetry and muscle tone.

Athletes wear two-piece figure suit; 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 piecing is allowed, but must not be offensive or obscure the physique.

The Figure Division is judged in two (2) rounds:

  • Symmetry takes into account balance and proportion; physiques should be symmetrically balanced with no one body part overpowering the rest of the body.
  • Muscle Tone focuses on moderate muscle tone; leanness and muscle development is expected, however competitors must not be over conditioned as in the Bodybuilding or Fit Body divisions.
  • Presentation & Stage Walk are no longer scored.  The athletes overall stage presence, stage walk, hair, make-up, attire, and accessories that compliment and enhance the athlete’s figure are areas judges will focus on when breaking ties.
    Below are some general stage walk guidelines for figure & physique athletes.  Many venues vary in accessibility so athletes should reach out to perspective promoters about stage walk specifics so that you can prepare properly.

Download Figure Division Judging Criteria

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 suit; 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 piecing is allowed, but must not be offensive or obscure the physique.

Scoring is based on two (2) rounds:

  • Symmetry is judged on balanced proportions; upper and lower body should not overpower the other, and no one body part should overpower the rest of the physique.
  • Muscle Tone will focus on the overall conditioning of the body, not overly muscular, too striated, or hard looking.  Competitors should not appear to be at the same overly lean physical level of a Bodybuilding competitor.

Download Fit Body Division Judging Criteria.

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:

  • One hand on the hip on all poses
  • Nicely shaped and balanced muscle throughout
  • A small waist
  • Good V-taper
  • Abdominal definition
  • One hand shall be placed on the hip on all quarter turns to differentiate from bodybuilding
  • No bodybuilding poses are allowed
  • Physique divisions are height based and split according to athlete numbers keeping events competitive but fair.

Tanning, grooming, suit choice, posing, stage walk, and overall aesthetic appeal are taken into consideration as judges look for the best overall package.

Competitors are judged in two (2) rounds:

Round 1

  • Symmetry and Muscle Tone

Round 2

  • Overall stage presentation.  Ties are broken in round 2.
Below are some general stage walk guidelines for physique athletes.  Many venues vary in accessibility so athletes should reach out to perspective promoters about stage walk specifics so that you can prepare properly.

Download Men’s Physique Division Judging Criteria.