INBA - Judging Guidelines

Judging Guidelines

Bodybuilding Judging || Ms Figure || SportsModel || Ms Fitness || Posing Criteria (PDF)

Introduction

An Australian INBA judging panel usually consists of 7 - 9 judges. Judges are asked to rank each competitor from first place to last. (Exception: At the Australian Titles, the International criterion applies and if a division has a large number of competitors, judges only give their first six places).

Scoresheets are then submitted for calculation. The highest and lowest score of each competitor is deleted in order to reduce any form of bias when 7 judges are used (the 2 highest and 2 lowest scores are deleted on a 9 judge panel). The remaining five scores are totalled and placings allocated according to the lowest score. The lowest possible score is 5 points (5 judges allocating 1^st place). If there is a tie between 2 or more competitors, a 'countback' method is used the separate the placings. This involves awarding the best placing to the competitor with the most first placings from the judges. If 2 competitors also have the same number of 1^st placings, then the most 2^nd placings are counted and so forth until the competitors can be separated via countback.

Placing Deductions

If a competitor displays characteristics associated with drug use, it is deemed a fault in an INBA natural contests - such as Gynecomastia (bitch tits) - judges are instructed to mark any competitor with a drug characteristic down one place. For instance, if for no other reason than "bitch tits" the competitor is the best on stage they will be marked down to second place. If the imperfection is severe, the competitor may lose even more places. There are methods available (creams or surgery) and we ask any competitor to rectify the problem before competing - if not, the above penalty applies.

If a competitor has tattoos, body piercing or scars, points are not deducted unless they hinder definition or muscularity. A judge's personal view on these issues does not influence their scoring.

BODYBUILDING JUDGING CRITERIA

Round One - Symmetry

In this round Competitors will face the Judging panel and perform four quarter turns. This displays their physique from every angle. The quarter turns are performed with both feet flat on the floor with arms at either side. Bodybuilding competitors should not twist or turn their physiques during this round.

In this round we are looking for the following::

1. Structural flaws - Faults within the competitor's skeletal structure
2. Proportion - The balance of one muscle group to another e.g. lower body to upper body, biceps to calves, waist to quadriceps etc.
3. Balance - The left side of a competitor's body compared to the right, the front compared to the rear.
4. Symmetry - The competitor's overall shape and line.

In this round a competitor losses one point for every fault found. So that the competitor with the fewest points is ranked 1st. In the front-on position, look for balance - even development on each side of the body. Also proportion, is the lower body developed to the same extent as the upper body? Is the neck the same size as biceps and calves?

When competitors turn to the side, the ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle should be in a straight line. There should not be excessive curvature of the spine. The back should have the same degree of muscle thickness as the chest and the hamstring and gluteus should be as full as the quadriceps. When the competitors turn to the rear, check that the spine is straight and does not curve to either side, also check the muscular development of each side of the back.

In this round judges take into account the muscularity of the particular muscle groups. Judges assess a physique as consisting of nine major muscle groups: Chest, Back, Shoulders, Triceps, Biceps, Abdominals, Quadriceps, Hamstrings and Calves. Competitors should lose points for having too much fat on each muscle group

Round Two - Muscularity

In this round competitors perform the following compulsory poses. Muscle size and dimension is emphasised - judges reward bodybuilders.

1. Front Double Biceps
2. Front Lateral Spread
3. Side Chest (either side at the choice of the competitor)
4. Side Triceps (again, either side)
5. Rear Double Biceps
6. Rear Lateral Spread
7. Abdominal and Thigh

In this round judges are comparing competitors for the following:

Muscularity - The shape, thickness and quality of muscle
Proportion - The balance of one muscle group against another
Definition - Muscle separation, definition and vascularity
Balance - Left side of the body compared to the right, front compared to rear

Round Three - Free Posing

Most INBA events will incorporate INBA International rules and remove the free posing round from prejudging in events that has large competitor numbers. This allows the judges more time to actually judge the competitors using Muscularity and Symmetry rounds, than spending time watching competitors pose.

During the Final Show competitors will pose to their own music for a maximum of 60 seconds. (From 2009, INBA Promoters are allowed to offer posing an option for competitors at their shows - please check the entry form.) INBA places no restrictions on competitors in this round and the use of props is permitted. If International rules apply, the 60 seconds routine is performed at the Final Show. While the performance of the routine will not effect their placing, the judges will select the "Best Routine" trophy winner.

If Free Posing is included in judging it will be worth a third of your overall score. Keep in mind it is still a Physique contest and competitors are not disadvantaged if they do not use props or if the auditorium has not been filled with their supporters.

In this round we are looking for the following:

1. Posing Ability
2. Presentation / Entertainment - how did you enjoy the competitor's routine?
3. Physique
4. General appearance

WOMEN'S Ms FIGURE JUDGING CRITERIA

The requirement for the figure division varies from female bodybuilding in subtle ways. While figure competitors should not have the bulk of a bodybuilder, it is judged along the lines of a bodybuilding contest. As with all divisions, we require the competitors to reduce their bodyfat as low as possible, we still expect hardness and definition, but taken to the point that stops before a competitor loses their figure or shape and the individual muscle groups lose their fullness or dimension.

In round one, figure competitors perform five compulsory poses:

1) Front double bicep
2) Side chest (any side)
3) Side tricep(any side)
4) Rear double bicep
5) Abdominal & thigh.

The concept of Women's Figure is to express more femininity than is done in bodybuilding. As such:

High heel shoes are worn

Hands remain "open" not clenched during the posing

Jewellery and hair decorations are allowed

Competitors may twist their physique during the symmetry round - but the Head Judge may ask for a straight line up if the closeness of the division requires full scrutiny.

Ms Figure is the most debated division regarding judging decisions. If a small and lean competitor wins - the cry is the event is now a dieting contest, if the winner is hard or muscular - Figure girls now must be 'bodybuilders in high heels', if a full or shapely girl wins it has become bikini contest, and finally, if the winner is attractive - Ms Figure is a now a beauty pageant.

As a Ms Figure competitor do not let the above confuse you - the judges are not changing their minds at each event. The answer to the Ms Figure question, "what are the judges looking for?" is to say the judges are looking for the competitor who displays the highest standard of their particular body type/shape. This covers the situations where the winner may be a 'hard' competitor who looks in peak condition or a 'full' competitor with aesthetic shape and symmetry. The judges are simply looking for the best competitor and this means you should focus on your improving your body shape/type.

SPORTSMODEL JUDGING CRITERIA

SportsModel contests are looking for a competitor who projects beauty and shape. We are not looking for the musculature and abs of a physique/figure competitor. Importantly, we expect competitors to resemble models on stage and not physique/figure competitors. Girls that perform physique/figure type quarter-turns and stances will be penalised, we are looking for modelling turns. The SportsModel division has been updated for 2008 and each round has a unique judging criteria and different emphasis. The former free-wear round has been replaced with a theme-wear round. In addition, during the theme wear round competitors have an option of performing their individual walk/turns on stage to music they provide.

Please note: Promoters vary which rounds they offer and how the divisions are run. Therefore, check the Contest Information available on the website or contact the Promoter to confirm each contest. However, the Natural Olympia offers just the Bikini & Sportswear rounds and so do most of the Australian events.

In the bikini round competitors are judged in a group line-up. Whereas, in the theme-wear and dress round, competitors will only appear individually on stage and be judged on their individual performance.

JUDGING

Each round has equal value when judges make their final placings.

Round One - Bikini Round

A two piece swim suit must be worn. There is no restriction on style, cut, fabric or colour. High heels must also be worn. The bikini round is assessed in a similar way as a physique contest assesses it’s symmetry round. In some contests, competitor will come out individually and perform a T walk. Moving from the back of the stage to the front, the competitor then walks to the left side of the stage, back to the centre, walks to the right side of the stage and back to the middle. At one point the competitor must quarter turns when at the centre of stage. There should be no physique poses/stances at any time. Once all competitors have performed in the bikini round the judges will compare them as a group. In large events, the individual walk may be eliminated and competitors will be judged in a group line up.

Judges assess:

1. Body: Physique should display a shapely body
2. Appearance: Does she have sex appeal?
3. Stature: Ability to move, turn and stand with confidence and grace like a model
4. Symmetry: Overall shape and line
5. Structural flaws: Skeletal assessment

Round Two - SportsWear Round

Each competitor will wear a sports/gym/workout/fitness outfit.

Judges assess:

1. Appearance Is she glamorous?
2. Beauty Is she beautiful?
3. Poise Walk and posture
4. Charisma General impression and confidence

Round Three - Dress Round

Competitors can wear an evening dress of any length with high heels. The judges are looking at the physique in the dress – not the dress – therefore a glamorous dress which takes the eye away from your body is not ideal. Select a dress which emphasises your shape.

Judges assess:

1. Appearance Is she glamorous?
2. Beauty Is she beautiful?
3. Poise Walk and posture
4. Charisma General impression and confidence

MS FITNESS JUDGING CRITERIA

There is one Ms Fitness event in Australia each year conducted at the All Female Muscle & Fitness Classic. Competitors do not need to qualify prior.

In 1998 the INBA gained the rights to become the official representative in Australia for the International Fitness Sanctioning Body. The IFSB founded in America by Wally Boyko is the original creator of Ms Fitness. See www.msfitness.com . The IFSB sanctions INBA Ms Fitness events which adds another string to our international repertoire. Furthermore, the INBA can send three Australian Ms Fitness competitors to compete at the Rio Casino in Las Vegas USA, each September for the sport's highest title, Ms Fitness World - not to mention the top twenty competitors 'get a cut' of US$35,000 in prize money. And finally, INBA competitors will receive coverage in the Ms Fitness magazine.

Round One - Fitness Routine

Competitors have a maximum of 90 seconds to demonstrate all aspects of fitness in a routine to music. The routine should emphasise their strength, endurance and flexibility. The routine should give the judges some idea of the competitor's physical condition and abilities. It should also be entertaining, demonstrating the competitor's physical creativity and talents. Routines should include the best of your talents and interests, such as dance, aerobics, bodybuilding, martial arts, gymnastics or mime. Props are encouraged.

Judges are assessing:

Demonstration of strength
Demonstration of endurance
Demonstration of flexibility
Presentation and entertainment
General Appearance

Round Two - Bikini Round

A two piece swim suit must be worn. The swim suit can be made from any fabric or colour. Note: This is the only female category that G-String bikinis are NOT allowed. High heels must also be worn. Competitors come on stage individually. The bikini round is assessed the same as a physique contest assesses it's symmetry round. The competitor walks to the centre of the stage, in front of the judging panel. They will begin in a stance facing the judges, then quarter turn to the right, giving the judges a side view of the physique. The compere will then ask competitors to turn a further quarter so you are facing the rear of the stage, another quarter turn to the right, to show the judges the other side. Then finally, a quarter turn to the front again. Competitors are allowed to "Twist" their physiques in the quarter turns. The competitor then moves to and remains at the back of the stage. When all competitors have completed their round individually, judges may call for comparisons; asking two or more competitors to go through the four turns together. There is no posing.

Judges are assessing:

Muscle tone - Physique should display a totally fit body
Structural flaws - Skeletal assessment
Proportion - Balance of one muscle group to another
Symmetry - Overall shape and line
Appearance - Attractiveness and grooming

Round Three - Dress Round

The long dress, which you would classify as evening (after five) wear, must be worn. The dress should show the competitors physique. Often a simple dress will enhance your shape. The judges are looking at the body in the dress, not the dress. Dress to show your shape and the fact that you have a trained body. You will be required to walk to the centre of the stage and do quarter turns before walking over to the compere. The compere will offer you the microphone and ask you for a (maximum of 30 seconds) response to include a brief bio of yourself and your philosophy on fitness. Your answer is not judged. We are, however, looking for a representative of fitness and you need to be able to speak with confidence and create an impression in front of an audience.

Judges are assessing:

Physique - Shape and figure
Appearance - Attractiveness and grooming
Poise - Walk and posture
Charisma - General impression and confident

Jewelry can be worn in all rounds. However, wear jewelry which will compliment your appearance, not distract the judges. Props may be used in Round Three.

SCORING

Each round has equal weight for your final score.

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