Note: Changes are noted by red font.

Update(s):October 2017: Reformat the guide. Consolidate Bikini CriteriaJanuary 2017:Inclusion of Pairs CriteriaAugust 2016: Separation of rulebook into Judges and Promoter’s Guides.

Inclusion of Classic Physique & Classic Bikini

USBF TABLE OF CONTENTS

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A. DIVISIONSI. FIGURE(pg. 3 - 5)II. BIKINI(pg. 6 - 7)III. MALE PHYSIQUE(pg. 8 – 9)IV. CLASSIC PHYSIQUE(pg. 10)V. FEMALE PHYSIQUE(pg. 11)VI. PAIRS CRITERIA(pg. 12)

VII. BODYBUILDING CRITERIA(pg. 13-17)B. FORMS & DOCUMENT

1. SCORING SHEETS (see link to scoring sheets on Rules page)2. TABULATOR SCORING SHEET

C. JUDGES BEHAVIOR & ACTIONS1. SCORING SHEETS (see link to scoring sheets on Rules page)2. TABULATOR SCORING SHEET

MsUSBF® FIGURE JUDGING CRITERIA (08/18/16)

The judging will be conducted in two rounds. The first and second rounds will be conducted during prejudging. In those cases where the promoter chooses to perform live judging during the finals, the scoring will be the same but performed during the finals.

Gloves, hats and props are not allowed to be worn during Prejudging.  However, they are permitted during the Finals.

The promoter has the option of offering: one class; two height classes (5’4” & Under and Over 5’4”), or to split the competitors evenly by height at the show.  Whatever option is chosen, it should be clearly noted on the entry form.

PREJUDGINGROUND 1: In this round, contestant attire is restricted to 2‐piece swim suit (absolutely no thongs) and high heels. With regard to the high heels, there are no restrictions on the sole or height of the heel. This round will consist of a group presentation and quarter turns. This is where the contestant is being compared against the members of their class. The areas being scored in this round are Physique and Presentation.

GROUP PRESENTATIONThe Head Judge will have each class brought to the front of the stage and direct them through quarter turns to display physiques from the front, left, back, and right.

FRONT POSE: This is the pose that you want to take when coming out on stage to start the group presentations and the pose that you want to take when the Head Judge tells you to “Face Front”.  Heels together, legs straight, tummy tight, torso erect standing tall with straight posture, shoulders square, lats flared, arms comfortably and naturally rounded keeping hands close to the sides, hands and fingers relaxed. Smile. Make eye contact with the judges and the audience.

SIDE POSE: Heels together, legs straight, tummy tight, torso erect 

standing tall with straight posture, place the front arm 

facing the judges behind you opening up the shoulder and latand exposing the mid‐section, place the back arm facing the 

back of the stage slightly in front to show the side chest and 

shoulder, arms should be equally rounded slightly with hands close 

to the body, hands and fingers relaxed, head should be facing the 

back of the next competitor's head and the side of the stage, 

still smiling.Page 3

RELAXED POSE: This is an optional pose that can be use during award presentation or in the case of a large class, you may be asked to move to the rear of the stage. The body is positioned at 45 degrees facing left with the right foot at 12 o'clock and the left foot at 2 o'clock. Legs are straight or the right knee slightly bent, the right hand is rounded back/outward like the side pose and the left hand is on the hip/waist with the elbow and shoulder brought forward to round out the appearance of the physique. The competitor has the option to reverse this pose if she feels that it will better present her physique.

BACK POSE: Similar to the front pose, heels together, legs straight, torso erect standing tall with straight posture, shoulders square, lats flared, arms comfortably and naturally rounded keeping hands close to the sides, hands and fingers relaxed.  This pose will also be called for when the head judge calls for the competitors to "face the back of the stage".  If you have long hair, you want to sweep it off of your back and over your shoulder.

PHYSIQUEWith regard to Physique, the judges are looking for athletic conditioning and symmetry. Reasons for receiving a lower score include: overly muscular physique; striations in the upper arms and legs; looseness in the arms, glutes, and legs. There will be no penalty for well developed abs. 

PRESENTATIONWith regard to Presentation, the judges will be looking for: poise, skin tone, make‐up, hair style, suit fit, and a good smile. 

Physique and Presentation will be a combined score.  Judges will rate the competitors based on the number of competitors in the class.  If there are 7 competitor in a class, you will place them 1 through 7 (with 1 being the highest score).

ROUND 2: In this round, contestant attire is the same as Round 1. This round will consist of an individual stage walk.  Although there are no mandatory poses, modeling poses should be used. Under no circumstance should you use bodybuilding/physique poses.

Stage Walk: After having your number called by the Head Judge, the contestant will walk out (with subtle music) to center stage and perform two (2) poses. Each pose should be held for a couple of seconds. After performing the center poses, the contestant should be facing the front and should walk to stage left (if the contestant entered from the left of the stage) and strike two (2) of her favorite poses. After the stage left pose, the contestant should walk to stage right and perform two (2) poses of her choice. After a brief pause, the contestant can exit the stage area. The posing and

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turns should not resemble the muscle flexing which is exhibited in bodybuilding/physique. The stage walk should exhibit poise and grace. The entire stage walk should have a even flow. Turning into your poses should be as smooth as possible. Judges will rate the competitors on a scale of 1 through 3 (with 1 being a perfect score). Reasons for a lower score would be: not holding the poses for a couple of seconds / rushing through the stage walk; not walking gracefully; not performing the proper number of poses, and / or missing a stopping point. 

DURING THE STAGE WALK, THERE ARE NO MANDATORY MsUSBF FIGURE POSES.

With regard to scoring the Stage Walk, the judges will be looking for grace during the stage walk (walking in heels), and a smooth flow into poses. Reasons for receiving a lower placement include: stiffness during stage walk; not transitioning smoothly into poses; performing bodybuilding/physique poses, and failure to execute the proper number of poses.

Tie Breaker: First tie‐breaker is the lowest stage walk score. The second tie‐breaker is the lowest combined stage walk and presentation score. 

FINALSIn the Finals, contestant attire has few restrictions. Normal attire would be a 2‐piece swim suit or sport gear and high heels. There are no color restrictions. The Finals will consist of a group presentation and quarter turns followed by an individual stage walk or free‐style posing routine.

The Finals are difference from Prejudging in that personalize music (60 second) is allowed for the stage walk. Jewelry, gloves, hats, etc. (including props) are also permitted during the Finals. The Top 3 class finishers (in the open) of any sanctioned MsUSBF Figure Championships will qualify for the MsUSBF Figure Nationals. The overall champion or 1st place winner (if there is no overall offered) qualifies to compete as a MsUSBF Figure Pro.

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MsUSBF® Bikini Judging Criteria (10/18/2016)

The judging will be conducted in three (3) rounds. The first and second rounds will be conducted during prejudging. The third round will be conducted during the finals.  In those cases where the promoter chooses to perform live judging, the final round can be eliminated.Gloves, hats and props are not allowed to be worn during Prejudging.  However, they are permitted during the Finals.The promoter has the option of offering: one class; two height classes (5’4” & Under and Over 5’4”), or to split the competitors evenly by height at the show.  The promoter can also offer a “Master Bikini” class for competitors age 35 and over.  Whatever option is chosen, it should be clearly noted on the entry form.

PREJUDGINGRound 1 & 2: In these rounds, contestant attire is restricted to a bikini (absolutely no thongs) and high heels. With regard to the high heels, there are no restrictions on the sole or height of the heel.  There are no restrictions on suit color or the amount of rhinestones, studs, or beads.  This round will consist of a group presentation and just two (2) turns. This is where the contestant is being compared against the members of their class. The areas being scored in this round are Physique and Presentation.

Round 1: COMPARISONS / GROUP PRESENTATION (50% of Total Score)After being call to the stage with your class, you will perform the Front Pose. After holding the pose for a short time, the Head Judge will call for the competitors to "face the back of the stage". At this time, you will strike a Back-Pose (Left leg forward with right hand on hip or right leg forward with left hand on hip. Back must be arched). After a short period of time, the Head Judge will have the class walk to the back of the stage. You will walk to the back of the stage and then assume the Back-Pose. After a short time, the Head Judge will have the class turn and face the front and walk forward. At this time, you will turn and face front and walk forward. Once you reach the front of the stage, you will transition back into the Front Pose.

Any member of the panel can request competitors to be moved around and repeat the posing. Note: Although you are only walking to the back and front of the stage, your walk should be smooth and elegant. You should transition smoothly into your front and back poses.

During the Comparison Round, judges will be scoring:• Properly performing the Front and Back Poses• Symmetry / Body Shape (smooth but not overly muscular or overly lean)• Appearance (suit, hair, make-up, skin tone, & natural smile)• Poise & Presence

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Round 2: STAGE WALK (50% of Total Score)Competitors will walk onstage alone and perform the Stage Walk [see MsUSBF Figure Criteria for diagram].  Although there are no mandatory poses, only “model” poses should be performed.  Absolutely no flexing poses.The walk should display confidence.  You should always smile and appear to enjoy what you are doing.During the Stage Walk Round, judges will be scoring:• The  Stage Walk (smooth, don’t shuffle your feet like it’s your first time in heels)• Transition into poses (the flow from your walk into your poses should look perfectly natural)• Hold every pose for at least 2 seconds

FINALSRound 3: CREATIVE / STAGE WALKIn this rounds the Bikini competitors have 3 options. Option (1) you can perform the stage walk in your bikini. Option (2) you can wear a little black dress (LDB). The dress can be loose or tight‐fitting, sleeves or sleeveless, open back or closed.  Any style or fabric is permissible.  You should select a dress that reflects your personality.  The unwavering requirements are that the dress must be totally black, one‐piece, and fall above the knee. Option (3) you can wear sports theme (SP) attire. The attire should be two-piece suit (displaying a sports theme) and heels. An example would be wearing the jersey of your favorite sports team with spandex shorts and heels.

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USBF Male Physique Guidelines (rev. 08/15/2016)

Overview:Male Physique is meant to complement Men Bodybuilding and not in any way to compete with it.  Male Physique will be similar to Fitness Modeling.  Like fitness modeling, the contestants should display poise and confidence.  There will be absolutely no flexing.  Male Physique contestants that exhibit excessive muscle and striations will be scored lower.  Board Shorts are a requirement.  The shorts must fit loose and fall just above the knee in length.  No shirt or foot wear is allowed.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

PrejudgingDuring Prejudging, the judges will be looking for Symmetry and Physical Conditioning.  As stated in the Overview, judges will be looking for a fitness model rather than a bodybuilder and scoring will be lowered for those exhibiting excessive muscle or striations.

Each contestant will walk onto to the stage and perform quarter turns individually. After completing the turns, they move to the rear of the stage while the other contestants perform the individual quarter turns.  Once all of the individual quarter turns are complete, the head judge will move all of the contestants to the front of the stage to perform quarter turns as a group.Competitors that are viewed as  overly muscular, ripped or hard.  Should be placed lower then competitors with good muscle tone but higher than competitors with no muscle tone.

FinalsIndividually, each contestant  will perform a stage  walk. Please review the diagram on the next page.  Upon entering the stage, they will walk to the center (Point B) of the stage and perform a single front pose.  Assuming that the contestant enter from the right of the stage, the contestant will then walk to the right (Point C) of the stage and perform a front or side pose. The contestant will then walk to the left (Point D) of the stage and perform a side or rear pose. Now you will walk off waving to the spectators as you exit to the same point were you enter (Point A).

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Con’t: USBF Male Physique Guidelines (rev. 08/15/2016)

ClassesThe classes will be based on height.  The promoter will determine the number of open height classes.  A master class of 35 & over is also an option.

PosingThe front pose is shown in the first 2 photos above. The side pose is shown in the middle photo.  The rear pose is shown in the last 2 photos.  There is no mandatory hand position for any of the poses.

Stage Walk:

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Classic Male Physique Criteria (rev. 04/09/2016)

Overview:Like Male Physique, Classic Physique is meant to complement Men Bodybuilding and not in any way to compete with it. Classic Male Physique will fall somewhere between Male Physique and Men Bodybuilding.  While Male Physique is very similar to Fitness Modeling, Classic Physique combines Modeling and Muscle.  Since the Classic Physique contestants will only compete in the open class, their overall conditioning must be very good.  Contestants in this class must be symmetrical and with some muscular. Instead of board shorts, Classic Physique competitors will wear spandex briefs.  Acceptable examples would be similar the Under Armour 6” Boxerjock, UA 6” Compression Shorts, or Nike 6" Compression Shorts.  No shirt or foot wear is allowed.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

PrejudgingDuring Prejudging, the judges will be looking for a combination of Symmetry, Muscularity and Physical Conditioning. Each competitor will walk to the center of the stage and perform following mandatory poses [without the head judge call‐outs]:Front Double BicepsSide ChestBack Double Biceps“Hands on Hips” Abdominals While Spiking One Leg

Example of these poses can be found under the Bodybuilding section of the rule book.After completing their mandatory poses, the head judge will send them to the back of the stage.  Once everyone has completed the mandatory posing, the head judge will bring them to the front to perform quarter turns for group comparisons.  Any judge can request that contestants be moved around and perform one (1) of the mandatory poses. When all of the judges are satisfied that they have seen enough, the head judge will have them exit the stage.

FinalsEach contestant will perform a 60 second routine. 

ClassesThe classes will be based on height.  The promoter will determine the number of open height classes.  A master class of 35 & over is also an option.

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USBF Female Physique Guidelines (rev. 08/15/2016)

Overview:Female Physique is different from Women Bodybuilding in that the focus is not muscularity.  Female Physique competitors should have good muscle tone without being viewed as massive, ripped or hard.

MANDATORY POSES [absolutely no closed fists]▪ Front double biceps/open hands (no flat footed full front pose – some sort of front twisting pose)▪ Back double biceps/open hands▪ Side triceps with leg extended▪ Side chest with arms extended▪ Hands Behind Head Ab Flex/ One Leg Forward

JUDGING CRITERIA:

PrejudgingHead Judge will bring out the entire class and send them to the back of the stage.  One at a time, the Head Judge will bring each competitor to the front to perform their routine.Individual routine [no longer than 60 seconds] highlighting all of the mandatory poses.  Judges will be looking for competitors that are physically fit with good muscle tone.  Judges are looking for you to execute all of the mandatory poses without any direction.  Judges want to see that you smoothly transition from one pose to another.  Poses and all movement should reflect a significant amount of femininity.Group Comparisons: Head Judge will put the class through Quarter turns & Mandatory posing. Competitors that are viewed as  overly muscular, ripped or hard.  Should be placed lower then competitors with good muscle tone but higher than competitors with no muscle tone.

FinalsIndividual posing routine.

SUITSSuits are the normal 2‐piece suits worn by Women Bodybuilders.  No color restrictions. No shoes are to be worn.

CLASSESPromoters can choose to have one height class or multiple height classes.  Competitors should be evenly divided by height during registration.  Novice and Masters [35 & over] classes may also be added.

USBF PAIRS CRITERIA(rev. 01/08/2017)

Overview:Pairs can consist of any two (2) individuals.  Unlike the Couples or Mixed Couples competitions of the past, Pairs can consist of:• Brothers• Sisters• Brother & Sister• Father & Son• Mother & Daughter• Friends

The Pairs class can only be entered by crossing over from Bodybuilding, Physique, Figure, or Bikini.Judges will look for couples who complement one another in appearance and conditioning. They should also present a routine which is completely synchronized [both parties moving in unison].

Attire:Posing suits must match.  The same clothing worn for your individual classes [Bodybuilding, Physique, Figure, or Bikini] can be worn for Pairs competition.  Modest jewelry is permitted.  Absolutely no shoes are allowed.

Competitive Rounds & Scoring: The judging will be conducted in two rounds as described below.  Assuming six (6) Pairs are competing, Rounds 1 and 2 will be scored from 1st to 6th.  The Pair with the lowest average score will finish first.  For example,

Round 1 Round 20.25 0.75

Pairs A: Scores a 4 in Round 1 and a 6 in Round 2 =  1 + 4.5 = 5.50 6th Place

Pairs B: Scores a 5 in Round 1 and a 1 in Round 2 =  1.25 + 0.75 = 2.00 1st Place

Pairs C: Scores a 3 in Round 1 and a 2 in Round 2 =  0.75 + 1.5 = 2.25 2nd Place

Pairs D: Scores a 2 in Round 1 and a 3 in Round 2 =  0.5 + 2.25 = 2.75 3rd Place

Pairs E: Scores a 1 in Round 1 and a 5 in Round 2 =  0.25 + 3.75 = 4.00 4th Place

Pairs F: Scores a 6 in Round 1 and a 4 in Round 2 =  1.5 + 3 = 4.50 5th Place

Round 1[During Prejudging]. Quarter Turns [Scoring 25%]All Pairs will take the stage and perform quarter turns as directed by the Head Judge.  Judges will be looking for appearance and conditioning.  Any judge can request additional quarter turns.  Since competitors can come from any class[Bodybuilding, Physique, Figure, or Bikini], there are no mandatory poses.  

Round 2[During Finals]. Free Style Posing  [Scoring 75%]Each couple will be allowed 90 seconds for posing.  The only requirement is that the posing should be continuous and synchronized.  Judges will be looking for synchronized posing that flow well with the selected music.

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USBF BODYBUILDING CRITERIAJUDGING / SCORING PROCEDURE

In local or national USBF competition, all competitors shall be placed (list in order).  Judges will evaluate each contestant based on three areas: Muscularity, Symmetry, and Presentation.  Judges will weigh these three areas equally.  Most of the judging is done during prejudging where each competitor is put through mandatory poses (section C.8 and exhibit A) designed to highlight the major muscle groups.  A judge must be fully completed his or her scoring before the group / class leaves the stage.  Any judge can request additional poses.  As a judge, your job is to objectively evaluate each competitor against the other individuals in that class.  You will rank the competitors based on the overall score you allocate.  Take your time and be as thorough as possible.    This evaluation is to be completed no matter how many contestants are in a particular group and no matter how long it takes.

JUDGESHead Judge: The head judge is always a National Level Judge.  His or her job is:•At the start of the show, coordinate activities with the Sr. Expediter•Organize all of the judges and to allocate numbers to each judge.•Make sure each judge notes their name and number on the scoring sheets•Assign national judges to assist first‐time test judges•Run all of the classes through the mandatory poses during prejudging•Run all of the classes through quarter turns, prior to individual free‐styleposing to music, during the finals•Make sure the tabulator receive all of the scoring sheets•Before dismissing the class, check with the judging panel for requests foradditional poses

Test Judge: The test judge can be a novice judge candidate or a veteran judge that is new to the USBF.  Test judges score are included, but not counted in the contestant placing.

Panel Judge: A panel judge can be either a national or state level judge.  After three years of judging experience, a state judge can apply for national status.

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1. FRONT DOUBLE BICEPSThe upper arms are held approximately parallel to the floor and the fists are closed curving down.

2. FRONT LAT SPREADWITH THIGHS FLEXED

The heels are together with the toes pointed at a 45 degree angle. The legsare flexed.

3. ABDOMINAL POSE WITH HANDSBEHIND THE HEAD

The torso should be symmetrical. (The legpositions are not specified in this pose).

4. LEFT-SIDE LIFTED RIBCAGE (SIDE CHESTPOSE)

The chest is raised. The shoulders are held aapproximately even height. The left wrist is clasped withthe right hand. (The leg positions are not specified in thispose.)

Exhibit A

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5. LEFT-SIDE TRICEPS PULL WITH LEG FLEXED TODISPLAY THE SIDE OF THE THIGH

The left arm is held straight or nearly so, and may be rotated slightly.The left wrist is held with the right hand (or the right hand may be cuppedin the left). The left calf is spiked, with the toe placed at the instep of theright foot.

6. BACK DOUBLE BICEPSThe upper arms are held approximatelyparallel to the floor and the fists are balled. (The leg positions are not specified in this pose.)

7. BACK LAT SPREADOne calf is spiked.

8. DOUBLE CALF

Exhibit A (Continued)

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9. RIGHT-SIDE LIFTED RIBCAGE (SIDE CHEST POSE)The chest is raised. The shoulders are held at approximately even height. The right wrist is clasped with the left hand. (The leg positions are notspecified in this pose.

10. RIGHT-SIDE TRICEPSPULL WITH LEG FLEXEDTO DISPLAY THE SIDE OFTHE THIGH

The right arm is held straight or nearly so, and may be rotated slightly. Theright wrist is held with left hand (or theleft hand may be cupped in the right).The right calf is spiked, with the toeplaced at the instep of the left foot.

11. RIGHT LEG DISPLAYThe right leg is extended forward, flexed, and

rotated.

12. LEFT LEG DISPLAYThe left leg is extended forward, flexed, and rotated.

13. HANDS-ON-THIGHS “MOSTMUSCULAR”

The hands are placed on the thighs(below the suit) with the palms flat andthumbs forward.

Exhibit A (Continued)

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SYMMETRY / MUSCULARITY / PRESENTATION

SYMMETRYSymmetry has everything to do with a balance physique. This can best be judged through a series of quarter turns. Because the bench press is high on most people favorite exercise list, you will see a lot of the “Big Upper & Small Lower” body types (especially in drug tested competitions). The total opposite of this is the over-developed lower body. You see a lot of this when former football player and / or power lifters move into the bodybuilding ranks. As a judge, it should be easy to pick out the competitors at the extreme ends of the spectrum. Now, an example of good symmetry can be found in Exhibit A.3 (ABDOMINAL POSE WITH HANDS BEHIND THE HEAD). In this particular pose, notice how the muscle mass is evenly distributed through out the entire body. Starting with the wide developed shoulders moving to a V shaped abdominal area and onto the flaring calves.

MUSCULARITYYou are not just looking for the most muscles under this criteria. You are looking for hardness, deep cuts, and muscle separation. Striations in the arms and legs are also a plus in scoring under this criteria. Don’t confuse muscularity with someone who has very low body-fat and is consider “ripped” but don’t have much muscle mass.

PRESENTATIONThe key here is to practice, practice, and more practice. Assuming that you put in the hard work and have a winning physique, now you must present it properly. Get a full-size mirror and a video camera. Practice your quarter turns, practice your posing, and practice transitioning into your poses from a relax position. As a judge, you are looking to score high those individuals that know the poses and execute them with confidence. Their suit should fit well and the competitor color should be perfect.

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SECTION B.FORMS & DOCUMENT

B. FORMS & DOCUMENT1. SCORING SHEETS (see link to scoring sheets on Rules page)2. TABULATOR SCORING SHEET (see the Promoter’s Guide)

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SECTION C.JUDGES BEHAVIOR & ACTIONS

C. JUDGES BEHAVIOR & ACTIONS1. Limit conversation between judges unless necessary; absolutely no

discussing or comparing scoring2. If a judge feels that an error occur, he should contact the head judge

and the head judge should place the competition "on-hold“. Thehead judge would then confer with the promoter and tabulator. Oncethe situation is resolved, the expediter and mc will be briefed on howto proceed.

3. If the error resulted in a change in placement, notify the competitorsbackstage. HANDLE EVERYTHING IN A MANNER TO AVOIDEMBARRASSING ANY COMPETITOR.

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