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This is the category for “hardcore” guys looking to take the physique to its full capacity in terms of size and condition and who consider the physique to be an ever evolving work in progress. Symmetry, structure and the ability to pose the physique in ways that make it look its best are all crucial elements of what will make a successful bodybuilding competitor.

This category has three rounds of competition including the symmetry round, mandatory posing round and routine round.

Divisions Within the Category:

Competitors may enter as many divisions/classes as they are eligible. For example, a junior competitor may also enter the weight class he fits into. A Grandmasters competitor would be allowed to enter Masters and an appropriate weight class if they so wished. Note that younger competitors cannot enter higher age divisions and Open competitors cannot try to compete in a different weight class within the Open division other than their own. If entering more than one division, a competitor need only prepare one routine and the score of that routine will be carried over to the other divisions.

Novice Level

By Weight Class

Provided there are at least 10 competitors in the category, UFE will separate men into two weight classes. UFE uses a median weight system in which all men below the median weight are placed in the light class, while men above the median weight are placed in the heavy class. This ensures each class has an equal number of competitors. The median weight will change from event to event based on the weights of the competitors at a particular event.

Open Level

By Age

Juniors – 21 years and under
Masters – 40 years and over
Grandmasters – 50 years and over

By Weight Class

For 10 or more total competitors, 4 weight classes divided as follows:

Lightweight – 155 lbs and under
Middleweight – 175 lbs and under
Light Heavyweight – 195 lbs and under
Heavyweight – over 195 lbs

For less than 10 total competitors, 2 weight classes divided as follows:

Light-Middleweight – 175 lbs and under
Light Heavy-Heavyweight – over 175 lbs

Elite Level

Masters division for men 40 years of age and above at the UFE World Championships only.

Professional Level

Masters division for men 40 years of age and above at the UFE World Championships only. Subject to the sole discretion of UFE.

Protocol & Judging

Symmetry Round

In the symmetry round, competitors will stand in a “semi-relaxed” stance with heels touching. They will then be asked to execute a series of quarter turns to the right so that they may be viewed from the front, the back and both sides.
In this round, judges are looking for a well-proportioned physique. Muscles groups should be proportioned well on the body relative to one another (ie: competitors should not have a large upper body with underdeveloped legs). Muscle groups should also be balanced on the left and right sides of the body (ie: one arm should not look significantly bigger than the other or one leg look more defined than the other). Competitors should also display good muscle definition and muscle density.

Mandatory Posing

Judges are looking at the size of the muscle in relation to your skeletal structure. Judges are also looking at the shape, hardness, tone, definition and separation of the muscles. Execution of the poses is very important so be sure to practice. Your attitude and confidence on stage is another factor in how you are looked at on stage.
The following poses will be called in this round:

  • Front Double Biceps
  • Front Lat Spread
  • Abdominals and Thigh
  • Side Triceps
  • Side Chest
  • Rear Double Biceps
  • Rear Lat Spread
  • Most Muscular (Hands on hips or crab shot)

During the evening show, the emcee will also call for a posedown in which competitors pose “freestyle” for 30 seconds. Competitors may execute any series of mandatory or other poses they wish and are encouraged to move around the stage. Competitors will not be scored during the posedown and are encouraged to have fun with it.

Routine Round

Competitors will prepare a routine that is a maximum length of 90 seconds set to music of their choice. The routine round is meant to display a competitor’s physique, physical conditioning, personality, posing and creativity

Competitors should incorporate at least some of the mandatory poses in their routines, but are also encouraged to include other poses that show the judges their physique in the most favorable way. Transition between poses is also looked at and routines should be creative and entertaining in order to capture the attention of the judges.

Props and costumes are encouraged and showing off a relevant talent is also encouraged. Some relevant talents could include dance, martial arts, gymnastics, robotics, baton etc. Props, costumes and the incorporation of special talents is not required, however, keep in mind that the point of the routine is to try and “WOW” the judges and the audience. This is your chance to shine on stage and show everyone what you want them to see.

Routine music must be saved to a USB drive in MP3 format (no other format will be accepted) and handed in at the athlete meeting. The music will be uploaded and the USB will be given back. Please keep the USB as backup in the case that anything happens to your music. Routine music may not contain profanity and competitors will have points deducted if warranted.

Routines will be performed in the finals only.

Scoring for Men’s Bodybuilding

Muscle Mass (25%)
This refers to the size of each muscle group and the overall muscularity of the entire body.

Conditioning (25%)
This refers to the degree of separation of each muscle group and the muscles within each group. Judges are also looking for how tight the skin is to the muscles (ie: is the athlete holding water under the skin?), vascularity and visible striations.

Symmetry and Proportion (25%)
Judges will be looking for equal development of all body parts in relation to one another as well as equal development from side to side and from top to bottom.

Structure (12.5%)
This refers to the muscular development of the body in relation to skeletal structure. For example the judges will look for wide shoulders that taper down to a small waist, upper arms that protrude out from the forearms and thighs that sweep out from the lower legs.

Presentation (12.5%)
Judges’ will be looking for proper execution of the quarter turns, the ability to hit the mandatory poses and hold them, and proper transition between poses. The routine will make up a significant part of this score as well.

Example of Scoring System:

Competitor #

Muscle Mass (10)

Conditioning (10)

Symmetry (10)

Structure (5)

Presentation (5)

Total (40)

100

10

6

6

4

3

29

101

8

10

10

5

5

38

102

7

9

9

4

5

34

*scores will be sorted from high to low and highest scoring competitor will win

Scoring for Bikini

Musculature (20%)

Competitors should have a fit, athletic appearance. “Skinny” would not be a descriptive word for what we would be looking for, but competitors need not have wide shoulders or back, nor quadriceps that “sweep” out from their skeletal structure like one would see in the figure category and in fact, this would be considered too muscular for this category.

Conditioning (20%)

Competitors should have a low level of bodyfat and some separation between the muscle groups (ie: separation between quadriceps and hamstrings or between upper arms and shoulders). However, separation within muscle groups (ie: between the different muscles that make up the quadriceps or shoulders) is not necessary. Deep separation or a “dry” or “shredded” look are not ideal for this category.

Symmetry (20%)

There should be an aesthetically pleasing balance between muscle groups. Upper body should be as developed and conditioned as the lower body and vice versa.

Attractiveness (20%)

This refers to the facial beauty of the competitor. Does the competitor have a sexy look? Has the body been well complimented by the suit choice and tan? Has the competitors properly accentuated their features with appropriate hairstyling, makeup, etc.?

Confidence/Presentation (20%)

The competitor should exude confidence and poise on stage. The presentation should be sexy, sassy, energetic and fun while maintaining class. Poses and transitions should come off as natural for the competitor.

Example of Scoring in this Round:

Competitor # Musculature (5) Conditioning (5) Symmetry (5) Attractiveness/
Marketability (5)
Confidence/
Presentation (5)
Total (25)
700 4 4 4 3 3 18
701 5 5 5 5 5 25
702 4 3 5 5 5 22

*scores will be sorted from high to low and highest scoring competitor will win

OTHER POINTS AND TIPS TO REMEMBER FOR THE BODYBUILDING COMPETITOR:

  • Competitors should not wear jewelry as this may distract from their physique.
  • All competitors will come on the stage barefoot for the symmetry and mandatory posing rounds.
  • Competitors should keep in mind that the judges are looking at them at all times. For this reason competitors should never stand totally relaxed on stage and should keep a positive attitude at all times.
  • In the event of a tie, the highest and lowest scores from the competitors in the tie will be dropped.
  • Competitors in the bodybuilding category tend to look best when they are dark. Having a base tan and using a product such as Protan or Jan Tana is a good idea. Competitors may want to be careful about putting these type of products on their face and may even want to consider using makeup to try and match their facial color to the rest of their body. Dream Tan may NOT be applied by anyone other than the official tanning provider at any given UFE event or it must be applied outside of the venue due to restrictions on this product by many venues. Any competitor seen applying this product inside of the venue or smearing the product anywhere in the venue (knowingly or otherwise) will be disqualified and asked to leave.
  • Using posing oils can help accentuate the physique, however, competitors should be careful not to put too much on as it can cause the lights to reflect off it and drown out their physique. Competitors should have a sheen, not a shine.
  • Posing suits must cover all critical body parts. Demerit points will be given to competitors who have posing suits that are too provocative (ie: thongs and G-Strings).
  • Competitors will be allowed to start a routine over or can be called back in the event of a technical glitch with their music during the routine round. Keep in mind that how a competitor handles the situation can affect the way the judges perceive them.
  • Try to always show confidence by keeping your head up and executing your turns and poses with surety. Remember in all subjective sports, poise and confidence will affect the way judges perceive you.
  • Trainers, make-up artists, friends are not allowed backstage with the competitors. This is to prevent overcrowding in the dressing areas. Should a competitor need assistance, there will be volunteer staff to help them out.
  • Tatoos, piercings, etc. are acceptable