Men's Bodybuilding Guidelines
Men’s bodybuilding competitions consist of 2 parts: Group Comparisons, which are scored and Individual Presentations, which are not scored.
HEIGHT CLASSES
When there are a large number of participants, a promoter may choose to divide a division into more than one class according to height. Classes are divided as evenly as possible based on height after all entries have been received. Formation of height classes within divisions is at the promoter’s discretion.
Judging Criteria
Bodybuilding takes into account: symmetry, size, and definition. This is the most muscular, developed and lean physique of the three men’s categories.
Symmetry – Full, rounded shoulders, biceps and triceps along with a wide, muscular back and lats. Lean, etched abdominals and obliques. Legs and glutes should be fully developed and in proportion to the upper body. Some blockiness in the physique is acceptable as long as it is not distracting to the overall flow of the physique.
Size – Should display a densely muscled physique from top to bottom.
Definition – Extreme leanness with deep cuts and striations in all muscle groups. An overall grainy look throughout the physique should be seen. Athletes should not display deeply drawn-in faces, a stringy-looking muscularity (an emaciated look), or less shapely muscularity due to muscle glycogen depletion.
Group Comparisons
Athletes will enter the stage together as a class, stand on a pre-marked line, and immediately get into their front relaxed position. During group comparisons competitors will be directed through a series of poses that can consist of any of the following in two rounds: Symmetry and Muscularity. Competitors are urged to get into their poses as quickly as possible. Competitors doing lengthy transitions and wind-ups risk having the next pose called before they are in the pose.
In order to properly assess athletes, it is imperative that they consistently pose so their features are on display to the judges. Not performing poses in the manner specified may result in lower scoring from judges.
SYMMETRY ROUND
The head judge will call for competitors to “quarter turn to the right.” Competitors will be given time to transition and be viewed by the panel in 4 poses: front, side, rear, and side. The head judge will continue with quarter turns adding the poses listed below until the entire lineup has been viewed by the judges.
At any time, the head judge may request competitors switch places on stage. Athletes should listen for their number, raise their hand if called, and look for the other competitor to raise their hand. When called, competitors should then walk respectfully over to the other location and resume their posing position. Please note that in the OCB, an athlete’s location on the stage is not an indicator of placement.
MUSCULARITY ROUND:
While continuing to call quarter turns, the head judge will incorporate muscularity poses. When each pose listed below is called, competitors will assume their positions. Between each pose, athletes may be told that they can “relax” and assume the appropriate symmetry pose.
The following mandatory poses will be called, but not necessarily in this order:
Other poses that may be called include:
*See images above for examples of proper form for poses. Not performing poses in the manner specified may result in lower scoring from judges.
Individual Routine
Competitors individually perform a posing routine to music consisting of a combination of any poses they choose. There aren’t any specific poses that are required to be included in routines. The individual routine is not factored into scoring but does count toward consideration for Best Poser awards when offered. Routines may vary in length and promoters have discretion on time limits for the routine. Music may be personal choice or house music at the promoter’s discretion.