Men’s physique competitions consist of 2 parts: Group Comparisons, which are scored and Individual Presentations, which are not scored.

Board shorts are worn and can be any color or pattern. The length should be no higher than 6-8″ above the top of the kneecap.

Men’s physique athletes should display their number buttons on the front left hip and on the back center of their suits.

For judges to best view the physique, competitors should remove all visible body hair (facial hair acceptable), and have an evenly applied spray tan.

Competitors must be age 16 or over on the day of the event. Competitors under age 18 must have parental consent and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Competitors may not enter other categories in the same show, but may crossover into all of the divisions they are eligible for in their category.

Athletes posing in an overtly sexual manner, doing anything on stage considered inappropriate for younger audiences, or being disruptive to the show in any way may be disqualified.

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 classes within divisions is at the promoter’s discretion.

Judging Criteria

Men’s Physique is based on a muscular, lean, V-tapered upper body with some leg development. Extreme size and leanness as would be seen in men’s classic physique and bodybuilding should be avoided.

Symmetry: Full, rounded shoulders, biceps and triceps should be displayed along with a wide, muscular back and lats. The waist should be small and lean with etched abdominals and obliques. Legs are less important than the upper body, but should exhibit some leg development (quads, hamstrings, and calves).

Size: Should exhibit muscularity, but to a lesser degree than classic physique and bodybuilding competitors.

Definition: Lean, hard muscle with visible muscle separation, but not heavily striated, grainy or overly vascular.

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. 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 until the entire lineup has been scored by the judges. In order to properly assess athletes, it is imperative that they consistently pose so their features are on display to the judges with every quarter turn. Not performing poses in the manner specified may result in lower scoring from 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.

Front Pose

Competitors will face the judges.

Feet must remain parallel but some lateral positioning of the toes is acceptable.

Hands may be held at the sides momentarily to display symmetry, but the arm facing the judges should be moved to the hip.

The arm facing away from the judges should be in a natural position and not extended far out from the body.

Over flexed posing and clinching of the fists is not preferred.

Side Pose

Competitor’s hips must face the side of the stage and heads should be turned toward the judges.

Shoulders may be turned as much as 35 degrees toward the judges in order to accentuate their V-taper.

The arm facing away from the judges shall hang down and the other hand shall be placed on the hip.

Feet shall be staggered, and the back calf tightened.

Back Pose

Competitors will face the back of the stage.

Feet must remain parallel with allowable later positioning of the toes.

Lats should be flared out to display V-taper and one hand may be placed on the hip.

View the tutorial.

Watch a class being judged.

Individual Presentations

The individual presentation portion is the stage walk. The individual presentation is not factored into placement scoring. At the promoter’s discretion, walks may be performed in a “I” or “T” formation. Some events will use house music, while other events may allow competitors to submit their own music. If you are not sure which type of walk or music offerings are being offered at a particular event, read the event registration details or contact the event promoter directly.

“I” Walk – Competitors walk directly to the rear center of the stage, which will be marked with an “X.” They will pause briefly in a pose of their choice, then walk directly to the front center stage, which will also be marked with an “X.” Here they will perform quarter or half turns with poses of their choice to provide a full view of their physique. They will then exit the stage. “I” walks are performed to house music. Athletes should be prepared to enter and exit from either side of the stage as different venues have different stage layouts.

“T” Walk – Competitors will be given 30-60 seconds (times will vary depending on the event) to pose and perform to music. Competitors will walk directly to the rear center of the stage, which will be marked with an “X.” They will pause briefly in a pose of their choice, then walk directly to front center stage, which will also be marked with an “X.” Here they will perform quarter or half turns with poses of their choice to provide a full view of their physique. To form the “T,” competitors will then walk to the left or right corner of the stage where there will be an “X” marked for them to pause and strike a pose. They will then cross to the other corner of the stage, stop at the “X” and hit another pose. The competitor will then return to the center “X” on the stage where they may hit another pose and exit. Athletes should be prepared to enter and exit from either side of the stage as different venues have different stage layouts.

See the stage path.

Watch a presentation.