BIKINI COMPETITORS

Suits | Posing | Judging Criteria

BIKINI DIVISION

Bikini competitors are athletes with a physique that is shapely and not overly muscular. The division will be separated into two categories: short and tall.

Suit Requirements:

Suit must be a two-piece bikini tied around the neck. Bikini suits should not be crossed in the back.
Color and material of suit is optional.
Suit must cover 1/3rd of the bottom AND the entire front.
Thongs are prohibited.

Shoe Requirements:

Bikini competitors are required to wear appropriate competition shoes.
Shoes must be clear, high-heeled sandals.
The platform may not exceed 25mm and the heel may not exceed 130mm.
Sealed pumps are prohibited.

General Appearance Requirements:

Jewelry is allowed in this division.
All jewelry must be tasteful.
Athlete's hair style is optional.
Skin treatments should be natural looking and healthy tanned. (ProTan or a color on the same basis is preferred.)

*The head judge determines if an athlete's clothing and appearance meets the expectation of standard, taste, and decency set forth by the Mid-Atlantic Bodybuilding Association. Athletes who do not comply with these expectations may not be allowed to compete in the event.

ROUND 1 - INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE

(40% of Overall Score)

In this round, competitors will each perform an individual routine in a T-walk across the stage. After entering the stage, each competitor will start with her "greeting" pose. From there, she will walk to the front middle line a make a "face front" pose. Next, the competitor will walk to the left side and make a "quarter turn" pose, repeating this step on the right side. After completing the side poses, the competitor will walk to the front middle line and make a back pose. Finally, she will go back to the starting position and make her "goodbye" pose. *Please note: no pose should be repeated in the T-walk.

Round 1 - Judging Criteria

Uniqueness & Creativity - Judges will be scoring competitors on the creativity of their individual routine. Athletes will be scored on the poses chosen for the routine, how well they match their routine to their selected music choice, and how they incorporate their own personality into the 90-second performance. Judges will be looking to see how well the competitor displays her overall physique with their selected posing.
- Costumes and/or props will be allowed during the individual routine portion of the competition; however, these items may not interfere with the full presentation of the competitor's physique.

Stage Presence & Personality - The presence each competitor displays during the 90-second individual routine will be scored based on how engaging the athlete is with the audience, their overall domineer, and the smoothness with which the routine is performed. Competitors are expected to present themselves with confidence, proper posture, gracefulness, and elegance. Points may be lost if an athlete's routine does not flow or the athlete cannot transition smoothly between poses, looks rushed/unrehearsed, or if the athlete does not present a welcoming presence while on stage.

ROUND 2 - COMPARISONS

(60% of Overall Score)

MANDATORY POSES:

Front Pose (Face Front):
While hips and feet are facing the judges, competitors will stand with one leg out to the side and one hand on the hip. The other arm should be relaxed down near the hip and should not block the physique. The extended foot may be slightly lifted on the toes.
Side Pose (Quarter Turn to the Right):
Competitors will turn towards the right 1/4 and adjust their stance. The hips should face the side of the stage while the upper body is turned towards the judges. The rear shoulder should be visible to the judges.
Back Pose:
Executing another 1/4 turn to the right, competitors will face the rear of the stage. Heels should be shoulder width apart and flat on the stage with weight centered. Arms should be out and hands gently resting on hips or quads. The other option for arm position in this pose is both hands resting gently behind the head with elbows outward. There should be a slight curvature in the back, but bending over dramatically will reduce scoring.

Hair should be pushed toward the front so the back can be fully seen by the judges and lats should be open to show shape, but not flared to show heavy definition. During the back pose, competitors are not permitted to look at the judges - the head must always face the rear of the stage during this pose.

Round 2 - Judging Criteria

Fitness and Balance:
Bikini athletes should have a rounder/softer shape with less muscle definition than that of a figure or bodybuilding athlete. The condition of the body should be firm, but not dramatically defined. The body should by symmetrical and balanced with the upper and lower body in proportion.

Judges will be looking for soft lines in the legs, tight glutes, and round shoulders. Abdominals should be visible, but overly lean or muscular appearance will reduce scores.
Stage Presence:
On stage, bikini athletes should demonstrate elegance and poise. They should appear confident and natural when standing or moving on stage, while maintaining balanced control. Athletes should walk in a style like that of a runway model and should transition between poses with a feminine, creative, and graceful flow.