FIGURE | Mid Atlantic

It's time for something different.

FIGURE COMPETITOR INFORMATION

Figure competitors are athletes with a physique that has good symmetry and muscle tone. The muscles should be more defined than that of a bikini competitor.

SUIT:

Two-piece bikini crossed in the back
Color and material is optional
Must cover 1/3rd of the bottom AND the entire front
THONGS ARE PROHIBITED

SHOES:

Appropriate competition shoes required (clear, high-heeled sandals)
Platform not to exceed 25mm
Heel not to exceed 130mm
Sealed pumps prohibited

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

Jewelry permitted but must be tasteful
Hair style is optional
Natural looking & health tanned skin treatments
ProTan or similar color preferred

All athlete's clothing and appearance must meet the expectations of standard, taste, and decency set forth by the Mid-Atlantic Bodybuilding Association. If athletes do not comply, they may no be allowed to compete in the event.

ROUND ONE: GROUP COMPARISONS

Athletes will be called to the stage and will stand in a line. They will be asked to complete series of quarter turns for the judges to show off their physique from all sides.

FRONT POSE:

Hips are facing the judges
Feet facing front and together; heels may touch to form a "v" shape
Arms open and to the side; slight bend in elbow
Arms should not block the physique, touch the sides, nor be overly wide
Lat musles open displaying a taper in a "v" shape
Hair pushed to the back to not to block full view of the front of the physique

SIDE POSE:

Turn to the right 1/4 and adjust stance
Hips and eyes face the side of the stage
Back arm raised and bent slightly in from of the body but not touching in any way
Forward arm slightly behind the back but not touching the body
Arms should not block the physique in any way
Palms face the body
Feet facing side and together
Hair pushed behind shoulders to allow full view of the side physique

BACK POSE:

Turn to the right another 1/4 with back facing the judges; head should always face the rear of the stage
Heels together or have slight separation barely noticeable to judges
Arms mimic the front pose
Palms open and facing inward
Lats wide and flexed to show symmetry
Hair pushed front so to not block full view of the back

JUDGING CRITERIA

PROPORTION:

Figure athletes' bodies should be balanced with the upper and lower body in proportion. Shoulders should be wide with a narrowing to the hips. No part of the body should overpower another part, nor should any one body part overpower the overall physique.

SYMMETRY:

Figure athletes' bodies should be symmetrical with equal development of muscularity on both right and left sides.

MUSCULARITY:

Figure athletes are judged on muscle tone including the muscle development and leanness, while still maintaining a softer look than that of a bodybuilder. The definition of the muscles should be firmer than those of a bikini competitor; however, must not be as conditioned or as large as that of a female bodybuilding athlete. Competitors with too little or too much definition will score less with the judges. Muscles of a figure competitor should appear firm and tight with light muscle striations allowed. Muscles should not hold excess water or high body fat content.

CONDITION:

Figure athletes should have a physique that demonstrates muscle separation and slight striations. While having defined muscularity is necessary for full display of the physique's development, striations or excessive vascularity can impede the required look of femininity in this division.

STAGE PRESENCE:

On stage, figure competitors should appear confident and natural when standing or moving while maintaining balanced control. Athletes should transition between poses with a creative and graceful flow.

ROUND TWO: INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE

Each athlete will perform an individual routine to display all sides of her physique. This routine can be set to music of the athlete's choice (although muse be appropriate) and she will have up to 90 seconds on stage. Athletes are judged on their individual presentations to the judges.

Routines may include costumes and/or props; however, these items may not interfere with the full presentation of the competitor's physique.

JUDGING CRITERIA

UNIQUENESS & CREATIVITY:

Athletes will be scored on the poses they've chosen for their routine.
Additional scores based on
- how well routine matches selected music
- how well performance incorporated their own personality
- how well the selected poses display her overall physique

STAGE PRESENCE & PERSONALITY:

Scores based on:
- how engaging the athlete is with the audience
- overall demeanor and stage presence
- smoothness with which the routine is performed
- presentation of confidence, proper posture, gracefulness, and elegance
Points may be lost if routine does not flow or the athlete cannot transition smoothly between poses, appears rushed/unrehearsed, or if the athlete does not present a welcoming presence while on stage.