APPENDIX 2: HOW TO ASSESS THE MEN’S PHYSIQUE QUARTER TURNS
With the exception of the upper legs, which are covered by board shorts, the assessment should take the whole physique into account. The assessment, beginning with a general impression of the physique, should take into consideration the hair; the overall body development and shape; the presentation of a balanced, proportionally and symmetrically developed physique; the condition of the skin and the skin tone; and the athlete’s ability to present himself with confidence and elegance.
The judges should favour competitors with a harmonious, proportional, classical male physique, good posture, correct anatomical structure (including body framework, correct spinal curves, limbs and trunk in good proportion, straight legs, not bandy or knock- kneed). Vertical proportions (legs to upper body length) and horizontal proportions (hips and waist to shoulder width) are ones of the key factors. The physique should be assessed as to its level of overall body density, achieved through athletic endeavors and diet. The body parts should have a nice and firm appearance with a decreased amount of body fat but should have a “softer” and “smoother” look than in bodybuilding.
The physique should neither be excessively muscular nor excessively lean and should be free from deep muscle separation and/or sharp striations. Physiques that are considered too muscular, too hard, too dry or too lean must be marked down.
The assessment should also take into consideration the tone of the skin. The skin tone should be smooth and healthy in appearance. The hair should complement the “Total Package” presented by the athlete.
The judge’s assessment of the athlete’s physique should include the athlete’s entire presentation, from the moment he walks onstage until the moment he walks offstage. At all times, the Men’s Physique competitor must be viewed with the emphasis on a “healthy and fit” physique, in an attractively presented, impressive “Total Package”.
Judges are reminded that this is not a bodybuilding contest. The competitors should have shape to their muscle but not the separation, definition, very low bodyfat level, dryness or hardness that are seen at bodybuilding competitions. Any competitor who exhibits these features is to be marked down.