Judging Criteria
Judging at WFF New Zealand competitions is conducted in line with WFF International standards. Judges are responsible for assessing competitors fairly and consistently within their respective categories and classes.
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Placings are determined by how well competitors meet the criteria specific to their category. Judges assess a combination of physical presentation and stage performance, with different aspects weighted depending on the division.
Muscularity
The level of visible muscle development
Shape
The aesthetic appearance and curvature of muscle groups
Judges evaluate the following physical aspects of the physique:
Physical Assessment Criteria
Condition
Muscle definition and separation
Proportion
Balance between individual body parts
Size
Overall size in proportion to the competitor’s height
Symmetry
Even development between the left and right sides of the body
Stage Presence
In addition to physical assessment, competitors are judged on their stage presence. This includes confidence, posture, presentation, and the overall energy they project while on stage.
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Stage presence is particularly important in Model categories, where presentation plays a significant role in scoring.
Judging Rounds
Bodybuilding & Figure Categories
Competitors are assessed across three rounds:
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Individual Free Posing – A 60-second routine showcasing the physique
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Symmetry Round – Quarter turns in group comparisons
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Compulsory Posing Round – Mandatory poses highlighting muscularity
Final placings are determined by combining performance across all rounds.
Model Categories
Model divisions are judged over two rounds:
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Individual Stage Walk – May include a T-Walk, V-Walk, or catwalk depending on stage layout
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Group Stage Walk – Includes line transitions and a circular stage parade
Judges assess overall presentation, physique suitability, confidence, and flow on stage.
Category-Specific Judging Focus
Bodybuilding & Figure
All physical aspects are important, with particular emphasis on muscularity, condition, size, and proportion. Larger size alone does not guarantee a higher placing, competitors must demonstrate balanced proportions and symmetry.
Latino Figure (Wellness)
Judged using the same overall criteria as Figure, with expectations of moderate to high muscularity and condition. Proportion remains a key factor, and excessive size without balance may be penalised.
Bikini Model
Judging focuses primarily on shape and proportion.
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Muscularity is minimal
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Condition should be soft and feminine
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Light definition may be visible in the abs, shoulders, and back
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Legs should show minimal separation
Beach Model (Men’s Physique)
Judges look for muscularity, proportion, and overall balance.
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Clear definition in abs, chest, arms, and back
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Conditioning should not reach bodybuilding levels
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Extreme vascularity or muscle striations are not considered
Sports Model
Sports Models are judged on condition, muscularity, and proportion.
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High level of definition across the physique
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Some vascularity and muscle separation expected
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Conditioning should remain below bodybuilding or figure extremes
