Judging

ICN Judging

ICN strives to implement fair, unbiased judging at all competitions that reward the hard-earned efforts of our athletes, their support networks and coaches and uphold the integrity of ICN New Zealand and ICN Worldwide.

ICN NZ Judges will:

  • place the safety and welfare of competitorsabove all else
  • be impartial, consistentand objective when making decisions
  • accept responsibility for his/her actions and decisions made
  • condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all competitors
  • avoid any situations which may lead to or be construed as a conflict of interest
  • be a positive role model indrug free status,behaviourand personal appearance
  • ensure all comments are positive and supportive
  • always respect, remain loyal to and support other Judgesand ICN New Zealand and ICN Worldwide
  • refrain from any form of personal abuse towards competitors, other judges, supporters and competition officials
  • respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in ICN, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background
It is vital to the integrity of ICN NZ that the judging process is 100% impartial. There must be no suggestion of collusion, favouritism, or influence from others on the final decisions of our Judges.

Judging Guidelines

Judges

ICN is a new federation in New Zealand therefore ICN NZ Judges will initially be recruited from a combination of people who are experienced Judges for other federations and experienced competitors who have achieved in natural bodybuilding to a high level. All Judges scoring sheets will be scrutinised by the Head Judge and President following the competition and feedback on their performance provided. The purpose of this is to ensure consistency across our Judges and their interpretation of division criteria.

Head Judge

ICN NZ will appoint a Head Judge for each event. S/he will call all judging rounds and be responsible for tabulating scores. The Head Judge will be a Judge with several years’ experience at regional and national levels. The Head Judge will identify individual Competitors for drug testing if s/he has reason to believe the Competitor has been using Performance Enhancing Drugs. The President should be informed as soon as possible of the decision being made to drug test an individual

Judging

Process: An ICN New Zealand Judging panel consists of an odd number of judges. The Head Judge will determine the order of competitors for comparison rounds, placing the top 3 competitors in the centre of the line-up. A Judge may request to change the order, add or subtract competitors from the line-up or ask for a line-up to appear directly in front of his/her seat on the panel. It is important that Judges have seen and compared all Competitors equally. Discussion can take place between Judges during judging rounds, but a Judge MAY NOT attempt to influence another Judges’ decision making.

Placings: ICN NZ Judges will place the top five in a Division on their scorecards. Once the Judge is satisfied with his/her placings the scorecards are handed to the Head Judge. The Head Judge will tabulate the scores to determine the top 3 placings. Discussion with the Head Judge while s/he is tabulating scores is forbidden. The Head Judge will write the final placings on the official results sheet and hand this to the Compere for him/her to announce the winners. Results are written on any paper other than the official results sheet will not be accepted by the Compere.

Placing Deductions

If a competitor displays characteristics associated with drug use, it is deemed a fault in an ICN natural contest. For example, Gynecomastia (gyno). Judges are instructed to mark any competitor with a drug characteristic down one place. For instance, if for no other reason than “gyno” the competitor is the best on stage they will be marked down to second place. If the imperfection is severe, the competitor may lose even more places.

Tattoos/Scars/Stretch Marks/Varicose Veins

If a competitor has tattoos, body piercings, stretch marks or scars points are NOT deducted unless they hinder the definition or muscularity of the competitor’s physique. A Judge’s personal view on these issues must not influence their scoring

Bikini Model

DESCRIPTION

Muscularity is on the smaller side while carrying just enough body fat to avoid muscle separation. Nice, toned body with no visible 6 pack abs but still maintaining a flat and toned midsection.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • Physique is judged with emphasis on shape, symmetry and toned condition.
  • Other factors also judged are stage presence, confidence, posing
  • Not judged on muscularity.

JUDGING ROUNDS

  • Group quarter turns – front pose, side pose, back pose and opposite side pose.
  • A comparison round of quarter turns may follow
  • The Head Judges may ask the Models to walk from front to the rear of the stage and back.

ATTIRE

(Not Supplied) Two-piece stage bikini that can be of any fabric, connectors and crystals. Stage jewellery of choice can be worn along with clear stage heels (any choice of height).

GENERAL

A bikini competitor should deliver a combination of overall beauty and the physical appeal of a shapely toned body together with stage presence and self-confidence.

Swimsuit Model

DESCRIPTION

Muscularity is on the smaller side while carrying just enough body fat to avoid muscle separation. Nice, toned body still maintaining a flat and toned midsection.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • The body is judged with emphasis on shape, symmetry and toned condition.
  • Other factors also judged are stage presence, self-confidence, tanning and posing.
  • Not judged on muscularity.

JUDGING ROUNDS

  • Individual stage walks
  • Group quarter turns – front pose, side pose, back pose and opposite side pose.
  • A comparison round of quarter turns may follow
  • The Head Judge may ask the Models to walk from front to the rear of the stage and back.

ATTIRE

(Not Supplied) One-piece Swimsuit that can be of any fabric and colour. Stage jewellery of choice can be worn along with clear stage heels (any choice of height).

GENERAL

A swimsuit model should deliver a combination of a shapely toned body together with stage presence and self-confidence.

Sports Model

DESCRIPTION

A good amount of muscular development includes but is not limited to; 6 pack abs, capped shoulders and back definition and muscular legs. Good tone and condition showing muscle separation while being slightly less lean than a fitness competitor. Emphasis on full round muscles with excellent balance and symmetry. All-round Athletic look.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • Great shoulders and back width, a small waist while having a fuller and slightly softer condition than a fitness model.
  • Symmetry and fullness in muscle groups are major judging factors for Sports Models.
  • Stage presence and confidence.

JUDGING ROUNDS

  • Group quarter turns – front pose, side pose, back pose and opposite side pose.
  • A comparison round of quarter turns may follow
  • The Head Judge may ask the Models to walk from front to the rear of the stage and back.

ATTIRE

ICN Sportswear is supplied free at registration. White runners/sneaker heels are worm (not supplied)

GENERAL

Sports Models should present themselves as models. This includes the walk, stand, posing, self-confidence and overall beauty and presentation.

Fitness Model

DESCRIPTION

Developed muscularity with emphasis on an overall balance between the upper and lower body. Less muscularity than a figure competitor but a lean condition which allows 6 pack abs, capped shoulders and back definition to be seen. Walk and pose
like a model.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • Broad shoulders and back. A small waist, while having more condition than a Sports Model.
  • Muscularity and Symmetry is a major judging factor for fitness models.
  • Stage presence and confidence of a model.
  • Overall model appearance.

JUDGING ROUNDS

  • Group quarter turns – front pose, side pose, back pose and opposite side pose.
  • A comparison round of quarter turns may follow
  • The Head Judge may ask the Models to walk from front to the rear of the stage and back.

ATTIRE

(Not Supplied) Two-piece stage bikini that can be of any fabric, connectors and crystals. Stage jewellery of choice can be worn along with clear stage heels (any choice of height).

GENERAL

Fitness Models should present themselves as models. This includes the walk, stand, posing, self-confidence and overall presentation.

Ms. Figure

DESCRIPTION

High levels of muscularity with the most degree of condition while still maintaining femininity. Capped shoulders, six-pack abs, wide back, leg muscle separation are required for this division.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • Emphasis is on the level of conditioning
  • Muscle size and symmetry
  • Posing/tanning is also taken into account.

ATTIRE

(Not Supplied)Two-piece figure stage bikini that attaches the bikini top straps to the pants. Can be of any fabric, colour and crystals. Any jewellery of your choice can be worn along with clear stage heels (any choice of height).

As a group, the following is performed:

Symmetry round:

4 quarter turns (front pose, side pose, back pose and opposite side pose)

Muscularity round:

  • Front double bicep
  • Side chest
  • Side Tricep
  • Back double bicep
  • Abs and thighs

Ms. Classic Figure

DESCRIPTION

High levels of muscularity with the most degree of condition while still maintaining femininity. Capped shoulders, six-pack abs, wide back, leg muscle separation, striations in shoulders and chest are required for this division.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • Emphasis is on the level of conditioning
  • Muscle size and symmetry
  • Posing, stage presence and presentation are also considered.

JUDGING ROUNDS

As a group, the following are performed:

Symmetry round – Group quarter turns (front, side, back, opposite side poses)

Muscularity round

Performed as a group

  • Front double bicep
  • Side chest
  • Side Tricep
  • Back double bicep
  • Abs and thighs

ATTIRE

(Not Supplied) Two-piece figure stage bikini that attaches the bikini top straps to the pants. Can be of any fabric, colour and include crystals. Any jewellery of your choice can be worn along with clear stage heels (any choice of height).

GENERAL

A Figure competitor should be muscular with a high degree of conditioning and visible separation between muscle groups whilst maintaining a feminine appearance.

Ms. Runway

DESCRIPTION

Performed on stage in an evening gown of the Model’s choice. The gown should complement the Model’s shape and colouring.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

Judged on overall appearance, confidence, stage walk, presentation, elegance, beauty and skin tone.

JUDGING ROUNDS

  • Individual stage walks
  • Group half turns – front pose and back pose
  • A comparison round of half turns may follow
  • The Head Judge may ask the Models to walk from front to the rear of the stage and back.

ATTIRE

(Not Supplied) An evening gown of any fabric, style or colour. Stage jewellery of choice can be worn along with any heels (any choice of height).

GENERAL

A Runway model should deliver a combination of a shapely toned body together with stage presence and self-confidence.

ICN Angels

DESCRIPTION

This division is open to ALL Female competitors, including, Bikini, Fitness, and Figure competitors. This is the chance for competitors to bling, feather, glitz and glam up their bikinis and add a Las Vegas/ Victoria’s Secret effect to their costume. ICN Angels raises money and awareness for Breast Cancer Aotearoa. Competitors write a short description of the reasons why they have chosen to enter Angels and what their costume means (this is not judged).

JUDGING GUIDELINES

The place getters will be determined on the best overall presentation on the day, taking poise, stage walk, how she incorporates her costume into her stage walk, personality, overall body condition, and effort put into the costume into account.

JUDGING ROUNDS

  • Individual stage walks
  • Group half turns – front pose and back pose
  • A comparison round of half turns may follow
  • The Head Judge may ask the Models to walk in a circle around the stage.

ATTIRE

(Not Supplied) Two-piece stage bikini that can be of any fabric, connectors and crystals. Stage jewellery of choice can be worn along with clear stage heels (any choice of height).

GENERAL

Fitness Models should present themselves as models. This includes the walk, stand, posing, self-confidence and overall presentation.

Men’s Physique

DESCRIPTION

Well developed and muscular upper body with emphasis on broad, round shoulders, small waist excellent V-Taper. Men’s Physique is well-groomed, polished in presentation and requires sharp conditioning to complement V- Taper and full 6 pack.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • Broad shoulders, small waist and very well balanced between all muscle groups of the upper body with emphasis on 6-pack.
  • Symmetry and muscularity are major judging factors for men’s physique.
  • Stage presence and confidence.
  • Aesthetically pleasing with a high degree of upper body muscularity and definition.

JUDGING ROUNDS

As a group, the following are performed:

Symmetry round

Group quarter turns (front, side, back, opposite side poses)

Muscularity round

  • Front double bicep
  • Side chest
  • Side Tricep
  • Back double bicep
  • Abs and thighs.

GENERAL

Men’s Physique should be well-groomed and have a polished overall look. This includes posing, transitions, self-confidence and overall presentation.

Classic Physique

DESCRIPTION

Classic Physique is a picture of flawless symmetry and perfectly sculptured muscle groups that create a balanced and complete physique. Classic Physique has broad shoulders accompanied by a small waist, round balanced quads and hamstrings. It is less muscular than bodybuilding but equal in conditioning. Classic Physique posing requires confidence and grace. Each pose is deliberate in highlighting the strengths of a physique. Transitions are smooth and theatrical in executions but not exaggerated or arrogant.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • Broad shoulders, small waist, and very well-balanced muscle groups
  • Symmetry and presentation
  • Stage presence, confidence, but not arrogant or cocky.
  • Emphasis is on confident and artful posing with smooth and well-rehearsed transitions.

JUDGING ROUNDS

Performed in a group.
Symmetry rounds – 4 quarter turns – front pose, side pose, back pose and opposite side pose to judge symmetry.

Muscularity round

– mandatory poses including:

  • Front Double Bicep pose/display variation
  • Chest pose/display Classic variation
  • Tricep pose/display classic variation
  • Rear Classic Bicep pose
  • Abdominal pose
  • Classic pose of competitor’s choosing

ATTIRE

– ICN Men’s Classic shorts are supplied free at registration.

GENERAL

Classic Physique should have a polished overall look and effortless posing including transitions between posing. This includes self-confidence and overall presentation.

Bodybuilding – Men & Women

DESCRIPTION

The highest degree of development and refinement. Requiring large muscle groups, with extreme balance and symmetry top to bottom, side to side and front to back.

The degree of conditioning should include good vascularity, separation and definition and visible striations of the main muscle groups such as legs, glutes, chest back and shoulders. Women should retain a feminine appearance.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • Broad shoulders, small waist and very well balanced between all muscle groups of the upper body and lower body.
  • Muscularity and symmetry are major judging factors
  • Stage presence and confidence.
  • Posing to be confident, transitions to be smooth and well-rehearsed.

JUDGING ROUNDS

Symmetry rounds – 4 quarter turns – front pose, side pose, back pose and opposite side pose to judge symmetry.
Muscularity round – mandatory poses including:

  • Front Double Biceps
  • Front Lat Spread
  • Side Chest (preferred side, but can include both)
  • Side Tricep pose
  • Rear Double Bicep pose
  • Rear Lat Spread pose
  • Abdominal and thigh pose
  • Most muscular of your choosing

ATTIRE

Posing trunks to be worn by males and a two-piece bikini is to be worn by females (not supplied). Shoes are not worn in this division.

GENERAL

Men’s and Women’s bodybuilding should have a polished overall look and effortless posing. This includes the stand, posing, transitions, self-confidence and overall presentation.

Ms Wellness – Women

DESCRIPTION

This division is for females with physiques that showcase more muscle
mass/body mass in the hips, glutes, and thighs. The upper body muscularity is developed but not to the degree and thickness of the lower body. Athletes must have a flat and toned midsection. Enough body fat to avoid muscle separation throughout the physique. Also judged on overall
stage presence and confidence.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • Well-developed lower body, glutes quads and hamstrings
  • Less developed upper body in comparison to lower
  • A low degree of body fat, flat midsection, firm glutes, hamstrings and quads
  • Some separation in the lower body is acceptable but not to the degree of Ms Fitness or Ms Figure

JUDING ROUNDS

Symmetry rounds Quarter Turns. These are guidelines/suggestions of how the poses can be executed.

Front Pose. Both feet on the front line, slight hip tilt if desired. Athlete must have one hand on hip and one hand arm down.

Left Side Pose. Turn slightly facing the judges with right hand on hip and left arm straight down. Front leg straight & back leg bent at knee.

Back Pose. Do NOT lean forwards, one hand can be on hip and one hand down or both hands down and placed on the thighs (no hands up).

Right Side Pose. Turn slightly facing the judges with left hand on hip and right arm straight down. Front leg straight & back leg bent at knee.

ATTIRE

(Not Supplied) Two-piece stage bikini that can be of any fabric, connectors and

crystals. Stage jewellery of choice can be worn along with clear stage heels (any choice of height). Hair can be worn down and covering the back.

GENERAL

Ms Wellness athletes should present themselves to a high standard. This includes the walk, stand, posing, self-confidence and overall presentation

Men’s Fitness

DESCRIPTION

Least muscular of the Men’s Categories with emphasis on an overall balance between upper and lower body while maintaining an athletic appearance. Lean condition which allows 6 pack abs, capped shoulders and back definition to be seen.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

  • Balance between all muscle groups with emphasis on 6-pack and athletic appearance.
  • Symmetry and overall balance are a major judging factor
  • Stage presence, confidence and posing
  • Overall, aesthetically pleasing look.

JUDING ROUNDS

  • Individual stage walks
  • Group quarter turns (front pose, side pose, back pose, opposite side pose)
  • A favourite abdominal pose and favourite rear pose
  • A comparison round of quarter turns may follow

ATTIRE

ICN Men’s Fitness shorts are supplied free at registration.

GENERAL

Men’s Fitness Models should present themselves as well-groomed and athletic. This includes posing, transitions, self-confidence and overall presentation.

Transformation

DESCRIPTION AND JUDGING GUIDELINES

Prior to the competition day, the Judges will view the competitors before and after photos. Judging will take into consideration these before and after pictures and changes made to body shape, muscle tone and overall appearance. Weight loss or changes to body fat levels may be taken into consideration also but have less emphasis than changes made to physical appearance in the before and after photos.

On the day of the competition, Judges will observe the Competitors overall presentation, self-confidence and poise on stage as well as listen to the content of their story (read by the Compere).

The Judge will take all these factors above into consideration when determining the top 3 place getters. Top 3 placings will be awarded to those Competitors who has made the most dramatic changes to their overall appearance and exhibit poise, confidence, and outstanding presentation on stage.

JUDGING ROUNDS

  • Individual stage walks
  • Group half turns – front pose and back pose
  • A comparison round of half turns may follow
  • The Head Judge may ask the Models to walk from front to the rear of the stage and back.

ATTIRE

Competitors may wear whatever they wish however most wear evening wear.