Bodybuilding Competition Judging System

There are many different terms used to describe the judging system (criteria) for a bodybuilding competition. These criteria or judging regulations have undergone many changes over the years evolving to complement the prevailing era. For the sake of clarity these current regulations are discussed below in five segments to include Muscularity (Muscle Mass); Definition; Proportion; Symmetry and Stage presence.

(a) Muscularity (Muscle Mass)
Muscularity is the foundation of bodybuilding and it’s the pinnacle to which all Bodybuilders aspire. Muscularity comprises several different components. The first component is muscle size (mass), which is the level of muscular development or hypertrophy of the skeletal muscles achieved by the athlete. The next component is density (hardness) of the muscle, this is where the muscle appears very firm and tight often showing muscle striations (muscle fibers) and holding no excess water (retention), loose skin or high body fat content. All the components of muscle mass must be present for an athlete to be adjudged as muscular.
Now, the athlete might be huge with plenty of muscle size; however, if the athlete does not have enough definition to show separation between each muscle groups, the athlete does not qualify as being muscular. Yes, the athlete is big with plenty muscle size but not muscular. Similarly, an athlete can have good definition and separation; however, if that athlete’s muscles shows a flat appearance, this athlete is defined and lean but not muscular.
(b) Definition
Muscle definition refers to the distinct muscular detail of each muscle.Definition is muscle detailing. An athlete whose physique does not have definition or muscle detailing usually display a smooth appearance, which is caused by high body fat ratio. Definition is that which enables the judge to see the distinct muscular detail of individual muscles and muscle fibers. This detailing of the muscles is what is constantly referred to as ‘ripped’ or ‘shredded’ in bodybuilding jargon.
Further, muscle separation is also a key aspect of muscle definition. Muscle separation denotes a divide or border line within muscle groups and/or between adjoining muscles groups, making it possible to identify or distinguish the various muscles. A good example of this is the separation within the abdominal area known as the ‘six pack’ which shows separation within a muscle group.
Another example of separation between different muscle groups are the lines of distinction or cut between the trapeziums (traps), chest and shoulder which is often referred to as muscle ‘tie-ins’. The jargon ‘tie-in’ is used to denote the cuts (slang) or dividing lines of the separations between these three muscle groups. Other areas of the body which bodybuilders strive to separate are: the deltoids, quadriceps, calves, triceps and biceps, hamstrings and gluteus (buttocks muscles). An athlete who is in pristine condition will show muscle separation throughout his body.