Most INBF contests have added the “Figure” division since the division's inception in 2002. Figure is judged based on one round of prejudging, where competitors will be compared while wearing a two-piece swimsuit and high-heel shoes.

•Comparisons will be made in the standard quarter-turns of the competitors. Judging will reward toned muscularity, relative leanness, overall symmetry, facial beauty (makeup, hair, etc.), stage presence, poise, elegance and an overall fit look. There is no fitness demonstration, and this is not a bodybuilding competition (there are no mandatory “poses” other than the quarter-turns).

•The quarter-turns will examine all ladies in the same positioning to the judges. In this regard, the “face front” command will require both feet together, with toes and hips facing the judges. Quarter-turns will be made to the right in four steps, until the contestants are again facing front. The Head Judge may ask for movement among the competitors to see different people together in different locations onstage.

•All competitors will perform a stage walk in their swimsuits at both the prejudging and the night show. In the case of high athlete turnout, however, it is up to the promoter’s discretion whether the walk will take place at prejudging. The walk will be conducted in a manner according to the promoter’s site restrictions, but in accordance with INBF rules. Competitors will enter stage right, walk to the center stage, do a complete turn; walk to stage left and do another complete turn; walk all the way over to stage right for one more turn and then exit. The turns are designed to allow contestants to show themselves to the judges and exhibit stage presence that enhances their presentation. However, overly exaggerated displays or taking excessive time onstage will be scored down.

•The two-piece swimsuit must be in good taste; thongs or T-back bottoms are not allowed. The suit must be a solid color (no bold patterns allowed), but may be adorned with rhinestones, sparkles, sequins, etc. for added effect. There is no one-piece swimsuit round in INBF competition. Body jewelry (piercing) is allowed, so long as it is not offensive. Other jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelets) may be worn, but should not obscure the physique or be in poor taste.

•The INBF is looking to reward women who have fit, toned physiques, yet who are not necessarily proficient in gymnastics or another performance art. To find out which shows carry the Figure class, check out the “Coming Events” in every issue of Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness, or log onto inbf.net. You can also e-mail Charlie Carollo, INBF Chairman, at inbf@epix.net for contest schedule information.

FIGURE STANCES:

The INBF Figure Rules require that competitors use the following stance positions during prejudging of any INBF Figure event.

From the Front: Heels must be together and in line, without either foot ahead of the other toward the front. Heels cannot be spread wider than 2-3 inches apart. The hips MUST face the judges and the arms must remain to the sides (although they shouldn’t touch the sides or be exaggerated spread wide).

Toes must face the judges, but competitors can angle their toes out SLIGHTLY if it helps to accentuate their thigh presentation. The angle of outward extension cannot exceed 15 degrees with either foot! (However, this is not always the most flattering thing, so caution should be exhibited.) Any exaggeration of this ruling will be corrected by the head judge. In addition, the head judge may insist on both feet to be completely touching together, so be prepared in your stance in case that is requested.

From the Side(s): A slight turn of 35 degrees (upper body only) is acceptable, so the rear shoulder can be seen, but nothing exaggerated. The hips must face the side of the stage. The eyes must face the side of the stage. Toes must also face the side of the stage, with both feet flat. The feet can be offset only half the distance of the foot (front or back foot offset). Long hair should be pushed back behind the front shoulder so it doesn't obscure the judges' view.

The front and rear hands must not be placed on the body, and should hang freely. However the head judge may request the side stance with the hand farthest from the judges to be placed on the hip, so be prepared if this is asked.

From the Rear: This is pretty much the same position as from the front. Both feet must be together or very close (heels within 2-3 inches of each other). The toes cannot be spread wide apart. The feet cannot be offset to any degree (i.e., one in front of the other).
Competitors should brush their hair to one side when they turn to the rear so their back can be seen (if they have long hair). But they cannot twist to the side or put a hand on their hip, etc. Arms must be at the sides with the hands hanging freely, with the back (lats) spread wide to show upper body symmetry.