ANBF Scoring Procedures
At the ANBF, our judging criteria are designed to ensure fair and comprehensive evaluations of every competitor. We focus on rewarding athletes who embody the ideals of their respective divisions while maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the sport. Our judges assess competitors holistically, considering multiple aspects of their physique, performance, and presentation to determine their placement.
Key Areas of Evaluation
ANBF judges look at several critical areas to assess each competitor:
Muscularity: Judges evaluate the size, shape, and fullness of muscle development, ensuring it is appropriate for the athlete’s division. The goal is a well-developed, proportionate physique that meets the division’s standards.
Conditioning: Leanness and muscular definition play a significant role in scoring. Competitors are assessed on their ability to showcase muscle separation, tone, and vascularity without deviating from the conditioning expectations of their division.
Symmetry: Balance is a hallmark of a winning physique. Judges assess the even development between the upper and lower body, as well as the front and back. A symmetrical physique demonstrates harmony in both muscularity and conditioning.
X-Frame Ratios: Structural proportions matter. Divisions that emphasize an “X-frame” look require strong shoulder-to-waist-to-leg ratios, creating a striking V-taper and overall balance in the physique.
Posing and Stage Performance: The ability to present your physique confidently and gracefully is a key factor. Judges look for poise, fluid transitions, and aesthetic posing during mandatory poses, quarter turns, and stage walks.
Presentation: Beyond posing, presentation includes all aspects of a polished appearance: hair, makeup, tan, suit or trunks, and overall grooming. The small details add up to create a professional and impactful look on stage.
Individual Walk / Routine (Pro Divisions Only): For Pro athletes, routines or individual walks are an opportunity to shine. Judges consider the creativity, flow, choice of poses, and overall impact of the routine.
Each competitor is judged within the framework of their division’s standards. The ANBF’s criteria ensure that athletes are rewarded for their hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. By considering muscularity, conditioning, symmetry, proportions, and presentation, ANBF judges deliver fair and consistent assessments.
Judges Training: Elevating Standards and Ensuring Excellence
At the ANBF, we prioritize the integrity and quality of our judging process by implementing rigorous training and performance monitoring systems. Our judges are not only passionate about the sport but are also trained extensively to ensure fairness and consistency across all divisions.
Comprehensive Training Program
Division-Specific Training: Judges undergo specialized training to understand the unique criteria for each ANBF division. This ensures they can accurately and effectively score competitors based on the standards outlined for Muscularity, Conditioning, Symmetry, X-Frame Ratios, Posing, and Presentation.
Test Judging Opportunities: Before officiating live events, judges will participate in test judging sessions. This allows them to gain experience, receive feedback, and refine their skills in a controlled environment.
CCN Virtual Competition Platform: The ANBF leverages the cutting-edge CCN (Cyber Clash of Naturals) Virtual Competition platform for judge training. The ANBF and CCN criteria align seamlessly, providing judges with detailed scoring opportunities in a virtual setting. While the CCN scoring process is more intricate than what can be used at a Traditional Live Event, it teaches judges to identify and prioritize key qualities within each division.
Customized Scoring Performance Matrix
To ensure ongoing refinement and transparency in the judging process, the ANBF is implementing a Scoring Performance Matrix within its tabulator programs. This advanced tool serves multiple purposes:
Outlier Detection: The Matrix monitors judging patterns and identifies scores that deviate significantly from the standard deviations. This helps to address any inconsistencies and improve scoring accuracy.
Test Judge Comparisons: The Matrix compares how test judges score against official judges and the final outcomes. This analysis ensures that new judges are aligned with ANBF standards and expectations
Commitment to Excellence
By combining advanced technology, detailed training, and continuous monitoring, the ANBF is setting a new standard for judging in natural bodybuilding. Our innovative approach ensures that all competitors are evaluated fairly, consistently, and in alignment with the division’s criteria. This not only builds trust among athletes and coaches but also reinforces the ANBF’s commitment to elevating the sport.
Through these initiatives, the ANBF is proud to lead the way in refining and enhancing the judging process for traditional live events.
Stage walks will be judged separately as part of the competitor’s presentation. Each stage walk/routine will be scored using the following system: -1 (no effort, bad choice of poses to display physique), 0 (good overall display of physique utilizing proper choices of poses to show strengths, nice effort), +1 (excellent display of physique, good choice of poses), +2 (exceptional display of physique with exceptional choice of poses to highlight strengths). The stage walk/routine scores will be totaled and averaged and the amount will be deducted (or added) from/to the competitors score to determine final placement with rank going from lowest, 1st, to highest.
**The expected level of muscularity and conditioning for each division can be found in the specific division guidelines which are listed on the ANBF website, anbfnatural.com. If there is a question, free feel to contact Kent Bierly at [email protected]