The Figure category is open to all females 18 years of age and over and of all experience levels, including first time competitors. UFE also offers Masters divisions for females 35 years and over and for females 45 years and over. UFE now only includes one round of competition for the Figure category: the two piece suit round. In this category competitors must wear high heels.

The Figure category will consist of an open division that is open to competitors of all ages and levels, including first timers. If there are a significant number of competitors, two height classes may be introduced. In that case a short division would include competitors 5'4" and under and a tall division would include competitors over 5'4".

Because different organizations have different requirements and expectations of an ideal figure competitor, it is important to set forth what the judges will be looking for with respect to Figure competitors at UFE shows. The following criteria and judging requirements will help those looking to compete in the Figure category grasp what UFE judges will be looking for.

Physique Assessment will include:

  • Overall athletic appearance
  • Grooming (hair and facial beauty)
  • Overall athletic development of the muscle
  • Proportion & symmetry
  • Condition of the skin & skin tone
  • Presentation (poise, posture, confidence)


Judges will first assess the overall athletic appearance of the physique. The assessment beginning with a general impression of the physique will take into consideration the hair, facial beauty, overall athletic development of the muscle, presentation of a balanced, symmetrically developed physique, condition of the skin, the skin tone and the athlete's ability to present herself with confidence, poise and grace.

The physique will be assessed as to its level of overall muscle tone, achieved through athletic endeavours. The muscle groups should have a round firm appearance with a small amount of body fat. The physique should neither be excessively muscular nor excessively lean and should be free from deep muscle separation and or striations. Physiques that are considered either too muscular or too lean may be marked down.

The assessment will also take into consideration the tightness and tone of the skin. The skin tone should be smooth and healthy in appearance and without cellulite. The face, hair and makeup should complement the "total package" presented by the athlete.

The assessment of the athlete's physique will include the athlete's entire presentation from the moment she walks on stage until the moment she walks off stage. Emphasis will be placed on a healthy, fit, athletic physique in an attractively presented "total package".


In this round, competitors will enter the stage wearing a 2 piece posing suit with high heels. Competitors will go to three points on stage where they will be able to execute 1-2 poses of their choice. The points on stage will be marked and the competitor is to go to the far side of the stage first, come back to the near side of the stage and then pose at center stage before forming a lineup at the back of the stage. When all competitors have completed their walk and gone to the back of the stage, they will then be called forward and asked to execute a series of quarter turns for the judges in order to do a direct comparison of all of the competitors. In each quarter turn position, arms should remain at the competitor's sides.

  • Competitors may wish to wear jewellery that compliments their presentation, but should avoid jewellery that distracts from their physique (ie: necklaces or large jewellery).
  • Competitors should keep in mind that the judges are looking at them at all times. For this reason competitors should never stand totally relaxed on stage and should keep a positive attitude at all times.
  • In the event of a tie, the highest and lowest scores from the competitors in the tie will be dropped.
  • Competitors in the figure category tend to look best when they are dark. Having a base tan and using a product such as Protan, Dreamtan or Jan Tana is a good idea. Competitors should try to match the color of their face to their body with make-up, rather than competition tanning products. Facial spray tan is also a good option.
  • Using posing oils can help accentuate the physique, however, competitors should be careful not to put too much on as it can cause the lights to reflect off it and drown out their physique. Competitors should have a sheen, not a shine.
  • Posing suits must cover all critical body parts. Demerit points will be given to competitors who have posing suits that are too provocative (ie: thongs and G-Strings).
  • Try to always show confidence by keeping your head up and executing your turns and poses with surety. Remember in all subjective sports, poise and confidence will affect the way judges perceive you.
  • Trainers, make-up artists, friends are not allowed backstage with the competitors. This is to prevent overcrowding in the dressing areas. Should a competitor need assistance, there will be volunteer staff to help them out.
  • Tattoos, piercings, etc. are acceptable.
  • Clear high-heels are preferred, as they don't draw the attention of the judges to them. Select high heels based on your height and how you are able to walk in them.
  • Practice walking in your heels to ensure you are able to walk confidently in them on stage.
  • Posing suit tops should cover approximately half of the breast; significant deviations from this will result in demerit points being given.
  • Posing suit bottoms should cover approximately half of the glutes; significant deviations from this will result in demerit points being given.
  • Shoes worn should be stiletto style; heels should be no more than 5" high and sole should be no more than 1/4" high
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