Competition Rules & Regulations

The participant must have appropriate formal qualification (whatever the laws of their country stipulate) and be certified to practice.

1. The registration form and payment must be completed online to enter the competition.
2. Participants must show photo proof ID on the first day of registration.
3. The participant can apply to participate in all categories based on his or her experience, up to a maximum of 3 categories.
4. Any massage of sensual/sexual nature will result in immediate disqualification and expulsion from the championship.
5. No chiropractic, osteopathic or joint manipulative techniques are allowed during the competition.
6. Fire and Fire Methods of Therapy are prohibited in this competition.
7. All participants must stay within their massage category they have chosen to be judged in. Anybody conducting a treatment outside of the category will be disqualified.
8. Duration of each category round is as stated on the website.
9. Participants must wear the competition T shirt which will be provided free of charge. Bottoms need to be smart and comfortable. Footwear must be clean and comfortable.
10. Shoes are not allowed in Thai Yoga Massage and similar styles of massage.
11. No cameras to be used by the therapist during the competition rounds.
12. Therapists are NOT allowed to play their own music (via boom box) or use large gongs or sound therapy bath treatment. Small “singing bowls” will be allowed.
    Playing own music via ear pods is allowed.
13. The participant must hold practitioner liability insurance. It is the responsibility of the therapist to produce this should the need arise.
14. It is your responsibility to declare any crimes or convictions or unprofessional behaviour before entering the competition.
15. There is an absolute zero tolerance policy concerning inappropriate behaviour against a judge or any other person associated with the competition.
16. Participants need to complete the “Aims & Objectives of Treatment” form which can be found below for EACH CATEGORY. This needs to be displayed at your station on the day of the competition as well as emailed to us.
    It can form an important piece of work to help judge the quality of the treatment as well as help distinguish competitors in tie-break situations.

Judging Criteria

It should be noted that not all the criteria below apply to all categories and modalities of massage therapy practiced. The criteria outlined below is to be used as a model guide by the selected judge to make a reasonable assessment about a competing participant of their capabilities for a chosen category of participation.

The judging criteria will be from the following categories and be out of a total of 100 marks.  Each participant will start with 100 points and marks will be deducted accordingly.

1. Preparation of the Treatment Area (5 points)
   To include proper equipment, mediums, massage tools, storage of clothing, safe working area, etc.

2. Participant Personal Preparation & Hygiene (5 points)
   To include professional presentation, tidy grooming, uniform, jewellery, hygiene.

3. Client Care (10 points)
   To include proper use of drapes, towels, cushions, bolsters, client modesty, client positioning etc.

4. Communication (10 points)
   Including verbal, non-verbal, body language.

5. Massage Routine (40 points)
   To include:
   (a) effectiveness (20)
   (b) flow (10) 
   (c) innovation of the routine (10)
   
   Consideration given to depth, pressure, tissues change, rhythm, fluidity, continuity and as well as creating a unique individual style/combination of different styles as reflected in the category.

6. The participant Body Mechanics (30 points)
   To include practitioner posture, relaxed body, efficiency of movement, save joints.

Penalties

1. If a participant has entered the wrong category, they will then not be included in the overall judging and be automatically disqualified.
2. It is the responsibility of the participant to follow the rules and criteria set.

Fees & Refunds

1. Competition entrance fees are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
2. Participants can enter multiple categories for the competition.
3. In the unfortunate event that the competition must be cancelled by the organisers, for whatever reason, participants will be automatically transferred and entered in a new scheduled competition.
4. Where a competition has been cancelled, for whatever reason, WMC and its organisers will not be liable for any expenses incurred by the participant (e.g. travel fares, hotel bookings, etc.).

Media – Photography & Video:

1. Any media footage to include photographic imagery and or videos will be the property of the WMC and event organisers and used in appropriate marketing and social media platforms.
2. Any filming/photography used in a commercial setting of the WMC Championship is only permitted when approved by organisers of the competition.

The Competition Area:

1. It is the duty of the participant to ensure all their products are labelled to comply with any Health & Safety standards of the country.
   
   
2. All participants will be allocated a number for their workstation.
   
   
3. All participants are required to clean and make tidy their workstation and dispose of all rubbish after each category event.
   
   
4. Consumption of food and drink (other than water) is not allowed in the competition arena.
   
   
5. The competition arena is only open to the participants and their model. Anybody else must obtain permission from the Lead Judge.
   
   
6. 15 minutes each will be allocated to participants for preparation, set up and dismantle at the beginning and end of each competition round.
   
   
7. The start and end time of each competition will be announced by the Lead Judge.
   
   
8. All participants must be in professional uniform/dress and be groomed appropriately (hair tied back).
   
   
9. All participants will be counted down to the end of the competition and expected to down tools and stop the treatment.
   
   
10. All models must be draped so as to only expose the area being massaged. Model modesty must be always maintained, and no nudity allowed.
    
    
11. Although this is a competition, please be mindful of your fellow participants and remain professional at all times.
    
    
12. WMC and event organisers have the right to remove anyone from the competition who is inappropriate in any way.
    
    
13. WMC Management and event organisers reserve the right to change and modify the rules without notification in the interest of running a smooth and fair competition or in unexpected circumstances.