Championship's regulations

Before your registration you must: 

Step 1

Select the number of videos you want to demonstrate and press Sign up now (each video corresponds to one category).

Step 2

Review your cart and proceed to checkout.

Step 3

Fill the form and complete the payment through PayPal or Viva Wallet. Your account will be automatically opened and you can start building your profile. 

Before you can create your video, you must:

Step 1

Check the categories.

Step 2 

Check the rules, the evaluation criteria and the points system very well.

Step 3 

Cheek the video instructions (quality standards of video and instructions for the part of your presentation).

 

The participants who are not winners with a medal will participate in the “Audience Award” with the “Likes” they collect on YouTube!

There are 8 (1 new) special mentions awards (Gold medals):

The Audience Award

The Best Flow

The Best ‘’Art Massage Award’’

The Best Innovation  

The Best Video Pictures  

The Best Table Presentation                                                                                   

The Best Empathy  

The Best Promotional Video (Best Video Teaser)    

MASSAGE CATEGORIES

SWEDISH-CLASSIC MASSAGE

Include: Swedish massage, classical massage, relaxing anti-stress massage

DEEP TISSUE & SPORT MASSAGE

Include: Deep Tissue Massage, Sport Massage

WESTERN FREESTYLE (Western Inspired)

Combination of different types of Asian massage methods

TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE (New category)

Include: Thai massage (dry or oil), Warrior, Thai Yoga, Chiang Mai, Royal Thai, Wat Pho style

ASIAN INSPIRED

Include: Gua Sha (for the body), Tui Na, Tuiyo, Tok Sen, Jap Sen, Yam Khang  Chinese, Japanese, Anma, Bamboo massage, Sound therapy, Acupressure, Cupping, Shiatsu, Reflexology massage, Herbal Compress Massage, Sound massage, Balinese massage, Turkish traditional massage

ASIAN FREESTYLE (Asian Inspired)

Any combinations of different types of Asian or Thai massage methods

FULL FREESTYLE (new category)

Combination of different types of Asian & Western massage methods

AYURVEDA & TRADITIONAL INDIAN

LOMI LOMI NUI

WELLNESS & SPA

This category is for spa professionals, Wellness & aesthetics are important

Include: Hot or Cold Stones, 4 Hands massage, Aromatherapy, spa massage, holistic massage, chocolate massage, prenatal massage, body scrub for wellness, Ancient Greek massage, bamboo massage special for wellness (no traditional bamboo massage!) 

FACE MASSAGE

This category is for spa professionals, beauticians and aesthetics

(Include: Gua Sha for face & Kobido for face)

*No acupuncture, injections or other skin penetrating techniques!

*No Ayurveda face 

 ANTI CELLULITE and LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

(Include: Body scrub for anticellulite) 

MEDICAL (Therapeutic) MASSAGE (new category)

In your video, you must explain the physiological goal of your treatment, the injury, and which methods you are using based on massage and alternative medical methods with tools or without tools. (See the evaluation criteria & point system)

* Chiropractic methods are not acceptable!

CHAIR MASSAGE

BEGINNERS & STUDENTS

Category for all new masseurs (till 2 years professional experience), students and amateurs! In this category the participants can present a session of any type of massage!

NOTE!

• In all categories you are free to use tools!

• In all categories chiropractic methods are not acceptable!

• Acupuncture is acceptable only in the Medical (Therapeutic) category

• The final categories may be fewer:

In case a category has a small number of participants, the merging is foreseen!

 

• The Medical (therapeutic) category winners can’t compete in the final of the overall winner. Also, the category participates normally in all ‘’Special Mentions Awards’’ (except the best flow) and the ‘’Audience Award’’ for the medal of the most liked 2 minutes video in YouTube!

• New therapists (till 2 years professional experience) and students can only participate in the category “BEGINNERS – STUDENTS” 

• The winner of BEGINNERS – STUDENTS category can’t compete in the final of the overall winner. Also, the category participates normally in all ‘’Special Mentions Awards’’ and the ‘’Audience Award’’ for the most liked video medal.

 

QUALITY STANDARTS OF THE VIDEO

Video instructions

Main video download instructions

The International Massage Championship is a formal global competition that takes seriously the quality and reliability of the information provided by all participants.

We kindly ask the participants to follow the instructions below, which are described in detail (specifications):

• Minimum required HD video resolution (1280px X 700px / 720p)
• Videos with a ratio of 1: 1 (squares) are prohibited
• Recommended MP4 video format with video codec h. 264 for use on YouTube and Facebook
• Exclusive horizontal shooting. Vertical shooting will not be considered.
• Video duration 15 minutes (deviation of +-1 minute at most) included a small self-presentation of a maximum of 1 minute.
• The shooting must be continuous and in the case of multiple cameras, the editing must be smooth with a simple transition between the shots
• Mandatory use of tripods or steady cam for the stability of the shots
• Throughout the video the client and the masseur must always be in the shot
• The lighting must be adequate so that the movements and techniques are clearly visible
• It is forbidden to have an introduction or finish with special effects or any personal or commercial logo
• The use of any watermark is prohibited
• The video should start exclusively with your presentation

 

The video should be accompanied by the appropriate music that the contestant will choose for his program but is not counted in evaluation criteria & points.

(Music might be deleted from YouTube or Facebook’s automated copyright control system.

You have to place the video URL on the website in your profile no later than 15/10/2021

Lights and camera setup

Position the video camera in the middle at a height above your head and point downwards. If possible, set the focus to a manual setting to avoid flickering. Position one light at both sides of the camera for even lighting. Try not to step in front of the camera.

Instructions for the part of your presentation

It is very important for the judges to know from the beginning what will follow in the video they will watch. In the first 1 minute of your presentation, you should mention:

Personal information

• Full name
• Country you represent
• The category that you present in the specific video
• Products, creams, oils, essential oils or tools that you will use
• A brief description of the treatment you will present

(a brief explanation of what is going to be presented in the video and any explanation that is appropriate for the best evaluation by the jury, and communication with the recipient)

• The goal of this treatment for your client

The presentation must be in English or alternatively incorporate English subtitles as well as music investment is prohibited (in the time of the presentation only). 

 

In case of difficulty of using the English language as well the using subtitles in your video you are allowed to do it in another language but there should be text in English in the description below the video (so that the judges can read it) 

If the above specifications are not met, the video will not participate in the competition which automatically means your exclusion from the championship. 

 

If some of the above specifications are not met then the video is not excluded from the competition, but will be evaluated by the judges as provided in these cases by the evaluation system!

All participants can participate in 5 different categories with 1 different video for each category!

Does the championship give all participants the right to create a free professional profile on our website for this year, with a photo, resume, info, social media addresses, interview, diploma of the competition and the competing videos!

The massage recipient must wear underwear at all times and have covered their chest (if she is a woman). Intimate parts must be covered.

 

Any exposure of the recipient is against our rules, it is also against YouTube rules, which means exclusion from the championship or even removal of the video from YouTube!

How do I send my videos?

The easiest, fastest and approved method by us is the YouTube platform!

All you have to do is to create a YouTube account (if you do not have it already) and upload your video (for your YouTube account you must have Gmail!) 

 

• Write in title:  “category” “your full name” “country”
• In description: In case of difficulty of using the English language you are allowed to do it in another language but there should be text in English in the description below the video (so that the judges can read it) or subtitles in English!

No, it’s not made for kids

 

It is necessary to choose your video to be public! 

 You simply copy the URL link and send it to us (by copy-paste) in the corresponding field of your PROFILE: 

“YouTube URL link: _________________”

you are ready!

FREE PROMOTIONAL 1 MINUTE VIDEO

Each contestant can send us on our email: online.i.m.championship@gmail.com , the 1 minutes promotional video of each contestant video with the best moments that he will have selected and edited! (Download methods: We Transfer, Google Drive, or Dropbox)  in no later than 31/09/2023!!!

This video should be sent unpublished and will be edited by us with the logos of the event, the introductory video and the music label of the event, name of the therapist, category and will be viewed on the event’s YouTube account, Facebook and Instagram.

The submission of the edited 1 minutes video by the contestants is not mandatory and is not a prerequisite for participation. In this case, the organizers are not obliged to create the promotional video! The promotional videos will all be shown and will be available to participants for sharing. 

 

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EVALUATION CRITERIA & POINT SYSTEM

After studying and researching the evaluation and scoring systems of many national championships like the European championship and the live world massage championship of I.M.A. as well as last year’s online international massage championship, we have created a scoring system where scoring has a different weight in each field of evaluation to highlight more the technical skills of the masseur! Of lesser but significant importance are the fields of flow, posture and the correct approach to the goal of treatment.

With this point system, each judge will evaluate the participants in the field of their expertise in close collaboration with other judges.

TECHNIC 0-10

In this field the participant is evaluated for his technical skills.

That means:

-innate or acquired talent in the movement of the therapist’s hands when performing a massage technique

-Correctness / effectiveness according to the purpose of the treatment plan.

-Diversity of techniques and variation between them.

-Deep understanding of anatomy, the body’s structures and functions.

 

0-2:  Empty, did nothing

3-4: Very poor 

5-6: Regular – Basic technic 

7:     Good technic

8:     Very good technic 

9:     Excellent – high-level technic

10:  World-class technic

 

FLOW 0-5 

“Flow” means a continuous and harmonious movement without interruption of the hands, body and techniques performed by the therapist (Tempo, rhythm and continuity between techniques).

Also the concentration, and the ergonomics.

0-1: Without any (or very poor) harmony, continuous, tempo, rhythm and many interruptions, or without concentration (the therapist is watching the camera) 

2-3: Regular-Basic

4:     Excellent – high level 

5:    World-class

 

BODY POSITION 0-5

The correct body posture and positioning.

Power transmission (use of legs, hips etc.). 

Body positioning and movement of the therapist (no waste of energy).

0-1: With no correct body position

2-3: Regular-Basic

4:    Excellent- high level

5:    World-class – amazing body position of the full body in the full duration of the treatment 

GOAL FULFILLMENT

In order to simplify the scoring system to be as objective as possible regarding the technical abilities of the competitors for the first time in the 2023 championship no scoring will be requested in this field!

INNOVATION 0-2

In this field the participant is evaluated for new proposals and innovative approaches related to the art of massage.

Innovative and effective techniques and methods (not the surrounding area!)

0: Without any innovation 

1: With some or medium innovations

2: Many or some high-level innovations

 

DRAPING 0-1 or PENALTY (-5) if the video exposé the receiver!

If the massage therapist takes care of the receiver and makes him feel comfortable. How the towels are used, for example, without receivers exposure.. it is important the correct covering of receivers. The massage recipient must wear underwear at all times and have covered their chest (if she is a woman). Intimate parts must be covered.

(-5): If the video exposes the receiver!

 

0: If the receiver is with underwear or swimming wear without covering-towel or with very bud covering

1: Professional draping 

 

FEEDBACK 0-1

In this field, we want to see how the therapist gets client form and take information’s-feedback in the duration of the treatment.

0: Without any feedback

1: With feedback

 

PRESENTATION 0-1 or PENALTY (-5) if the video does not have any presentation! 

The communication with the viewers & judges which includes:

 – The name, country he represents.

 – How the massage therapist helps the others (judges, viewers) to understand his work. With the correct camera position, the light and the explanation for the type (s) of massage and general treatment.

– Oils and tools that he will use. 

– Hygienic.

 –Clothes

 

*The presentation must be completed in the first 1 minute in English! In case of difficulty of using the English language you are allowed to do it in another language but there should be text in English in the notes below the video (so that the judges can read it) or subtitles in English!

 

(-5):  No self-presentation , or hygienic, or long nails, or ring, or bracelet, or deep neckline (only for women)!

0: Not complete or clear self-presentation, or not any or clear explanations about the type of massage and the treatment.

1: Everything in this field is perfect 

 

EVALUATION CRITERIA & POINT SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL (Therapeutic) MASSAGE

 

TECHNIC (& therapeutic method) 0-10

The same point system as the other massage categories!

 

FLOW

The FLOW included in TECHNIQUE criteria in the Medical (Therapeutic) category!

 

BODY POSITION 0-2

The same point system as the other massage categories!

 

GOAL FULFILLMENT 0-10

0-1: Without any reference to the goal of the treatment or with a false approach to the goal

2-5: Not complete – not clear reference of the goal meet or some mistake in procedure of the treatment 

6-7: A simple but correct procedure for a basic therapy

8:    Very good

9:    Excellent:  high level 

10:  World-class – complete method

 

INNOVATION 0-5

0:     Without any innovation 

1-2: With some or medium innovations

3-4: Many or some high-level innovations

5:    The best innovation or full of high-level innovations 

 

DRAPING 

Don’t exist criteria & point system in the Medical (Therapeutic) Massage.

Warning: It remains the: PENALTY (-5) if the video exposé the receiver!

FEEDBACK 0-5

0: Without any feedback

1: With very poor feedback

2-3: Simple but basic feedback for the therapy (including the client form)

4: Very good feedback but not complete (not full) 

5: World-class – Complete & correct feedback

PRESENTATION 0-3 or PENALTY (-5) if the video does not have any presentation! 

The communication with the viewers & judges which includes:

 – The name, country he represents.

 – How the massage therapist helps the others (judges, viewers) to understand his work:

• A. With the description of the injury, the treatment and the method you followed
• Oils and tools that he will use. 
• The correct camera position, the light

Also:

 Hygienic.

  Clothes

 

*The presentation must be completed in the first 2 minutes in English! In case of difficulty of using the English language you are allowed to do it in another language but there should be text in English in the description below the video (so that the judges can read it) or subtitles in English!

 

(-5):  No self-presentation , or no description of the therapy, or bad hygienic, or long nails, or  ring, or bracelet, or the deep neckline (only for women)!

1-2: Not complete or clear self-presentation, or not complete or clear description about the injury and treatment method.

3: Everything in this field is perfect 

 

————————————————– ————————————————– ——

* Whoever takes a penalty automatically gets 0 in the corresponding field!

 

*Therapeutic videos may have editing or cutting during the session so the therapist can include in the 25 minutes duration of the video the most important scenes that would be evaluated from the judges.

 

* Whoever does not meet the standards and specifications of image quality and lighting that we will set is disqualified!

 

* Anyone who does not send video in a horizontal position will be disqualified!

*Penalty objections regarding interrupted video, video that exposes the receiver, bad hygienic, or long nails, or ring, or bracelet, or deep neckline (only for women’s) are only allowed to be filed by judges and contestants and will be up to 3 days after the last date of registrations!

No judge can evaluate any participant who comes from or represent the same country as judge’s!

 

Scores with the personal comments of judges will be announced to each participant privately!

 

Liabilities and commitments of participants

The contestant bears the sole responsibility for the observance of the transmission protection protocols of the covid-19 virus! 

Participants must provide free video access to the organizers and this must be open to all for viewing.

The participants can’t use the material of the videos for other events or championships if they don’t have the written permission of the organizers. This restriction applies to the 2 minute video that we will edit and promote through our social pages.

All the rights and use belong to the organizer and the participants agree with that at the registration!

The language of the website, the terms and conditions is the English language and we are not responsible for any misinterpretation or error arising from the translation of the google translate application. 

The Greek Courts have jurisdiction over any dispute resolution.