It is an organization that concerns massage therapists, trainers, managers, suppliers, centres and educational institutions working in the spa, wellness, health, sport, natural and complementary therapies. The championship is to contribute positively to the development of the participants’ skills, to the training of qualified massage therapists and to the massage profession in terms of ethical values in a good, reliable and competitive environment. It aims to reach, maintain and develop the best in the sector.

In this context, the main objectives to be achieved are as follows:

• To increase the professional quality
• To promote vocational training
• To promote vocational training
• To protect professional ethical values
• To increase awareness of the importance and dignity of massage
• To increase the technical quality of massage with competition
• To introduce the best massage therapists to the national and international community
• To contribute to the increase of qualified massage therapists
• To provide an opportunity for qualified, elite and professional massage therapists to introduce themselves and showcase their skills

PARTICIPATION TERMS AND CRITERIA

1. Participants must provide proof of training in a massage program during the application and registration process. This criterion is not required for beginners and/or those in the student category.

2. Participants apply for the competition by completing the required information on the “Application Form.”

3. Participants can apply for one or more categories based on their massage education and experiences.

4. Participants must adhere to suitable attire for massage, including appropriate uniforms or clothing (sports shoes, sports pants or yoga pants, t-shirts, etc.).

5. Participants are allowed to wear personal sponsorship clothing or any National team attire that suits the category.

6. Participants must bring their own materials suitable for the massage category they will compete in (towels, sheets, application tools, etc.).

7. The responsibility of arranging the model for the application lies with the participant, and this responsibility continues until the end of the application. For those who cannot provide their models or partners, the organizing committee assists in providing partners.

8. All participants must adhere to the specified competition duration (60 minutes) for the respective category. Short-term applications like facial massage last for 30-60 minutes, with the first 5 minutes allocated for participants to introduce themselves.

9. For oily massages, the person receiving the massage should wear underwear, and (if female) the chest should be covered. Areas not being worked on or massaged should be covered.

10. Everyone can participate in the massage competition without gender distinction. Any participant can perform a massage on any gender if they wish.

11. Massage oil will be provided by the organization. Participants are not obligated to bring their own oil. However, if a participant prefers to use a specific oil for themselves (or their category), they are free to bring it.

12. Chiropractic or osteopathic techniques are not allowed.

Participants may choose any of the massage methods or categories listed below. A participant can compete in up to three (3) categories.

NOTE: Electrical devices are not permitted during the massage. Rechargeable or battery-powered tools are allowed.

COMPETITION JURY (JUDGES)

1. The juries consist of individuals selected from the relevant departments of universities, massage associations and massage-related educational institutions.
2. All of the juries are made up of the participants of the judge meeting or seminar related to the competition.
3. Jury selection will be based on their qualifications, skills, experience and judging capacity for a particular massage category.
4. The selected judge is assigned to evaluate only the categories appropriate to his qualifications, skills and evaluation experience.
5. The selected judge will ideally have at least 5 years of experience and have worked in an educational setting. It can be domestic or foreign.
6. The jury selected will be fair, honest, impartial and have the principle of equality.
7. A jury cannot be its own student’s jury as it will be considered a party. If the jury becomes aware of such a situation, it shall immediately notify the authorities and the contestant in question will be directed to another jury or jury to evaluate another competitor.
8. The jury, which is determined to be a party or match-fixing, will not be assigned in the next competitions.
9. For the international competition, at least 2 judges who meet the judge criteria are invited from abroad.
10. According to the category and number of applications, Jury reinforcements are made from the country or abroad when needed.

The judge will evaluate the competitors in the following areas and give points:

• Preparation: Preparation of the participant and the massage recipient for the session.
• Tools and materials: The use of tools and support materials for massage is evaluated.
• Techniques: Evaluates the correct display of necessary techniques suitable for the massage category.
• Ergonomics: Evaluates correct use of body mechanics, posture and position.
• Fluency/Flow: Evaluates the continuous and fluent application of techniques.
• Innovative Approach: Evaluates innovation, innovation and the development of new techniques
• Communication: Ethical ethics with the therapist’s client/guest were evaluated within the framework of human relations and behaviour.
• Feedback: The individual’s opinion on the massage therapist’s performance will be evaluated at the final stage.
• Overall Performance: The integrity of the message and the overall performance of the therapist are evaluated.
• In order for the scoring to be as fair and impartial as possible, all decisions regarding scoring will be taken collectively within the Jury group of the relevant category.

The winners are given certificates, medals and surprise gifts for each category (1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees).

First-place winner: Awarded to the person and team with the highest score in the competition.

Second-place winner: Awarded to the person and team with the second highest score in the competition.

Third-place winner: Awarded to the person and team with the third highest score in the competition.

Jury Special or Encouragement Award: This award is given to the person and team who reached the final competition but did not place, yet were deemed deserving of the award due to their dedication. It is determined by the advisory and organizing committee.

The top three winners of the championship will receive a Trophy, Medal, and Certificate.

World Massage Therapists Championship Awards

1. Championship Winner (Champion of Champions): Will earn the right to participate in the World Massage Championship.

2. Championship Runner-up: Will be granted the right to participate in the next championship.

3. Third Place Winner: Will earn the right to attend a MasterClass course.