Rules and Regulations
Washington Massage Championship Rules
Our Purpose: The Washington Massage Championship is a community-based gathering for licensed massage therapists and massage therapy students to learn new techniques, be inspired by others, showcase their passion and talent, and network with like-minded professionals. The event aims to foster growth for therapists and help build their personal practices within the community. It’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and raise awareness of the benefits of the massage industry while inspiring others.
Who Can Enter?
Any licensed and insured massage therapist can participate.
Out-of-state LMTs can enter and win in a category but will not be eligible to win overall in the state through final rounds or scoring.
Categories:
Swedish Massage (Western massage, including classical relaxing massage)
Thai Massage / Nuad Thai (Traditional Thai, Warrior, Royal, Thai yoga, etc.)
Freestyle Massage (Western Inspired) (Combination of various Western techniques, mobilization, cupping, massage with tools, bodywork, etc.)
Freestyle Massage (Eastern Inspired) (Combination of various Asian massage techniques like Shiatsu, Acupressure, Thai massage, cupping, Tui Na, Ayurveda, Reflexology, massage with tools, etc.)
Chair Massage
Sports Massage (Deep Tissue massage, MFR, MET, neuromuscular techniques, stretching, etc.)
Facial Massage (Japanese facelifting, Gua Sha, classical facial spa treatments, etc.)
Category Rules and Recommendations:
Swedish Massage:
Techniques should include Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Friction, and Vibration.
Tools are allowed (recommended for a maximum of 20%).
Stretching is allowed (recommended for a maximum of 20%).
This is mostly performed on a massage table but can be done on a mattress.
If performed on a massage chair, the participant should choose the Chair Massage category.
Sports Massage:
Similar to Swedish Massage.
Stretching and joint mobilization are allowed (recommended for a maximum of 30%).
Tools are allowed (recommended for a maximum of 30%).
Mostly performed on a massage table or mattress.
The first 30 minutes should demonstrate a sports massage for performance preparation; the remaining 30 minutes should focus on relaxation after strenuous activity.
If performed on a massage chair, the participant should choose the Chair Massage category.
Nuad Thai / Thai Massage (For Health / Relief / Inspiration):
Techniques focus on relaxation and treating musculoskeletal and psychological issues.
Performed on a mattress.
Tools allowed (maximum of 20%) but should not endanger the receiver.
Stretching is allowed.
Receiver is mostly fully clothed.
Oil use is allowed (maximum of 20%).
Joint mobilization is allowed.
Shoes are not allowed.
If performed on a massage chair, the participant should choose the Chair Massage category.
If performed on a massage table, the participant should choose the Freestyle Massage (Eastern) category.
Freestyle Massage (Eastern Inspired):
Derived from Eastern massage techniques such as Shiatsu, Thai, Tui Na, Acupressure, and Reflexology.
Tools allowed (maximum of 50%).
Stretching is allowed.
Joint mobilization is allowed.
Oil use is allowed.
Can be performed on a mattress or massage table.
If performed on a massage chair, the participant should choose the Chair Massage category.
Freestyle Massage (Western Inspired):
Derived from Western techniques such as Swedish, Myofascial Release, Muscle Energy Techniques, Sports Massage, and California Massage.
Tools allowed (maximum of 50%).
Stretching is allowed.
Joint mobilization is allowed.
Oil use is allowed.
Can be performed on a mattress or massage table.
If performed on a massage chair, the participant should choose the Chair Massage category.
Chair Massage:
Performed with the receiver seated on a special chair.
Techniques from both Western and Eastern styles are allowed, such as Swedish, Thai, Shiatsu, and Hot Stones.
Tools are allowed.
Stretching and joint mobilization are allowed.
Oil use is allowed.
Performed on a chair.
Facial Massage:
Includes all facial techniques such as Kobido, Japanese Facelifting, Swedish, Wellness, and other spa services.
Tools allowed.
Stretching is allowed.
Joint mobilization is allowed.
Oil use is allowed.
Massage of neck, chest, and arms is allowed (maximum of 20%).
Participation:
Each Massage Therapist can participate in 1 or 2 categories.
Dress Code: Participants may wear personal sponsorship clothing or any national suit that fits the category. Shoes are not recommended for Thai Yoga Massage.
Participants should bring their own sheets, towels, tools, etc.
The recipient of the massage must wear underwear at all times and keep their chest covered (if female). Any area not being worked on should be draped.
No cameras are allowed during rounds and the final. Unauthorized recording may result in expulsion.
Participants must have their own insurance to cover both themselves and the participant during the competition.
There is zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior. Any sensual or sexual massage will result in disqualification and expulsion.
All participants must give and receive a massage. If necessary, the WMC will arrange suitable candidates.
Chiropractic and osteopathic manipulations are not allowed.
The WMC will decide the music played during the Championship.