WMF/AMC Code of conduct

World Massage Festival Code of Conduct

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     WMF is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all attendees, teachers, speakers, vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, members, meeting participants, guests, volunteers, and WMF staff and employees. This policy applies to conduct by ALL of the preceding, including but not limited to officers, directors, committee chairs, members of committees, and editors. It applies to complaints of harassment or discrimination by or other conduct that involve ANY and ALL of the preceding and anyone else whether it’s an individual, business, agency, company, or corporation at or in connection with all WMF events, including but not limited to board, committee, work group, and task force meetings, conventions, and all other WMF programs, online forums, events, activities, and classes whether in person, via telephone, online, or otherwise (collectively, “WMF events”).  In addition, this Code of Conduct applies to those events sponsored by organizations other than WMF but held in conjunction with WMF events, in person or on public or private online platforms.

   WMF has zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment by participants or our staff at our meetings. If you experience harassment or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, WMF asks that you inform either Ana Malachowski, Owner, ana.wmf2@gmail.com, or Crystal Stoots, 2nd in command, admin@worldmassagefestival.com, so that we can take the appropriate action.

Equal Opportunity

   It is WMF policy to ensure equal opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, physical appearance, body size, or other characteristics, whether protected by law or not. WMF prohibits all such discrimination and harassment and will fairly address all allegations as swiftly as possible.

Harassment Defined

   Harassment based on any protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. Harassment includes verbal, written, or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual (or group) based on any of the above-listed protected factors and that: (1) creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or (2) interferes with an individual’s performance or ability to participate in WMF events.

   Harassing conduct includes but is not limited to epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; and offensive texts, emails, or other messages.

   Sexual harassment means any unwelcome conduct, comment, gesture, or contact of a sexual nature, whether on a one-time basis or in a continuous series of incidents that might reasonably be expected to offend or embarrass an individual or be intended to generate a sexual response or favor. Sexual harassment also includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or unwelcome physical conduct.

Prohibited Conduct

   As a professional organization, WMF is committed to diversity, equity, professional treatment of ideas, and respectful treatment of all members, employees, and volunteers at or in connection with all WMF events. WMF seeks to provide a professional atmosphere in which diverse participants may learn, network, and otherwise participate in an environment of mutual respect. Conduct that is prohibited includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassment or intimidation based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, physical appearance, body size, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking, or unsolicited physical contact

• Harassment, intimidation, or coercion based upon a position as a board member, employee, or any position of influence

• Abusive, lewd, or threatening conduct

• Bullying, harassment, or unprofessional conduct toward members, employees, volunteers, or other participants at WMF events

• Physical violence or threats of violence

• Sexually charged communications or conduct

• Use of illegal or illicit drugs on any property where WMF is hosting an event.

• Being under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal or illicit drugs

Reporting Acts of Harassment, Discrimination, or Retaliation

   WMF encourages reporting of all perceived incidents of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, regardless of the offender’s identity or position. Individuals who believe they have been the victim of such conduct should report their concerns to either Ana Malachowski, Owner, ana.wmf2@gmail.com, or Crystal Stoots, 2nd in command, admin@worldmassagefestival.com 

    WMF encourages individuals to advise the offender that their conduct is unwelcome and to request that it be discontinued, if they feel comfortable so doing.

   An individual making a complaint may be asked to put the complaint in writing promptly after reporting unwanted conduct.

   In the event that an individual feels that their physical safety is in jeopardy, WMF encourages the individual to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately and notify either Ana Malachowski, Owner, ana.wmf2@gmail.com, or Crystal Stoots, 2nd in command, admin@worldmassagefestival.com 

   Any reported allegations of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation will be investigated promptly by WMF using the following procedures:

• Preliminary fact-finding conducted by the WMF Owner and the Human Resources Team.

• If probable culpability is found, findings are referred to the Ethics Task Team or an Ethics Team of the World Massage Festival

• Ethics task force/Subcommittee deliberates and refers the investigation to the Owner with recommended action.

• The Owner makes the final decision on any action to be taken, or lack thereof.

   The investigation may include individual interviews with the parties involved as well as witnesses to the conduct.

   WMF will maintain confidentiality to the extent consistent with appropriate investigation and corrective action. WMF reserves the right to notify an individual’s employer of serious misconduct under this policy when it is determined that such notification is appropriate and such misconduct is substantiated.

   If it is determined that an individual has engaged in prohibited conduct, the WMF Owner, or the appropriate staff designee, shall determine the appropriate action to be taken against the individual, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Private reprimand

• Expulsion from the WMF event without warning or refund

• Implementation of conditions upon attendance at future WMF events

• Removal of the individual from any and all positions and/or classes

• Restriction from attendance at future WMF events

• Suspension from or revocation of membership in WMF, pursuant to the WMF Bylaws

• Notification to the individual’s employer for serious misconduct as determined by WMF in its sole discretion.

• Revocation of Freedom Membership with no refunds.

   Determinations reached in WMF’s complaint process are not legally conclusive in any other proceeding.

False Reporting

   Knowingly making a false accusation of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, or knowingly providing false information in the course of an investigation of a report, may be grounds for appropriate disciplinary action and be treated as harassment. A complaint made in good faith, even if found to be unsubstantiated, will not be considered a false accusation.

Retaliation

   Retaliation against an individual for reporting harassment or discrimination or for participating in an investigation of a claim of harassment or discrimination is a serious violation and is strictly prohibited. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately and will be promptly addressed.

   By joining, registering, participating, or working/volunteering at WMF or its events, you have agreed to the terms as outlined in WMF’s Code of Conduct.

Approved by the WMF Owner & all other parties with authority at WMF

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American Massage Championships (AMC)

Competitor Code of Conduct

Purpose

   The American Massage Championships (AMC) exist to celebrate excellence, professionalism, and integrity in massage therapy. Competitors represent not only themselves, but the broader massage profession and the AMC community.

   Participation in AMC is a privilege, not a right. All competitors are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct before, during, and after the competition.

Competitor Responsibilities

All AMC competitors must:

• Conduct themselves with professionalism, respect, and integrity at all times
• Follow all competition rules, category guidelines, and judging criteria
• Respect judges, staff, volunteers, models, fellow competitors, and attendees
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and ethical standards of touch
• Comply immediately with instructions from AMC officials and judges
• Represent the massage profession in a manner that reflects positively on the field

Professional Conduct Standards

During Competition

Competitors must:

• Use only approved techniques, tools, and practices permitted in their category
• Treat models with respect, dignity, and informed consent at all times
• Demonstrate safe, ethical, and appropriate professional touch
• Refrain from unsportsmanlike behavior, including disparaging remarks or gestures
• Accept judges’ decisions with professionalism, regardless of outcome

Outside of Active Competition

Competitors are expected to:

• Interact respectfully with others in all AMC-related spaces, including backstage areas, practice zones, lodging venues, social events, and online platforms
• Avoid behavior that disrupts the event or creates an unsafe or hostile environment
• Uphold AMC standards in public communications related to the competition

Prohibited Conduct

The following actions may result in immediate disciplinary action, including disqualification:

• Harassment, intimidation, bullying, or threats
• Sexual misconduct, inappropriate touch, or boundary violations
• Discrimination or hateful conduct of any kind
• Substance use that impairs judgment or safety
• Cheating, falsifying information, or attempting to influence judges improperly
• Public or private disparagement of judges, competitors, staff, or AMC leadership
• Disruptive, aggressive, or hostile behavior
• Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith

Prohibited conduct may occur before, during, or after the event, including conduct outside official competition spaces when such behavior impacts AMC, its participants, or its reputation.

Judging Integrity

Competitors must not:

• Attempt to contact judges regarding scoring decisions outside official channels
• Offer gifts, incentives, or favors to judges or staff
• Question or challenge judging decisions in a disrespectful or disruptive manner

All judging decisions are final.

Enforcement & Disciplinary Action

AMC reserves the right to take action for violations of this Code, including but not limited to:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Point deductions or score adjustments
• Disqualification from current competition
• Temporary suspension or ban from AMC
• Permanent ineligibility to compete in AMC
• Revocation of titles, awards, or placements

Disciplinary decisions are made at the sole discretion of AMC leadership and are final.

Reporting Concerns

Competitors may report concerns or violations to AMC officials or designated staff. Reports will be handled with discretion and seriousness to protect the integrity of the competition and the safety of participants.

Reinstatement & Future Eligibility

In cases of suspension or ban, competitors may be permitted to reapply for future competitions at AMC’s discretion. Reinstatement is not guaranteed and may require evidence of behavioral change, reflection, or compliance with additional conditions.

Acknowledgment

By registering for and competing in the American Massage Championships, competitors acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Competitor Code of Conduct.