American Massage Championships Competitor Code of Conduct

Purpose

Competing with professionalism and integrity

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.

All competitors must abide by all rules of World Massage Festival.

Competitor responsibilities

What every AMC competitor must do

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

Professionalism in every competition space

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

Conduct that can result in immediate action

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

Respect the scoring process

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 and disciplinary action

Possible consequences of a violation

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 the 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

Raise concerns promptly and responsibly

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 and future eligibility

Future competition 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.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers for competitors