MCSA 2025

Rules and Regulations:

Costs & Entry Fees
*Entry fee for Massage therapists is R1000
*Entry fee for student therapists is R700
*Entry fee for Massage related businesses/Schools entering 3 or more employees/students is R550
Entry fees are non-refundable.
Registration closes on 01/09/25. 

Your registration enters you into two categories. You are also allowed to choose only 1 category that you feel strongest in.

This is a two day event, MCSA2025 dates to be confirmed.

 
Meals & Water: The venue will run a small food and beverage stall and the bar will be open for spectators and supporters , we encourage participants and their guests to either bring water, snacks, and a packed lunch/dinner or venture out to the many less expensive restaurant options surrounding the venue. There will be no set lunch or tea breaks, when you are not competing and not modelling for a participant, please eat and take care of yourself.

Read Carefully:
Your name, Round number and Table number, must be completed in eligible handwriting prior to each round. Please only use markers provided and wipe the Roundcards clean after your session. 
Participants are allowed to wear personal sponsorship clothing or any other National suit that fits the category, style, modality or aesthetic.
Participants must wear sports shoes, sports pants or yoga pants, T-shirts, etc. Participants must bring their own sanitizing wipes/gel, sheets, towels, tools, etc. 
The recipient of the massage must wear full underwear (not thongs) at all times and have covered their chest (if she is a woman). Any area which is not being worked on must be covered/draped. Remember that you are a recipient too, so consider your choice of underwear. Bring an extra pair if in doubt. If your underwear is not suitable to serve as a massage recipient, one point will be deducted off your total score.

No flames of any sort is allowed.
No manipulations and chiropractic adjustments allowed. Stay within the scope of your practise.

You are allowed to use a massage table or Thai mat. Participants bring all their own equipment, sheets, bolsters, tools, side tables etc with them.

Be on time, should you miss the sign-in cut off times on the day of the event, you will be fined or disqualified. You are a model/receiver for every round you do not compete it, please be present.

No cameras are allowed during the rounds and the final. Unauthorized use of cameras and recordings can result in expulsion. We will have photo- and Videographers on the floor, to capture you at your best. You are encouraged to take photos in front of the MCSA banner and post, tag and share on social media platforms.  

There is an absolute zero-tolerance policy concerning inappropriate behaviour. Any massage of sensual/sexual nature would result in immediate disqualification and expulsion from the Championship. Recipients will give the judges feedback on the session they received, take care of your 'client'.

All participants are required to receive massage, as well as give massages. If necessary, MC-SA will arrange for suitable candidates/massage recipients in particular cases.
No chiropractic manipulations are allowed during the competition.

No cell phones. Should you require a clock or time keeping device, please bring one, you may not use your phone.

Signs, flyers, cards or explanations in your set up are allowed, but be mindful of your space. Judges expect a clean, de-cluttered look and need to be able to move around freely. Please bring them along, off the competition floor you can market freely. There will also be a space for participants to place their business cards/flyers.

Each Massage Therapist can participate in up to 3 categories. But also welcome to only compete in 1. However once these are finalised, they are final and no changes will be accepted on the day. You have until 2 weeks before the competition to finalise your chosen categories. Non-English speaking participants can bring their own translator for briefing speeches and general communication. 

Spectators are allowed in preliminary and final rounds, in designated areas. MCSA decides which music will be played during the championship. Should you wish to receive the playlist, please notify us.

Each participant will be required to complete a personal intake form, as a recipient, and email these beforehand to miki@massagechampionshipsa.com.
The duration of each round is 45-60 minutes (excluding the 5 min examination/intake).  You will have a maximum of 5 minutes to read your client's intake and ask them any questions needed to ensure your awareness of their physical condition (looking for any cautions, contraindications, or preferences) Ensure their understanding of the massage process. 
During these 60 minutes (maximum), the judges will come around to each contestant and ask what you will be doing for your client in the round (introduce yourself, give category/style, disclose any innovations or new methods, etc.). Be friendly, respectful and courteous, but most important, be yourself!


The Judges:
The Judges are all highly skilled within their categories and have all taken the MCSA Judge’s Course, as well as being directed by our head judge and the co-ordinator. In the final round, the receivers will be the judges. Judges will evaluate the participants in the following areas with a point system:

 ~ Techniques  
 ~ Ergonomics 
 ~ Flow 
 ~ Innovation and Development of new methods  
 ~ Client Contact  
 ~ Recipient feedback

Participants are informed that the judges at the competition can evaluate the individual treatment. The participants cannot expect score results directly from the judges either during or after the competition. Judges will give feedback to participants on a case-by-case basis. Final scores will be posted at a time of the judges' discretion.  All decisions regarding the competition are made collectively within the group of Judges to ensure the competition is as fair as possible. In the event of a disagreement among the judges, the head judge will deliberate with the director to make the final decision.  Participants cannot be judged by their family/friends, business partners, or instructors. In these cases those judges will recuse themselves from scoring said participant and your score will be calculated accordingly.
If MCSA faces this conflict, the participant will be given a weighted score (average) from remaining eligible judges. 

The Final:
The Duration of the Final is 60 minutes. Spectators will not be allowed on the stage/ competition floor. Spectators will be asked to stay in designated areas. Spectator areas will be marked.

Massage recipients (Professional and highly educated Massage Therapist Judges) hand up to 6 points depending on their experience of the massage they receive. The remaining judges can hand out 3 points each to only one or three other finalist.
The Winner of the final will be the Massage Therapist who gets the most points during the final round, and he/she will be appointed as the Overall SA Champion in Massage for 2025/6.

Criteria Defined:  
~ “The flow of the massage” means a continuous movement, flow and variation of techniques performed by the therapist.  
~ “Ergonomics” How do the therapists use their own bodies (work environment) and their remedies (Massage tables, tools etc.)  Body mechanics, stance, pressure variations etc
~ “Techniques” Different techniques are used in each category.  Innovative and effective techniques for both therapist and client. Execution of existing techniques, adaptations and variations as well as new techniques.
~ "Client Contact” How you interact with your client. Pre, post and during massage.  
~ "Recipient feedback" How your client experiences your interaction, your treatment and how they feel afterwards.

NOTE! Lectures, the preliminary rounds, the final, and the prize giving will be recorded for visual media outlets  and used for future marketing on social media. This goes for pictures as well. By participating in SA Massage Championships, you are allowing the MC-SA to do so and agree to being featured in future marketing.

JUDGING CRITERIA FOR THE PARTICIPANTS:

It is crucial that you are entered and competing in the correct category. Your scores will not be added to your totals if the judges agree that your techniques are not relevant to your category.

We are here for you, if you are uncertain about which category you fit into, send us a video of your work or be sure to attend one of the provincial pre- championship events. The mentors and judges there will also be able to give you guidance.

● Techniques 1-20:

a. How many techniques - not as important as “how effective” the technique is. However, just doing manual massage will not be as good/advanced as using multiple techniques such as manual massage with some tools, mobilization, stretching, breathing, assessment, communication, etc.

b. Variations of each technique - for addressing the client's unique/complex problems or limitations. Example: Neck & Shoulder work on a larger client; you may require or find it easier if you make use of a bolster/ Change client’s position and adapt your technique in a way that still benefits the unreachable area.

c. Combination of techniques - appropriate use of multiple techniques performed at a high level. These
              techniques may be standard or innovative for our industry. The therapist must be able to explain every aspect
              and purpose of the technique or combination of techniques and their planned or realized effects on the
              client’s issue.

● Ergonomics 1-10:

d. Table height – Is it right for your body and if it’s not set to standard, do you have a relatable and realistic
              motivation for it. Example: Your table is purposefully set lower, to enable you to apply more pressure because
              you are petit/not that strong/ etc.

e. Power transmission from therapist to client - Is it appropriate for the issue and the client?

f. Therapist’s body alignment

g. Client positioning - important for access to the area of focus, comfort, and effectiveness of the proposed
              treatment. Example: reducing tension by placing a bolster/towel under the client’s shoulder, when working
              on hypertonic Trapezius or Rhomboids.

● Flow 1-20:

h. Rhythm - This is the least important sub-criterion of a Clinical massage. Yet crucial in Swedish.

i. Transitioning - grip to grip, hand to tool (did the therapist fumble, or was there a lot of dead time that didn’t make sense?)

j. Work/treatment within the time frame (60min) A very efficient and thorough therapist may not need a full
             15 minutes to do an intake or reassessment, thus leaving them more time for treatment. A less capable
             therapist may be unable to do an intake/assessment, develop/deliver a protocol, and reassessment/
              recommendations in an hour.

● Innovation 1-20:

- Many advanced clinical techniques are available for therapists, but how have you mastered them, and then
               how have you made them your own? How have you made those techniques work better for you and the
               client? Elevating oneself in this criterion shows a therapist's clinical development stages that move from
               novice to advanced; beginner to competent; to proficient, and then to expert.

k. Development of new moves

l. Innovation through your own unique style

m. Style combinations

● Client Contact 1-15:

- No matter the stage of a therapist's proficiency in a given modality or technique, this criteria
               have to be solid.

n. Insight and empathy - Do they listen to the client and ask good questions?

o. Technique versus the client. For example, an elderly, thin-skinned person would need less cross friction
               and care needs to be taken with tools and pressure.

p. Pressure and depth versus the client

q. Therapist’s...

i. Workwear - Is it neat, clean, and odor free? Does it represent the modality?

Wearing a cat t-shirt has nothing to do with Sports massage, whereas a Relay-for-life may, and a Nike shirt definitely would. Does it get in the way or distract?

ii. Tools - Is the therapist competent and/or qualified to use their tools? Can they explain them? Are they clean (sheets, towels, cups, etc.)? Do they have sanitary wipes/gel, etc? Do they have tools to evaluate the client's issue?

iii. Accessories (ex., presentation components/table) - judges should not take off for a therapist not having this. However, having a presentation shows another level of communication of the therapist’s art and intention. Presentations should represent the modality or treatment and not be a show of the therapist’s personal likes or personality (i.e., cat sheets, cat figurines, etc.)

iv. Draping of the client - failure in this area (exposure by the therapist, thin sheets, or loose draping) is unacceptable in a clinical setting.
* Practice having your client turn with zero exposure, remember you will be in a room surrounded by other therapist, you do not have the ‘privacy’ you would in your massage room.

● Recipient Evaluations & Judges deliberations 1-15:

               During and after each round the judges will speak to you and your client. They will get
              feedback from your client, be sure to look after your client! Yes, we want to see your best
               techniques, yes we want you to show off, yes this is a competition and yes you are being
              watched and scrutinized. But you are also a therapist, remember why you are in the
              INDUSTRY and ultimately make sure you make the best of your time and the opportunities
              your client’s body present to you.

               Do not think that the judges are missing anything, they are a team and after each round they
              discuss everything they saw and share with each other what the other’s may have missed.
              During deliberation 10 judgements become one. Example: Disrespecting one judge will not
              go unnoticed with the other judges and the same goes for impressions.

MCSA 2024 Categories

1. Swedish massage -

Classical European Swedish is not a recognized IMA sub category, but it is the original Swedish massage and the original “Orthopaedic Massage.”

• Western Swedish: This modern version (late 1800s-now) of Swedish massage should contain the basic techniques Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Friction and Vibration.
 • Declare “relaxation” or “therapeutic.” Tools are allowed (recommended for maximum 20%)

• Stretching and forearms are allowed (recommended for maximum 20%). If you are using more than 20% tools, forearms or stretching, then you need to be in the Wellness Category.
• Is mostly performed on a massage table, but can be done on a floor mattress

Innovation will be a big criterion with this modality. This sub-modality is effectively “Western Freestyle Light” with less stretching flare and less new innovative techniques, or “Wellness” with less tools and flash.

• Classic European Swedish Massage: This original Swedish modality was developed by 2 founding-fathers Ling, Metzger, Mennell and Cyriax (codified and canonized mid-1700s to the mid-1900s). It uses the basic techniques above. Direction of fluids is guided by the “Uncorking-the-bottle” theory (Mennell). Depth of tissue is guided by the progressive Three Degrees of Petrissage and range of motion. In this category there are no tools, no stools,no stretching, no forearms, no kneeling. Techniques should be complete, clean and flow seamlessly from one technique to another. Ergonomics are extremely important - no ankle shearing, ulnar pressing, wrist extension/carpal pressing or leaning on the table. Tai Chi stance/posture/movement while being grounded to the earth is integral (Ling). Tapotement timing should make sense and contain multiple hand postures to fit the area and purpose.

Declare “relaxation” or “therapeutic.” Innovation is not as important as perfect technique, flow and ergonomics in this sub-modality.

2. Sports massage

Please declare that you are doing either pre-event or post-event
• Stretching and mobilization of joints in combination with massage techniques is allowed (recommended for maximum 30%)
• Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 30%)
• It is mostly performed on a massage table or mattress
• Deep tissue, Myofascial release, Muscle Energy Technique, Neuromuscular techniques, stretching, mobilization etc

3. Wellness massage

It includes all services that are provided in spa and wellness centers such as Cellulite therapy, Hot stones massage, Bamboo and other wellness techniques.
• Stretching is allowed
• Mobilization of joint is allowed
• The use of special equipment like stones, bamboo, cups is allowed
• It can be performed on a massage table as well as on mattress

4. Freestyle Massage (Eastern Inspired)

Techniques that are derived from Eastern massage styles such as Shiatsu, Thai massage, Tui na, Acupressure and Reflexology as well other Asian techniques.
• Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 50%)
• Stretching is allowed
• Mobilization of joint is allowed
• The use of oil is allowed
• It is performed on a mattress or on a massage table

5. Freestyle Massage (Western Inspired)

Techniques that are derived from Western massage styles such as Swedish massage, Myofascial release, Muscle energy techniques, Sports massage, California massage and other Western techniques.
• Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 50%)
• Stretching is allowed
• Mobilization of joint is allowed
• The use of oil is allowed. It is performed on a mattress or on a massage table

6. Student/New LMT (under two years)

This is not an IMA category. It is a new USAMC & MCSA approved category. You may use any IMA-modality

(categories 1-5 above) or combination of techniques while competing under this category heading.

Your scores for this category will be ranked nationally under “Student/New LMT” and not under the

modality that you decided to use.

7. Clinical Challenge Category
15 - 60 minutes + recipient/receiver interviews

This is not an IMA category. It is a new USAMC & MCSA approved category. You may use any IMA-modality (categories 1-6 above) or combination of techniques while competing under this category heading.

Your scores for this category will be ranked nationally under “Clinical” and not under the modality that you decided to use.

You must show that you can ...

● Treat a problem area

● Demonstrate/explain how and why the treatment type was a good choice

● Exhibit efficacy

The event coordinators & Director will randomly select the receivers with their areas of complaint. The championship will not provide any necessary items for client intake or assessment. The therapist must be able to attain any necessary information to treat during their interview. Time will be called at the start of the 60 minutes and not again until the end. The therapist is expected to manage his/her own time appropriately and be able to keep time for themselves in this category. The participants will have 60 minutes to compete.

● Assess the receiver's health/condition and develop an appropriate on-the-fly treatment protocol. This can be done through a written intake, verbal intake, physical assessment, and other metrics needed. Tools, computers, and resource manuals may be used.

● Execute an appropriate protocol for the client’s pathologies and/or deficiencies reported or discovered.

● Reassess the receiver after the treatment (efficacy) and communicate a further treatment plan if needed.

After this sixty-minute bell is called for the END of the round....

• The client will get dressed (5min) and stay at the massage table.

• The therapists will say goodbye to their clients after they have made sure their client is dressed and able to get up. If the therapist fails to see to this detail, points will be taken off in the “Client Contact” criteria.

• The therapist will then leave the room to finalize any thoughts they may wish to write.

• Then the judges will interview the client-receiver for no more than 5 minutes at the table (they are dressed). The judges will ask the client only relevant questions, such as...

○ What was your complaint or the area of focus you requested help with? This needs to

match what the judges heard, the intake and any soap notes revealed later.

○ What specific tools or techniques did the therapist use to assess your issue?

○ Did the therapist address the issue you requested?

○ How did the therapist's treatment help your issue (pain scale)?

○ Did you have any concerns, issues, or comments about the treatment?

○ Did the therapist give you a plan of treatment or actions steps to further help you?

Once all receiver-clients have been interviewed, the judges will interview each therapist privately

for approximately 5 minutes or less.

• The therapists may show any assessment tools or post-treatment evaluations and/or follow-

up documentation at this time.

• The judges will at least ask these five relevant questions to the therapist

1.What was the client’s complaint or Area of Focus (AOF)?

2.What specific techniques did you use?

3.What did you find? Were there any surprises? How did that alter your original

treatment plan?

4.Did you fix the problem (pain scale)?

5.What SPECIFIC instructions or recommendations did you ACTUALLY give your

client? [Judges: Do not ask vague questions like, “What should the client do

next?”]

The receiver and participant interviews are meant to be very specific to the treatment and brief.

This is not time for judges to give feedback or make any suggestion - just to gather information.