Human Resources
HealthyWage Rules – January 11, 2022 Medline Challenge
These rules from HealthyWage are incorporated into and incorporate the Services Agreement, to which all participants must agree in order to register and participate.
Must have a team of five
Each team must have exactly five members. All team members must be 18 years or older.
Get your weight verified twice:
- Once on or after the Start Date of January 11, and
- Once within two weeks before or on April 5, the End Date.
Check out the detailed verified weigh-in rules.
Do an un-official weigh-in once a week
Step on your own scale once a week and enter it on the HealthyWage website (these weigh-ins do not need to be verified). All the other participants need to know where they stand in the challenge, so it is important for everyone to keep up with weigh-ins. Please make sure they are accurate; these weights are used to help identify misconduct and when certifying winners at the end.
Rankings based on team’s average percentage weight lost
Prizes are awarded based on a ranking of the teams according to team mean proportionate weight loss. Team mean proportionate weight loss is the average of each team member’s proportionate weight loss, which is measured by finding the difference between a participant’s verified starting weight and verified ending weight, and dividing that difference by the participant’s verified starting weight. Each individual's average is added together and the total is divided by the number of teammates to achieve the team mean proportionate weight loss. When HealthyWage tabulates the results, they do not count weight loss beyond 16.59% for any team member. If someone on your team doesn't get a weigh-out, that's okay – they will count their weight loss as 0% for purposes of computing your team's average weight loss.
Teams are locked 14 days after the start date
14 days after the challenge begins, full teams are completely locked -- i.e., no one can join or leave the team without contacting HealthyWage.
No gaming the system
Any behavior that other reasonable persons in the challenge would consider unfair, unethical or inconsistent with the spirit and purpose of the challenge is against the rules. For example, teams that are complete are not allowed to continue to recruit for players or add/remove teammates once a team has been completed for the purpose of creating "super teams." This includes but is not limited to: kicking otherwise communicative and active participants off a team because they are "behind" in weight loss, luring teammates from an otherwise functional and complete team, or in any other way, as determined by HealthyWage, "stacking" the team. Doing so will be considered "poaching" and be cause for disqualification from the current challenge.
Team changes after a month
If a pregnancy is reported after a month from the start date of the challenge, a team can consist of four members. This option does not apply to injuries since weight loss is still possible regardless of exercise.
Weight loss beyond 16.59% doesn't count
Yes, you can lose more than 16.59% (you will NOT be disqualified), but the extra weight loss won’t count toward your team’s average. The goal is to get your entire team to lose a healthy amount of weight!
Take a picture
Your team must take a before photo (either a team photo or individual photos). If you choose not to submit the before photo(s) for the first mini-challenge, that is okay. Just hang on to your photo(s) until the challenge ends.
Winning
The team members of each winning team will receive a check for one-fifth of the prize money won by that team member's team. In the event of a tie for weight loss percentage, HealthyWage will break the tie by looking to the team aggregate ribbon count of each team -- most ribbons wins. Further, in the case of a tie for team aggregate ribbon count, HealthyWage will pool the relevant prizes and divide equally among the tied teams. For example, if two teams are tied for first, HealthyWage will pool the first and second place prizes and divide the total between the two teams (and the next highest ranking team will get the third place prize). If four teams are tied, HealthyWage will pool the first, second and third place prizes and divide the total between the four teams. No other teams will win any prizes. All determinations of winners will be managed by HealthyWage and are final – they cannot be appealed.
Participants are eligible to win a maximum of one cash prize per challenge. Examples of cash prizes include: team prizes of $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000; ribbon prizes; entry fee reimbursement prizes. Note: not every challenge includes every prize type.
In addition to the above, "team" ribbons will also be awarded for teams achieving certain weight loss and challenge milestones together. For the purposes of team aggregate ribbon counts, team ribbons will only count one time, even though they are awarded to each individual on the team. The team aggregate ribbon count is calculated by adding the total personal ribbons of all teammates plus the team's ribbons (counted only once, not once for each teammate). For example, a team may be awarded the 4% Weight Loss ribbon. Each individual on the team will receive this ribbon and it will count toward their personal ribbon total, however only one ribbon will be counted in the team aggregate ribbon count (not five).
Entry fee reimbursement prize
Participants who achieve a 10% weight loss, keep it off for six months post-challenge and complete another verified weigh-in during the designated verification window, are eligible to receive a refund of their registration fees, less fees if they apply. Participants must have gotten a verified weigh-out at the end of their challenge, regardless of percent weight loss at that time.
Eligibility
The team challenge is available only to healthy adults in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and other countries where wellness/athletic events with prizes are allowed, and where the US does not have sanctions or restrictions. Void where prohibited. Examples of countries where participation is not allowed: North Korea, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Burma, Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya, Sudan and others. People under age 18 may not enter this challenge.
Verified weigh-in instructions
These are the verified weigh-in rules; these do not apply to the unofficial weigh-ins that you enter on the website.
You must get your weight verified twice for each challenge, once at the beginning (verified weigh-in) and once at the end (verified weigh-out). HealthyWage will alert you by email and on your challenge dashboard when your weigh-in and weigh-out periods are opening and closing.
Getting your weight verified is easy. You have three options for your weight verification – choose just one:
Option 1 - Video Verification (by yourself or with a partner)
Option 2 - Verification by a Fitness or Health Professional
Option 3 - Verification by WW (members only)
HealthyWage provides more helpful information in Verified Weigh-in FAQ.
Option one: Video verification
We recommend video verification for everyone, it's easy, and you can do it in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Plus, we've got directions that will help you do it with a partner or by yourself. Once done, just upload it to your challenge dashboard and you're done. You can use your phone or a camera, whichever is easier for you. The HealthyWage website is mobile friendly, so uploading from your phone can be done quickly and easily.
1. Film your short video yourself, or with a partner recording you.
2. Log in to HealthyWage and upload the file through your dashboard.
3. You are done!
See the instructional video to show you just how easy this method can be as well as the complete list of required video shots and a demo for detailed instructions of the self-video method.
Option 2: Verification by a fitness or health professional
Just print your VerifyMe form from your challenge dashboard and take it to any health or fitness professional (we recommend you call ahead). They will sign your form indicating they witnessed your weigh-in, on the form and return it to you. Just scan it or take a photo of it with your phone (easiest option), and upload it to your challenge dashboard.
1. Have your weigh-in witnessed by a health or fitness professional, using your VerifyMe form
2. Scan or take a photo of your completed form
3. Log in to HealthyWage and upload the file through your dashboard
4. You are done!
Some location and witness options include: your local health club, pharmacies, corporate wellness clinics, walk-in clinics, nurses, your personal doctor, your personal trainer or your chiropractor. HealthyWage also has a list of participating health clubs that will provide this service.
Option 3: Verification at a WW meeting
An option for Meeting members only! Simply print out the Verify Me! Form and take it with you to a meeting. Then, have the staff member that weighs you fill it out according to the directions in Option 2 above.
You can also have the WW staff member film your video while doing your weigh-in. Just make sure you follow the directions outlined in Option 1.
HealthyWage has many WW lifetime members on staff; and many WW franchisees and employees support HealthyWage challenges. However, HealthyWage is not endorsed by WW, which is a registered trademark of WW International. Please do not ask for a special weigh-in for your HealthyWage challenge (just do it as part of your normal WW weigh-in) or do anything else that would cause WW to incur cost on behalf of HealthyWage.
That is it! If you still have questions, please read through the Verified Weigh-in FAQ. Still have questions? Just give HealthyWage a call and they will help you get it sorted out: 1-888-636-3832.
Additional verification rules
Make sure your verification is accurate and honest
Make your best effort to ensure that your verified weigh-in has been measured and reported truthfully and accurately.
Additional proof
As part of HealthyWage verified weight audits, they occasionally request that some (very few) participants get a second, confirmational weigh-in by a HealthyWage-selected person or method, which is arranged at HealthyWage’s expense. You must cooperate with HealthyWage if they request an additional verification or any other assistance in verifying the truth and accuracy of your weight loss. Differences of more than a few pounds between a participant's verified weight as reported by a verifier selected by the participant, and the same participant's verified weight as reported by a verifier selected by HealthyWage, may result in disqualification.
You should also keep on hand a set of full-body before-and-after photos, and make sure your teammates do the same. You do not need to submit the photo(s) to HealthyWage unless they request them.
Be responsible for your verification
Your verification may not be valid if: a) HealthyWage does not receive your verification within 72 hours after it was performed, b) if your verification does not take place within the specified verification period of your challenge, c) if HealthyWage is not able to locate your verifier or confirm your verification with your verifier, d) if your verifier indicates that he/she did not personally take your weight and height measurements, or e) if your verifier refuses, upon HealthyWage's request, to provide a sworn statement about the verifications, or other request made by HealthyWage.
General rules
These rules apply to all HealthyWage challenges.
You can participate in multiple challenges
Go for it! You can do all HealthyWage challenges at the same time! You can sign up for as many as 10 Jackpots and/or Team challenges at one time.
Get your weight verified twice
Once at the start and once at the end of each of your challenges, you must have your weight verified. Verification can be done from the privacy of your home by making a video and uploading it to the HealthyWage website. Or, you can visit a health club or physician and have them verify you.
Don't cheat or commit fraud
HealthyWage uses proprietary algorithms, weigh-in reviews and, if necessary, outside investigators and law enforcement to catch cheaters. The legal consequences are not worth the benefit. Rule-breakers don’t get refunds – don’t even ask. The rule also applies to folks who are dishonest with the HealthyWage crew or a verifier or anyone else in connection with your challenge.
Don't use unhealthy tricks to “game” the challenge
Doing unhealthy things in order to “game” the challenge is prohibited, including, but not limited to, deliberate weight gain (before, during, or after a HealthyWage challenge), starvation (defined as eating fewer calories each day than your doctor recommends), excessive exercise (defined as exercise that exceeds your doctor’s recommended amount of exercise, in terms of type, frequency and duration), water deprivation, unusual water consumption, self-induced vomiting, diuretics, laxatives, or any weight loss or weight gain plan that your doctor does or would advise against, or that, in HealthyWage’s sole and exclusive discretion, would be considered unhealthy or unfair by an ordinary person.
Don't harass other players…or anyone else
Harassment of any kind, whether of your own teammates or other teams or non-participants is prohibited. You are encouraged to support your teammates, but you covenant and agree that unwelcome emotion, physical, or other abuse is absolutely forbidden. Harassment shall also include any words or actions that, in HealthyWage’s sole and exclusive discretion, would be likely to cause any of your teammates, or any other person, to feel pressured to do any of the unhealthy things defined above.
Don't participate while pregnant
If you become pregnant during your challenge, you are entitled to postpone the challenge until a future date. If you enter a challenge while pregnant, you will be disqualified. Weight loss caused by giving birth to a baby (/-ies) does not count.
Your challenge is suspended the minute you think you might be pregnant -- just let us know. You have 60 days after that to supply proof of pregnancy from your clinic/doctor. You may resume your challenge once you are cleared by your doctor to participate again.
Strict no refunds policy
HealthyWage believes strongly that an important part of the service they provide is a negative reinforcement that helps you avoid procrastinating and quitting, which would be undermined if you could simply change your mind or find an excuse to quit. Moreover, pricing is based on actuarial models that assume no refunds. There are no exceptions except in rare, evidence-documented medical situations – email HealthyWage at accounting@healthywage.com if that applies.
Don't have surgery during your challenge(s)
You may not have liposuction, bariatric surgery, or any other weight-loss surgery during your challenge or within one year prior to your challenge start date.
Team Challenge Yo-Yo rule
When the rule applies:
This rule rarely applies. It applies only if you (a) have previously won a HealthyWager or one of the top three prizes (not counting company prizes) in a Team challenge and (b) have gained weight since your last verified weight, and (c) are starting a new Team challenge.
What the rule says:
You cannot participate if you have gained weight since your last HealthyWager or team challenge win unless you are willing to start the new challenge at the weight you ended the previous challenge. HealthyWage can be contacted to review special circumstances for potential exceptions to the rule for this company team challenge. If you think you have a special situation, please email us at info@healthywage.com."
Example:
Marla's team won the $10,000 top prize in the team challenge on May 1, and Marla's final verified weight was 150 pounds. Then she gained weight in May. On June 1, she started a new team challenge with a starting weight of 175. That's a violation of the Anti-Yo-Yo Rule because Marla won one of the top three prizes in a team challenge with a final weight of 150 pounds, which is less than 175 pounds. HealthyWage will adjust her starting weight for the new team challenge down to 150 pounds. Note: the rule only applies if you won a HealthyWager or one of the top three prizes (not counting company prizes). NOTE: Registering under a different/new account in an attempt to bypass this rule will result in immediate disqualification with no refund. This is a direct violation of our Services Agreement.
Gaming the verified weigh-ins not allowed
When the rule applies:
This rule rarely applies. It applies only when you are finishing a team challenge or HealthyWage and beginning another, and your weight has fluctuated dramatically from one weigh-in to the next, whether verified or unverified.
What it says:
You cannot end or start a new challenge with a weight that is dramatically different (2% or more, up or down) than the weight you are starting with for a new challenge. If you do, your verified weight will be adjusted so that it is no more than a 2% difference from your last weigh-in.
Examples:
Bob starts a HealthyWage at 201 pounds on May 1. On May 5, he finishes the team challenge he started earlier in the year, and his ending weight is 178 pounds. That's a violation of the rule because Bob would be claiming to have lost way more than 2% of his weight in less than a week. Two percent of 201 is five pounds (rounding up), so Bob's May 5 weight can't be any lower than 196 pounds. HealthyWage will adjust his team challenge ending weight up to 196.
Jamie starts a team challenge on February 26 with a verified weigh-in of 237 pounds. On March 30, she enters an unverified weight of 215 pounds for her 5th weekly weigh-in. On April 1st she starts a second team challenge and submits a verified weigh-in of 233 pounds. This is a violation of the rule because her weight has increased 8% since her last weigh-in. Jamie’s April 1st starting verified weigh-in will be adjusted down to 219 pounds (2% greater than her last unverified weigh-in).
Questions?
These rules are provided courtesy of HealthyWage. If you have additional questions about their rules, please contact HealthyWage directly at info@healthywage.com or 888-636-3832.
