Jackpot Challenge Rules (2015)
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Jackpot Challenge Rules
(v. 1-30-2015)
These rules are incorporated into and incorporate the Services Agreement, to which all participants must agree in order to register and participate.
Sign up on the HealthyWage website
It only takes a few minutes to register and start having a blast! Each Jackpot is organized by a particular company- don't forget to select which one in which you are competing.
Great cash prizes for all teams that reach 6%
Every single team that reaches or exceeds a 6% average weight loss in their Verified weigh-out at the end of their Challenge wins! The prize pot, which is the money collected at the start of the Jackpot Challenge from participants (less 25% administration fee and any uncollected fee installments), will be split evenly among all members of winning teams.
Get your weight verified twice
To keep things fair we ask everyone to get their weight verified either by uploading a video or by confirming their weight with someone we can trust. We only ask you to do this twice:
- Once on or after the Start Date, and
- Once within two weeks before or on the End Date.
You can read more about how to have your weight verified below.
Weigh-in unofficially once a week
To keep you on track and to be sure everyone knows where they stand, we ask you to weigh yourself once a week. Step on your own scale and enter it on the HealthyWage website (there's a big green 'add weight' button on your page when you're signed in to the 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's important for everyone to keep up with weigh-ins.
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 we tabulate the results, we 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 -- and we will count their weight loss as 0% for purposes of computing your team's average weight loss.
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!
Winning
The team members of each winning team will receive a check for an equal share of the pot, split among all members of winning teams.
Eligibility
Unless otherwise stated, the Jackpot Challenge is available only to healthy people in the United States, Canada, Australia and the UK. Void where prohibited. People under age 18 must have doctor AND parental permission.
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Verified Weigh-in Options
For most HealthyWage challenges, you get your weight verified:
- Once at the beginning of the challenge
- Once at the end of the challenge
Note: If you submit a second verified weigh-out during the weigh-out window, you must delete your first submission.
Note: For the HealthyWager Challenge, you MUST verify your weight with a verification video. There are two video options available.
Option One [RECOMMENDED]: Use Our Mobile App!
This is our most popular option and also the easiest, and you can do it in the comfort and privacy of your own home!
- Takes about 30 seconds
- Totally private and secure
- Step on a scale in your own home
- On-screen instructions guide you through the steps
- Upload your video and our referees will review your results
- We have apps for iOS and Android
Option Two: Video Verification
You can make your video with a partner (fun!) or even do it by yourself using a full length mirror. Once done, just upload it to your challenge dashboard and that's it! 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!
- Film your short video (either by yourself, or with a partner recording you
- Log in to HealthyWage and upload the file through your dashboard
- You're done!
Here's an instructional video to show you just how easy this method can be!
See the complete list of required video shots below, for detailed instructions on this and a demo of the self-video method. Also, please note that shooting the video with the HealthyWage App makes this process even easier.
Option Three: Verification by a Fitness or Health Professional
Another easy option! 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.
- Have your weigh-in witnessed by a health or fitness professional, using your VerifyMe! form
- Scan or take a photo of your completed form
- Log in to HealthyWage and upload the file through your dashboard
- You're done!
Some location and witness options include: your local gym, pharmacies, corporate wellness clinics, walk-in clinics, HR reps, nurses, your personal doctor, your personal trainer or your chiropractor.
If you're participating through a company: HealthyWage will provide a list of weigh-in centers located around your work-site via your challenge dashboard, beginning about one week prior to the challenge start. You can find this link at the top of your dashboard, just under the top header:
These locations have partnered with HealthyWage to perform weigh-ins for a particular employer. We have set these up for your convenience, but use of one of our clubs is not required unless otherwise specified.Option 4: 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.
Keep in mind that HealthyWage loves WW; we have WW lifetime members on our staff; and many WW franchisees and employees love HealthyWage; 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 bear a cost on behalf of HealthyWage.
That's it! If you still have questions, please read through the Verified Weigh-in FAQ below. Still have questions? Just give us a call and we'll help you get it sorted out: 1-888-636-3832
Verified Weigh-in FAQ
Who will see my weigh-in?
Regardless of the method you choose to weigh-in, your verified weight information will be kept entirely private, and only be viewed by HealthyWage staff. Weight is never shared publicly, and only percentages are displayed on your profile, to your teammates or shared with your employer.
When can I get my verified weigh-in?
- Start. You may get your weight verified for the start of your challenge beginning on the first day of your challenge, not before (unless otherwise specified). You have 3 weeks from the start of your challenge to submit your initial weight verification.
- End. At the end of the challenge, you may have your weight verified beginning two weeks prior to the end of the challenge up to and including the final day. Final weights verified outside of this window will not be accepted. If you submit a second verified weigh-out during the weigh-out window, you must delete your first submission.
What do I wear for my weigh-in?
We recommend you wear one layer above underwear (i.e., women should wear a tank top and shorts and men should wear a t-shirt and shorts) — no shoes, no coats, no belts, nothing in pockets (turn them out), etc. Our primary concern is that you wear basically the same thing for your starting and ending videos and that you wear minimal clothing.
Do I have to weigh-in with the same method and/or at the same location for both verifications
No, you are not required to use the same method nor return to the same location for both of your verified weigh-ins, however, it is at your discretion. Remember there can be differences in scales that may or may not impact your final standing.
Does my scale have to be digital?
No, you have two choices: if it is a personal, bathroom scale, it must be digital. If it is an upright, public scale (like one in a Dr's office) the display must be visible during all shots. The scale must measure weight in either pounds or kilograms, and must be zeroed out or balanced prior to the participant's weigh-in. The scale must be on a flat, hard surface (not on a carpet or rug). See here for more details about approved scales.
What is required in the video?
We try to keep it simple (but fair!) and we're certainly not perfectionists, so do the best you can to incorporate the following shots into your video. The most important thing is that the video is uncut, clearly shows the date, the scale zeroed out, and your weight while on the scale (up close so we can read it, and with full-body so we know it's you!). Here is a list of the shots:
- View this page to see a list of the shots required for the video, screen by screen, if you are NOT using the HealthyWage app to shoot your video.
- View this page to see a list of the shots required for the video if you ARE using the HealthyWage app to shoot your video.
- If the scale cannot be zeroed out, the scale must reset (turn off and then back on) between weighing.
How can I film the video if I'm by myself?
The video must still be shot in one, uncut take, and include all of the same shots as the video taken by another person. To obtain the shots, hold the camera throughout the video, and use a full length mirror to get the full body shots, and, holding the camera near your body, zoom in on the scale display for the other shots. The camera or phone may add a small amount of additional weight, however, if the same camera or phone is used for both the starting weigh-in and final weigh-out, there will be no difference in the amount of weight lost through the challenge.Here's an instructional video to show you just how easy this method can be!How do I delete a verified weigh-in video?
If you are submitting a new verified weigh-in, whether because you have a new weight to verify before the final end date of your challenge or because you made a mistake in your original video, please delete your previous video weigh-in entry.You can delete a verified weigh-in by:
- On the mobile app, navigate to the weigh-in screen, find the weigh-in you’d like to delete from the list of previous weigh-ins, and swipe your finger over it and to the left. An option to delete will appear. Click on the delete button.
- On the HealthyWage website, click on the “Unofficial Weigh-In” link just above the support feed. Find the entry you wish to delete from the list that pops up and click on the gray “x” to the left of the entry.
How do I correctly demonstrate the date in my video?
- Please note that demonstrating the date in your video is only required in your video if you are NOT using the HealthyWage Mobile App to film your video.
- Verify the date of your weigh-in by including a clear shot of the day's newspaper with a date.
- If you don't have a physical copy of a newspaper, pull up a news website on your computer or tablet. Hint: acceptable sites such as the New York Times or The Washington Post have date stamps in the header, underneath their logos.
I'm not in the U.S., do I have to weigh in pounds?
We want this to be a fun and easy experience for all of our participants. As an International participant, all of the same rules and options apply for verified weigh-ins. However, if you're seeing "Pounds" displaying on your dashboard, switching to display in Kilos is easy (and much less of a headache than all that math)! Just follow these easy steps:- Log into your challenge dashboard
- Click the gear icon on the top right corner
- Select "Profile" from the drop down menu
- Change the unit of measurement from "pounds" to "kilos"
- Click "Save" at the bottom of the page
Additional Verification Rules
Make Sure Your Verification Is Accurate & 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 our review, we occasionally request that some (very few) participants submit an additional weigh-out video. If an additional weigh-out video is required, HealthyWage will contact you with instructions.
Optionally, you could also keep on hand a set of full-body before-and-after photos, and have your teammates do the same. You do not need to submit the photo(s) to HealthyWage.
Be Responsible for Your Verification
Your verification may not be valid if: a) HealthyWage does not receive the verified measurements within 72 hours after they are taken, 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.
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General Rules
These rules apply to all our challenges.
You Can Participate in Multiple Challenges
Go for it! You can do all of our challenges at the same time! A few specifics:
- You can sign up for as many Jackpots at one time as you wish
- You can only sign up for one team challenge at a time (but you can sign up for other challenges at the same time as your team challenge)
- You can only sign up for one HealthyWager at a time (but you can sign up for other challenges at the same time as your HealthyWager)
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 our website. Or, you can visit a health club or physician and have them verify you.
Don't Cheat or Commit Fraud
We use 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
Be nice, please! 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 Do Anything Illegal
Well, duh!
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. Sorry mom!
We Have a Strict No Refunds Policy
We believe strongly that an important part of the service we 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, our pricing is based actuarial models that assume no refunds. There are no exceptions except in rare, evidence-documented medical situations – email us 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 1 year prior to your challenge start date.
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The Anti-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 can't start a Team Challenge with a weight that is more than a verified ending weight that you used to win a HealthyWager or one of the top three prizes (not counting company prizes) in a Team Challenge. If you do, your starting verified weight for the new challenge will be adjusted downward so that it is no higher than your lowest winning verified weight.
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) in a Team Challenge.
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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 HealthyWager and lost more than 2% per week since your last verification.
What it says:
You can't end a challenge with a weight that is less than 2% per week (rounding up) less than your last HealthyWage verification. If you do, your ending verified weight will be adjusted upward so that it is no lower than 2% per week lower than your last HealthyWage verification.
Example:
Bob starts a HealthyWager 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. 2% of 201 is 5 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.
