$10,000 Team Challenge Rules
(v. December 17, 2020)
Sign up on the HealthyWage website
It only takes a few minutes to register and start having a blast!
Great cash prizes for the top finishers
All prize information is located on the challenge sign-up page!
Must have a team of five
Each team must have exactly five members.
Get your weight verified:
- Once on or after the Start Date, and
- Once within two weeks before or on the End Date.
Note: If you submit a second verified weigh-out during the weigh-out window, you must delete your first submission.
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 must not 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. 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 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 -- we will count their weight loss as 0% for purposes of computing your team's average weight loss.
No false weigh-ins
Accurate weekly weigh-ins are important for earning ribbons, but they also make the challenge competitive for everyone. We reserve the right to remove weigh-in ribbons if false weigh-ins are reported.
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 (this is to prevent gaming the system -- see “No gaming the system” rule below).
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
In the event of a pregnancy reported after a month from the start date of the challenge a team can consist of 4 members. This does not include injuries since weight loss is still possible, new studies show that diet is more important to weight loss than 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!
A participant may only win one top team prize in a $10,000 Team Challenge
A participant is eligible to win a prize of $200 or more in a $10,000 Team Challenge only one time. A team that includes a teammate who has won a top team prize in a previous $10,000 Team Challenge will not be eligible to win. This is a lifetime rule. 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.
NOTE: If you are participating with your company and have won in the past, please reach out to info@healthywage.com to confirm your company’s specific eligibility rules.
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's okay. Just hang on to your photo(s) until the challenge ends.
Winning
Please note: this "Winning" rule applies to challenges that started on or after Jan 30, 2015. If your challenge started before Jan 30, 2015, please see the older version of the Team Challenge rules.
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, we 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, we will pool the relevant prizes and divide equally among the tied teams. For example, if two teams are tied for first, we 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, we 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.
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 (5) will receive this ribbon and it will count toward their personal ribbon total; however only 1 ribbon will be counted in the team aggregate ribbon count (not 5).
Participants are eligible to win a maximum of ONE cash prize per challenge. For example, suppose your challenge includes a company prize and a top overall prize; you cannot win both of those prizes -- just one. As another example, suppose your challenge includes a top prize and a reimbursement prize and you win the top prize; you will not receive the reimbursement prize even if you meet the requirements for winning it. Note: not every challenge includes every mentioned prize type.
Entry Fee Reimbursement Prize
Participants who achieve a 10% weight loss 9 months after the challenge start and upload or submit a verification video during the designated verification window are eligible to receive a refund of their challenge entry fees. To be eligible for the reimbursement prize, participants must have submitted a verified video weigh-in at the start of the challenge and must not have received any other team challenge prizes.
Eligibility
HealthyWage is available to residents (aged 18 years and up) of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Latin America (including Mexico), Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe and Asia. If you are participating through an employer, such as Halliburton, you are generally allowed to participate regardless of your location in the world. Unless you are participating through your employer, you may not participate if you are a resident of North Korea, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Burma, Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya and Sudan.
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). We 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 easy 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)
Also, we've tried to answer all your questions in our Verified Weigh-in FAQ!
NOTE: Video verification is required for the HealthyWager individual weight loss challenge and the 10% reimbursement prize.
Option One: Video Verification
We recommend video verification for everyone, it's super 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 (fun!) or even to do it 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 (either yourself, or with a partner recording you)
2. Log in to HealthyWage and upload the file through your dashboard
3. 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.
Option 2: 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.
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'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.
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.
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. Still have questions? Just give us a call and we'll help you get it sorted out: 1-888-636-3832
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 verified weight audits, we occasionally request that some (very few) participants get a second, confirmational weigh-in by a HealthyWage-selected person or method, which we arrange at our expense. You must cooperate with HealthyWage winners department crew members 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, on the one hand, and the same participant's verified weight as reported by a verifier selected by HealthyWage, on the other hand, 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 we 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.
HealthyWager-Specific Verification
If you choose to participate in a HealthyWager individual weight loss challenge, in addition to the Team Challenge, please note that the only acceptable verification method for the HealthyWager is the video verification. If you participate in the Team Challenge and use the verification form, you will also need to submit a video as verification for your HealthyWager - you can not use the verification form.
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 participate in as many as 10 active challenges at one time.
- You can only participate in 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 emotional, 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!
Your challenge is suspended the minute you think you might be pregnant (no one who is or may be pregnant may be an active challenge participant). Please let us know if you believe you might be pregnant. You must supply proof from your clinic/doctor within 30 days after you determine that you might be pregnant. The challenge must be resumed within 90 days after you are no longer pregnant unless a doctor says you need more time (and in that case the doctor must specify the amount of time needed and the reason).
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.
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 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 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.
Jamie starts a Team Challenge on February 26 with a verified weigh-in of 237 pounds. On Wednesday March 30, she enters an unverified weight of 215 pounds for her 5th weekly weigh-in. On Friday 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).
These rules are incorporated into and incorporate the Services Agreement, to which all participants must agree in order to register and participate. These rules apply to team challenges with a start date on or after January 30, 2015.
Apple is not a sponsor of HealthyWage or any HealthyWage challenge.
