Informed Consent
Informed consent must be freely given, specific to the treatment, fully informed, and clearly documented. Before any physical assessments, clients must be made aware of the purpose and nature of these evaluations, which may involve posture observation, range of motion testing, and manual palpation. Clients should know which areas of the body will be assessed, be advised to wear suitable clothing or partially undress if needed, and be reminded of their right to stop at any time or have a chaperone present. For treatment, clients should be informed about the techniques used, such as effleurage, petrissage, or trigger point therapy, along with the expected benefits like pain relief and improved mobility. Potential side effects, such as temporary soreness or fatigue, must be explained. Any relevant alternatives should be discussed, and clients must understand they can withdraw consent at any time without consequence. Personal and medical information will not be shared without the client’s explicit written consent. Clients also have the right to review any communications or referrals involving their care. A signed written consent form is required before beginning any assessment or treatment, and verbal reconfirmation of consent should be obtained at the start of each session.

Contraindications and Cautions
Certain conditions require caution or complete avoidance of massage. Local contraindications, which prevent treatment only in specific areas, include varicose veins, skin infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm, recent bruising, open wounds, and acute inflammation such as that from a recent sprain. These areas must be avoided, although massage can still be performed on unaffected parts of the body. Systemic contraindications make massage unsafe for the entire body and include fever, acute illness, contagious diseases like COVID-19 or influenza, and conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, where massage could pose serious health risks. Cancer is also a systemic contraindication unless the client has written clearance from their oncologist. Therapists must assess whether to adapt or defer treatment and should refer clients to medical professionals when appropriate. All such decisions must be documented clearly in the client’s treatment records.

COVID-19 Safety Procedures
Due to the ongoing risk of COVID-19, additional precautions must be taken. Before each appointment, clients should complete a pre-screening form confirming they have no symptoms and have not recently been exposed to the virus. A flexible cancellation policy should be in place to allow clients to reschedule if needed without penalty. Consent forms must include acknowledgment of COVID-19 transmission risks. At the initial consultation, digital forms should be used when possible to reduce contact. On arrival, clients should have their temperature taken, review symptoms, sanitize hands, and possibly wear a face covering in line with current public health guidance. Therapists should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves if needed. All treatment surfaces and equipment must be disinfected between sessions, clean linens must be used each time, and the treatment area must remain well ventilated. Clients should exit promptly after the session without lingering in shared areas. Payments should be made using contactless methods, and follow-up communication should take place by phone or email.

Referral and Emergency Procedures
When a referral to another healthcare professional is necessary, communication must be confidential, professional, and consent-based. Referral letters or emails should include the client’s name, relevant medical background, assessment findings, the reason for the referral, and any recommended actions. Clients must give written permission before any personal or medical details are shared, and they have the right to view these communications. In emergencies, such as when a client is unconscious or experiencing chest pain, the therapist must call 999 or 112 immediately. If trained, they may administer CPR or first aid until help arrives. Once the situation is under control, the incident must be documented in detail, and the client's emergency contact should be informed if appropriate.

Personal and Clinical Standards
Therapists must treat clients with respect, dignity, and maintain confidentiality at all times. Clients’ rights must be upheld, and their autonomy respected. Therapists should follow ethical codes from professional bodies such as the Sports Massage Association or the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. They must apply evidence-based techniques, commit to ongoing professional development, maintain high hygiene standards, wear clean professional attire, and ensure all equipment is regularly cleaned and in proper working order.

Information Storage Policy
Accurate and secure record keeping is both a legal and ethical responsibility. Therapists must document all relevant client information, including personal and emergency contacts, medical history, assessment results, treatment plans, session notes, consent forms, and referral communications. Records must be written clearly and stored securely using GDPR-compliant digital systems or locked physical storage. Records must be retained for at least seven years, and for clients under 18, until they reach 25 years of age. When it is time to dispose of records, paper documents must be shredded and digital files securely deleted. Clients have the right to access their records upon request in accordance with data protection laws.

Practising sports massage requires high professional standards. First, therapists must provide client-centred care by ensuring safety, gaining informed consent, and respecting client autonomy. Second, confidentiality must be maintained, in line with GDPR and ethical practice. Third, practitioners must work within their scope of competence and refer clients to other professionals when needed. Fourth, hygiene and infection control are essential, including maintaining clean equipment and personal presentation. Lastly, therapists must uphold professional behaviour—communicating respectfully, maintaining boundaries, and adhering to ethical codes such as those from the SMA and CNHC.

The Role of Professional Organisations

Professional organisations like the SMA, CNHC, and FHT regulate and support sports massage therapists. They set training and ethical standards, provide credibility through membership, and promote public trust. They also offer access to professional development, legal guidance, and disciplinary processes. Furthermore, they advocate for the profession at a national level, helping to improve recognition and opportunities for therapists within healthcare and insurance systems.

The Purpose of Regulation

Regulation protects the public by ensuring therapists are properly trained, competent, and accountable. It provides standardisation across the profession and establishes systems for handling complaints. Regulation also increases professional credibility and helps integrate sports massage into broader healthcare settings.

Importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

CPD ensures therapists stay up to date with new techniques, research, and safety guidelines. It improves the quality of care, supports career development, and is often required for membership in professional organisations. CPD also encourages reflective practice and ongoing self-improvement.

All sports massage therapists must have professional indemnity insurance to cover claims of malpractice. Public liability insurance is also essential in case of injury to a client or damage to property. Many therapists also carry product liability and personal accident insurance. Valid insurance is a legal requirement and often mandatory for professional membership.