flexologist training
program (Ftp)
participant handbook
2021

FTP Particiapant Handbook

table of contents
Purpose and Scope
Certification vs. Certificate

22Target Audience2

Prerequisites

2

FTP Program Summary
Training Content
Assessment
Knowledge-based Assessment
Performance Assessment
Development of the Assessment
Scoring the Assessment
Program Changes

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3
4
4
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6
6
6

Program Policies
Confidentiality
Non-Discrimination & Fairness
Accommodations
Code of Conduct
Complaints and Disciplinary Action
Complaints

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6
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7
10
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Contact Information

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Purpose and Scope
The Flexologist Training Program (FTP) is an assessment-based certificate program designed totrain participants to understand the theory and application of stretching, flexibility and mobility
training, as well as a basic introduction to the structure and function of human movement.
An assessment-based certificate program is a non-degree granting program that provides
instruction to aid participants in acquiring knowledge, skills, and competencies in specific areasof assisted stretching, flexibility and mobility training consistent with the intended learning
outcomes of the program. Participants’ accomplishment of the intended learning outcomes isevaluated through a summative knowledge assessment and a performance-based assessment
after completing the training content.

Certification vs. Certificate
In order to earn the certificate of completion, participants must complete all required training
and achieve the established passing standards on both the knowledge and performanceassessments. Individuals who complete the FTP program do not receive a credential or
certification. Therefore, it is incorrect to state that one is certified in Flexology, applied
stretching theory and practice, stretching or other similar designations. Completion of thisprogram does not grant additional letters or credentials to one’s name (e.g., LMT, ATC/LAT, DPT,
RYT, CSCS).
The certificate of completion is in “Applied Stretching Theory and Practice”. Therefore,
participants may state that they hold a certificate in “Applied Stretching Theory and Practice”
from StretchLab. If actively employed by a StretchLab Franchise location, then this can befollowed up with the mention that they are an actively employed and practicing Flexologist™.
Flexologist is a trademarked term held by StretchLab Franchise LLC.
Individuals who complete the assessment-based certificate program receive a certificate
of completion that includes the participant’s name, the date the individual completed theprogram, and the proper use of the certificate.

Target Audience
The FTP is designed for individuals who are currently employed, or interested in becoming
employed, in fitness, health and wellness possessing an active and valid certification, license
or degree, who are interested in stretching, flexibility and mobility training and would like toobtain a position at a StretchLab Franchise location as a Flexologist.

Prerequisites
Participants must meet the following prerequisites to register for the FTP program:
1. Candidates must have a current and valid certification or license in a health/wellness/fitness
discipline or a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a health/wellness/fitness discipline from theUnited States.

22. One year of experience in the field in which they hold the certification or degree.
3. Must have applied and been hired by a StretchLab Franchise location.
4. Must be 18 years of age or older

FTP Program Summary
Training Content
The FTP content focuses on the theory and application of stretching, flexibility and mobility
training, as well as a basic introduction to the structure and function of human movement.
StretchLab currently delivers the training through a combination of online learning, delivered
through a learning management system, and an instructor-led, in-person workshop. The
intended learning domains and outcomes of the program are:
1. Conduct Pre-Session Activities
a. Describe pre-session activities of a Flexologist prior to meeting with a clientb. Describe pre-session activities of a Flexologist when initiating a session with a clientc. Describe how a Flexologist would prepare a client for a stretching session
2. Conduct Physical Stretch Experiencea. Describe how to analyze a client’s status in order to provide an optimum stretch    experienceb. Describe how to conduct the physical stretch experiencec. Describe how to determine appropriate homework for clients
3. Conduct Non-Physical Stretch Experiencea. Describe how to interpret MAPS scan outcomesb. Describe the tension scalec. Identify topics to be discussed with clients during a stretch session
d. Describe PNF stretching techniquese. Describe ways to provide client feedback
f. Identify when and describe how to provide homework to clients
4. Implement Safety & Wellness Practices
a. Identify ways a Flexologist can maintain personal wellness and mobility
b. Describe steps a Flexologist should take to maintain a clean and safe working     environmentc. Identify content that should be documented related to client sessions
5. Conduct Administrative Duties
a. Describe how to build and maintain a client baseb. Describe how to engage in professional development activities
c. Identify ways to collaborate with other Flexologists
d. Identify tasks to be completed in Club Ready6. Conduct Post-Session Activities
a. Identify topics to be included in post-session feedbackb. Describe information to be included in client notes
c. Describe how to conduct post-session assessments
d. Describe ergonomic information to be provided to clientse. Identify how to create a client flexibility program3

Subject matter experts who participate in the development of the FTP program content
are currently working in the field of health/wellness/fitness, specifically with knowledge ofstretching, flexibility, mobility and/or human movement. They have knowledge and skill in thecontent areas for the certificate program and experience in the field or a related field.

Assessment
After completing the training content, participants must pass both a knowledge-based (written)
and a performance-based (practical) summative assessment demonstrating attainment of thelearning outcomes.
Knowledge-based Assessment
The knowledge-based assessment consists of 60 multiple-choice and multiple-response items.
Question order and responses are randomized. The questions test the achievement of thelearning objectives defined in the program blueprint and as outlined at the beginning of theonline educational content.
Participants must answer at least 44 items correct (a passing score of 73.3%) for the inauguralform of the knowledge-based (reference) examination to pass.
The knowledge assessment is administered online via the learning management system(LMS). Participants must have completed all of the educational content in order to take thefinal assessment. They are required to log in to the LMS with their unique ID and password.
Participants are asked to read and agree to an honor code verifying their identity and that theyagree to take the assessment without assistance from anyone else and without consulting
resource materials, and without providing assistance to anyone else.
Participants are allowed a maximum of 90 minutes to complete the examination. Participants are
permitted to return to items (within the total time limit). Once a learner begins the assessment,
they must complete it in that session (i.e., they cannot log out and resume the test at anothertime). Each candidate has two attempts to attain a passing score on the knowledge exam. Failure
to do so will activate a required 24 hour wash out period where the exam can not be taken. The
candidate will have one final chance (third attempt) to pass. It is recommended at this time thecandidate fully reviews the pre-work again in it’s entirety to be best prepared. Failure to pass on
the third attempt would disqualify a candidate from moving forward in the program.
At this point, a 2 week washout period must be followed where participation in any componentsof the program can not be allowed. The candidate’s LMS profile will be deactivated for this time
period. If the candidate and Franchise Owner decide to proceed after the washout period, thecandidate’s account will be reactivated and they will be allowed to re-begin the program. This
process will be repeated should the candidate not pass the knowledge exam after another threeattempts.
Performance Assessment
The performance assessment is based upon the domains and task statements establishedby a job/task analysis and outcomes that were validated by a targeted validation survey ofapproximately 800 Flexologists. The assessment was developed by a panel of subject-matter
experts in the field, in consultation with instructional design and psychometric professionals.
The performance assessment is designed to test the skills and abilities deemed necessary inthe job/task analysis to provide safe and competent practice.

4Specifically, the performance assessment consists of a sequence of 26 tasks that align under four (4)domains. Each task is assigned points based on the complete and correct performance of the task.
The exam has a total of 85 points, a candidate must achieve a 49/85 (57.65%) to pass.
If the candidate does not pass on their first attempt, they will be allowed one more attempt toachieve a passing score. This will be done in person at a later date & workshop. Failure to pass after
the second attempt would result in disqualification to move forward in the program.  
At this point, a 2 week washout period must be followed where participation in an in-person
workshop will not be allowed. They will retain access to their LMS account for study purposes,
since the knowledge exam has been passed. If the candidate and Franchise Owner decideto proceed after the washout period, the candidate will be allowed to attend another FTP
workshop. This process will be repeated should the candidate not pass the performance exam
twice.
For example, Greet clients is the first task that falls under Domain A: Conduct Pre-session Activities.
There are three possible scores for performing this task: 0, 1, or 2, as follows:
0 = Fail to orient client
1 = Welcome client but fail to preview the stretch experience
2 = Welcome client and adequately preview the stretch experience
Trained raters observe the performance of the 26 tasks and score the participant based on thecompletion of each task using an approved scoring rubric.
Training of raters/instructors is a multi-step process. Once a Flexologist attains 500 hours ofstretching clients within a StretchLab studio they qualify to apply to become an instructor. The
instructor and the Franchise Owner that employs the instructor fill out an application form andsend it to the Director of Education (Program Manager) for review. Once reviewed, the Directorof Education schedules a screening call to assess the rater/instructor candidate’s background,skillset, knowledge and experience. Two of these calls will occur. After this a formal interview andpresentation will occur, to better understand the candidate’s preparedness and fit to become an
instructor for StretchLab. At this point, a decision will be made by StretchLab if the candidate will
become an instructor (in training). Once approved, the candidate will shadow a live FTP workshop
in-person that is taught by an approved instructor. The approved instructor for the workshop will
mentor and coach the instructor that is shadowing/in training. Finally, the instructor in training willteach a live FTP workshop while being shadowed and graded by an approved instructor. Feedback
and coaching will be provided during and after to the instructor in training. Once this is complete,
the instructor in training is now an approved instructor for StretchLab. Materials are provided to all
instructors to ensure consistency of all FTP workshops. This includes a PowerPoint, performance
exam, performance exam grading legend/scoring rubric and an instructor policy and procedures
document detailing specifics related to test administration.
On a monthly basis, training webinars are recorded and sent to all instructors for review.
Additionally, the Director of Education conducts a minimum of (1) performance review with all
instructors.

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Development of the Assessment
StretchLab engages subject-matter experts (SMEs) to assist in the development of theassessment items (or questions) for the assessment-based certificate program(s). SMEs are
selected based on their demonstrated expertise, experience level, geographic representation,and specialty area. The foundation of the program is the Job/Task Analysis Study (JTA). The
JTA is a comprehensive study to identify and validate the knowledge and skills which will be
addressed through the training content and measured by the assessment. The development of
all items for the assessments are directly linked to the approved content outline and learning
outcomes for the training program. The program content and assessment are reviewed toensure ongoing relevancy and accuracy.

Scoring the Assessment
Immediately after completing the knowledge assessment, participants will be able to accesstheir score report via the learning management system. For in-person instruction, feedback
will be emailed within 72 business hours of the workshop’s completion. Candidates who failreceive feedback on the performance assessment related to the areas that were not passed.
The feedback provided is designed to help identify the areas where candidates need to improve
before retaking the assessment.

Program Changes

StretchLab will inform participants and industry stakeholders of any changes to the program
requirements or content.

Program Policies

Confidentiality
An individuals’ status is not considered confidential. The names of individuals who havecompleted a program(s) may be published by StretchLab. StretchLab will confirm the nameof any individual who has completed the program(s). Application status, information about
whether or not an individual is in progress, and score information will only be released to theparticipant or the franchise owner that has sponsored the participant.
Non-Discrimination & Fairness
The FTP program is open to all candidates interested in the field without regard to age, sex,
race, color, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status to all rights,
privileges, programs, and examinations. StretchLab will not discriminate on the basis of age,sex, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status in theadministration of the program and the policies related to the program.
Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations provide participants with disabilities a fair and equal opportunity
to participate in the program. Reasonable accommodations are decided based on:• The individual’s specific request• The individual’s specific disability documentation submitted• The appropriateness of the request

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Reasonable accommodations do not include steps that fundamentally alter the purpose or
nature of the program(s). To apply for accommodation(s), the candidate must:• Submit the Request for Accommodation form (attached at the end of the Participant Handbook)• Submit documentation provided by an appropriate licensed professional on the   professional’s letterhead to Stretchlab, which includes a diagnosis of the disability and   specific recommendations for accommodations• Submit documentation at least 15 days prior to starting the program. All documentation   is subject to verification
Requests for accommodations will be reviewed by StretchLab. The StretchLab staff
will communicate with the individual requesting the accommodation and facilitate theaccommodation as needed.
Code of Conduct
I. Client-Flexologist Relationship
1. The Client-Flexologist relationship is the central focus of all ethical concerns, and the welfareof the client should form the basis of all judgments.
2. The Flexologist should serve the client by exercising all reasonable means to ensure that themost appropriate training, health and fitness recommendations are provided to the client.
3. The Client-Flexologist relationship has an ethical basis and is built on confidentiality, trust,and honesty. The Flexologist must adhere to all applicable legal or contractual constraints whilein the client-Flexologist relationship.
4. Sexual misconduct on the part of the Flexologist is an abuse of professional power and a
violation of client trust. Sexual contact or a romantic relationship between a Flexologist and acurrent client is always unethical.
5. The Flexologist has an obligation to obtain the informed consent of each client or comply
with rules of governing organizations. In obtaining informed consent for any course of physicalmeasurement or activity, the Flexologist should present to the client, or to the person legally
responsible for the client, in understandable terms, pertinent facts and recommendations
consistent with good professional practice. Such information should include alternate modesof testing or physical activity and the objectives, risks, benefits, possible complications, andanticipated results of such activities or testing protocols.
6. It is unethical to recommend, refer, prescribe, provide, or seek compensation for therapies or
products that are of no benefit to the client.
7. The Flexologist should respect the rights of clients, colleagues, and others and safeguardclient information and confidences within the limits of the law. If during the process ofproviding information for consent it is known that results of a particular test or otherinformation must be given to governmental authorities or other third parties, it should be
identified and explained to the client.

78. The Flexologist should not discriminate against clients based on race, color, sex, gender, age,national origin, religion, or on any other basis that would constitute illegal discrimination. This
being said, Flexologists should know their professional limitations and not engage in exercise
prescription for clients with special needs that the Flexologist is not educated or trained to
manage safely or effectively.
II. Flexologist Conduct and Practice
1. The Flexologist should recognize the boundaries of his or her particular competencies andexpertise, and provide only those services and use only those techniques for which he or she isqualified by education, training, or experience.
2. The Flexologist should participate in continuing education activities to maintain current
scientific and professional knowledge relevant to the professional services he or she renders.
The Flexologist should provide stretching services involving new training techniques only after
undertaking appropriate training and study.
3. In any training environment, the Flexologist should exercise careful judgment and takeappropriate precautions to protect the client’s welfare with regards to equipment, facilities
and environmental factors as well as evaluate the condition of the client before each training
session to ensure the designated activities are appropriate for the client at the time of delivery.
4. The Flexologist should not publicize or represent him or herself in any untruthful, misleading,or deceptive manner to clients, colleagues, other health-care professionals, or the public. This
includes identifying oneself as certified by the StretchLab.
5. The Flexologist who has reason to believe that he or she is infected with a virus or otherserious infectious agents that might be communicated to clients should voluntarily be tested
for the protection of his or her clients. In making decisions about client evaluations, physicaltesting and training activities, a Flexologist infected with such an agent should adhere to thefundamental professional obligation to avoid harm to clients.
6. The Flexologist should not practice or attempt to provide professional services while
impaired by alcohol, drugs of any kind, or physical or mental disability. The Flexologist who
experiences substance abuse problems or who is physically or emotionally impaired shouldseek appropriate assistance to address these problems and limit his or her professional practice
until the impairment no longer affects the quality of client service.
7. The Flexologist may not imply StretchLab’s endorsement for commercial venture. Disclosureof affiliation and/or use of the StretchLab Marks are not to be made as part of a firm,
partnership or corporate name. Disclosure in violation of this article may be grounds fordisciplinary action.

8III. Conflicts of Interest
1. Potential conflicts of interest are inherent in the field of health, fitness and wellness. Conflictsof interest should be resolved in accordance with the best interest of the client. If there isconcern about a possibly significant conflict of interest, the Flexologist should disclose his or
her concerns to the client. If a conflict of interest cannot be resolved, the Flexologist should takesteps to withdraw as a service provider for the client. If conflicts of interest are unresolved, theFlexologist should seek consultation with studio leadership or an institutional ethics committee.
2. Commercial promotions of fitness or health-related products and services may generate bias
unrelated to product merit, creating, or appearing to create, inappropriate undue influence.
The Flexologist should be aware of this potential conflict of interest and offer fitness advice thatis as accurate, balanced, complete, and devoid of bias as possible.
3. The Flexologist should recommend nutritional modifications based solely upon publishedevidence-based findings and guidelines health considerations and client needs, regardless ofany direct or indirect interests in or benefit from a supplement company or other supplier.
4. When the Flexologist receives anything of substantial value, including royalties, fromcompanies in the health-fitness industry, such as a manufacturer of supplements and fitness
devices, this fact should be disclosed to clients and colleagues when material.
IV. Professional Relations
1. The Flexologist’s relationships with other Flexologists, employers, physicians, physicaltherapists, and other allied health professionals should reflect fairness, honesty, and integrity,
sharing of mutual respect and concern for the client.
2. The Flexologist should consult, refer, or cooperate with other Flexologists, healthprofessionals, and institutions to the extent necessary to serve the best interests of their clients.
3. The Flexologist should respect all laws, uphold the dignity and honor of the profession, andaccept the profession’s self-imposed discipline. The professional competence and conduct of
Flexologists is best examined by professional associations and peer-review committees; active
professionals should remain in good standard with these groups. These groups deserve the fullparticipation and cooperation of the Flexologist.
4. The Flexologist should strive to address, through the appropriate procedures the status of
those Flexologists who demonstrate questionable competence, impairment, or unethical or
illegal behavior. In addition, the Flexologist should cooperate with appropriate authorities toprevent the continuation of such behavior.

9V. Societal Responsibilities
1. The Flexologist should support and participate in those health programs, practices,
and activities that contribute positively, in a meaningful and effective way, to the welfare
of individual clients, the health & fitness community, or for the public good. This includes
maintaining certification in Cardio-Pulmonary Recessitation (CPR) and participating in AED
training and basic first aid when applicable or required.
2. Flexologists who provide expert testimony in courts of law recognize their duty to testify
truthfully. The Flexologist should not testify concerning matters about which he or she is notknowledgeable. The Flexologist should be prepared to have testimony, given in any judicial
proceeding, subjected to peer-review by an institution or professional organization to which heor she belongs. It is unethical for a Flexologist to accept compensation that is contingent upon
the outcome of litigation.

Complaints and Disciplinary Action
Complaints
Complaints may be submitted by any individual or entity. Complaints regarding the FTP
program should be reported to StretchLab in writing and should include the name of theperson submitting the complaint, the name of the person the complaint is regarding along withother relevant identifying information, a detailed description of factual allegations supportingthe charges, and any relevant supporting documentation. Information submitted during
the complaint and investigation process is considered confidential and will be handled inaccordance with the confidentiality policy. Inquiries or submissions other than complaints may
be reviewed and handled by StretchLab at its discretion. Complaints pertaining to employees
outside the relevance of FTP will be handled by the Franchise Owner of the location that has
employed the individual.
Upon receipt and preliminary review of a complaint involving the certificate program(s),StretchLab staff may conclude in their sole discretion, that the submission: contains unreliable
or insufficient information, or is patently frivolous or inconsequential. StretchLab will approvea Complaint Review Committee to investigate and make an appropriate determination withrespect to each such valid and actionable complaint.
Individuals who are found to bring frivolous complaints against other individuals or StretchLab
may be subject to disciplinary action by StretchLab.  Upon completion of an investigation, theComplaint Review Committee recommends whether StretchLab should make a determinationthat there has been a violation of policies and rules.
The full procedures for handling a complaint will be provided to a complainant.
Disciplinary Action
In the event a certificant violates the program rules, requirements, and/or policies, StretchLab
may reprimand or suspend the individual’s participation. The grounds for sanctions under theseprocedures may include, but are not necessarily limited to:1o• Violation of the established rules, requirements, and/or policies• Conviction of a felony or other crime of moral turpitude under federal or state law in a  matter related to the practice of, or qualifications for, services provided by StretchLab• Fraud, falsification, or misrepresentation in an initial application for the program• Falsification of any material information requested by StretchLab• Misrepresentation of the individual’s status, including abuse of logo
• Cheating on any assessment associated with the program• Misrepresentation of status by claiming that one has received a certification from
   StretchLab
Any of the following sanctions may be imposed by StretchLab upon an individual whom
StretchLab has determined to have violated the policies and rules of its program(s), although
the sanction applied must reasonably relate to the nature and severity of the violation, focusing
on reformation of the conduct of the member and deterrence of similar conduct by others:• Written reprimand to the individual;• Meeting with program director and franchise owner; or• Revoking “in good standing” certificate status
Reprimand in the form of a written notice from StretchLab normally is sent to an individual
who has received his or her first substantiated complaint. A meeting normally is imposed on
an individual who has received two substantiated complaints. Revoking of status normally is
imposed on an individual who has received two substantiated complaints within a two year
period, or three or more substantiated complaints. StretchLab may at its discretion, however,impose any of the sanctions, if warranted, in specific cases.

Contact Information
Education Department
Email: ftp@stretchlab.com

11Request for Accommodation Form
StretchLab is committed to complying with all laws that protect qualified individuals with disabilities.
When requested, the StretchLab will provide a reasonable accommodation for physical or mental
disabilities that interfere with an applicant’s ability to perform their job, provided the requested
accommodation does not create an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health or safety ofothers in the workplace and/or to the requesting employee.
The purpose of this form is to assist StretchLab in determining whether, or to what extent, a reasonableaccommodation for an applicant with a disability is required to perform one or more essential functions
as Flexologist and/or Master Flexologist safely and effectively. The applicant must initiate this request
for an accommodation.  The information will be treated confidentially. To be eligible for a reasonableaccommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, an applicant must be qualified to perform theessential functions of the applicable position with or without an accommodation, and have a qualifying
disability that limits a major life function.
No purchase of equipment for accommodation can be made without approval from StretchLab.
Applicant Name:

Applicant Phone #:SL Studio Address:

SL Studio Phone #:Program Applying for:

Flexologist      Master Flexologist

Date:

What, if any, function of the Flexologist and/or Master Flexologist training program are you having
difficulty performing?

How does your condition limit your ability to perform the essential functions of the Flexologist and/or Master Flexologist training program?

What accommodations are you requesting?

How will these accommodations enable you perform the essential functions of the Flexologist and/or Master Flexologist training program?

Have you had any accomodations in the past for the same limitations (circle one)? YES            NOIf yes, what were they?

I give StretchLab permission to explore possible coverage and reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 as amended. I understand all information obtained will be used in accordance with ADA confidentiality requirements.