INTERNATIONAL GAMES
Support athletes on the global stage.
Join FICS sports chiropractic teams at international sporting events, build real event experience, and progress through a transparent pathway from supported single-sport events to elite multi-sport Games.
GETTING STARTED
Two steps put you on the pathway.
FICS uses a staged pathway so doctors can build experience before moving into the most demanding international environments.
EDUCATION
Begin or complete the ICSC
For Bronze and Silver opportunities, you must have started the ICSC and completed ICSC01 (Head Injury) and ICSC10 (Working at International Events/Games). Gold Tier events require the full ICSC.
PROVIDER POOL
Register in the GCPP
The Global Chiropractic Provider Pool is the central roster FICS uses to verify credentials, record availability and match eligible doctors to international opportunities.
Register in the GCPP →CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
Events change throughout the year.
FICS adds opportunities as agreements and host arrangements are confirmed. Use the current calendar and Event Interest form rather than relying on a static event list.
THE TIER PATHWAY
Build experience step by step.
Bronze, Silver and Gold are both a development pathway and a transparent selection framework. Event participation, experience and contribution build your Games Selection portfolio over time.
BRONZE TIER
Where you begin
Single-sport events such as school, university, college, club, regional and national championships, including NCSC events.
- Fewer athletes and a manageable pace
- Close mentorship from an experienced doctor
- Learn the flow of a FICS event
- Build confidence in a supported environment
SILVER TIER
Grow and challenge yourself
Busier, longer single-sport events including national and international championships sanctioned by FICS.
- Larger clinic environment
- More diverse teams and presentations
- Real-time learning under greater pressure
- Opportunity to shadow leadership roles
GOLD TIER
Represent FICS at the highest level
Major multi-sport and International Federation events, including Olympic sporting federations, The World Games and CSIT World Sports Games.
- Fast-paced multidisciplinary environments
- Large healthcare delegations
- Elite athlete care in complex international settings
- Selection prioritises proven experience and reliability
WHY BRONZE & SILVER MATTER
The tiers are a pathway, not just a ranking.
Most doctors build experience at Bronze and Silver events first. These environments provide space to learn how FICS events run, work inside a supportive team and become “match fit” before the demands of Gold Tier events. Every event adds to your portfolio and opens the door to the next.
FICS also recognises progression through the ranking system with achievement certificates at certain levels. The wider aim is to develop members while maintaining the professional standards needed to protect athlete care and FICS’ reputation with international sporting federations.
ELIGIBILITY
What you need before volunteering.
Event eligibility combines professional standing, current emergency-care training, the appropriate ICSC level and registration in the GCPP.
Current FICS or NCSC/RCSC membership.
Degree from an accredited chiropractic institution.
Active licence in good standing where licensure applies.
CPR certification valid within the previous two years.
Current cover to practise chiropractic in your home country.
Bronze/Silver: ICSC started + ICSC01 & ICSC10. Gold: full ICSC.
All volunteers must be registered in the Global Chiropractic Provider Pool.
Valid passport; EU national ID may be accepted for relevant travel within the EU.
GLOBAL CHIROPRACTIC PROVIDER POOL
Your central volunteer profile.
The GCPP is the roster FICS uses to identify qualified doctors, verify credentials, understand availability and match volunteers to events.
Keep your core details and documents in one place.
Record travel months, regions and event preferences.
Stay in the priority pool for event communication.
Record event experience and leadership interest.
TRAVEL & COSTS
Know what is generally covered.
APPLY FOR EVENTS
GCPP registration is step one — not the event application.
Registering in the provider pool does not automatically put you forward for every event. Each time a volunteer call opens, submit the separate Event Interest form for the event or events you can realistically attend.
Watch for the volunteer call
Opportunities are promoted through FICS channels and the current Games calendar. Where possible, applications open about 4–6 months before an event.
Submit Event Interest
Complete the online Event Interest form each time a call opens. GCPP registration alone is not an application for a specific event.
Prioritise realistically
If applying for more than one event, list them in order of preference and state how many you can realistically commit to.
Check your portfolio
Review your points/supporting evidence and prepare a concise motivation statement of no more than 100 words where requested.
SELECTION & TIMELINES
How teams are selected.
FICS aims to balance experience, readiness, event requirements and international representation while keeping the process transparent. Eligible doctors are encouraged to apply regardless of background, nationality, gender or level of experience; selection remains competitive and not every applicant can be placed at every event.
General selection target
FICS works to a 12-week selection deadline so teams are generally confirmed at least 12 weeks before an event.
Pre-event team meeting
A Microsoft Teams meeting is normally held 4–8 weeks before the event to review logistics, responsibilities and questions.
Gold Tier planning
Gold Tier applications may open up to a year ahead because of the scale and planning required.
GAMES SELECTION PORTFOLIO
What can strengthen your ranking?
AFTER YOU ARE SELECTED
What happens before, during and after the event.
Prepare with your team
- Selection notification from Games Admin
- Travel/logistics guidance
- Venue Team Leader or Chef de Mission confirmed
- Field Manual provided
- Code of Conduct must be signed
- Pre-event online team meeting
Work inside the event structure
- Venue Team Leader / Chef de Mission is your main contact
- Games Admin coordinates event information with the Local Organising Committee (LOC)
- Event-specific WhatsApp group supports communication
- Expect busy days with scheduled breaks
- Portable treatment table may be required unless advised otherwise
- Work inside multidisciplinary international teams
Record the experience
- Team Leader prepares a short event story/blog
- Include highlights, teamwork and impact data where available
- Submit the blog within 30 days
- Keep GCPP documents and availability updated
- Your event participation strengthens your Games portfolio
AFTER-EVENT RESOURCES
Tell the story while it is fresh.
The Team Leader is asked to submit the event story within 30 days. FICS provides a template, and published Games stories help future volunteers understand what international service is really like.
PRIVACY & MEMBER DOCUMENTS
Your submitted information remains on file.
FICS states that submitted documentation is securely stored and does not need to be resubmitted for each event unless your status or documents change. Keep your profile current to support a smoother application process.
THE HUMAN IMPACT BEHIND THE GAMES
Why doctors keep coming back.
“This is the kind of experience that makes us return home with the confidence reinforced that we (chiropractors) are an essential part of the athlete’s health and performance.”
Dr Carlos Tavares reflected on the rewards of volunteering with the FICS Sports Chiropractic team at the 2025 CSIT Games: supporting athletes with hands-on care, introducing many competitors to chiropractic for the first time, and sharing experience and knowledge with colleagues who have the same passion for sports chiropractic.
He described the experience as motivation to return for another international event and continue building his skills and Games experience.
COMMON QUESTIONS
International Games FAQ
Do I need the full ICSC before I can volunteer?
Does joining the GCPP automatically apply me for every event?
Who pays for travel?
Do I need to bring a treatment table?
Can newer doctors apply?
When should I expect to hear about selection?
Who do I contact if I need help?
READY TO GET GAMES READY?
Join the provider pool. Build your experience.
Start with the right education, keep your credentials current and say yes to opportunities that match your experience and availability.