Coaching Contract Template [2024 Lawyer Approved]
What’s up, coach! So you’re on the hunt for a coaching contract template.
BRAVO! If you want to be a legitimate professional coach, you NEED to be using a coaching contract.
That said, you may be thinking…“Maybe I can just find one for free online?!”
Let me STOP you right there, boss.
By using a free coaching contract template you randomly discover online, you could be opening your business up to major legal liabilities. Don’t make this mistake.
For a very low cost, you can get a legitimate coaching contract template that you can use for the lifetime of your coaching business.
So strap in and review how to write a coaching contract!
TLDR: You MUST protect your business with a legit coaching contract. This is the one we recommend using.
Why Do You Need A Coaching Contract?
A coaching agreement is a legal document between you and the clients that you coach. The primary purpose of a coaching contract is to make sure you and your client are on the same page about the coaching engagement.
The contract answers the “Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How” types of questions, which helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes that could arise during the coaching relationship.
Benefits Of Having Your Clients Sign A Coaching Contract
If you’re not 100% sure you need to have your clients sign a coaching agreement, keep reading! It’s not only a good idea, legally speaking, but it’s also a sign that you’re operating a legitimate business!
Setting Expectations: A coaching contract template clearly outlines what your client can expect from the coaching relationship, including the scope of services, duration, and frequency of sessions. It also helps you set healthy boundaries with your clients, so they know how often & by what means they can contact you. Don’t want your clients texting you? Then you need to specify it in the contract!
Protecting Rights and Responsibilities: A coaching agreement legally binds both parties, protecting the rights and outlining the responsibilities of each. This includes confidentiality agreements, payment terms, cancellation policies, and more. This is a great thing for both parties!
Preventing Misunderstandings: By getting all details in writing, a contract helps prevent potential misunderstandings or disputes that could arise later. As a business coach myself, I have occasionally had to point to specific clauses in my business coaching agreement when a client was “breaking the rules,” such as trying to reschedule with short notice. (My policy is that if a client provides less than 24 hours’ notice, they forfeit that session, which helps keep them super accountable for showing up!)
Professionalism: Having a contract shows professionalism and assures clients that you take your role as a coach seriously. I can’t tell you to have important this is! There are far too many coaches that are winging it and truly risking their business. Don’t be one of these people! Button up your business and use a coaching contract template that makes it simple to protect your business.
Legal Protection: In the event of any legal disputes, a well-drafted contract serves as a critical piece of evidence that can protect your business interests. Of course, no one goes into a coaching agreement thinking you’ll need this, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. You need to protect your business and your livelihood because YOU are your business!
A coaching contract is not just a piece of paper, but a crucial tool that fosters clarity, trust, and mutual respect between you and your clients! And remember, YOU are the one setting the terms, not the other way around. So as you edit your coaching contract template, make sure it reflects exactly what you want to offer and protects you and your business.
What Kinds Of Coaches Should Use Coaching Agreements?
Every type of coach should ideally have a contract, regardless of the specific field or nature of the coaching relationship. This includes, but is not limited to:
Life Coaches: These coaches assist clients in personal development and achieving life goals.
Mindset Coaches: A mindset coach is someone who helps people identify and overcome mental and emotional obstacles that are hindering their personal or professional progress
Health and Wellness Coaches: These coaches support clients in achieving health-related goals, such as weight loss or stress management.
Business Coaches: A business coach guides and supports a business owner in running their business by helping them clarify the vision & goals and providing practical strategies and tools to achieve that vision.
Executive & Leadership Coaches: Coaches in this field help business professionals enhance their leadership skills, navigate career transitions, or tackle business challenges.
Career Coaches: Career coaches assist individuals in making informed decisions about career development and trajectory.
Relationship Coaches: These coaches work with individuals or couples to improve their interpersonal relationships.
Sports Coaching: Sports coaches guide athletes in improving their performance and achieving their athletic goals.
Performance Coaching: These coaches help individuals improve their performance in a specific field or discipline.
Regardless of the type of coaching, a coaching contract template helps establish clear boundaries, set expectations, and protect both parties legally. It’s a crucial component of a professional coaching relationship.
What Should A Coaching Contract Include?
A comprehensive coaching contract template should include the following key elements:
Parties Involved: Clearly identify the coach and the client.
Scope of Services: Define what services you will provide, the nature of the coaching relationship, and what is expected from both parties. This section may also include a “program description” detailing what’s included in bullet point format.
Duration and Frequency: Specify the length of the contract, the number of sessions, and their frequency.
Fees and Payment Terms: Detail your pricing, payment schedule, acceptable payment methods, late fees, and any other financial details.
Scheduling, Cancellation, and Rescheduling Policy: Outline the terms for scheduling, canceling, or rescheduling sessions, including any fees involved.
Confidentiality Clause: Assure clients that their information will be kept confidential, outlining any exceptions to this rule.
Refund Policy: Clearly state if and when refunds are available.
Disclaimer: Include a disclaimer clarifying that coaching is not a substitute for professional advice (legal, medical, etc.) and that the client is responsible for their own decisions and actions.
Termination Clause: Define under what circumstances the contract can be terminated by either party.
Signatures: Ensure both parties sign the contract, acknowledging agreement to the terms.
While this list covers the basic components of a coaching contract template, it’s recommended to consult with a legal professional to ensure your contract complies with local laws and regulations and fully protects your interests.
How Do You Use Your Coaching Agreement?
If you’re new to using a coaching contract template with clients, here are some tips about how and when to use it.
Conduct a Coaching Consultation. You should always meet with a potential client before agreeing to work with them. You want to make sure it’s a good client-coach fit before you start working together officially!
Share the Coaching Details & Pricing. During the coaching consultation, share the details of your coaching program and the investment. Allow the potential client to ask any questions that come to mind, so they can make sure it’s the right fit for them.
Send the Coaching Details in Writing. Following the coaching consultation, send an email to outline the coaching details & pricing in writing.
Send the Coaching Contract for Signature. Once the client has said yes, it’s time to send the coaching agreement over for their signature. Update the coaching contract template with the pertinent details for your client. Then send the contract to your client for electronic signature. We love SignNow for its ease of use and low cost.
Send the Invoice or Payment Link. Once a client has signed the contract, it’s time to get their money! Send your new client an invoice or payment link. If you’d like an all-in-one system for contracts & payments, we highly recommend Honeybook!
Schedule Your First Coaching Session. When you have received BOTH a signed contract & the payment, it’s time to schedule the first session with your new client!
At first, this process may feel a little weird, but you’ll come to love it! It’s empowering to know that you’re protecting yourself from legal liability with a coaching contract template. Plus, clients tend to appreciate that you’re taking this part so seriously.
Common Misconceptions & Myths About Coaching Contracts
If you’re still not convinced you need to use coaching contract templates in your business, you may be falling victim to some common myths & misconceptions. So let’s examine these individually!
They’re Unnecessary: Some coaches believe that contracts are not essential, especially when the coach and client have a good rapport. Remember, contracts are a proactive measure that protects both parties! They are crucial for setting clear expectations, defining boundaries, and providing legal protection for both parties.
They’re Too Complex: Many coaches think that coaching agreements are filled with incomprehensible legal jargon. While they must be legally sound, they should also be clear and understandable for all parties involved. The coaching contract templates we recommend are super easy to use and easy to understand while providing legal protection for your business!
They Limit Flexibility: Another misconception is that contracts restrict the flexibility of the coaching process. In reality, a well-drafted contract allows for adjustments and adaptations, provided these changes are agreed upon by both parties.
They’re Only for Long-Term Engagements: Some believe contracts are only necessary for long-term coaching engagements. However, even short-term or single-session coaching can benefit from a contract to clarify expectations and responsibilities.
They’re Solely for Payment Assurance: While contracts do ensure coaches get paid, they also cover confidentiality, session scheduling, goal setting, and other crucial aspects of the coaching relationship. These finer details are a really important part of a productive coaching relationship.
Remember, a coaching contract template is an important tool for establishing a successful and professional coaching relationship. It’s always advisable to seek legal counsel when drafting or signing such an agreement.
How Do You Enforce A Coaching Contract?
As you enter into a new coaching relationship, the last thing you want to think about is it ending poorly. But this is precisely why using coaching contract templates is important! If a dispute arises, you should be able to lean on the terms of the agreement that was signed by both parties.
Enforcing a coaching contract primarily involves ensuring both parties adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement. Here are some steps you can take:
Clear Communication: Make sure that your client understands all terms and conditions before signing the contract. This prevents misunderstandings and encourages compliance.
Documentation: Keep good records of all interactions, payments, and sessions with the client. These can serve as evidence of compliance or breach of contract. For example, I keep copious notes about every coaching session, and then I follow up with an Action Plan via email.
Regular Reviews: You may find it helpful to periodically review the contract with your client to ensure you’re both on the same page and things are progressing forward.
Address Non-compliance: If the client fails to comply with the terms (such as not making payments), make it a priority to talk with them and try to find a solution. Avoidance will not help, so tackle these issues head-on.
Legal Action: In case of serious breaches, you may need to resort to legal action. Consult with a legal professional in your area to understand your options.
Remember, prevention is better than cure! A well-drafted contract and clear, open communication can significantly reduce the chances of having to enforce a contract through legal means. Are you starting to understand why having a coaching contract template is so darn important?!
Conclusion
I’m going to be super clear here. You need a coaching contract template if you want to operate as a legitimate coach. Regardless of your industry, whether you’re a business coach, life coach, or otherwise, protecting your business with a coaching contract template is super important. YOU are your business. Protect yourself from legal liabilities and costly attorney fees with a coaching contract template drafted by an experienced attorney.
Coaching Contract FAQs
How Do You Write A Coaching Contract Template?
I’m going to level with you upfront. If you’re not an attorney, you should not be writing your coaching agreement. It’s best to leave this kind of thing up to legal professionals.
That said, if you think that hiring an attorney to write a coaching contract template is going to be super expensive or super complicated, there is another way.
We recommend using a Coaching Agreement Template that’s written by an actual attorney to get you started! This coaching agreement includes all the essential legal terms to protect you as a coach, so you can work safely with clients and get paid on time too!
You can always have your own attorney review it at a fraction of the cost of having them draft the entire coaching agreement from scratch!
Is A Coaching Agreement A Legal Document?
Yes, a coaching agreement is a legal document. It outlines the responsibilities, expectations, and terms of the coach-client relationship. Once both parties sign the agreement, it becomes a legally binding contract that can be enforced by law.
It’s important to ensure that the agreement is fair, clear, and comprehensive to protect the interests of both the coach and the client. As with any legal document, it’s always advisable to seek legal counsel when drafting or signing a coaching contract template.
How Does A Coaching Contract Protect You From Refunds Or Chargebacks?
A carefully crafted contract can serve as a protective shield against unwarranted refunds or chargebacks. Here’s how:
Clear Terms: The contract should clearly outline your refund and cancellation policies. For instance, it can specify that refunds are not available after a certain period or that they are only given under certain conditions. This leaves no room for ambiguity, and clients know what they’re agreeing to upfront.
Evidence of Agreement: In case of disputes, the contract serves as legal evidence that the client agreed to these terms at the start of the coaching relationship. This can be crucial if a client initiates a chargeback through their credit card company. (I had this happen to me once, and the credit card company cited in my favor, as I was able to provide the coaching agreement that my client had signed!)
Payment Schedule: By defining a clear payment schedule and terms in the contract, you establish when payments are due and what happens in case of late or missed payments. (Pro Tip: If a client misses a payment, do NOT continue to meet with them until they have settled up on the payment plan!)
Services Rendered: The contract should also detail the services to be provided, which can help demonstrate that you’ve fulfilled your part of the agreement if a client requests a refund or files a chargeback.
Remember, while a coaching contract template can offer significant protection, it’s also important to maintain good client relationships and communication, as many issues can be resolved or even prevented through open and honest dialogue.
How Long Should A Coaching Contract Template Be?
It depends! The length of a coaching contract is not determined by the number of pages but rather by the scope & duration of the coaching relationship it covers. Contracts vary based on the type of coaching, the specific goals of the client, and the coach’s methodology.
For example, a contract for executive coaching or business coaching could span several months to a year, given the complexity and long-term nature of the goals involved. On the other hand, a contract for life coaching or business coaching might be shorter, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the client’s needs and progress.
In terms of the physical length of the actual document, a coaching contract template should be as long as necessary to clearly outline the terms and conditions, roles and responsibilities, and any other important details. This could range from a few pages to a more comprehensive document, depending on the complexity of the agreement.
Remember, the goal of the contract is to provide clarity and a mutual understanding between the coach and the client, so in many ways, the length of the document is irrelevant.
Can A Coaching Contract Be Digitally Signed?
Yes, absolutely! A coaching contract template can be digitally signed. Digital signatures are legally recognized and enforceable in many parts of the world, providing the same level of legitimacy as traditional pen-and-paper signatures. This means that coaches and clients can sign contracts online, making the process more convenient and efficient, especially for online coaches.
Digital contract signatures offer additional benefits, such as improved security and faster turnaround times. However, it’s advisable to use trusted and secure platforms for digital signing to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the signatures.
What Other Business Contract Should You Use?
You now know that a Coaching Contract Template is a must, but what other contracts or agreements should you be using to protect your business? Here are some other business contract templates that we recommend for all coaches.
Confidentiality Agreement Template: A Confidentiality Agreement is also called a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).This legal contract protect the “secret sauce” of your business, meaning it protects your confidential and proprietary information about your business and clients, so others don’t steal your ideas, trade secrets and become competitors.
Membership Agreement Template: If you’re offering a membership to your clients, paid or free, you need to protect your business legally. This agreement covers important things like your relationship with the members, your membership fee, refund policy, late payment fee, ownership of intellectual property, prohibited content, termination of the membership, and more.
Consulting Agreement Template: If you’re offering consulting services, or looking to hire a consultant yourself, it’s wise to protect yourself legally with a consulting contract. This agreement outlines the scope of the service, timeline, and other important details around the investment, payment terms, and scheduling.
Coaching Contract Template & Agreement Resources
Here is a quick round-up of our favorite tools for managing your coaching business.
Coaching Contract Templates: Unless you’re an attorney, you shouldn’t be writing your own contracts. And using a free coaching templated you’ve found online is NOT a good idea. You need a coaching agreement that has been written by an actual attorney and one that will truly protect you and your business.
Digital Contract Signing: SignNow is a cloud-based, electronic signature solution that allows businesses and individuals to securely sign, send, and manage documents from any device. It offers features such as customizable templates, audit trails, team collaboration tools, and integrations with popular business tools. With SignNow, users can streamline their document workflows, reduce paper usage, and enhance the efficiency of their operations.
All-In-One Business Management: HoneyBook is an awesome all-in-one business management platform for entrepreneurs and freelancers. It offers features such as client and project management, proposals, contracts, invoicing, automated responses, and integrated scheduling. Essentially, it’s designed to help small business owners streamline their process, from first inquiry to final payment, so they can spend more time doing what they love. It’s super easy to use and cost effective, so we highly recommend it.
Invoicing & Bookkeeping: FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed primarily for small businesses and freelancers. It offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, project management, and payment processing. With FreshBooks, users can manage their finances, send professional-looking invoices, accept payments online, and gain insights into their business with detailed reports, all from one platform.
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