The BEST Coaching Contract Template to Use in 2024

As a coach, your main goal is to help your clients set their goals and expand their businesses, right? But before diving in, it’s super important to get on the same page about what your coaching relationship will look like. That’s where a written legal coaching contract comes in handy. It’s a must-have for both you and your clients to make sure everyone knows what to expect!

A legal coaching contract, or a coaching agreement, is a formal document outlining the terms and conditions between you and your client. This agreement typically includes the goals and objectives of the coaching relationship, the duration and frequency of sessions, confidentiality clauses, fees and payment terms, and the responsibilities of both parties.

Its purpose is to clearly define the roles, and responsibilities (of both parties, clarify expectations, set boundaries, and ensure a mutual understanding for a productive and professional coaching environment.

Always remember this – a coaching contract is your legal best friend.

Your coaching contract outlines the terms of engagement, making sure that you and your clients are on the same page regarding your commitments and expectations. This legal document helps to prevent any sort of misunderstanding and confusion and provides a framework for addressing any issues that may sprout out during a coaching engagement.

However, coaching contracts can vary depending on the field of expertise. For example, a life coaching contract may differ from an executive coaching contract in terms of the services provided, goals, and confidentiality requirements. It is important to customize the contract to suit the specific needs and expectations of the coaching field.

This article explores the importance of legal coaching contracts, their key aspects, the best template to use (ICF-provided!), and lastly how to use a coaching contract template effectively.

What are the Key Aspects of a Coaching Contract?

A coaching contract will have a clear framework for the coaching relationship, helping to create a strong foundation of trust and accountability, which is important for effective coaching outcomes. It should include the following aspects:

1. Clear objectives and goals: Define the purpose of the coaching relationship and outline specific, measurable goals that the client wants to achieve.
2. Roles and responsibilities: Clearly state the roles and responsibilities of you and the client for mutual understanding and agreement.
3. Scope of services: Detail the services provided, including the number of sessions, their duration, and any additional support offered (e.g., email or text support between sessions).
4. Confidentiality agreement: Establish confidentiality terms to see that all information shared during coaching sessions remains private and secure.
5. Fee structure and payment terms: Outline the fee structure, including the cost of sessions, payment methods, and due dates. Include any policies regarding late payments or additional charges.
6. Cancellation and rescheduling policies: Specify the terms for canceling or rescheduling sessions, including any notice periods required and potential fees for missed appointments.
7. Duration and termination of contract: Define the length of the coaching engagement and the conditions under which either party can terminate the contract.
8. Code of conduct: Include guidelines for behavior and professionalism during coaching sessions for a respectful and productive environment.
9. Liability and disclaimers: Address the limits of your liability and include disclaimers regarding the outcomes of the coaching process.
10. Signatures and dates: Make sure that both you and the client sign and date the contract to formalize the agreement and indicate your commitment to the terms outlined.

Read this blog on what makes a good coaching contract to get a complete checklist of things you should be adding in your coaching contract. 

Platforms like Simply.Coach have simplified the management of coaching agreements. Whether you’re using ICF-compliant contract templates or creating contracts from scratch, these digital tools help you with easy creation, organization, and storage. This means that you are well-prepared for every coaching engagement, with the option to have contracts digitally signed by the client and stored in their profile for future reference.

The BEST Template to Use for Coaching Contract (Sample)

We suggest that you use a coaching contract template from a reputable source. For the purpose of this article, we’ve included the template provided by the ICF.

ICF Sample Coaching Agreement Template

This Agreement is entered into by and between: Name, Company, Address __________ (Coach—identify coaching qualifications, certificate, credential, etc.) and ______ Name, Address (Client) whereby Coach agrees to provide Coaching Services for Client focusing on the following topics/results/outcomes/goals attached to this Agreement as Schedule A.

Description of Coaching: Coaching is a partnership (defined as an alliance, not a legal business partnership) between the Coach and the Client in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires the client to maximize personal and professional potential. It is designed to facilitate the creation/development of personal, professional, or business goals and to develop and carry out a strategy/plan for achieving those goals.

1. Coach-Client Relationship
   • A. Coach agrees to maintain the ethics and standards of behavior established by the International Coach Federation “(ICF)” (Coachfederation.org/ethics). It is recommended that the Client review the ICF Code of Ethics and the applicable standards of behavior.
   • B. Client is solely responsible for creating and implementing his/her own physical, mental, and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions, and results arising out of or resulting from the coaching relationship and his/her coaching calls and interactions with the Coach. As such, the Client agrees that the Coach is not and will not be liable or responsible for any actions or inaction, or for any direct or indirect result of any services provided by the Coach. Client understands coaching is not therapy and does not substitute for therapy if needed, and does not prevent, cure, or treat any mental disorder or medical disease.
   • C. Client further acknowledges that he/she may terminate or discontinue the coaching relationship at any time.
   • D. Client acknowledges that coaching is a comprehensive process that may involve different areas of his or her life, including work, finances, health, relationships, education, and recreation. The Client agrees that deciding how to handle these issues, incorporate coaching principles into those areas, and implementing choices is exclusively the Client’s responsibility.
   • E. Client acknowledges that coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders as defined by the American Psychiatric Association and that coaching is not to be used as a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or other professional advice by legal, medical, or other qualified professionals and that it is the Client’s exclusive responsibility to seek such independent professional guidance as needed. If Client is currently under the care of a mental health professional, it is recommended that the Client promptly inform the mental health care provider of the nature and extent of the coaching relationship agreed upon by the Client and the Coach.
   • F. The Client understands that in order to enhance the coaching relationship, the Client agrees to communicate honestly, be open to feedback and assistance, and to create the time and energy to participate fully in the program.
2. Services The parties agree to engage in a ___ month Coaching Program through (describe method(s), e.g., in-person, internet, telephone) meetings. Coach will be available to Client by e-mail and voicemail in between scheduled meetings as defined by the Coach (describe those terms here). Coach may also be available for additional time, per Client’s request on a prorated basis rate of ________ (for example, reviewing documents, reading or writing reports, engaging in other Client related services outside of coaching hours).
3. Schedule and Fees This coaching agreement is valid as of 00/00/0000. The fee is ______ (amount in advance if applicable) and/or __________ (amount) per month based on (frequency of meetings such as # of meetings per/ wk, month, etc.).

The calls/meetings shall be ____________ (length of call or meeting for example 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 minutes). If rates change before this agreement has been signed and dated, the prevailing rates will apply.

The refund policy in effect for the term of this Agreement is as follows: Insert Coach’s refund policy.

4. Procedure The time of the coaching meetings and/or location will be determined by Coach and Client based on a mutually agreed upon time. The Client will initiate all scheduled calls and will call the Coach at the following number for all scheduled meetings xxx-xxx-xxxx. If the Coach will be at any other number for a scheduled call, Client will be notified prior to the scheduled appointment time.
5. Confidentiality This coaching relationship, as well as all information (documented or verbal) that the Client shares with the Coach as part of this relationship, is bound by the principles of confidentiality set forth in the ICF Code of Ethics. However, please be aware that the Coach-Client relationship is not considered a legally confidential relationship (like the medical and legal professions) and thus communications are not subject to the protection of any legally recognized privilege. The Coach agrees not to disclose any information pertaining to the Client without the Client’s written consent. The Coach will not disclose the Client’s name as a reference without the Client’s consent.

Confidential Information does not include information that:

(a) was in the Coach’s possession prior to its being furnished by the Client; (b) is generally known to the public or in the Client’s industry; (c) is obtained by the Coach from a third party, without breach of any obligation to the Client; (d) is independently developed by the Coach without use of or reference to the Client’s confidential information; (e) the Coach is required by statute, lawfully issued subpoena, or by court order to disclose; (f) is disclosed to the Coach and as a result of such disclosure the Coach reasonably believes there to be an imminent or likely risk of danger or harm to the Client or others; and (g) involves illegal activity. The Client also acknowledges his or her continuing obligation to raise any confidentiality questions or concerns with the Coach in a timely manner.

6. Release of Information (Optional, based upon specific situation) The Coach engages in training and continuing education pursuing and/or maintaining ICF (International Coach Federation) Credentials. That process requires the names and contact information of all Clients for possible verification by ICF. By signing this agreement, you agree to have only your name, contact information and start and end dates of coaching shared with ICF staff members and/or other parties involved in this process for the sole and necessary purpose of verifying the coaching relationship, no personal notes will be shared.

Client Agrees __________________ Client Refuses _________________

According to the ethics of our profession, topics may be anonymously and hypothetically shared with other coaching professionals for training, supervision, mentoring, evaluation, and for coach professional development and/or consultation purposes.

7. Cancellation Policy Client agrees that it is the Client’s responsibility to notify the Coach ___ (number of) hours in advance of the scheduled calls/meetings. Coach reserves the right to bill Client for a missed meeting. Coach will attempt in good faith to reschedule the missed meeting.
8. Record Retention Policy (Optional, if the Coach as adopted such a policy) The Client acknowledges that the Coach has disclosed his/her record retention policy with respect to documents, information, and data acquired or shared during the term of the Coach-Client relationship. Such records will be maintained by the Coach in a format of the Coach’s choice (print or digital/electronic) for a period of not less than ___ years.
9. Termination Either the Client or the Coach may terminate this Agreement at any time with _#__weeks written notice. Client agrees to compensate the Coach for all coaching services rendered through and including the effective date of termination of the coaching relationship.
10. Limited Liability Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the Coach makes no guarantees, representations, or warranties of any kind or nature, express or implied with respect to the coaching services negotiated, agreed upon, and rendered. In no event shall the Coach be liable to the Client for any indirect, consequential, or special damages. Notwithstanding any damages that the Client may incur, the Coach’s entire liability under this Agreement, and the Client’s exclusive remedy, shall be limited to the amount actually paid by the Client to the Coach under this Agreement for all coaching services rendered through and including the termination date.
11. Entire Agreement This document reflects the entire agreement between the Coach and the Client and reflects a complete understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter. This Agreement supersedes all prior written and oral representations. The Agreement may not be amended, altered, or supplemented except in writing signed by both the Coach and the Client.
12. Dispute Resolution If a dispute arises out of this Agreement that cannot be resolved by mutual consent, the Client and Coach agree to attempt to mediate in good faith for up to (certain amount of time such as 30 days) after notice given. If the dispute is not so resolved, and in the event of legal action, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover attorney’s fees and court costs from the other party.
13. Severability If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable. If the Court finds that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting such provision it would become valid and enforceable, then such provision shall be deemed to be written, construed, and enforced as so limited.
14. Waiver The failure of either party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or limitation of that party’s right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this Agreement.
15. Applicable Law This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of __________, without giving effect to any conflicts of laws provisions.
16. Binding Effect This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permissible assigns.

Please sign both copies and return one copy of this Client Agreement prior to the first scheduled coaching meeting. Retain one copy for your records and mail the other to:

Coach and Address:

CLIENT:

Client Name and address

Name/Title:

Signature:                                                                                                                         Date:

Coach/ for _______ (company name)

Name/Title: Coach and title

Signature:                                                                                                                         Date:

Please note that the sample contract template comes with the following disclaimer on the ICF website

ICF Notice and Disclaimer: The above form is being made available by ICF only as a sample agreement for consideration by you in creating or developing a contract that represents your legal relationship with your client(s). It is intended to serve as a reference or guide only. You will find possible standard clauses covering a number of important areas of the relationship intended to protect you and your clients. Once you have drafted your version, it is recommended that you review the form with your legal counsel for additional input. 

ICF is making this sample coaching agreement available “as is” without any warranties or representatives as to its suitability for any particular purpose. ICF specifically disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any alleged losses, injuries, or damages arising out of or resulting from a coach’s voluntary decision to make use of this sample document or any variation hereof.

Even with a well-crafted template, it’s important to review the entire agreement to ensure each section aligns with how you deliver your services. If you have any doubts, consult a legal advisor.

An excellent option to streamline your coaching contract management is Simply.Coach. Contracts are crucial not only in corporate settings but also for setting SLAs for every engagement. 

With Simply.Coach, you can now create, organize and manage all your client contracts in one centralized location.

• Create contracts from ready templates: You can develop contracts that meet ICF specifications.
• Digitally sign and share contracts: Easily sign contracts digitally and send them to clients for their signatures.
• Access contracts easily: Quickly access all contracts and client details in one place.

Read: The Best 10 Coaching Software with Client Management [2024]

How to Use the Contract Template Effectively

Customizing the template to meet specific coaching needs

It is essential to customize the coaching contract template to meet the specific needs and expectations of the coaching relationship. This may involve adding or modifying sections, updating language, or including additional information as needed.

Recommending e-signature software for formal signing

Using e-signature software can streamline the process of signing and managing coaching contracts. This technology ensures that contracts are signed quickly and securely, reducing the risk of delays or errors.

Legal review and advice for a more solid contract

Seeking legal review and advice can help to ensure that the coaching contract is solid and legally compliant. A legal professional can provide valuable insights and recommendations, helping to address any potential issues or concerns.

Support offered for setting up the contract

Providing support for setting up the coaching contract can help to ensure that both parties understand and agree to the terms. This may involve discussing the contract in detail, addressing any questions or concerns, and providing additional information or clarification as needed.

Conclusion

A well-drafted coaches contract template is essential for establishing trust, setting clear expectations, and providing legal protection in the coaching profession. 

By including key elements such as goals, responsibilities, payment terms, confidentiality, and dispute resolution procedures, you can ensure a successful and structured coaching relationship. 

Using templates, seeking professional help, and customizing the contract to meet specific needs can further improve the effectiveness of the coaching contract.Try Simply.Coach and digitize and transform your online coaching game!