As a coach, you understand that a successful coaching relationship requires clear communication, trust, and a shared understanding of expectations. One of the most important tools in setting the stage for this relationship is a well-crafted coaching contract.
Whether you’re just starting your coaching business or have years of experience, having a clear and professional contract in place is essential. It outlines both your and your client’s responsibilities, helping to prevent misunderstandings and ensuring both parties are on the same page.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a coaching contract template that works. You’ll learn the essential elements to include, why you need a template, and how you can use coaching contract templates to save time and stay organized. Let’s dive in.
What is a Coaching Contract?
A coaching contract is a formal agreement between you and your client that outlines the terms and conditions of your coaching relationship. It serves as a foundation for the work you’ll do together, setting expectations and responsibilities on both sides.
A coaching contract helps clarify the scope of your work, the fees involved, and the boundaries you both agree to.
For you, a well-crafted coaching contract is not just a formality; it’s a tool that sets the stage for a professional and successful relationship with your clients. It helps ensure that both you and your clients are aligned on goals, timelines, and responsibilities from the start.
Key Aspects to Include in a Coaching Contract Template
Creating a coaching contract template doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are certain key aspects you need to include to make sure it’s comprehensive and clear. Below are the critical sections that should be part of every coaching contract.
1. Clear objectives and goal setting
One of the most essential parts of any coaching relationship is setting clear, measurable goals. Your coaching contract should outline the goals you and your client want to achieve. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Including goal-setting details in your contract helps both you and your client stay focused on the desired outcomes. It also provides a clear way to measure progress throughout your coaching sessions.
2. Session logistics
Your coaching contract should outline the logistics of your sessions. This includes the number of sessions, their frequency, and the mode of communication (e.g., in-person, virtual, phone calls, etc.).
Clarifying these details upfront ensures that both you and your client understand the commitment involved. For example, if you’re offering virtual sessions, make sure the contract specifies the platform you’ll use (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).
3. Roles and expectations
Every coaching relationship works best when both parties are clear about their roles. The coaching contract should include a section that defines your responsibilities and the client’s.
As a coach, you might be responsible for offering guidance, providing resources, and facilitating discussions. Your client, on the other hand, should be responsible for actively participating, taking actions outside of the sessions, and following through on assignments or homework.
4. Communication boundaries
Establishing clear communication boundaries is crucial. Will clients be able to contact you outside of sessions? If so, how? Are there specific hours when you are available for communication?
Your contract should define how often and through what channels communication can occur. Setting these boundaries prevents misunderstandings and ensures that you’re not overwhelmed by off-hours messages.
5. Scheduling and cancellations
A coaching contract should outline how sessions are scheduled and what happens if either party needs to cancel. Make it clear whether clients need to give advance notice and the consequences for missed or canceled sessions.
For example, you could include a clause specifying that clients must give 24 or 48 hours’ notice for cancellations, and any missed sessions may be charged or not refunded.
6. Fees and payment process
One of the most important aspects of any coaching contract is the fee structure. Be sure to outline your pricing clearly—whether you charge by the session, offer packages, or provide subscription models. Also, specify your payment terms, including due dates, accepted payment methods, and any late fees.
It’s important to include a refund policy as well. Will clients receive refunds if they decide to cancel early? Make sure these terms are clear to avoid any future disputes.
7. Timeline of the coaching relationship
Your coaching contract should clarify whether the relationship is ongoing or has a set end date. This is particularly important if you offer packages with a fixed number of sessions.
If the coaching relationship has a start and end date, make sure these dates are specified in the contract. If you have a long-term coaching arrangement, you might want to include language that allows for periodic reviews or contract renewals.
8. Conduct guidelines
It’s also helpful to include some conduct guidelines in your coaching contract. This section should set expectations for behavior and professionalism during your coaching sessions. For instance, you might specify that both parties should be respectful and punctual.
While coaching is a professional service, it’s also a personal one. Setting clear conduct guidelines helps build trust and ensures that the relationship remains respectful and productive.
9. Signatures and agreement
Finally, your coaching contract should include a section for signatures. Both you and your client must agree to the terms outlined in the contract before beginning the coaching relationship.
Having both parties sign the contract helps ensure that everyone is on the same page, and it provides legal protection for both sides.
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How to Create a Custom Coaching Contract Template
Creating coaching contract templates from scratch doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, it can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Here’s how you can create a custom coaching contract template that works for your business.
- Start with a basic template: If you’re new to creating contracts, start with a basic coaching contract template. This gives you a foundation to build upon.
- Customize for your coaching niche: Whether you’re a life coach, executive coach, or career coach, your contract should be tailored to the specific services you offer. Be sure to customize your contract to reflect your coaching style, pricing, and services.
- Use clear, simple language: Your contract should be easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon or legalese that might confuse your client.
- Include flexibility for revisions: Over time, your coaching practice may evolve, and you may want to update your contract to reflect these changes. Be sure to include a clause that allows you to revise the contract as needed.
Why Use a Coaching Contract Template?
There are many benefits to using coaching contract templates. Here are just a few:
- Saves time: A template allows you to quickly create a contract without starting from scratch each time.
- Consistency: Using a template ensures that all your contracts are consistent, so your clients know what to expect.
- Legal protection: A well-crafted contract protects both you and your client by outlining the terms of your relationship.
- Professionalism: Providing a formal contract shows that you’re serious about your business and value the client’s time.
How Simply.Coach Can Help You Manage Coaching Contracts
Simply.Coach offers tools that make managing coaching contracts simple. With coaching contract templates available on the platform, you can create, send, and store contracts with ease.
Not only can you customize your contracts, but Simply.Coach also allows you to manage client sessions, payments, and progress, all in one place. The platform helps you stay organized and focused on delivering great coaching without the hassle of paperwork.
It is a whole package that helps you take care of your coaching business beyond using coaching contract templates, all at a cheaper price plan that starts at $9/month.
Conclusion
A solid coaching contract is an essential tool for any coaching business. It helps you set clear expectations, ensures professionalism, and provides legal protection for both you and your clients. By using coaching contract templates, you can save time, stay organized, and maintain consistency in your coaching practice.
Using templates, seeking professional help, and customizing the contract to meet specific needs can further improve its effectiveness. Try Simply.Coach and digitize to transform your online coaching management game!
Schedule a demo or sign up for a free 14-day trial to experience Simply.Coach yourself today!
