Coaching Agreement Guide with Free Templates
Published on 5/8/2025 by Eunice Karisai | 5 minutes read
- Don’t coach without a signed agreement
- Save time with free coaching agreement templates
- Download from Template.net, Rocket Lawyer, Aatos, and ICF
- Customize templates to fit your coaching style
- Have a legal professional review your final agreement
- Use Minipod to automatically have clients sign coaching agreements before sessions.
If you are already in the coaching business or you’re just starting out in 2025, don’t overlook the importance of a coaching agreement!
Many coaches, fueled by passion, are eager to get started in coaching business that they forget to protect themselves, their businesses, independent contractors, and clients with a solid coaching agreement. This oversight can very quickly turn into a nightmare, as clients may cancel sessions at the last minute and still demand a full refund simply because no cancellation policy was in place. This situation could have been easily avoided with a well drafted coaching agreement (or a reliable coaching template).
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the importance of having a coaching agreement and provide free coaching agreement templates you can download and customize to fit your coaching business.
What is a Coaching Agreement
A coaching agreement is a formal contract between a coach and a client that outlines the terms and conditions of the coaching relationship. It sets clear expectations, defines roles and responsibilities, and protects both parties by covering important details such as confidentiality clause, cancellation and reschedulling policy, payment terms, and termination conditions to mention but a few.
What is a Coaching Agreement Template
A coaching agreement template is a customizable document that provides a structured format for creating a coaching agreement without the need to draft one from scratch or pay heavily for legal service. It includes standard sections like roles, boundaries, and responsibilities which can be tailored to fit your specific coaching practice. More than just a form, it acts as a foundational tool to guide the coaching relationship with professionalism and consistency.
Why You Need a Coaching Agreement Template?
Beyond legal protection, a coaching agreement template helps you:
Set clear expectations
Establish healthy boundaries
Create a smooth and structured coaching process
In short, it’s the backbone of a professional and transparent coaching experience.
What Should Be Included in a Coaching Agreement?
To be effective, a coaching agreement template should contain the following key components:
Purpose of the coaching Sessions:
This section outlines why the client is seeking coaching and what they aim to achieve. It helps clarify the specific focus of the coaching relationship.
Coach and client details: This part Includes the full names, contact information, and any relevant background details about both the coach and the client.
Roles and Responsibilities: This Specifies the duties and expectations of both parties, ensuring everyone knows their role in the coaching process.
Session Logistics: Details such as session frequency, duration, location (in-person, phone, online), and rescheduling policies are included here.
Payment terms : This is where the cost of coaching services, payment methods, and any applicable terms for late payments or refunds is included
Confidentiality clause: This clause is important to ensure that both the coach and client maintain privacy regarding sensitive information discussed during the coaching sessions.
Dispute resolution: This describes the steps that will be taken in case conflicts erupts.
Termination policy: The terms and conditions under which the coaching relationship can be terminated by either party should be clearly stated.
Disclaimer: This clause is used to state the limits of the coach responsibility, such as clarifying that coaching is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice.
Signatures and date: This component is important to confirm that both the coach and client agree to the terms by signing and dating the agreement to make it legally binding.
Free Coaching Agreement Templates
To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of free coaching agreement templates that you can download and customize for your coaching business.
Template.net: Offers various coaching agreement templates you can download and customize.
Rocket Lawyer: This provides free templates and the option to create a personalized coaching contract.
Aatos : Offers a generator for coaching agreements, allowing you to create professional contracts ready for e-signatures.
PS: If you decide to use any of the online template, it is advisable to have it reviewed by a legal professional to ensure it covers all necessary areas and complies with local laws.
Best Coaching Agreement Template
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) provides official templates for coaching agreements and logs to assist coaches in documenting their sessions and adhering to credentialing requirements. You can download these resources directly from the ICF website, or by clicking on the link below.
ICF Sample Coaching Agreement Template
Tips for Using a Coaching Agreement Template
Customize the Terms: Tailor the agreement to suit your coaching style and specific business practices.
Review with Your Client: Review the coaching agreement with your client before the first session to ensure that the terms and conditions are well communicated.
Use E-Signature Tools: Consider using e-signature platforms for a more efficient and professional agreement process.
The Easiest Way to Use Coaching Agreements Online
Manually sending agreements back and forth can slow down your workflow and create unnecessary friction during client onboarding. You can avoid this hassle by signing up on Minipod.com as your go-to coaching platform.
Minipod is an all-in-one coaching platform that allows you to include your coaching agreement directly into your session or package. This will automatically require clients to review and sign the agreement before they can book a session or purchase a coaching package.
Conclusion
A coaching agreement template is an essential tool for every coach as it helps clarify expectations, define responsibilities, and establish the framework for a smooth and professional relationship. While free templates are a great starting point, it is important to tailor them to reflect your unique coaching style, services, and policies. To protect your practice and build trust with your clients, consider having your final agreement reviewed by a legal professional. It is a small step that can make a big difference in the long term success of your coaching business.
FAQ Section
What is a Coaching Agreement?
A Coaching Agreement is a legally binding contract between a coach and a client that outlines the terms of the coaching relationship, including responsibilities, fees, session structure, confidentiality, and cancellation policies.
Why do I Need a Coaching Agreement?
A Coaching Agreement ensures clarity, sets expectations, protects both parties and minimizes disputes by formalizing the coaching relationship.
Is a Coaching Agreement Legally Binding?
Yes, if properly drafted and signed by both parties, it serves as a legally enforceable contract.
Can I Use a Template for My Coaching Agreement?
Yes, a coaching Agreement Template provides a structured format that you can customize to fit your specific coaching services and legal requirements.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Draft a Coaching Agreement?
While templates are helpful, consulting a lawyer ensures compliance with local laws and stronger legal protection.
Where Can I Get a Coaching Agreement Template?
You can find free or paid templates online, through legal websites, or coaching associations.