This Standard Service Contract governs the coaching relationship between Coaches and Clients facilitated through the BESA Coaching platform. By booking a session, both parties agree to these terms.
Last updated: June 3, 2026 · Effective: May 25, 2026 · B.E.S.A
This document is effective immediately upon posting. Continued use of the BESA Coaching platform constitutes acceptance of the current version.
This Standard Service Contract ("Contract") is entered into between:
This Contract is formed at the moment a Client completes a booking and payment for a coaching session, program, or event through the Platform. Both parties acknowledge that by completing the booking, they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this Contract.
This Contract, together with the BESA Coaching Terms of Service, Refund & Cancellation Policy, No Show Policy, and Coaching Disclaimer, constitutes the entire agreement between the Coach and Client with respect to coaching services provided through the Platform.
2.1 Coaching Services. The Coach agrees to provide coaching services as described in their profile and service listing on the BESA Coaching platform at the time of booking. Services may include, depending on the Coach's specialty and listing:
2.2 Service Limitations. Coaching services explicitly exclude:
2.3 Session Specifications. The specific scope, duration, format, and frequency of sessions are as described in the Coach's service listing and confirmed at the time of booking. Any changes to session specifications must be agreed upon by both parties in writing through the Platform.
2.4 Delivery Format. Unless otherwise specified in the service listing, sessions are delivered via video conference through the Platform's Zoom integration. Both parties are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary technology, internet connection, and software to participate.
The Coach is an independent contractor, not an employee, agent, partner, or joint venturer of BESA Coaching or the Client. Nothing in this Contract creates an employment relationship between the Coach and BESA Coaching or the Client.
As an independent contractor, the Coach:
4.1 Both Parties Agree To:
4.2 Coach Professional Standards. The Coach additionally agrees to:
4.3 Client Responsibilities. The Client additionally agrees to:
5.1 Core Ethical Principles. All Coaches on the Platform agree to uphold the following core ethical principles, consistent with the ICF Code of Ethics (2020) and equivalent standards from recognized coaching bodies:
5.2 Scope of Practice. Coaches agree to operate within the scope of coaching as defined by the ICF and described in the Coaching Disclaimer. Specifically:
5.3 Ethics Violations. Violations of these ethical standards may result in account suspension, termination, forfeiture of pending payouts, and referral to the relevant professional body (e.g., ICF Ethics Review Board). Clients who believe a Coach has violated these standards should report the concern to [email protected].
5.4 Continuing Education. BESA Coaching encourages all Coaches to engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education to maintain and improve their coaching competence. Premium subscribers have access to BESA Coaching's professional development resources.
5.1 Session Fees. The Client agrees to pay the session fee as listed on the Coach's profile at the time of booking. All fees are in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise specified. Payment is due at the time of booking sessions will not be confirmed until payment is received and processed.
5.2 Platform Commission Rate Schedule. BESA Coaching deducts a platform commission from each transaction before disbursement. The applicable rate depends on the host type:
This commission covers platform infrastructure, payment processing, fraud prevention, customer support, and operational costs. Commission is calculated on the gross transaction amount before any applicable taxes or fees.
5.3 Payment Processing, Automated Payouts & Banking. All payments are processed through Stripe, Inc. By completing a booking, the Client authorizes the charge to their designated payment method. BESA Coaching does not store full payment card numbers. For coaching sessions and programs, coach payouts are processed automatically upon payment confirmation via Stripe Connect typically within minutes. For events, payouts are processed within 14 days of event conclusion. Coaches and client hosts must complete Stripe Connect onboarding (including identity verification and bank account linking) to receive automated payouts. If a recipient has not completed onboarding at the time of payment, funds will be held by BESA Coaching and disbursed manually once onboarding is complete. BESA Coaching maintains its primary operating and disbursement accounts with Bank of America, N.A. All platform funds are processed through BESA Coaching's Bank of America accounts prior to disbursement via Stripe Connect.
5.4 Price Changes. Coaches may update their session rates at any time. Price changes apply to new bookings only — confirmed bookings are honored at the rate in effect at the time of booking.
5.5 Taxes — Coach Responsibility. The Coach is an independent contractor and is solely responsible for all applicable taxes on income received through the Platform, including U.S. federal and state income taxes, self-employment taxes, and any applicable VAT, GST, or other indirect taxes in the Coach's jurisdiction. BESA Coaching does not withhold income taxes on behalf of Coaches except as required by applicable law (see Section 6A for backup withholding). The Client is responsible for any applicable taxes on services received. Nothing in this Contract constitutes tax advice; both parties are encouraged to consult qualified tax professionals.
5.6 Payout Eligibility Condition. As a condition of receiving any payout through the Platform, the Coach must have a valid, BESA-approved tax form on file (IRS Form W-9 for U.S. residents; IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E for non-U.S. residents). Payouts will be held until a valid tax form is submitted and approved. The Coach acknowledges that this requirement is a non-negotiable condition of the coaching relationship facilitated through the Platform and agrees to submit the required form promptly upon registration or upon request by BESA Coaching.
6A.1 W-9 Requirement (U.S. Coaches). Coaches who are U.S. citizens, U.S. resident aliens, or U.S.-organized entities must submit a completed IRS Form W-9 through the Platform's tax compliance portal. The W-9 must include:
6A.2 W-8BEN / W-8BEN-E Requirement (Non-U.S. Coaches). Coaches who are not U.S. tax residents must submit the applicable W-8 form:
6A.3 IRS $600 Threshold & 1099-NEC. The following rules apply to all Coaches regardless of residency:
6A.4 Backup Withholding (24%) — When It Applies. BESA Coaching is required by U.S. federal law (IRC § 3406) to apply 24% backup withholding on payments to Coaches in the following circumstances:
When backup withholding applies: (a) BESA Coaching will deduct 24% from each payout; (b) the withheld amount will be remitted to the IRS on the Coach's behalf; (c) the remaining 76% will be disbursed to the Coach; (d) BESA Coaching will provide the Coach with documentation of amounts withheld. Backup withholding is not a penalty — it is a tax prepayment mechanism. Coaches may be able to claim a credit for withheld amounts on their annual federal income tax return. BESA Coaching is not liable for any tax liability, penalties, or interest incurred by a Coach as a result of the Coach's failure to submit a valid tax form.
6A.5 International Coach Payout Conditions. Non-U.S. Coaches acknowledge and agree to the following additional conditions:
6A.6 Tax Form Updates. The Coach is responsible for updating their tax form whenever their information changes, including: change of name, address, TIN, tax residency status, or entity type. Updated forms must be submitted through the Platform's tax compliance portal. BESA Coaching will review updated forms within 5 business days. During the review period, payouts will continue based on the previously approved form unless the prior form has expired or been revoked.
6A.7 Indemnification for Tax Non-Compliance. The Coach agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless BESA Coaching and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, penalties, interest, fines, or other liabilities imposed by the IRS or any other tax authority arising from: (a) the Coach's failure to submit a valid tax form; (b) inaccurate information provided on a tax form; (c) the Coach's failure to report or pay taxes on income earned through the Platform; or (d) any incorrect treaty claim made on a W-8 form. This indemnification obligation survives termination of this Contract.
6.1 Event Tickets. All event ticket purchases are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable from the moment the transaction is completed. This applies to all event types BESA Official Events, Coach-Hosted Events, and Client-Hosted Community Events. The only exception is if the event host (Coach, Client, or BESA Coaching) cancels the Event entirely and does not reschedule within 30 days, in which case a full refund of the ticket face value will be issued to the purchaser. All refunds for cancelled events will be distributed to ticket holders within 14 days of the originally scheduled event date. If a Client-hosted Community Event is cancelled or BESA Coaching revokes its approval, ticket purchasers will receive a full refund within the same 14-day window. BESA Coaching's commission is non-refundable in all circumstances.
6.2 Programs & Courses. All program and course purchases are final and non-refundable from the moment the transaction is completed. This applies regardless of the reason for non-completion, including change of mind, scheduling conflicts, or dissatisfaction with content. The only exception is if the Coach cancels the Program before it begins and does not reschedule within 14 days, in which case a full refund of the program purchase price will be issued. BESA Coaching's commission is non-refundable in all circumstances.
6.3 Coach Delivery Obligation. By creating and selling Events and Programs through the Platform, the Coach makes a binding commitment to deliver the services as described. Failure to deliver without reasonable cause may result in refund obligations, account consequences, and liability to affected Clients.
Full details are set forth in the Refund & Cancellation Policy, which is incorporated into this Contract by reference.
Individual session cancellations and rescheduling are governed by the Refund & Cancellation Policy and No Show Policy, which are incorporated into this Contract by reference. Key provisions:
9.1 Coach Confidentiality Obligation. The Coach agrees to maintain strict confidentiality of all information shared by the Client during coaching sessions, including personal circumstances, goals, challenges, business information, and any other information disclosed in the context of the coaching relationship. This obligation:
9.2 Exceptions to Confidentiality. The Coach's confidentiality obligation does not apply where:
9.3 HIPAA Notice & Health Information Safeguards. Coaching sessions on the BESA Coaching platform are not covered healthcare services under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Coaches are not covered entities or business associates under HIPAA unless they independently hold a healthcare license and operate in a clinical capacity. However, BESA Coaching and Coaches agree to apply the following HIPAA-adjacent safeguards to health-related information shared in coaching sessions:
9.4 Platform Data. Client information stored on the Platform (session notes, messages, etc.) is subject to BESA Coaching's Privacy Policy and Data Processing Agreement. BESA Coaching may access such data for platform operations, dispute resolution, and legal compliance as described in those documents.
9.5 Client Confidentiality. The Client agrees to maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary coaching methodologies, frameworks, or materials shared by the Coach and to not disclose them to third parties without the Coach's written consent.
9.6 International Data Transfers. Where Client data is transferred internationally (e.g., between a Coach and Client in different countries), such transfers are subject to BESA Coaching's Data Processing Agreement and applicable data transfer mechanisms (e.g., EU Standard Contractual Clauses). See the Data Processing Agreement for details.
9.1 Coach IP Ownership. All coaching materials, frameworks, methodologies, worksheets, templates, exercises, and other content created by the Coach and shared during coaching sessions remain the exclusive intellectual property of the Coach. No transfer of ownership occurs through the coaching relationship.
9.2 Client License. The Client receives a limited, personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license to use Coach-provided materials solely for their own personal development purposes. The Client may not:
9.3 Session Recordings. Neither party may record sessions without the explicit prior written consent of the other party. If a recording is made with consent, the recording is owned by the Coach unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Client may not distribute, publish, or commercialize any session recording without the Coach's written consent.
9.4 BESA Coaching IP. Nothing in this Contract grants either party any rights in BESA Coaching's intellectual property, including the Platform, trademarks, or proprietary technology.
10.1 Coach Representations. The Coach represents and warrants that:
10.2 Client Representations. The Client represents and warrants that:
Both parties acknowledge and agree that:
The full Coaching Disclaimer is incorporated into this Contract by reference.
12.1 Coach Liability Cap. The Coach's total aggregate liability to the Client for any and all claims arising from or related to coaching services provided under this Contract is limited to the total fees actually paid by the Client to the Coach for the specific sessions giving rise to the claim, in the 12 months preceding the claim.
12.2 Excluded Damages. Neither the Coach nor BESA Coaching shall be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, loss of data, loss of business opportunities, or any other economic loss, arising from or related to coaching services, regardless of the theory of liability.
12.3 BESA Coaching Liability. BESA Coaching's liability is governed by the Terms of Service. BESA Coaching is not liable for the coaching services provided by independent Coaches.
12.4 Essential Basis. The parties acknowledge that these liability limitations are an essential element of the basis of the bargain between them and that neither party would have entered into this Contract without these limitations.
Each party agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other party and BESA Coaching from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:
14.1 Termination by Either Party. Either party may terminate the coaching relationship at any time with reasonable advance notice through the Platform. "Reasonable notice" means at least 24 hours for individual sessions and at least 7 days for ongoing coaching relationships or programs.
14.2 Effect of Termination. Upon termination:
14.3 Termination for Cause. Either party may terminate immediately for cause, including: material breach of this Contract, violation of professional ethics standards, harassment or abusive conduct, or fraudulent misrepresentation. Termination for cause by the Coach does not entitle the Client to a refund for sessions already delivered.
15.1 Direct Resolution. The parties agree to first attempt to resolve any dispute arising from this Contract through direct, good-faith communication. Most disputes can be resolved through open dialogue.
15.2 BESA Coaching Mediation. If direct resolution fails, either party may request BESA Coaching's assistance in mediating the dispute by contacting [email protected]. BESA Coaching will make reasonable efforts to facilitate a resolution but is not obligated to do so and its determination is not binding.
15.3 Arbitration. If mediation fails, disputes shall be resolved through binding individual arbitration in accordance with Section 19 of the BESA Coaching Terms of Service, which is incorporated herein by reference.
15.4 Governing Law. This Contract is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States.
This Contract is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes not resolved through arbitration shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Virginia.
However, mandatory consumer protection laws of the user's country of residence apply to the extent they provide greater protection than Virginia law. The following table summarizes the applicable legal framework for users in key jurisdictions:
| Jurisdiction | Applicable Law | Key Consumer Rights |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Virginia law; applicable federal law | Arbitration per Terms of Service Section 19; state consumer protection laws apply |
| European Union / EEA | Virginia law + mandatory EU consumer law | EU Consumer Rights Directive; right to bring proceedings in country of residence; EU ODR platform |
| United Kingdom | Virginia law + mandatory UK consumer law | Consumer Rights Act 2015; right to bring proceedings in UK courts |
| Australia | Virginia law + Australian Consumer Law (ACL) | ACL consumer guarantees cannot be excluded; ACCC oversight |
| Canada | Virginia law + applicable provincial law | Provincial consumer protection legislation; Quebec: Consumer Protection Act |
| Brazil | Virginia law + CDC (Consumer Protection Code) | 7-day withdrawal right (Art. 49 CDC); PROCON / Senacon oversight |
| Japan | Virginia law + ASCT + Consumer Contract Act | Pre-contractual disclosure requirements; Consumer Affairs Agency oversight |
| India | Virginia law + Consumer Protection Act 2019 | Grievance Officer: [email protected]; CDRC oversight |
| South Africa | Virginia law + Consumer Protection Act 68/2008 | 5-day cooling-off for direct marketing; NCC oversight |
| Singapore | Virginia law + CPFTA | Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act; CASE oversight |
E-Signature Compliance. Both parties agree that electronic acceptance of this Contract (by completing a booking through the Platform) is legally binding and has the same force and effect as a handwritten signature under applicable electronic signature laws, including:
BESA Coaching maintains records of electronic acceptances (including timestamp, IP address, and user account) as evidence of contract formation. These records are available upon request for legal or compliance purposes.
18.1 Entire Agreement. This Contract, together with the BESA Coaching Terms of Service, Refund & Cancellation Policy, No Show Policy, Coaching Disclaimer, and User Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the Coach and Client with respect to coaching services provided through the Platform. It supersedes all prior verbal or written agreements.
18.2 Amendments. This Contract may not be amended except by written agreement signed by both parties or by BESA Coaching's update to the Terms of Service with appropriate notice.
18.3 Severability. If any provision of this Contract is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force.
18.4 Waiver. Failure by either party to enforce any provision of this Contract shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
18.5 Assignment. Neither party may assign their rights or obligations under this Contract without the other party's written consent, except that BESA Coaching may assign its rights in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
18.6 Force Majeure. Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform due to causes beyond their reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, pandemic, government action, or internet/telecommunications failures, provided they give prompt notice and use reasonable efforts to resume performance.
18.7 Electronic Acceptance. Both parties agree that electronic acceptance of this Contract (by completing a booking through the Platform) is legally binding and has the same force and effect as a handwritten signature under applicable electronic signature laws, including the U.S. E-SIGN Act, EU eIDAS Regulation, UK Electronic Communications Act 2000, and equivalent laws in other jurisdictions. See Section 17 for the full e-signature compliance framework.
18.8 Language. This Contract is written in English. Where translations are provided for convenience, the English version governs in the event of any conflict.
For questions about this Contract or to report a dispute:
B.E.S.A Legal & Support
Legal inquiries: [email protected]
Dispute support: [email protected]
BESA Coaching is operated by B.E.S.A. "BESA" stands for Believe, Empower, Strive, and Achieve.
This document is provided for informational purposes. For questions, contact [email protected]. Nothing on this platform constitutes legal advice.