East Lothian Barbell Online Coaching – Terms of Service
Effective Date:
17/02/2025
1. Coaching Service
1.1 Scope of service
- Online coaching includes individualised programming, feedback, technical analysis, and ongoing communication via an agreed-upon platform (e.g., WhatsApp).
- Clients are responsible for executing their training program as prescribed.
- Programs are delivered on a weekly basis through the MetricUX platform.
- Coaching is offered on a monthly subscription basis, with the expectation that clients engage with the service to maximize their progress.
1.2 Programme Delivery
- Clients must ensure they complete and submit their training logs or required documentation for program updates.
- Upon completion of required information, new programs will typically be delivered within one to two days from the completion of the previous program, unless prior arrangements have been made.
1.3 Feedback & Communication
- Office Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (UK time). Messages outside these hours may receive a delayed response.
- Video feedback, technical analysis, and general inquiries will be addressed promptly, with a commitment to maintaining a high level of engagement.
- Check-ins can be scheduled upon request and must be agreed upon in advance.
- Feedback forms may also be presented from time to time.
2. Competition Support
2.1 In-Person Handling
- For competitions, in-person handling is generally available, subject to the Coach’s availability.
- If another handler is preferred, a strategy meeting can be arranged to discuss game-day plans.
2.2 Remote Support
- For international competitions, the Coach will endeavor to be available via text or messaging support during the competition.
3. Payment & Refund Policy
3.1 Payment Terms
- Coaching is billed on a monthly basis in advance, with payment securing the Client’s access to coaching services for that month.
- Payment is due on the 1st of each calendar month, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
- The preferred payment method is bank transfer via direct debit. Clients will be provided with the necessary payment details upon registration.
- Alternative payment methods may be considered at the Coach’s discretion, but timely payment remains the Client’s responsibility.
- Failure to make payment by the due date may result in the suspension of coaching services until payment is received. Continued failure to make payment may lead to termination of coaching services.
3.2 Pricing & Adjustments
- The Coach reserves the right to set their own pricing structure for each Client based on the services provided.
- The Coach may adjust pricing at their discretion, with reasonable notice given to active Clients before any changes take effect.
- If a price increase is implemented, Clients will be informed at least one full billing cycle in advance, allowing them to decide whether to continue coaching at the new rate.
- By continuing coaching beyond the notified period, the Client accepts the revised pricing.
3.3 Refunds & Cancellations
- No refunds will be issued once coaching services for a given month have commenced. This includes situations where the Client chooses not to utilize the coaching services for any reason.
- Clients may cancel their coaching subscription for the following month by providing written notice before the next billing cycle (i.e., before the 1st of the month).
- If notice is not provided before the billing cycle, the Client remains responsible for that month’s payment.
- In exceptional circumstances (e.g., serious injury, medical conditions preventing training), refund requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis, at the sole discretion of the Coach.
4. Client Responsibilities
4.1 Commitment & Engagement
- Clients are responsible for actively participating in their coaching by:
- Following the prescribed training program to the best of their ability.
- Providing regular training updates, including submitting videos for technical feedback where applicable.
- Seeking clarification when unsure about any aspect of their programming.
- Implementing modifications or adjustments as advised by the Coach.
- Clients must communicate openly and accurately, particularly regarding:
- Injuries or medical conditions that may impact training.
- Fatigue, recovery status, or external factors affecting performance.
- Upcoming competitions or changes in training availability.
- The accuracy of the information provided to the Coach is critical for effective coaching.
- Deliberately withholding or misrepresenting relevant details (e.g., injury history, current health status, training experience) may result in the Coach terminating services.
- Clients should maintain an honest and proactive approach to their coaching, as failure to communicate properly can limit the effectiveness of the program and increase the risk of injury.
4.2 Conduct & Expectations
- All communication between the Client and the Coach should remain respectful, professional, and constructive. This includes:
- Using appropriate language in messages and discussions.
- Respecting the Coach’s time, including adhering to office hours and reasonable response times.
- Engaging in coaching discussions with a willingness to learn and improve.
- The Coach reserves the right to terminate coaching services immediately if a Client engages in any of the following behaviors:
- Abusive, aggressive, or disrespectful language towards the Coach or others.
- Harassment, discrimination, or offensive conduct in any form.
- Repeated failure to adhere to coaching guidelines, including ignoring feedback, misrepresenting progress, or disregarding safety instructions.
- Failure to make payment or consistent non-compliance with payment terms.
- Sharing confidential coaching materials (e.g., programs, videos, training plans) with third parties without permission.
- Any behavior that damages the professional relationship between the Client and the Coach or that disrupts the training process.
- If coaching is terminated due to misconduct or breach of these Terms, the Client will not be entitled to a refund for any remaining coaching period.
5. Confidentiality
5.1 General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- East Lothian Barbell complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws.
- Personal data collected from clients—including but not limited to name, contact details, health information, and training history—is stored securely and used only for the purposes of providing coaching services.
- Personal data will never be shared, sold, or disclosed to third parties without explicit consent, except where required by law.
- Clients have the right to access, amend, or request the deletion of their personal data at any time. Requests should be made in writing.
5.2 Use of Emergency Contacts
- Clients may be required to provide an emergency contact for safety purposes.
- Emergency contacts will only be used in cases where there is a reasonable belief that the client is at risk of serious harm (e.g., medical emergencies, injury, or unresponsiveness).
- The Coach will attempt to contact the Client first before reaching out to an emergency contact, unless immediate action is required.
- Emergency contact details are stored securely and not shared with any third parties.
5.3 Confidentiality of Client Communications
- All communications between the Client and the Coach—including messages, check-ins, video reviews, and training discussions—are treated as confidential.
- The Coach will not share client progress, videos, or discussions publicly without explicit consent.
- Clients are expected to respect the confidentiality of the coaching service and not share training materials, programs, or messages outside of personal use.
5.4 Exceptions to Confidentiality
- The Coach may be legally required to break confidentiality in the following situations:
- If the Client discloses information suggesting they or someone else is at serious risk of harm.
- If required by law enforcement, court order, or safeguarding obligations.
6. Liability & Disclaimers
6.1 Assumption of Risk
- Strength training, powerlifting, strongman and other forms of physical exercise inherently involve risks of injury, strain, or adverse health effects. These may include, but are not limited to, muscle soreness, joint pain, strains, sprains, fractures, or in rare cases, serious medical events such as cardiovascular issues and death.
- By participating in East Lothian Barbell Online Coaching, the Client acknowledges that they are engaging in training at their own risk. It is the Client’s sole responsibility to ensure they are in suitable physical condition to undertake a training program.
- Clients should consult a qualified medical professional before beginning or continuing any exercise program, particularly if they have pre-existing medical conditions, injuries, or health concerns.
- The Coach is not a medical professional and does not provide medical diagnoses, prescriptions, or treatment. Any guidance provided regarding injuries, mobility, or recovery is based on general coaching knowledge and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
- The Client agrees that the Coach shall not be held liable for any injuries, health complications, or adverse effects resulting from their participation in training, whether inside or outside the gym.
- By entering into this coaching agreement, the Client fully assumes all risks associated with training and waives any claims against the Coach for injuries or damages that may arise. This agreement is legally binding.
6.2 No Guarantee of Results
- While East Lothian Barbell is committed to providing high-quality programming, technical feedback, and coaching support, the Client’s progress and results depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to:
- Effort & Consistency: The extent to which the Client follows the prescribed training plan.
- Adherence to Program: Regularly completing assigned training sessions and progressing within the framework provided.
- Lifestyle & Recovery: Factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management, and overall health play a significant role in performance and progress.
- Genetics & Individual Variability: Each person responds differently to training based on biological and physiological factors beyond the Coach’s control.
- The Coach does not and cannot guarantee specific results, such as increased strength, muscle gain, fat loss, or competition success, within a given timeframe.
- The Client understands that plateaus, setbacks, and variations in progress are normal aspects of long-term training.
- Success in strength training and powerlifting is a long-term process, and results are contingent on commitment, patience, and proper execution of the prescribed training plan.
7. Amendments & Updates
- These terms may be updated periodically. Continued use of coaching implies acceptance of updated terms.