1. Introduction

Welcome to NewieCoaches ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our platform as a coach offering coaching services to clients.

By accessing or using our platform as a coach, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our platform.

Important: As a coach, you are an independent contractor. NewieCoaches acts solely as a digital intermediary and facilitator. We do not employ you and are not responsible for your business operations, insurance, or legal compliance.

2. Your Responsibilities as a Coach

2.1 Business Operations

As an independent contractor, you are solely responsible for:

• Operating your own coaching business
• Setting your own rates and availability
• Managing your own schedule and bookings
• Handling all client communications and relationships
• Providing coaching services directly to clients
• Maintaining your own business records and accounting

2.2 Legal and Regulatory Compliance

You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including:

• Australian Business Number (ABN) registration if required
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) obligations
• Income tax reporting and payment
• Workers' compensation requirements (if applicable)
• Professional licensing requirements for your coaching specialisation
• Privacy Act compliance for client data handling
• Anti-discrimination and equal opportunity laws

2.3 Insurance Requirements

You must maintain appropriate insurance coverage at all times, including:

• Public liability insurance (minimum $10 million recommended)
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Any other insurance required for your specific coaching activities

You must provide proof of current insurance coverage upon request and notify us immediately if your insurance lapses or changes.

2.4 Professional Standards

You must maintain high professional standards, including:

• Providing accurate information about your qualifications and experience
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with clients
• Delivering services in a safe, professional manner
• Respecting client confidentiality and privacy
• Following industry best practices and ethical guidelines
• Continuing professional development in your field

3. Platform Usage and Restrictions

3.1 Account Management

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the security of your account credentials
• Keeping your profile information accurate and up-to-date
• Responding promptly to client inquiries and booking requests
• Managing your availability calendar accurately
• Notifying us of any changes to your contact information

3.2 Prohibited Activities

You must not:

• Provide false or misleading information about your qualifications
• Offer services outside your area of expertise
• Engage in any illegal or unethical conduct
• Harass, abuse, or discriminate against clients
• Use the platform to solicit clients for services outside our platform
• Share your account with other coaches
• Circumvent our platform fees or policies

4. Payment and Fees

4.1 Payment Processing

All payments for your coaching services are processed directly between you and your clients. We do not handle payments or hold funds on your behalf.

4.2 Platform Fees

We may charge platform fees for certain services. Any applicable fees will be clearly disclosed before you agree to use those services. You are responsible for paying all applicable fees.

4.3 Tax Obligations

You are solely responsible for:

• Reporting all income from coaching services
• Paying all applicable taxes
• Maintaining proper business records
• Seeking professional tax advice as needed

5. Liability and Disclaimers

5.1 Your Liability

You are solely responsible for:

• All injuries or damages that occur during your coaching sessions
• Any claims arising from your professional services
• Client disputes and refund requests
• Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Maintaining appropriate insurance coverage

5.2 Our Limitations

NewieCoaches is not liable for:

• Any injuries or damages during your coaching sessions
• Client disputes or complaints about your services
• Your business losses or expenses
• Any legal action taken against you
• Platform downtime or technical issues

5.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless NewieCoaches from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your coaching services or business operations
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any laws or regulations
• Any injury or damage during your coaching sessions
• Any false or misleading information you provide

6. Account Suspension and Termination

6.1 Grounds for Suspension

We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

• Violate these Terms or our platform policies
• Fail to maintain required insurance coverage
• Provide false or misleading information
• Engage in illegal or unethical conduct
• Receive credible complaints about your services
• Fail to respond to client inquiries promptly

6.2 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to the platform will cease immediately
• Your profile will be removed from public view
• You must complete any existing bookings
• You remain liable for any outstanding obligations

7. Privacy and Data Protection

You must comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and other applicable privacy laws when handling client information. This includes:

• Obtaining appropriate consent for data collection
• Securing client data appropriately
• Not disclosing client information without consent
• Allowing clients to access and correct their data
• Retaining data only as long as necessary

8. Dispute Resolution

8.1 Client Disputes

You must resolve all disputes with clients directly. We do not mediate or arbitrate such disputes.

8.2 Platform Disputes

Any disputes arising from these Terms will be governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia, and subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.

9. Modifications to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify coaches of significant changes by email. Your continued use of our platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at: