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Freelancers 101
Essential resources for coaches and instructors who are working as, or starting out as freelancers.
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Tripartite Standards
The Tripartite Standard on Contracting with Self-Employed Persons (TS-SEP) is a national baseline of fair contracting practices between a freelancer and service buyer to address issue of payment-related disputes involving SEPs, which usually occur because (a) there is no written contract; or (b) the written contract lacks important terms and/or the terms are unclear. Government, as a service buyer, is an adopter of the Tripartite Standard and the terms and payment of products or services to be delivered are documented in writing.
GeBIZ
In GeBIZ, schools specify their job’s requirements, terms, and conditions in the Invitation to Quote / Tender document. An instructor risks being contractually penalized if he/she is awarded a job but fails to perform to the job specifications.Here are a few things you must know:
1. Contact and clarify...
with the school promptly if you have questions about the specifications for the job, e.g., how the school plans to use your materials. Price your offer and proposal accordingly.
2. If the timeline is tight
you can submit a realistic “base offer” for the job specifications AND an alternative offer that outlines your proposed changes to the specifications.
3. Only submit bids...
for the job if you can fulfill its specifications. The specifications include the job requirements, terms, and conditions and form part of the contractual agreement.
Definition of Soliciting for Private Coaching
Soliciting for private coaching refers to any actions or behaviors by MOE registered coaches that actively seek to promote or offer private tuition services to students. This includes but is not limited to the following:
1. Direct Promotion
- Verbally informing students about their private coaching services.
- Distributing flyers, business cards, or promotional materials to students.
- Using school events, activities, or any school-related interactions to market their services.
2. Indirect Promotion
- Mentioning their private coaching services during conversations with students, parents, or other school staff.
- Using social media or digital platforms to connect with students and promote private coaching services.
- Leaving promotional materials in school areas frequented by students (e.g., libraries, common areas).
3. Conflict of Interest
- Providing preferential treatment or promising better outcomes in school sports/activities in exchange for engaging in private coaching.
4. Use of School Resources
- Utilizing school facilities (e.g., classrooms, sports halls) for private coaching sessions without official approval.
- Using school communication channels (e.g., email, messaging platforms) to promote private coaching services.
5. Financial Transactions
- Engaging in any form of financial transaction related to private coaching on school premises.
- Discussing or negotiating fees for private coaching with students or their parents within the school environment.
Guidelines for Freelance Coaches
To maintain professionalism and ethical standards, freelance coaches should adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Maintain Professional Boundaries
- Focus solely on the coaching responsibilities assigned by the school.
- Refrain from discussing or promoting private coaching services with students.
2. Professional Development
- Engage in ongoing professional development to understand and adhere to ethical coaching practices.
- Stay informed about MOE policies and updates regarding freelance coaching in schools.
3. Avoid Conflicts of Interest
- Do not offer private coaching to students you are currently coaching in the school context.
- Ensure that all students are treated equally and fairly, without any promise of additional benefits through private coaching.
4. Transparent Communication
- Clearly communicate any potential conflicts of interest to the school administration.
- Ensure that all communications with students and parents are transparent and aligned with school policies.
5. Respect School Policies
- Follow all school policies and guidelines regarding interactions with students and the use of school facilities.
- Seek permission from school authorities before using any school resources for coaching-related activities.