Children's Recreation Programs: Should You Sign a Contract?

By Michele Blandino

Recreation programs for children have become a big business. For reasons not totally clear, the impromptu games between neighborhood kids have given way to organized instruction and increasing pressure to identify one primary activity by age ten. As a result, parents find themselves able to choose from a number of different options for activities ranging from dance classes to karate lessons.

With this freedom of choice, however, comes competition. And, while the competition comes primarily in the form of price, some establishments also compete for the child's time by suggesting - sometimes quite strongly - that the child devote a predetermined amount of time to that activity.

Besides your overall comfort with the instructor and the quality of the program being offered, one of the first things you should look for when evaluating instructors and programs is whether or not you will be required to sign a contract. Unfortunately, the use of contracts is becoming all too common in children's activities, putting parents in the uncomfortable position of having to decide whether or not to allow their child to try a particular activity.

Why Contracts?

The managers who require contracts say they do so to ensure the child will remain committed to their program. With so many activities and interests competing for a child's attention, ensuring they are committed for a pre-determined period of time - typically one year - helps guard against children abandoning the activity after a few weeks. This, in turn, helps to guarantee, at least to some extent, the manager's revenue stream.

Some managers use contracts in an attempt to "up-sell" their clients. Those who sign a contract and make a commitment of time and money to the program may be offered services and benefits not available to those who pay on a month-by-month basis. These benefits might include specialized instruction, individual attention or additional access to the facilities.

Should You Sign?

There are rarely instances in which signing a contract is a good idea. Locking a child into a particular activity for a year - and sometimes longer - can have disastrous results. Because a significant amount of money is usually at stake, parents will likely pressure the child to continue with the activity even if the child is unhappy. And, since so much time and money is being committed to one activity, parents may be reluctant to let their child try other things. In either case, the child will eventually become resentful and unhappy.

What You Can Do

When a manager or instructor tries to sell you a contract, politely, but firmly, refuse. If you really like the facility or the instructor, ask if there are any alternative arrangements that can be made. More often than not, they will be willing to work with you rather than risk losing your business.