Description of International Coach Federation (ICF)
Coaching Referral Service (CRS)

The ICF CRS is a computerized coach warehouse

The ICF Coaching Referral Service system is computerized warehouse of thousands (possibly over 10,000) of ICF member coaches.

The CRS then provides a listing of coaches with brief profiles showing a potential matching rating in descending order calculated by the computer from the data imputed by the clients and the coaches.

You are welcome to visit the ICF Coach Referral Service for yourself

The CRS is a secondary activity for the ICF

The two primary revenue streams for the ICF are the fees collected for membership and the granting of coach certifications. The ICF Coaching Referral Service (CRS) is provided to ICF member coaches only as one of several different services.

Potential clients must accept User Agreement prior to using the CRS.

The User Agreement includes: “By utilizing the ICF Coaching Referral System, you agree to hold the ICF harmless from any and all claims which may arise as a result of your using the information provided.”

ICF does NOT screen or verify coach qualifications

The User Agreement also includes: “The qualifications of coaches listed, and the information provided is not verified by the ICF in any way. Individuals utilizing this database are urged to take reasonable steps to verify the qualifications of any potential coach.”

The ICF provides virtually no help to potential clients.

ICF provides no contact or support for potential clients. It is not their focus.

Potential clients must self diagnose coaching needs. They must complete very detailed forms, selecting from 37 areas to be coached and 87 different experiences desired in the coach.

It is only “intended to be used as a tool for potential coaching clients to select a coach.”

Potential Clients can submit Request for Proposal (RFP)

Clients left to own to develop open ended RFP. Responses can be overwhelming.

User Agreement states: “RFP will remain posted for 30 days, after which it will expire in the system. During this 30-day period, ICF Credentialed members may respond through the CRS platform to your RFP a total of two times.

Analysis

User Unfriendly

System designed by coaches for coaches. Totally computerized. Little support from ICF to help potential clients. Clients required to self diagnose, complete numerous forms, and wade through high volume of brief profiles to find a coach.

Clients Beware!

ICF does not screen, verify or concern itself with information provided by coaches.

ICF requires potential clients to hold ICF harmless!

Potential clients might have better luck with less contract demands through open Internet searches.

Success rates of clients not important

System set up to have clients find a coach with no interest by ICF of quality matches or successful coaching. ICF offers no follow up to coaches or clients.

Comparison of International Coach Federation (ICF)
Coaching Referral Service (CRS) with The Coach Connection

Purpose of Provider

The Coach Connection

ICF Coaching Referral Service

To guarantee that TCC clients will achieve their coachable goals faster, easier, and more completely than elsewhere.

Provide computerized place for member coaches to list their services.

Initial Contact

The Coach Connection

ICF Coaching Referral Service

Free “Discovery Conversation” with a client Advocate, to discover real objectives of clients and if client is best served with coaching. Commission free, pressure free, and obligation free.

No personal contact. Clients must wade through cumbersome computer forms.

Coach Qualifications

The Coach Connection

ICF Coaching Referral Service

Coaches are admitted to the TCC pool only after extensive screening and evaluation – less than 7% of coaches are admitted from those who apply.

There are no published standards or qualification or screening of coaches.

Contracts

The Coach Connection

ICF Coaching Referral Service

None. TCC clients do not sign a contract with TCC or the TCC coaches.

Clients must execute ICF protective User Agreement beforehand, to wit “By utilizing the ICF Coach Referral System, you agree to hold the ICF harmless from any and all claims which may arise as a result of your using the information provided.”

Fees and Guarantees

The Coach Connection

ICF Coaching Referral Service

The fee for the initial coaching cycle is $389 and include a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee. Fees for subsequent cycles vary between $300 to $495 depending on the coach and number of sessions. TCC coach fees average 40% less than the industry average.

Coaching prices range from $100 per month to over $1,000 per month. Prices based upon direct negotiations with individual coaches. No guarantees offered by ICF, and rarely by individual coaches.

Confidentiality Protection

The Coach Connection

ICF Coaching Referral Service

Complete confidentiality between the client and coach. Coaches are forbidden to reveal what transpires during coaching to anyone, including TCC personnel.

Unknown. Not sure who sees completed client forms and RFP’s are left on system for 30 days. Otherwise, depends on integrity of indiviual coach.

6 Essential Conditions for Success through Coaching

The Coach Connection

ICF Coaching Referral Service

Deliberately establishes all 6 conditions before commencing any coaching activities.

Does not address the 6 conditions and violates at least 4 of them: coachable goals, only provide true coaching, ideal coach, and confidentiality.

Client Success Rate

The Coach Connection

ICF Coaching Referral Service

More than 96% of clients report they achieved or exceeded their goals.

The ICF does not concern itself with coaching success. Given hands off computerized system and the violation of the 6 Essential conditions, it is likely their success rates are any better than the industry average of 38%.

Transparency of information

The Coach Connection

ICF Coaching Referral Service

Presents comprehensive information on the website and in the Discovery Conversation.

The fully computerized system is fairly easy to understand, but obtaining accurate information from coaches varies widely.

DISCLAIMER: We have collected the information on this page with the intent to be as accurate as possible. If any mistakes exist, they are due only to human error and not a deliberate effort to spin the information. We welcome additional information or corrections so as to make this page be as accurate as possible. If you can provide such additional information or corrections, please contact us immediately so we can modify this page.