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