What standards, specifications, operating procedures, and methods does Big Blue Swim School use?
Big_Blue_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We offer and grant franchises to operate a BIG BLUE Swim School operating the Swim School Concept and using the BIG BLUE Swim School business system, business formats, methods, procedures, designs, layouts, trade dress, standards, specifications, and Marks, all of which we and our affiliates periodically may improve, further develop, and otherwise modify (collectively, the "Franchise System").
We periodically will advise you or make recommendations regarding the School's operation with respect to:
- (1) standards, specifications, operating procedures, and methods that BIG BLUE Swim Schools use; We may guide you through our various operations and technical manuals, bulletins, and other written materials ("Operations Manual"), by electronic media, by telephone consultation, and/or at our office or the School. If you request and we agree to provide, or we determine that you need, additional or special guidance, assistance, or training, you agree to pay our then-applicable charges, including reasonable training fees and our personnel's daily charges and TRE. Any specific ongoing training, conventions, advice, or assistance we provide does not obligate us to continue providing that training, convention, advice, or assistance, all of which we may discontinue and modify at any time.
The Operations Manual contains mandatory and suggested specifications, standards, operating procedures, and rules we periodically issue for developing and operating a BIG BLUE Swim School ("Brand Standards")
You agree to keep current on the Operations Manual and timely communicate all updates to your employees. You must monitor the System Website and our other communications periodically for updates to the Operations Manual or Brand Standards.
We may periodically designate and approve Brand Standards, manufacturers, suppliers, and/or distributors for the Operating Assets and other services and products we periodically authorize for use or sale by BIG BLUE Swim Schools. You must purchase or lease all Operating Assets and other services and products you use or sell at the School only according to our Brand Standards and, if we require, only from suppliers or distributors we designate or approve (which may include or be limited to us, certain of our affiliates, and/or other restricted sources).
You will not acquire any interest in any Confidential Information, other than the right to use certain Confidential Information as we specify in operating the School during the Term according to Brand Standards and this Agreement's other terms and conditions.
You agree to maintain the condition and appearance of the School, the site, and the Operating Assets in accordance with Brand Standards.
In addition to your obligations described above in clauses (1) through (3), we periodically may modify Brand Standards, which may accommodate regional or local variations, and those modifications may obligate you to invest additional capital in the School and/or incur higher operating costs. You agree to implement any changes in mandatory Brand Standards within the time period we request as if they were part of this Agreement on the Effective Date.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Big Blue Swim School FDD, the franchise operates under a comprehensive system that includes business formats, methods, procedures, designs, layouts, trade dress, standards, and specifications, all of which may be periodically updated by Big Blue Swim School. These elements collectively form the "Franchise System" that franchisees are required to follow. Big Blue Swim School provides guidance and recommendations regarding the school's operation, including standards, specifications, operating procedures, and methods. This guidance is communicated through various channels, including operations and technical manuals, bulletins, electronic media, telephone consultations, and visits to the franchisee's location or Big Blue Swim School's office. Franchisees may incur charges for additional or special guidance and training. The Operations Manual contains mandatory and suggested specifications, standards, operating procedures, and rules for operating a Big Blue Swim School, referred to as "Brand Standards." These standards may be modified periodically to reflect changes in the Brand Standards. Franchisees are responsible for staying current with the Operations Manual and communicating updates to their employees. They must also monitor the System Website and other communications for updates to the Operations Manual or Brand Standards.
Big Blue Swim School may designate and approve Brand Standards, manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors for the Operating Assets and other services and products authorized for use or sale by franchisees. Franchisees are required to purchase or lease all Operating Assets and other services and products according to Big Blue Swim School's Brand Standards and, if required, only from designated or approved suppliers or distributors. Big Blue Swim School and its affiliates may derive revenue from these purchases and leases. If a franchisee wants to use a non-approved supplier, they must demonstrate that the product or service is equivalent in quality and functionality and that the supplier is reputable and adequately insured. The franchisee will bear any costs associated with this evaluation.
The franchisee must maintain the condition and appearance of the school, site, and Operating Assets in accordance with Brand Standards. This includes regular cleaning, repainting, redecorating, and necessary repairs. Big Blue Swim School may modify Brand Standards, which may require additional capital investment or higher operating costs for the franchisee. Franchisees are obligated to implement changes in mandatory Brand Standards within the specified time period. Franchisees are granted the right to use certain Confidential Information as specified by Big Blue Swim School for operating the school according to Brand Standards. This information must be kept confidential and used only for the operation of the Big Blue Swim School franchise.