Can Big Blue Swim School terminate the agreement if I am convicted of a felony?

According to the 2025 Big Blue Swim School Franchise Disclosure Document, Big Blue Swim School can terminate the franchise agreement if you, any of your owners, or the owner of a controlling ownership interest in an Entity with an ownership interest in you are convicted of a felony. This includes pleading guilty or no contest to a felony. This condition allows Big Blue Swim School to protect its brand and reputation by disassociating from individuals involved in serious criminal activity.

This provision means that a Big Blue Swim School franchisee's business can be terminated if they or their owners are convicted of a felony. This clause extends not only to the franchisee but also to anyone holding a controlling ownership stake in the entity that owns the franchise. This broad application highlights the importance of ensuring that all individuals with significant financial interest in the franchise maintain a clean legal record.

For a prospective Big Blue Swim School franchisee, this underscores the need for careful vetting of all partners and investors involved in the franchise. A criminal conviction, even if seemingly unrelated to the business, could lead to the termination of the franchise agreement and loss of the investment. Franchisees should seek legal counsel to fully understand the implications of this clause and ensure compliance.