From January 1, 2022, the Sports Administration (SA) officially implemented the ‘Mandatory and Prohibitory Provisions of Standard Contracts for Gyms (Fitness Centers)’ and the new ‘Mandatory and Prohibitory Provisions of Standard Contracts for Fitness Instructors’. To assist fitness center operators, local governments and consumers fully understand the new measures, Q&A have been compiled regarding the key points of revisions and frequently asked questions.

The SA stated that the ‘Mandatory and Prohibitory Provisions of Standard Contracts for Gyms (Fitness Centers)’ Q&A and the new ‘Mandatory and Prohibitory Provisions of Standard Contracts for Fitness Instructors’ Q&A cover the main points of revision; they provide explanation for questions on “contract review period”, “contract performance guarantee”, “suspension of membership”, “operator obligation for notification and announcement” and “calculation of service charge for return of fee” when a contract is cancelled. For example, if a member requests for personal leave, can an operator deduct money? Can a member terminate a contract before the term of that contract has concluded? The SA uses examples to let consumers, operators and local governments more clearly understand related regulations. Related information has been posted in Latest News on the Sports Administration official website. It is hoped that consumer knowledge will be increased so that people can protect themselves, protecting their fitness consumer rights and reducing the occurrence of consumer disputes.

The SA also reminded fitness center operators that, during the COVID-19 epidemic prevention period, the “COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention Management Guide for Competitive and Leisure Sports Venue” should be followed and epidemic
prevention measures implemented; of these, regarding personnel service conditions, from January 1, 2022. Instructors belonging to fitness centers (one on one instruction) are required to have been double vaccinated for at least 14 days before providing service; if a doctor advisers against vaccination or a person cannot be vaccinated for personal reasons, prior to providing service for the first time they must provide a negative PCR test from within the previous three days and must undergo a weekly antibody rapid test (including home use rapid test) or PCR at their own expense from then on to provide service. For detailed regulations, see the Sports Administration official website/latest news. (
https://www.sa.gov.tw/News/NewsDetail?Type=1&id=3542&n=93)