New regulations for sports-related extracurricular training institutions in Guangdong province have been officially implemented, introducing concrete measures to prevent operators from absconding with prepaid fees.

The Guangdong Provincial Sports Bureau and the Department of Education have jointly revised and issued the "Standards for the Establishment of Sports-Related Extracurricular Training Institutions in Guangdong Province." A key provision mandates that institutions cannot charge for courses spanning more than three months or 60 class hours in a single prepayment, with the amount capped at 5,000 yuan. All prepaid fees must be deposited into a designated fund custody account.

These standards, effective immediately for a five-year term, specifically address widespread parental concerns over institutions disappearing with prepayments and difficulties in obtaining refunds. A dedicated "Prepaid Fund Supervision" clause requires institutions to independently select a bank within their local jurisdiction that meets third-party fund custody requirements. They must open a unique, exclusive account for prepaid fund custody.

All training prepayments must be fully deposited into this account; the use of other accounts or non-institutional accounts for fee collection is prohibited. Even fees collected in cash must be fully consolidated into this custody account, adhering to the principle of "all funds that should be custodied, must be custodied." This account is strictly separated from the institution's own operating capital account and cannot be used for financing or guarantees.

Regarding fee management, the new standards explicitly forbid the use of "training loans" for payment. The charging period must align with the teaching schedule. Institutions are required to prominently display their fee items, standards, and refund procedures, and must provide students or their guardians with formal invoices promptly. The standards also encourage institutions to adopt payment models such as "learn first, pay later" or digital yuan.

For safety supervision, the standards set clear requirements for training venues. Prohibited venues include residential apartments, dilapidated buildings, and garages. For chess and card training programs, the per-student floor area per session must be no less than 3 square meters; for other sports, it must be no less than 5 square meters.

As places where people gather, training institutions must comply with fire safety, environmental protection, and hygiene regulations. Obstacles affecting escape routes, such as on windows, balconies, or safety exits, are strictly forbidden. Institutions offering physical fitness or combat sports must be equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Video surveillance must provide full coverage, with recorded data stored for no less than 30 days.

For instructor qualifications, the new standards list six types of recognized certificates. Instructors must hold at least one of the following: a sports coach professional title certificate, a social sports instructor vocational qualification certificate, a sports skill level certificate issued by a national sports association, a physical education teaching qualification certificate, a sports vocational skill level certificate issued by an institution recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, or a relevant certificate recognized by provincial or higher sports authorities. Personnel involved in high-risk sports must also possess nationally mandated professional qualifications.

Furthermore, the standards explicitly prohibit hiring foreign personnel located outside China to conduct training activities. Additionally, institutions must conduct background checks on prospective employees for records of sexual assault, abuse, violent injury, or other criminal offenses; individuals with such records cannot be hired.

Training schedules must not conflict with primary and secondary school hours, and offline training must conclude no later than 8:30 PM.

These standards apply to specialized institutions within Guangdong province that provide sports instruction, training, and coaching to enrolled primary and secondary school students. Sports training activities conducted by institutions affiliated with sports administrative departments at various levels are exempt. Training institutions must obtain an operating permit from the education administrative department before registering with market supervision or civil affairs authorities.