I exchanged a series of emails with a representative of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). Those emails are below, edited to remove personally identifiable information.
From: "Mr. Jay"
Subject: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 9:19 AM
Good morning Paul. "Mr. Ell" and his staff would be the ones to address and resolve any concerns you may have. The American Taekwondo Association (ATA) is an association through the licensing of its Songahm forms and related material only. "Mr. Ell" has an individually owned and operated business, he and his staff would be the ones to assist you with your concern. The ATA would not have anything to do with tuition contracts. That would be an agreement between yourself and that particular business owner for certain services which they will provide you.
I would like to forward your email email to "Mr. Ell" so he may review your concerns. As a part of the community I am sure he would like to know if there is a concern with one of this consumers. If you would provide me with your best contact number; I will contact you to review your concerns. I may be contacted if you have any additional questions. Thank you for your time once again.
"Mr. Jay"
ATA/WTTU/STF International Headquarters
From: Paul
Subject: Re: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
To: "Mr. Jay"
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 12:24 PM
Thank you for your response, "Mr. Jay."
I did not think ATA would be able to help, but I wanted to give the organization an opportunity to respond.
Feel free to forward my message on, but none of this should be news to the "Ells."
It looks like I'm pretty much stuck, and will do what I can to warn people, in the hopes that others won't have to experience this sort of issue.
My work number is 602-xxx-xxxx, and my cell number is 623-xxx-xxxx.
Paul
From: Paul
Subject: Re: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
To: "Mr. Jay"
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009, 10:07 AM
I wanted to send a quick email to let you know that I received your voicemail yesterday. I don't feel right about making personal long distance telephone calls on my employer's dime, which is why I did not call back.
My cell phone coverage in the office isn't so good, but I can go for a walk during lunch and give you a call then, if you prefer.
From: "Mr. Jay"
Subject: Re: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
To: "Paul"
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009, 11:10 AM
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today sir. If you would like ATA to send your email to The "Ells" just let me know sir.
"Mr. Jay"
ATA/WTTU/STF International Headquarters
We had a brief phone conversation. "Mr. Jay" explained that what ATA licenses is the Songahm forms, and that the school agrees to teach those forms. Other than that, the school is under no further obligation from ATA. The school can, but does not have to, use the 'ATA' name. The rest of their curriculum can be whatever the instructor feels is appropriate. And apparently, if a school treats a customer poorly, there isn't a lot ATA can do about it.
"Mr. Jay" asked whether he wanted me to forward my email to the "Ells." I initially told him that it probably wouldn't do any good and not to worry about it. But I soon changed my mind.
From: Paul
Subject: Re: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
To: "Mr. Jay"
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009, 11:22 AM
At the risk of sounding indecisive, if you are willing to contact the "Ells" on my behalf, I would appreciate it. It's worth a try, at least.
I had given up on getting the contract cancelled. While I had not contacted the Better Business Bureau (it didn't occur to me), I have seen an attorney, who sent them a letter (it was ignored), and have gotten to the point of picketing the school, and starting a web site about this whole thing.
I am embarrassed to say, however, that I didn't talk to "Mr. Ell" directly, based on perhaps faulty assumptions. Our issue is with "Ms. Ell," and I understood that she dealt with everything related to contracts. "Mr. Ell" knew that there was an issue, and I assumed that he had left this situation in her hands to deal with. In short, I assumed they were in agreement.
I appreciate how quickly you responded to my email, and thank you for explaining the relationship between the ATA and its schools. It has been a pleasure talking with you.
In the previous email, I share a regret for not talking to "Mr. Ell" directly. My regret stems from not giving him the opportunity to intervene or to tell me directly that they can treat their contracted customers however they wish.
From: "Mr. Jay"
Subject: Re: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
To: "Paul"
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 7:42 AM
God morning sir. I was just checking back to see if "Mr. Ell" had spoken to you?
"Mr. Jay"
ATA/WTTU/STF International Headquarters
From: Paul
Subject: Re: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
To: "Mr. Jay"
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 10:02 PM
Good evening, "Mr. Jay." "Mr. Ell" has not spoken with me.
Thanks for following up with me.
Paul
From: "Mr. Jay"
Subject: Re: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
To: "Paul"
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 1:01 PM
I just wanted to stay in touch with you sir. I just spoke to "Mr. Ell" and said he is aware of the incident. I did forward your concern to him for his review. I asked him to email you and Cc me as well. I hope this will help resolve your concern sir.
"Mr. Jay"
ATA/WTTU/STF International Headquarters
From: "Mr. Jay"
Subject: Re: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
To: "Paul"
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 3:54 PM
Good evening sir. I apologize for the delay as I was out of the office for a couple of days. Have the "Ells" contacted you sine we last emailed? I was able to speak to "Mr. Ell." He has seen your email sir. I hope this will help you in regards to your concern.
"Mr. Jay"
ATA/WTTU/STF International Headquarters
From: Paul
Subject: Re: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
To: "Mr. Jay"
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 10:21 PM
No, "Mr. Jay," I have not yet heard from the "Ells."
Thanks for following up.
Paul
From: Paul
Subject: Re: Tuition cancellation/Parent concern
To: "Mr. Jay"
Date: Sunday, June 28, 2009, 1:31 PM
"Mr. Ell" has apparently decided not to contact me.
Thank you for trying, "Mr. Jay." I appreciate it.
Paul
And that's where things stand for now. On one hand, I appreciate that an ATA representative has been trying to assist. On the other hand, this school carries the ATA name... not exactly the sort of advertisement I'd want if I were the ATA.
