Parents negotiating children's homework contracts?

This one blew my mind. Honestly, I can't even imagine a parent negotiating a contract on a child's behalf banning their school from giving them homework. Well, that's what two Calgary lawyers did for their 3 children. Check out the article at http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/674885 .

The lawyer's 3 children ages: 10,11 and 18 were struggling to balance homework and sports so their parents decided to design a contract banning homework and outlining the students responsibility.
The contract is known as the " differentiated homework plan" which states that the students must complete their work in class and be ready for quizzes as well as practice their music and read every night. However, all the grades they receive must be based off of the work done in class.

Studies show that homework and school performance don't have any clear link to prove that homework benefits the students.

If kids are getting bombarded with assignments daily, they aren't able to focus on what really matters- the lesson being taught through the assignment. Homework than becomes a race to get it finished and students aren't going to retain any information.

This is actually pretty effective in making school boards review their classroom structure. I can understand high school students having a lot of work to do outside of class but elementary students? That's a little ridiculous.