American Yoga Council Code of Conduct

v1.0, last updated 18 September 2025

Preamble

A Code of Conduct is a difficult document to write. In theory, it sets out your responsibilities as members in good standing, and what we, as a community, expect of each other.

In practice, it’s easy for a Code of Conduct to be so generic it is of little use, and for there to be next-to-no consequences for violating it. So we’re taking a different approach, with a few specific aims in mind:

  • We want the Code of Conduct to be more adaptable to your own ethics as a teacher or school in good standing.
  • We want the public to easily be able to see a School's code in order to hold them accountable to it.
  • We want our Code of Conduct to reflect our values as an organization.
  • And we want this Code of Conduct to be a key tool in holding ourselves to account as a community.

We expect this document to evolve, with your help, and we’re excited to figure out together what real accountability might look like in yoga teaching.

The American Yoga Council Code of Conduct

1. Follow the Law

This sounds obvious, but it's also the most enforceable clause to have in a Code of Conduct. We expect AYC members to teach in accordance with all appropriate legislation in your jurisdiction when teaching yoga. We’re not going to police your practice, but if your behaviour towards your students and colleagues violates civil or criminal law, we will recommend and support legal action. Unethical behaviour of a legal nature could result in expulsion from AYC.

  • I will teach in accordance with all appropriate legislation in my jurisdiction.

2. Uphold AYC Core Values

Secondly, to be a member in good standing, we expect you to teach in accordance with the following values, which reflect the core values of AYC as an organization.

  • Following the core value of Generosity, I will share my teachings in the spirit of collaboration rather than competition, and conduct my financial dealings fairly with others.
  • Following the core value of Transparency, I will represent my yoga education, background, and the content of my teaching honestly and accurately.
  • Following the core value of Right Livelihood, I will teach to the scope of practice of my training and experience.
  • Following the core value of Embodied Relationships, I will teach with respect for the value of ethical human to human connections.

3. Creating a Personal Code

Lastly, to be an effective and ethical yoga teacher, we believe it is vital to have considered your own personal code of conduct. You might reflect on Patanjali’s yamas and niyamas, on the five Buddhist Precepts for right living, on the lay Jain code, or on any other philosophical sources. We would like you to describe that code of conduct in your own words.

  • In accordance with my own practice and understanding of yogic philosophy, I commit to teach and live by the personal code of conduct written below.

Sthira Sukham Yoga Studio Code of Conduct

Additionally, this school has established a specific code of conduct that must be upheld:

Sthira Sukham Yoga Teacher Training Ethical Guidelines & Code of Conduct

Our Commitment

At Sthira Sukham Yoga, we believe that the practice of yoga extends beyond the mat. As teachers and students, we strive to embody the principles of steadiness, ease, integrity, compassion, and self-awareness in our relationships with ourselves, one another, and the communities we serve.

Our teacher training is built on mutual respect, personal responsibility, and the understanding that learning occurs best in an environment where every participant feels physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe.

All trainees, faculty, assistants, and guest teachers are expected to uphold the following standards throughout the training program.

1. Practice Within Your Scope

Teachers and trainees will:

* Teach only those practices for which they have appropriate education, training, and experience.
* Recognize the limits of their knowledge and refer students to qualified healthcare or other professionals when appropriate.
* Refrain from diagnosing medical conditions, prescribing treatment, or representing yoga as a substitute for medical or mental health care.
* Represent their education, certifications, and teaching experience honestly.

2. Do No Harm

The well-being of students is our highest priority.

Teachers and trainees are expected to make thoughtful decisions that support the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of others. Instruction should encourage exploration rather than force, and individual needs should always be respected.

Teaching while impaired by alcohol, recreational drugs, or any condition that compromises sound judgment is not permitted.

3. Foster an Inclusive Community

Sthira Sukham Yoga welcomes every individual with dignity and respect.

Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, retaliation, or exclusion based on age, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, body size, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic will not be tolerated.

We strive to cultivate an environment where every student feels seen, respected, and valued.

4. Respect Personal Boundaries

Trust is the foundation of the teacher-student relationship.

Teachers and trainees agree to:

* Obtain clear and informed consent before offering any hands-on assistance.
* Respect a student's decision to decline physical touch without question or explanation.
* Maintain appropriate professional boundaries throughout the training.
* Avoid exploiting the inherent power imbalance that exists between teacher and student.

Consent is an ongoing conversation and may be withdrawn at any time.

5. Maintain Confidentiality

Teacher training often includes personal reflection and discussion.

Participants agree to honor the privacy of fellow trainees by keeping personal stories, experiences, and sensitive information shared during the program confidential unless permission has been given to share them.

6. Communicate with Honesty and Respect

All communication should reflect kindness, professionalism, and integrity.

Participants are expected to:

* Listen respectfully.
* Offer constructive feedback with compassion.
* Address disagreements directly and respectfully.
* Avoid gossip, public shaming, or harmful communication in person or online.

Differences of opinion are welcomed when expressed thoughtfully and respectfully.

7. Demonstrate Professional Integrity

Teachers and trainees will:

* Complete assignments honestly.
* Credit the work and teachings of others appropriately.
* Acknowledge the lineages and traditions from which they teach.
* Avoid making exaggerated or unsupported claims regarding the benefits of yoga.
* Conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the profession of yoga teaching.

8. Respect Our Learning Community

Participants agree to:

* Attend training sessions on time.
* Be present and engaged.
* Complete required coursework.
* Communicate promptly regarding absences or unexpected circumstances.
* Support fellow trainees with encouragement rather than competition.

We value curiosity over perfection and growth over performance.

9. Photography, Recording & Social Media

Respect for privacy extends to all forms of media.

Photos, videos, recordings, or social media posts that include other participants may only be shared with their permission.

Online interactions related to the training should reflect the same professionalism and respect expected in person.

10. Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Graduating from teacher training is the beginning, not the end, of one's education.

Teachers are encouraged to maintain a personal practice, continue their studies, seek mentorship, and remain open to learning from students, peers, and the broader yoga community.

11. Accountability

Every participant contributes to the culture of our training.

If conduct arises that compromises the safety or integrity of the learning environment, trainees are encouraged to speak with the Program Director. Concerns will be addressed thoughtfully, respectfully, and, when appropriate, confidentially.

Depending on the nature of the concern, Sthira Sukham Yoga may provide guidance, request corrective action, place a trainee on probation, or dismiss a participant from the program when necessary to protect the well-being of the community.

12. Comply with Applicable Laws and Regulations

All trainees, faculty, and instructors are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to their participation in the teacher training program and the teaching of yoga. Upholding legal and professional responsibilities is an important aspect of ethical practice and reflects our commitment to integrity, accountability, and the well-being of our community.

---

Our Intention

The Sanskrit phrase *sthira sukham* is often translated as "steady and easeful."

These guidelines are intended not simply as rules to follow, but as an invitation to embody those qualities throughout your journey as both a student and a teacher. We recognize that none of us practices perfectly. We commit instead to practicing with humility, integrity, compassion, and a willingness to learn.