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.

Prana Wellness Academy Code of Conduct

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

PRANA WELLNESS ACADEMY CODE OF CONDUCT
At Prana, we train in a way that supports the whole human: body, breath, mind, and nervous system. Our community is built on safety, consent, integrity, and respect. This code applies to all students, teachers, assistants, staff, guests, and participants in trainings, retreats, workshops, online spaces, and community events.

OUR COMMITMENT
We commit to a learning environment that is:
• Trauma-informed: choice-based, consent-centered, non-coercive
• Inclusive: welcoming across all identities, backgrounds, and bodies
• Growth-minded: accountability and repair, not shame
• Professional: clear boundaries, ethical conduct, respectful communication

RESPECT AND COMMUNICATION
You agree to:
• Treat others with kindness, respect, and dignity
• Communicate with honesty and care (no intimidation, belittling, or harm)
• Honor different experiences and learning styles
• Avoid unsolicited fixing, diagnosing, or giving medical advice
Not allowed: harassment, hate speech, bullying, sexualized comments, repeated boundary violations, coercion, threats, retaliation.

CONSENT AND TOUCH
We practice consent-based teaching and learning.
• Hands-on assists are never required
• If touch is offered, it must be clearly requested and explicitly consented to
• You can change your mind at any time and no is always respected
Not allowed: touching without consent, pressuring someone to receive touch, or implying someone is less committed if they decline.

NERVOUS SYSTEM SAFETY AND CHOICE
Prana practices support regulation, not overwhelm.
• You are encouraged to choose modifications, rest, or step out as needed
• Intensity is never forced
• Emotional release may happen and will be met with grounding and support
We do not require anyone to share personal trauma in group settings.

INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY
We honor diverse bodies and needs.
• Use inclusive language and avoid body-shaming
• Respect names and pronouns
• Request accommodations as early as possible so we can support you

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY
What is shared in training is held with respect.
• Do not share others personal stories, identities, or health information outside the container
• Photos and videos of others require consent before posting
• In online groups, do not screenshot or share content without permission

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND BOUNDARIES
To protect the learning environment:
• Maintain appropriate student-teacher boundaries
• Do not recruit clients or sell services in training spaces without permission
• Avoid romantic or sexual advances in training containers
• If a relationship exists, disclose it to leadership to prevent conflicts of interest

HEALTH AND SAFETY
You agree to:
• Practice within your limits and communicate injuries or conditions that affect participation
• Follow safety guidelines (props, rigging for aerial sling, hiking/camping, cold exposure, breathwork)
• Ask questions when unsure

Breathwork note: Some practices may not be appropriate for certain conditions (for example pregnancy, seizure history, major cardiovascular concerns). If unsure, consult your provider and inform the Prana team so we can offer safe options.

SUBSTANCES
For trainings and retreats, we keep the container clear and safe:
• Arrive sober to sessions (no alcohol or recreational substances during training days)
• Do not bring illegal substances onto property or retreat locations
• If prescribed medications affect participation, inform staff privately if needed for safety planning

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
• Arrive on time, prepared, and engaged
• If you must miss a session, communicate promptly to staff
• Certifications require completion of stated hours and requirements; make-up policies may apply

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND REPAIR
• If conflict arises, we encourage respectful dialogue and staff support when needed
• If you feel unsafe or experience a boundary issue, report it promptly
• Concerns are handled with care, confidentiality, and appropriate action

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS
Prana Wellness Group may take action to protect the community, including:
• Warning (verbal or written)
• Required corrective steps
• Removal from a session or training
• Dismissal from the program without refund (for serious violations)
• Banning from future events (if needed)

AGREEMENT
By enrolling or attending, you agree to uphold this code of conduct and contribute to a safe, respectful, and healing learning environment.


We train with integrity: consent-based, trauma-informed, inclusive, and respectful, so every student can learn in safety.