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.

Full Body Yoga & Wellness LLC Code of Conduct

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

# Full Body Yoga & Wellness Code of Conduct

Full Body Yoga & Wellness is committed to creating a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for yoga education. All students, teachers, faculty, staff, mentors, and representatives of our school are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and to uphold the ethical principles of yoga in their interactions with others.

Our Code of Conduct is grounded in the principles of ahimsa (non-harm), satya (truthfulness), respect, compassion, personal responsibility, and professional integrity.

## Respect & Non-Discrimination

We are committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and exclusion.

All individuals will be treated with dignity and respect regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Teachers and trainees are expected to respect the personal, cultural, religious, and social values of others and refrain from imposing personal beliefs upon students.

## Professional Boundaries

Teachers, faculty, and trainees are expected to maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries.

The teacher–student relationship must never be used for personal, financial, emotional, romantic, or sexual gain. Harassment, coercion, intimidation, abusive behavior, exploitation, or other forms of misconduct are prohibited.

Teachers are responsible for creating an environment in which students feel safe, respected, and empowered to make choices regarding their own bodies and practice.

## Consent & Appropriate Touch

Physical assists and hands-on guidance must always respect a student's autonomy, comfort, and right to decline touch.

Consent should be informed, voluntary, and ongoing. A student may withdraw consent at any time. Teachers must never use physical touch in a sexual, coercive, inappropriate, or otherwise exploitative manner.

## Integrity in Teaching

Teachers and trainees are expected to teach within the scope of their education, training, experience, and qualifications.

All professional credentials, certifications, affiliations, and experience must be represented honestly and accurately.

Teachers should make responsible and realistic statements regarding the benefits of yoga and should not present yoga instruction as a substitute for medical, psychological, or other licensed professional care when such care is appropriate.

## Confidentiality & Student Welfare

The privacy and dignity of students must be respected.

Personal information shared within the context of teacher training, classes, mentorship, or private conversations should remain confidential unless disclosure is required by law or reasonably necessary to prevent immediate harm.

Teachers and trainees should prioritize student safety and well-being in their professional decisions and interactions.

## Harassment & Sexual Misconduct

Full Body Yoga & Wellness maintains zero tolerance for harassment or sexual misconduct.

Unwelcome sexual attention, advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually inappropriate communication or touch, coercion, intimidation, or any other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature is prohibited.

Teachers must maintain appropriate social, professional, and sexual boundaries with students and must not initiate or engage in romantic or sexual conduct within an active teacher–student relationship.

## Professional & Community Conduct

Students, teachers, and faculty are expected to communicate respectfully and contribute to an environment of cooperation, curiosity, and mutual support.

We encourage open and compassionate communication when disagreements arise. Abusive language, bullying, retaliation, threats, deliberate breaches of confidentiality, or behavior that compromises the physical or emotional safety of others will not be tolerated.

Members of our school community are expected to treat fellow teachers, students, professionals, and members of the broader yoga community with respect.

## Responsibility & Accountability

Everyone participating in Full Body Yoga & Wellness programs is responsible for their own behavior and for understanding and following school policies.

Concerns regarding conduct or potential violations of this Code should be brought to school leadership. Reports will be taken seriously and addressed as promptly, fairly, and confidentially as reasonably possible.

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in corrective action, removal from a class or training environment, or dismissal from the program depending on the nature and severity of the conduct.

## Our Commitment

At Full Body Yoga & Wellness, yoga extends beyond the physical practice. We believe the way we teach, learn, communicate, and care for one another is part of the practice itself.

We strive to create an educational community where every person is treated with dignity, where teachers lead with integrity, and where students are supported in learning, growing, and developing their own authentic voice as yoga teachers.