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.

Asheville Yoga Center Code of Conduct

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

AYC Yoga Teacher Training Program
Code of Conduct Policy

Purpose
This Code of Conduct sets the standards of behavior expected of all participants in the AYC Yoga Teacher Training Programs. Our intention is to create a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment that supports integrity, personal growth, a strong learning container, as well as ethical studentship and teaching.
1. Respect and Inclusivity
Treat all fellow trainees, instructors, and staff with kindness, respect, and dignity.
Respect personal boundaries and practice active listening, and holding space for others.
Practice using “I” statements to help ensure you’re speaking from your own personal experience and not assuming others have the same experience and perspectives that you do.
Raise your hand when you have a question and want to share, and wait to be called on to share.
Honor equitable airtime with other students, avoiding over-sharing at the expense of others.
Refrain from cross-talk that distracts from the curriculum.

2. Commitment to Practice and Participation

Having the full commitment of participants is very important in creating a learning container that all can benefit and thrive within. Every portion of our curriculum is valuable and integral to the whole. Participants are required to arrive on time, stay for the duration of, and attend 100% of the program.

Please let us know right away if you cannot attend every session. If you are going to miss any portion of the training, please contact our Programs Coordinator at programs@youryoga.com in advance.

3. Ready To Learn

We expect participants to arrive early for each session in time to have their mat down so we can start right on time for each session. Repeated tardy incidents will be addressed in verbal or written warnings, and if they continue the student will be asked to leave the program without a refund or credit.

4. Professionalism and Integrity
Maintain honesty in all communications, including assessments and feedback.
Do not plagiarize assignments or present others’ work as your own.
Refrain from using drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or any substance that could impair or distract from your participation during training hours.

5. Physical and Emotional Safety
Honor your body and its limitations. You are encouraged to modify poses as needed.
Refrain from offering physical adjustments to others unless given consent.
Maintain confidentiality regarding personal stories or emotional expressions shared by others in the group.

6. Teacher-Student Boundaries
Instructors and trainees must maintain appropriate, professional boundaries at all times.
Romantic or sexual relationships between instructors and trainees during the training period is not acceptable.

7. Use of Technology
Use phones and electronic devices only during breaks unless explicitly permitted by the instructor.
Do not record classes or other participants without prior permission.

8. Dress and Hygiene
Wear clean, comfortable, and appropriate attire that allows for movement and shows respect for the yoga space and others.
Out of respect for fellow teachers and trainees, maintain good, clean personal hygiene to curb body odor, especially in close physical proximity to others.

9. Accountability and Consequences
Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in:
Verbal or written warnings
Temporary suspension from training
Dismissal from the program without a refund or credit.

Any decisions regarding disciplinary action will be made by the Programs Coordinator in consultation with the Program Director and lead teachers, after appropriate review.