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.

Avita Teacher Development Code of Conduct

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

# Avita Yoga Teacher Code of Conduct

Purpose

Avita Yoga is founded on the understanding that meaningful learning and healing begin with careful observation, respect, and a willingness to listen.

This Code of Conduct establishes professional and ethical expectations for teachers and faculty representing Avita Yoga.

1. Respect and Inclusion

Teachers shall treat students, colleagues, and fellow teachers with dignity, fairness, and respect, regardless of age, ability, background, identity, or experience.

2. Student Safety and Autonomy

Teachers shall respect each student's physical limitations, personal boundaries, and freedom to make choices about participation.

Students should never be pressured to endure pain, exceed their abilities, or achieve a particular physical result.

3. Professional Boundaries

Teachers shall maintain appropriate professional relationships with students, avoiding exploitation, harassment, discrimination, or misuse of their position of trust.

Physical adjustments or hands-on assistance require informed consent.

4. Honest Representation

Teachers shall accurately represent their qualifications, experience, certifications, and professional affiliations.

Teachers shall not make misleading claims about health outcomes or represent themselves as authorized to provide services or certifications beyond their qualifications and permissions.

5. Scope of Practice

Teachers shall recognize the limits of their professional training and refer students to qualified healthcare professionals when appropriate.

Yoga instruction does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.

6. Confidentiality and Privacy

Teachers shall respect the privacy of students and safeguard personal information shared during classes, consultations, and teacher education.

7. Continuing Learning

Teachers are encouraged to remain curious, receptive to feedback, and committed to developing their understanding through practice, study, observation, and collaboration.

8. Integrity of the Avita Yoga Method

Teachers representing Avita Yoga shall teach with respect for its foundational principles, including listening rather than forcing, adapting shapes to individual needs, and recognizing that peace is both the goal and the guide.

Teachers shall accurately distinguish their independent offerings from officially authorized Avita Yoga programs.

9. Accountability

Concerns regarding professional conduct should be addressed respectfully, fairly, and with appropriate attention to student welfare.

Avita Yoga reserves the right to review concerns involving teachers or faculty representing the organization and to take appropriate action consistent with applicable agreements and policies.

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