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.

Earth & Aerial Yoga Code of Conduct

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

Our Teacher Training community is built on mutual respect, professionalism, safety, and inclusivity. To ensure a positive experience for all, we ask each trainee to uphold the following code of conduct throughout the program.

1. Respect the Space & the People
Arrive on time and prepared for each session.
Use respectful, inclusive language with fellow trainees, staff, and students.
Keep phones on silent and limit distractions during sessions.
Treat studio space, equipment, and props with care. Clean and return items after use.

2. Commit to Safety First
Prioritize student safety in all practice teaching, cueing, spotting, and rigging.
Never attempt unfamiliar or risky moves without instructor approval or proper spotting.
Maintain awareness of your surroundings when using aerial equipment.
Notify your trainer of any injuries or limitations that may affect your participation.

3. Honor Boundaries
Always ask for consent before offering physical adjustments.
Refrain from offering medical advice or making physical assessments outside your scope.
Respect emotional, cultural, and personal boundaries.

4. Maintain Professionalism
Be open to feedback and conduct yourself with integrity.
Uphold a beginner’s mindset—curious, humble, and willing to grow.
Do not record or distribute course content without written permission.
Keep all proprietary materials private, including manuals, videos, handouts, lectures, quizzes, etc.

5. Support a Collaborative Learning Environment
Lift each other up. Celebrate wins, share insights, and practice compassion.
Respect all learning styles and abilities. Avoid comparison or competition.
Ask questions! Your voice matters and contributes to the group experience.

6. Attendance & Participation
Attendance is required for certification. Please communicate absences ahead of time.
Virtual participation is permitted for some sessions, but you must have access to an aerial silk and a safe rigging environment.
Active engagement is expected during both in-person and virtual sessions.

7. Zero Tolerance for Discrimination or Harassment
Earth & Aerial Yoga does not tolerate harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any kind, including but not limited to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, body size, or physical ability.

Failure to uphold this Code of Conduct may result in dismissal from the training without refund.

We’re here to support your growth and ensure this journey is empowering, respectful, and transformative for you and those you will go on to teach.