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.

Flow on Main Code of Conduct

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

Flow on Main Yoga School Code of Conduct
Purpose
This Code of Conduct establishes the ethical, professional, and behavioral expectations for all students, instructors, staff, guest teachers, volunteers, and administrators of the Flow on Main Yoga School. It is intended to foster a safe, respectful, inclusive, and professional learning environment that supports the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every member of our community.

Core Values
Our school is committed to:
Integrity
Respect
Inclusivity
Professionalism
Compassion
Safety
Lifelong Learning
Ethical Leadership
Personal Responsibility

Professional Conduct
All members of the school agree to:
Conduct themselves with honesty and integrity.
Treat everyone with dignity and respect regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, body size, socioeconomic status, or political beliefs.
Foster an environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or retaliation.
Respect personal boundaries and obtain consent before offering any physical adjustments.
Maintain professionalism in all communications, including email, social media, and online platforms.
Represent the yoga profession ethically and responsibly.

Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to:
Arrive on time and prepared for all classes and training sessions.
Complete required coursework and assignments honestly.
Participate respectfully in discussions and practice sessions.
Maintain confidentiality regarding personal information shared by classmates.
Practice within their physical abilities and communicate any injuries or health concerns.
Follow all school policies and safety procedures.
Refrain from disruptive behavior that interferes with learning.

Instructor Responsibilities
Teachers and trainers shall:
Model ethical and professional behavior.
Teach within the scope of their training and qualifications.
Maintain current certifications and continuing education as required.
Provide accurate information regarding yoga practices and training.
Create an inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
Respect student autonomy and avoid coercive teaching methods.
Use trauma-informed and consent-based teaching practices whenever appropriate.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students.

Safety Standards
The school is committed to maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment.
All participants agree to:
Practice safely and responsibly.
Respect instructor guidance regarding modifications.
Immediately report unsafe conditions or injuries.
Follow emergency procedures.

Harassment and Discrimination
The school maintains zero tolerance for:
Sexual harassment
Verbal abuse
Physical intimidation
Bullying
Discrimination
Hate speech
Retaliation
Any complaint will be investigated promptly, fairly, and confidentially to the extent possible.

Sexual Misconduct
Sexual relationships between instructors and currently enrolled teacher trainees are strongly discouraged and may constitute an abuse of the teacher-student relationship.
All instructors shall:
Maintain clear professional boundaries.
Avoid exploiting positions of authority.
Never engage in coercive, manipulative, or inappropriate behavior.

Confidentiality
Members agree to:
Respect confidential information shared during classes or training.

Compliance with Laws and Standards
All members are expected to comply with:
Applicable federal, state, and local laws
School policies and procedures
Health and safety regulations
Applicable American Yoga Council standards and ethical expectations

Commitment
By enrolling in, teaching for, or working with the Flow on Main Yoga School, all members acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to uphold this Code of Conduct.