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.

It's Yoga Kids® Code of Conduct

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

CODE OF CONDUCT

The purpose of the It’s Yoga Kids® Code of Conduct is to help our teachers serve in their purest light and to protect our students and community. We are committed to holding the highest possible standards of conduct for our yoga teachers to ensure a safe environment in which our students can grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. IYK® teachers must aspire to and express the behaviors as set forth including security guidelines and safety requirements.

FINANCIAL PRACTICES

Teachers will discuss all fees and financial arrangements in a straightforward professional manner. Teachers will manage their business affairs according to recognized standard business and accounting practices. Teachers will seek opportunities to render service to individuals or groups who are underserved by the broader yoga community on a pro bono basis.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH + CONTINUING EDUCATION

Teachers shall maintain the integrity, competency, and high standards of the yoga profession by continuously striving to improve their skills through keeping current in new developments in yoga practice and by participating in continuing educational programs.

TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS

Teachers shall treat their students with respect and regard their individuality, dignity, and privacy. Teachers shall maintain professional relationships with their students. Teachers shall not exploit the trust and dependency of students. Teachers shall cause not harm and avoid any activity or influence that is in conflict with the best interests of their students or that may satisfy personal gain or gratification.


INTEGRITY

Teachers shall uphold the highest of moral standards. Teachers shall strive to ensure that their intentions, actions, and speech are based on honesty, compassion, selflessness, trustworthiness, and transparency. Teachers are committed to maintaining impeccable standards of professional integrity and to promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their students.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Teachers shall not abandon or neglect their students. If teachers are unable to show up, they should make every reasonable effort to arrange for instruction for that student or group of students with another IYK® Certified instructor.

Teachers shall not give medical advice. Teachers shall not diagnose their student’s physical or psychological condition. Teachers shall not prescribe a treatment or suggest rejecting a physician’s advice. Teachers shall refer their students to medical doctors or complimentary licensed professionals when appropriate.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Teachers shall not disclose personal information belonging to a student or client except (i) to comply with the law or the order of a court; (ii) to prevent bodily harm or danger to the client or to others; or (iii) where the information has already been disclosed to the public.

Reporting for student safety shall go through the school or studio leadership followed by the Department of Social Services where necessary as guided by the school administration and studio owner.