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.

Kineesi Code of Conduct

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

1. Purpose This Code of Conduct exists to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all students, teachers, and staff. It outlines the ethical standards and expectations for participation in our yoga community.

2. Core Values We are committed to: Ahimsa (Non-harming): Prioritizing physical, emotional, and psychological safety Respect: Honoring all individuals regardless of background or identity Integrity: Acting with honesty and transparency Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming space for all bodies and abilities

3. Professional Boundaries Teachers and staff will maintain clear and appropriate boundaries with students Romantic or sexual relationships between teachers and current students are prohibited Power dynamics will be acknowledged and respected at all times

4. Consent & Physical Touch Hands-on adjustments will only be given with clear, informed consent Students may opt out of touch at any time without explanation Trauma-informed practices will be respected

5. Student Safety & Well-being Teachers will prioritize safe alignment and offer modifications Students are encouraged to honor their bodies and personal limits No one will be pressured into poses or practices

6. Inclusivity & Non-Discrimination We do not tolerate discrimination or exclusion based on: Race, ethnicity, or nationality Gender identity or sexual orientation Religion, age, or ability Body size or socioeconomic status

7. Communication & Respectful Behavior All members will communicate with kindness and respect Harassment, bullying, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated Feedback is encouraged and will be received openly

8. Integrity & Scope of Practice Teachers will represent their qualifications honestly Instruction will remain within the teacher’s scope of training Medical or therapeutic advice will not be given unless properly licensed

9. Confidentiality Personal information shared within classes or training will be kept private Emotional and personal boundaries will be respected

10. Substance Use Teaching or participating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not permitted

11. Financial Ethics Pricing, packages, and policies will be communicated clearly and transparently No manipulative or coercive sales practices

12. Accountability & Reporting Violations of this Code may result in suspension or removal from the school Concerns or complaints can be reported to: [Insert Contact Email/Process] All reports will be handled with care and confidentiality

13. Agreement By participating in the Kineesi 200-hour Foundational Teacher Training Program, all students, teachers, and staff agree to uphold this Code of Conduct.