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.

Oak and Thistle Healing Center Code of Conduct

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

At Oak & Thistle Healing Center, we are committed to creating a supportive and
interdependent environment for learning, growth, and discovery. While we may have
different roles, every person here has equal rights. No one is more important than
anyone else, and we are all part of something larger than ourselves. As members of this
teacher training community, all participants (Faculty, Trainees, and staff) agree to uphold
the following principles during our training:

Integrity & Professionalism
We are all interconnected. Each person's presence, or absence, affects everyone in the
room. Do your best to arrive on time, be prepared, and participate fully in all sessions.
Respect confidentiality. Communicate honestly with teachers, peers, and students.

Respect & Inclusivity
Treat all individuals with genuine kindness, dignity, and compassion, regardless of
background, experience, or identity. Refrain from discriminatory, harmful, or disruptive
behavior in all spaces (in-person or online). Refrain from engaging in gossip. Respect
the diversity of traditions, lived experiences, and perspectives shared in the training by
Faculty, staff, and students. If a miscommunication or a fracture between people occurs,
our first response is to work towards repair.

Personal Responsibility
Take ownership of your learning, including completing all assignments, practice
requirements, and self-study. Practice thoughtful communication and self-awareness
when engaging with others. Notify Faculty if you need support or are unable to meet
program requirements.

Safety, Consent, & Student-Teacher Relationships
Prioritize physical and emotional safety, your own and others'. Refrain from teaching
beyond your scope of knowledge or physical ability, and be comfortable with the phrase
“I don't know.” Always seek and respect consent when offering physical adjustments.

Student-Teacher Relationships
We acknowledge that there is an inherent dynamic of unequal power within the
student-teacher relationship. Both teachers and students shall respect boundaries.
Teachers shall not engage in harassment or abuse of any kind, or exploit students.
Teachers shall not make comments, gestures, or physical contact of a sexual nature
with their students, even if the student invites such conduct. Barring pre-existing
relationships, Teachers agree not to date their students while in training.

Legal & Financial
Teachers and Trainees agree to comply with all legal and business requirements that
apply to their business. Ensure all advertisements relating to the benefits of what you
are teaching are accurate, fair, and not misleading