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.

PearlDotYoga Code of Conduct

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

PEARL.YOGA ETHICS & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Pearl.yoga is rooted in integrity, inclusivity, and the transformative potential of
practice. Our school honors yoga as a living tradition that blends discipline,
inquiry, compassion, and embodied wisdom. We commit to creating learning
environments that are safe, respectful, traumainformed, and accessible to all.
Our teachers and trainees uphold professionalism, humility, and accountability
as they share yoga in service of individual and collective wellbeing.

CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Financial & Business Ethics
Teachers and trainees agree to:
/ Comply with all legal, financial, and business requirements.
/ Communicate honestly in all advertising and public statements.
/ Treat students, colleagues, and staff with fairness and transparency.
/ Engage in environmentally responsible practices.
/ When possible, offer service to communities with limited access to yoga.

2. Professional Development
Teachers and trainees agree to:
/ Maintain a consistent personal practice and ongoing study of yoga.
/ Stay informed about developments in yoga, anatomy, and teaching
methodology.

3. Teacher–Student Relationship Standards
Teachers and trainees agree to:

/ Maintain clear professional boundaries and acknowledge the inherent
power dynamic.
/ Avoid any behavior that exploits, harms, or disrespects students.
/ Communicate with honesty, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
/ Avoid imposing personal beliefs on students.
/ Use physical touch only with consent and solely for the student’s benefit.
/ Refrain from sexual comments, behavior, or relationships with students.

4. Integrity & Ethical Conduct
Teachers and trainees agree to:
/ Act with honesty, compassion, humility, and accountability.
/ Uphold foundational yogic ethics, including the yamas and niyamas.

5. Scope of Practice
Teachers and trainees agree to:
/ Represent qualifications accurately and teach within their training and
expertise.
/ Not diagnose, treat, or offer medical advice.
/ Refer students to licensed medical or therapeutic professionals when
appropriate.

6. Confidentiality
Teachers and trainees agree to:
/ Protect all personal information shared by students.
/ Disclose information only with consent or when legally required for safety.
/ Discuss student matters only in private, secure settings.

7. Advertising & Public Representation

Teachers and trainees agree to:
/ Avoid false, exaggerated, or unsupported claims about yoga’s benefits.
/ Accurately represent training, credentials, and experience in all public
materials.

8. Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
Teachers and trainees agree to:
/ Commit to making yoga inclusive, diverse, and accessible.
/ Seek training to support students with varied abilities, identities, and
backgrounds.
/ Create welcoming, trauma-informed environments that honor each
student’s experience.

CODE OF ETHICS
The Pearl.yoga Code of Ethics outlines the foundational principles that guide all
teaching, learning, and professional conduct within the school.
1. NonHarm (Ahimsa) Act with care, compassion, and respect toward all students, colleagues, and
communities.
2. Truthfulness (Satya) Communicate honestly, avoid misleading statements, and uphold transparency
in all professional interactions.
3. Integrity of Practice. Honor yoga as a holistic discipline that includes physical, philosophical, and
contemplative study.
4. Professional Responsibility. Uphold high standards of conduct, maintain appropriate boundaries, and
prioritize student safety and wellbeing.
5. Respect for Autonomy. Empower students to make informed choices about their bodies, beliefs, and
practice.
6. Equity & Inclusion. Actively support diversity, accessibility, and belonging within all teaching
spaces.
7. Accountability. Acknowledge mistakes, seek guidance when needed, and take responsibility for
one’s actions and impact.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
The following expectations ensure that all Pearl.yoga teachers and trainees
uphold the standards of the school and the American Yoga Council.
1. Conduct & Communication
/ Maintain professionalism in all interactions.
/ Communicate clearly, respectfully, and in a timely manner.
/ Respond to student concerns with care and appropriate followup.
2. Classroom Environment
/ Create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning space.
/ Offer clear instructions, options, and consentbased touch.
/ Adapt teaching to meet the needs of diverse students.
3. Preparation & Reliability
/ Arrive prepared, punctual, and ready to teach.
/ Maintain accurate records when required.
/ Honor commitments and communicate promptly if changes arise.
4. Personal Practice & Study
/ Sustain a regular personal practice.
/ Engage in continuing education to refine skills and understanding.
5. Collaboration & Community Conduct
/ Treat colleagues with respect and professionalism.
/ Contribute positively to the learning environment and broader yoga
community.
6. Representation of Pearl.yoga
/ Uphold the school’s values in all professional settings.
/ Represent training, credentials, and experience accurately.
/ Maintain ethical standards when teaching under the Pearl.yoga name.