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.

Roots & River Yoga Code of Conduct

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

Code of Conduct
Purpose Statement
Roots & River Yoga is committed to maintaining high ethical standards in all aspects of
teaching and professional conduct. It is the responsibility of every teacher to create a safe,
supportive environment where students can grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our Code
of Conduct exists to protect students, honor the teacher–student relationship, and uphold the
integrity of yoga instruction.
Financial Practices
Teachers are expected to:
● Comply with all legal and business requirements.
● Ensure that all advertising and promotional materials are accurate, fair, and not
misleading.
● Treat employees, assistants, students, colleagues, and other professionals with honesty,
fairness, and transparency.
● Follow environmentally responsible and sustainable practices in both professional and
personal life.

Professional Growth and Continuing Education
Teachers are encouraged to remain lifelong students of yoga. This includes regular study and
practice of asana, meditation, philosophy, and ethical living to ensure continued personal and
professional growth.
Teacher–Student Relationships
Teachers will recognize and honor the trust students place in them.
● Relationships must remain professional and free from exploitation or personal gain.
● Teachers will avoid dual relationships (business, personal, or romantic) that may
compromise judgment or professionalism.
● Any physical contact during instruction will be with clear consent and for supportive or
educational purposes only.
● Behavior, comments, or humor with sexual or discriminatory content are prohibited.

Integrity

Teachers will uphold high standards of honesty, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
● Teachers will promote students' physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
● Yoga will be practiced and taught as a holistic lifestyle, guided by the yamas and
niyamas.
● Teachers will seek to live and work in ways that support environmental sustainability and
social responsibility.

Scope of Practice
Teachers are responsible for their students’ safety and welfare within the scope of yoga
education.
● Teachers will not diagnose, prescribe, or suggest, and will disregard medical advice.
● Students with health concerns will be referred to medical or licensed wellness
professionals.
● Teachers will not give personal or psychological advice unrelated to yoga instruction.
● If a teacher cannot continue a student relationship, they will make reasonable efforts to
refer the student to another qualified instructor.

Confidentiality
Teachers must protect all personal information shared by students.
● Information about students will not be discussed in public or disclosed without consent.
● Exceptions include legal requirements, harm prevention, or when information is already
public.
● Audio or video recordings in class require prior student consent.

Interprofessional Relationships
Teachers are part of a larger community of health and wellness professionals.
● They will act respectfully and cooperatively with fellow teachers and practitioners.
● Teachers will promote unity within the yoga community through collaboration, diversity,
and mutual respect.

● Differences of opinion may be discussed with discretion and compassion.

Advertising and Public Communications
Teachers and studio representatives will avoid false or misleading statements regarding:
● Credentials, training, or affiliations.
● Effectiveness or scientific claims of yoga practices.
● Fees, results, or unique abilities.
● Any statements that exploit fear or emotion, exaggerate outcomes, or misrepresent
yoga’s purpose.

Yoga Equity
Roots & River Yoga is dedicated to equity and inclusion in all spaces.
● Teachers will welcome and support all students regardless of race, religion, gender,
sexual orientation, language, nationality, political beliefs, or cultural background.
● Teachers will make yoga more inclusive and accessible through intentional action and
continued learning.
● Our community honors yoga’s cultural and historical roots while fostering diversity,
inclusion, and belonging in all practices and programs.