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.

Soul Body Flow Method Code of Conduct

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

Code of Conduct
The Soul Body Flow Method YTT community is built on the principle that how we practice together is the practice. Every person in this training — trainee, trainer, guest faculty, and staff — is held to the standards below.

1. Ethical Conduct
All participants in the Soul Body Flow Method 200-Hour YTT agree to:
Act with honesty, integrity, and respect in all interactions within the training program.
Refrain from any behavior that causes harm — physical, emotional, psychological, or reputational — to fellow trainees, trainers, or any person connected with the program.
Honor the confidentiality of personal disclosures made within the training container. What is shared in the room stays in the room.
Avoid dual relationships that could compromise the safety, trust, or integrity of the learning environment.
Acknowledge and honor the South Asian origins of yoga, practicing cultural appreciation rather than appropriation.
Refrain from recording or photographing training sessions without explicit written consent from all participants and program leadership.

2. Professional Conduct
Trainees agree not to represent themselves as certified yoga teachers until they have received official certification from Soul Body Flow LLC and have completed Yoga Alliance registration.
All training materials — manuals, audio recordings, handouts, video content — are proprietary to Soul Body Flow LLC and may not be reproduced, sold, or distributed without written permission.
Trainees agree to credit the Soul Body Flow Method appropriately when sharing content or practices learned in this training.
Social media posts referencing the training must be respectful, accurate, and maintain the confidentiality of fellow trainees.

3. Physical and Emotional Safety
All participants are responsible for communicating physical limitations, injuries, or health conditions that may affect their participation. This information is held in confidence.
Trainees are encouraged to practice at their own edge, not beyond it. The Soul Body Flow Method honors individual nervous system capacity.
Emotional responses during somatic and yoga practice are normal and respected. Trainees are encouraged to seek support from trainers, peer support, or their own mental health provider as needed.
Hands-on assists within the training require explicit verbal or written consent. No unsolicited touch is permitted.

4. Consequences for Violation
Violations of this Code of Conduct will be addressed through the Grievance Policy below. Depending on severity, consequences may include:
A formal conversation with the Lead Trainer.
A written warning.
Suspension from one or more training sessions.
Dismissal from the program without refund of tuition paid, at the sole discretion of Soul Body Flow LLC.