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.

The Yoga Sanctuary Code of Conduct

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

Code of Ethics A GREEMENT THE ETHICAL GUIDELINES BELOW CORRESPONDTO THE YAMAS AND NIYAMAS OF PATANJALI'S YOGA SUTRAS Yamas: social ethics and responsibilities; teacher-student relationship I agree that an essential part of teaching Yoga is the development and maintenance of a professional teacher/student relationship. Ahimsa: non-harming, compassion 1. As I am dedicated to the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of my students, I will conduct myself with integrity in all interactions with students. 2. I agree to instruct all students regardless of race, age, gender, religion, sexuality or nationality. I am willing to accept students with physical disabilities, providing that I have the skill to teach those students properly. 3. I agree that effective Yoga teaching sometimes involves some physical contact applied in an atmosphere of safety. It is my responsibility as a teacher to create and maintain a safe environment that engenders trust and mutual respect between students and teacher. I agree to offer compassionate, competent, and safe touch to my students if physically assisting them in Yoga classes. 4. As a Yoga teacher, I will not be critical of any other teacher’s character or any other system of Yoga. Satya: truth 1. I will accurately represent my education, training, and experience. I will provide only the services I am qualified and certified to perform. 2. I agree to refrain from recommending treatment, diagnosing a condition, or offering any medical advice or advice that could be interpreted as such. 3. I will advise students to seek guidance and treatment from qualified health professionals when necessary. 4. I will use honesty to guide my interactions, whether they are emotional, spiritual, material, or financial. Asteya: non-stealing 1.I will use my knowledge and professional associations for the benefit of the students I serve and not to secure unfair personal advantage. 2. I will respect the rights and privacy of my students at all times and will honor the confidentiality of the student-teacher relationship. 3. I will respect the relationship formed between other teachers and their students. 4. I will not take advantage of students by misusing or misrepresenting my license and accreditations. © 2026 THE YOGA SANCTUARY, LLCCode of Ethics Continued Brahmacharya: appropriate use of one’s vital energy 1.I will avoid words and actions that may be construed as sexual harassment. All forms of sexual behavior or harassment with students are unethical, even when a student invites or consents to such behavior. 2. I will acknowledge when the student-teacher relationship has been undermined by the formation of an intimate relationship. Under these circumstances, I will aid the student in finding a new Yoga instructor and make it clear that our student-teacher relationship has come to a close. 3. I will never use my vital energy to cause harm to the body, mind, or soul of others or myself. Instead, I will master my energy in deed, mind, and speech in order to deepen my meditative capacity, enhance my Yoga practice, and enrich my life. Aparigraha: non-possessiveness 1.I will avoid dual relationships with students (i.e. business, close personal or sexual relationships) that could impair my professional judgment, compromise the integrity of my instruction, and/or use the relationship for my own gain. 2. I will always give appropriate credit to the original teaching materials, techniques, and sources of information used in my classes, and will comply with copyright whenever applicable. 3. I will not allow my personal or professional relationships to be governed by greed, but rather by benevolence, charity, selflessness, and generosity. Niyamas: personal ethics and responsibilities; relationship with self I dedicate myself to teaching the art and science of Yoga while maintaining high standards of professional competence and integrity. Saucha: purity, cleanliness 1. I will always maintain a clean and well-groomed appearance. 2. I will dress in a modest manner while teaching Yoga. 3. I will avoid misuse of substances such as drugs and alcohol. 4. I will be mindful of speech. I agree to maintain the confidentiality of all communications with students. 5. I will strive to be an example of cleanliness and purity of body, mind, and spirit. 6. I will refrain from wearing scented oils, perfumes, and lotions while teaching. Santosha: contentment 1.I recognize that true contentment and bliss is achieved when happiness is no longer dependent on external sources, and accept that life is an ongoing process of learning, growing, and evolving. 2. I will practice learning to embrace what is in front of me, rather than yearning for what is missing. 3. I will continuously develop the powers of introspection and reflection that lead to self-awareness, truth, and lasting contentment. © 2026 THE YOGA SANCTUARY, LLCCode of Ethics Continued Tapas: self-discipline 1.I will strive to live in accordance with the principles of Yoga. 2. I agree to maintain a regular personal practice. 3. I am committed to practicing Yoga as a way of life. 4. I will conduct my personal life in a healthy fashion and seek appropriate assistance for any problems or conflicts that arise in my life. Svadhyaya: self-study 1. I will dedicate myself to a thorough and continuous study of Yoga. 2. I will continuously seek out knowledge about my essential being through meditation, deep contemplation, and thoughtful reflection. I will search for my authentic self through intentional selfawareness, so that I can develop a more authentic way of being in the world. 3. I agree to consistently maintain and improve my professional knowledge and competence, striving for professional excellence through continued education and training. Isvarapranidhana: devotion, surrender to a higher force 1.I will let go of my ego and lead a life guided by the Yamas and Niyamas. I recognize the importance of surrendering to the power of a higher force. 2. I will endeavor to do everything to the best of my knowledge and abilities, and will perform all actions without selfish motivation. 3. I will cultivate an attitude of humanity in my teaching and dedicate my life, both personal and professional, to something greater than myself. These ethical guidelines are not exhaustive. Their failure to address any particular conduct does not mean that the nature of the conduct is ethical or unethical. Teachers should endeavor to respect and, to the best of their abilities, adhere to the traditional code of conduct as well as to the law current in their country or state. © 2026 THE YOGA SANCTUARY, LLCThe Yoga Sanctuary 200-Hour Teacher Training Program 2026 P ROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS YTT Classroom Hours 1. The Yoga Sanctuary Teacher Training Program classroom hours includes asana training, teaching methodology, anatomy and physiology, philosophy, ethics, teaching practicums, and more. 2. Any missed classroom time must be made up separately with a preapproved instructor at additional cost. a. No more than 10% of total classroom hours (20 hours) may be missed to graduate from the Program. b. Of the maximum 20 hours of classroom hours missed, at least half must be made up in private sessions with the Program Director or program teacher within one month; the rest may be made up by attending pre-approved workshops. 3. Late policy: as with our general classes, if someone arrives late, they are unable to attend the class. The same policy is in effect for Teacher Training classes. Late arrival = missed class. Ongoing Classes 1. All students are required to participate in at least 2 classes per week during the Teacher Training Program at The Yoga Sanctuary. One of these classes must be with the Program Director, the other can be with any TYS staff teacher. 2. These classes need to be a combination of all levels – gentle, level I, and mixed. 3. Please remember to scan in for all classes. 4. You may be asked to demonstrate for a class at any time. Homework Assignments 1. Homework assignments will be required throughout the Program 2. Participants will also meet in small groups for directed discussion, techniques practice, and teaching practice. Home Practice 1. All participants will be encouraged to develop a home practice of at least 30 minutes including 5 minutes of meditation at least 5 times per week. 2. You will be required to keep an ongoing journal of your home practice. 3. Home Practice Reflections will be kept throughout the Program. Svadhyaya Project Svadhyaya is defined as self-study. It is one of the 5 niyamas (personal observances). Each participant will be required to develop a 10-hour personal study project of their choice. Self Read Book Each participant will be required to an additional book of their choice and outside of the Program's required reading list. This book must connect to the participants interests and yoga practice in some way. © 2026 THE YOGA SANCTUARY, LLCThe Yoga Sanctuary Teacher Training Program 2026 P ROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS CONTINUED Class Observations 1. Each participant will be required to observe 5 general classes with a written evaluation. a. 2 gentle, 2 level I, and 1 mixed level 2. Observations begin the second month of the Program and spread out throughout the entire Program. Karma Yoga 1.Karma Yoga is defined as Yoga of Action. You will be required to complete 10 hours of Karma Yoga over the course of the Program. Karma Yoga is divided into two sections: a. A non-profit organization of one's choice i. Each participant will be required to commit 5 hours during the course of the YTT Program. b. The Yoga Sanctuary i. Each participant will commit 5 hours to The Yoga Sanctuary. ii. This Karma Yoga practice will help you develop a greater understanding of what goes into operating a successful yoga studio, help us to get to know you better, and reinforce a sense of community in the studio. 2.Teaching a. Each participant will teach one community class under the direct supervision of a YTT faculty member. b.The class will be by donation only. All money collected will go to the selected charity organization. Studio Use Time 1. There will be at least one hour per week designated for participants to use the studio, either alone or to practice with other TTs, beginning the second month of the Program. 2. Use of this time is not required, but will be available for participants that are looking for space in which to practice, study, or practice teach. Assessments and Exams 1. There are many assessments that lead to receiving one's 200-hour certification: a. Class Attendance: YTT and General Classes b. Homework Assignments c. Home Practice Reflections d. Svadhyaya Project e. Observation Evaluations f. Karma Hours g. Practice Teaching: Community Class and YTT Sessions h. Monthly Quizzes i. Final Written and Practical Exams 2. Completion of Requirements: In order to receive one's certificate at the end of the program, all requirements much be completed by April 30, 2027. © 2026 THE YOGA SANCTUARY, LLCYogi Manners 1. Please be punctual. 2. Please turn off all devices, cell phones, smart watches, etc. when in class. 3. Please do not eat during teacher training sessions. You may bring snacks and drinks to eat during any of the short breaks. However, be mindful not to eat when practicing asana. For sessions when we have a scheduled one-hour lunch break, please bring a packed lunch with you. There are not many options available in Punta Gorda on Sundays for lunch. 4. Please be considerate of students who are not trainees during general classes at the studio. If an instructor is addressing the needs or concerns of a general class, please refrain from using the time to ask YTT questions. 5. Remember to scan in to all classes, both YTT and regular classes, in order to receive credit for your attendance. 6. During regular class hours, please keep time spent around the front desk to a minimum. It is a busy spot that needs to attend to the needs of all students at The Yoga Sanctuary. Instead, please contact the front desk person via e-mail to address YTT needs. 7. Please respect the confidentiality of students, instructors, and other TTs during the Program. The class happenings you witness as a TT should not be discussed outside of teacher training. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS CONTINUED The Yoga Sanctuary Teacher Training Program 2026 © 2026 THE YOGA SANCTUARY, LLC Administrative Issues 1. You must have access to email and check daily. It is the most efficient way for the YTT faculty to send you updates and address individual concerns. 2. Please refer all YTT admin questions to Program Director, Jennifer French, at jennifer@theyogasanctuary.biz. Please do not ask other teachers about administrative questions. Any yoga-related issues may be addressed to any teachers in the program. 3. Karma hours, observations, and YTT Studio Time availability should be booked by email with TYS Office Manager, Anna Martin, at info@theyogasanctuary.biz. If you cannot email, you may book by phone to TYS front desk. Cancellation & Refund Policy 1. Cancellations prior to October 2, 2026 will receive a full refund. 2. Cancellations between October 2, 026 and November 2, 2026 will receive a 75% refund. 3. No refunds after November 2, 2026. 4. Withdrawals from the Program result in Program benefits being revoked. 5. The Yoga Sanctuary reserves the right to reschedule a session or program.READING LIST REQUIRED | RECOMMENDED TITLE AUTHOR REQUIRED 1. The Yoga Effect, Liz Owen 2. Yoga for a Healthy Lower Back, Liz Owen 3. Yoga for Healthy Aging, Baxter Bell 4. The Secret of the Yoga Sutra, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait 5. Relax and Renew, Judith Lasater 6. Chakra Yoga, Alan Finger 7. The Breathing Book, Donna Farhi 8. Teaching Yoga, Donna Farhi 9. Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Brian Dana Akers 10. Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings, A. G. Mohan 11. Light on Life, B.K.S. Iyengar 12. Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution, Robert Svoboda 13. Moving Inward: The Journey to Meditation: Rolf Sovik 14. The Language of Yoga, Nicolai Bachman 15. How Not to Teach Yoga, Tori Lunden RECOMMENDED TO BUILD YOUR LIBRARY © 2026 THE YOGA SANCTUARY, LLC 1.The Heart of Yoga ....................... 2.The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali ....... 3.The Path of the Yoga Sutras ....... 4.Bhagavad Gita ............................ 5.MetaAnatomy ............................. 6.The Muscle Book ........................ 7.Yoga & Ayurveda ........................ 8.Teaching Yoga with Intention ..... T.K.V. Desikachar Sri Swami Satchidananda Nicolai Bachman Graham M. Schweig Kristin Leal Paul Blakey David Frawley Judith LasaterPROGRAM SCHEDULE PROGRAM DATES | PROGRAM TIMES PROGRAM DATES: DECEMBER: WEDNESDAYS, 12/2 - 12/16 FRIDAY, 12/4 - SUNDAY, 12/6 SATURDAY, 12/12 FRIDAY, 12/18 - SUNDAY, 12/20 J ANUARY: WEDNESDAYS, 1/6 - 1/27 FRIDAY, 1/8 - SUNDAY, 1/10 FRIDAY, 1/22 - SUNDAY, 1/24 FEBRUARY: WEDNESDAYS, 2/3 - 2/24 FRIDAY, 2/5 - SUNDAY, 2/7 FRIDAY, 2/19 - SUNDAY, 2/21 MARCH: WEDNESDAYS, 3/3 - 3/31 FRIDAY, 3/5 - SUNDAY, 3/7 FRIDAY, 3/19 - SUNDAY, 3/21 APRIL: WEDNESDAYS, 4/7 - 4/21 FRIDAY, 4/2 - SUNDAY, 4/4 FRIDAY, 4/23 - SUNDAY, 4/25 FRIDAY, 4/30: GRADUATION DINNER © 2026 THE YOGA SANCTUARY, LLC PROGRAM HOURS: WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS: 6 - 9 PM SATURDAYS: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM SUNDAYS: 1:00 - 6:00 PM NOTE: ALL DATES, TIMES, AND TEACHERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.The Yoga Sanctuary's 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY 1.Application Fee: $100 non-refundable. Applied to Program’s tuition cost if accepted. 2.Program Deposit: $500 non-refundable to be paid within two weeks of acceptance into Program. Applied to Program’s tuition cost. 3.Participant cancellations prior to October 2, 2026 will receive a full refund, apart from any discounts applied using Program Benefits. 4.Participant cancellations between October 2 and November 2, 2026 will receive a 75% refund, apart from any discounts applied using Program Benefits. 5.No refunds after November 2, 2026. If participant withdraws from the Program, all the benefits of the Program are revoked as well. 6.The Yoga Sanctuary reserves the right to reschedule a session or program.