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.

Tortuga Yoga School Code of Conduct

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

Tortuga Yoga School

At Tortuga Yoga School, we believe yoga is more than a physical practice. It is an opportunity to cultivate awareness, connection, compassion, and growth. As yoga teachers and teachers-in-training, we have a responsibility to create spaces where every student feels respected, supported, and welcome.

We are committed to the following principles in our teaching, our relationships, and our personal practice.

INTEGRITY & PROFESSIONALISM
We represent our education, qualifications, experience, and affiliations honestly. We teach within the scope of our training and experience, communicate responsibly about the benefits of yoga, and conduct ourselves with honesty, accountability, and respect.

RESPECT & PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES
We recognize the trust students place in their teachers and honor the responsibility that comes with that relationship. We maintain appropriate professional boundaries and never engage in harassment, discrimination, coercion, exploitation, or abusive behavior. We treat students, colleagues, and fellow teachers with dignity and respect.

CONFIDENTIALITY & TRUST
We honor the privacy of our students and colleagues. Personal information and experiences shared in classes, training sessions, or group discussions are treated with care and kept confidential, except when disclosure is required by law or necessary to address a serious safety concern.

INCLUSIVITY & ACCESSIBILITY
We strive to make yoga welcoming and accessible to people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, ages, and levels of experience. We approach each student with compassion and without judgment, respect individual differences, and work to create an environment where everyone feels they belong.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE & STUDENT SAFETY
We prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our students. We offer appropriate modifications, respect individual boundaries, and recognize that each student's experience is unique. We do not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatment, or offer advice beyond our qualifications. When appropriate, we encourage students to seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.

CONTINUING EDUCATION & PERSONAL GROWTH
We approach teaching with humility and a willingness to learn. We remain open to feedback, seek opportunities for continued education, and recognize that being a teacher does not mean we have all the answers. We strive to embody the principles we share with our students, both on and off the mat.

COMMUNITY & COLLABORATION
We believe the yoga community is strengthened through generosity, collaboration, and shared learning rather than competition. We communicate thoughtfully, address concerns respectfully, and contribute to a supportive environment for students, teachers, and the broader yoga community.

MINDFULNESS & PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
We recognize that the practice of yoga extends beyond the classroom. We strive to approach our words, actions, and relationships with awareness, compassion, and integrity. We take responsibility for our choices, acknowledge when we fall short, and remain committed to learning and growing.

Our Commitment
As yoga teachers and teachers-in-training, we commit to upholding these principles in our teaching and interactions with others. We recognize that ethical teaching is an ongoing practice that requires self-reflection, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of our students and community.

Our goal is to create spaces where people can practice, learn, and grow with confidence, knowing they will be met with respect, compassion, and care.