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.

Tree of India School of Yoga Code of Conduct

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

Ethics Agreement

As a yoga teacher, you must possess a high degree of emotional maturity and personal integrity to serve and empower your students, as it is your responsibility to uphold and foster a safe and sacred environment where transformation can happen.

As a Tree of India yoga teacher, I agree to the following code of ethics:

I agree to have a sincere commitment to provide the highest-quality care to those who seek my professional services.

I agree to represent my qualifications honestly and provide only the services I am qualified and certified to perform.

I agree to refrain from recommending treatment, diagnosing a condition, or suggesting that a student disregard medical advice.

I agree to acknowledge the limitations and contraindications of yoga and refer students to the appropriate health-care professionals.

I agree to consistently maintain and improve my professional knowledge and competence, striving for professional excellence through regular assessment of personal and professional strengths and weaknesses and through continued education and training.

It is my responsibility as a teacher to create and maintain a safe environment that engenders trust and mutual respect.

I agree to offer compassionate, competent, and safe touch to my students when assisting them in yoga classes.

I agree that an essential part of teaching yoga is the development and maintenance of a professional teacher/student relationship. This includes establishing clear and appropriate social and sexual boundaries.

I agree to refrain, under all circumstances, from initiating or engaging in any sexual conduct, sexual activities, or sexualizing behavior involving a student, even if the student attempts to sexualize the relationship.

I agree to conduct my business and professional activities with honesty and integrity.

I agree that I will not discriminate against students.

I agree to respect students’ boundaries regarding privacy, disclosure, emotional expression, and beliefs.