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.

Tri Yoga Boston Code of Conduct

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

Code of Conduct - Students

The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe and nurturing environment in which students can learn and instructors can teach. It also covers the relationship between the yoga student and the instructor to ensure the student can grow toward physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing.

Students honor the philosophy of TriYoga Boston Yoga uphold the Code of Conduct.

Students are accountable for using sound judgment in making decisions grounded in self-awareness and taking actions with intention that are consistent with preserving dignity and integrity of faculty, mentors, and other students.

Students maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and cultivate a culture of respect, kindness and compassion for all individuals and groups.

Classroom conduct

1. Students promote an atmosphere of trust that values unique contributions of teachers, mentors, colleagues and respectfully allows for input and freedom to ask questions.

2. Students assume responsibility for being aware of own limitations and actively seek consultation and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

3. Appear in class with appropriate attire. Men must wear shirts in class. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement.

4. Be on time to class. Class begins with breathing and is an essential beginning to the practice. We do not consider it safe or effective to start the practice without first connecting with the breath.

5. Be respectful of the instructor’s and other students’ time. If the student has particular issues, they should be dealt with individually with the instructor outside of class time.

6. Students are encouraged to maintain an independent yoga practice. We provide a large library of on-demand videos to support the students’ home practice.

7. Let the instructor know about any physical limitations so appropriate supports and/or modifications may be suggested.

8. Students should be committed to her/his own personal Sadhana and the principles of the Yamas and Niyamas. Most importantly students should practice Ahimsa – non-harming – to themselves and others.

Code of Conduct – Instructors

Instructors should be committed to her/his own personal Sadhana and the principles of
the Yamas and Niyamas (See Code of Ethics).

1. Teacher–Student Relationship
A good teacher – student relationship requires the teacher to have high standards of professional conduct. Instructors need to respect the rights and dignity of all students.They also need to respect the trust placed in the teacher by the student. The following codes emphasize trust and safety as the basis for the teacher – student relationship.

1.1 Respect and Rights
1.1.1 Demonstrate respect to all students regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, physical and psychological limitation, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.
1.1.2 Respect the values, beliefs and aspirations of all yoga students.

1.2 Confidentiality
1.2.1 Protect students’ privacy and right to confidentiality.
1.2.2 Treat all information about students as confidential.
1.2.3 Obtain consent from students before photographing, audio or video tape recording or permitting third party observation of yoga sessions.
1.2.4 Ask students’ permission before adding their names to print or email mailing lists and be clear about the content of mail-outs. Respect also the students’ right to opt out of the mailing list.

1.3. Effective Communication
Relationships based on trust and clear communication enable teachers to work effectively with their students
1.3.1 Communicate with students in a courteous, respectful, compassionate and
honest manner.
1.3.2 Communicate respect for students through actions, language and behavior.
1.3.3 Listen to student’s needs, concerns, and preferences.
1.3.4 Communicate clearly about ways to practice yoga safely.
1.3.5 Seek permission before, and be respectful when, physically adjusting a
student.
1.3.6 Make comments about a student’s practice that are constructive and positive, not denigrating.

1.4 Safety
1.4.1 Maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for the teaching and practice of yoga.
1.4.2 Maintain safety procedures for yoga equipment.
1.4.3 Support the safety of students in the teaching of yoga.
1.4.4 Adhere to relevant legislative requirements relating to safety and care including Occupational Health and Safety and Duty of Care requirements.
1.4.5 Maintain professional liability insurance.
1.4.6 Maintain current first aid and CPR training qualification and competency.

1.5 Professional Boundaries
1.5.1 Be considerate of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of students.
1.5.2 Be considerate of the preferences and limitations of students.
1.5.3 Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
1.5.4 Recognize the power-imbalance between teacher and student and not harass or exploit students physically, psychologically, emotionally, sexually or financially.
1.5.5 Declare and take appropriate steps to address any conflict of interest that may arise in dealings with students.
1.5.6 Avoid relationships that could compromise the integrity of the teacher-student relationship.

2. Relationships with Peers
These Codes outline a professional approach to working with other yoga teachers and relevant professionals.
2.1 Speak respectfully of other yoga traditions and health modalities.
2.2 Treat other yoga teachers and colleagues in a respectful manner.
2.3 When appropriate, refer to and work cooperatively with other yoga teachers and relevant health practitioners, to meet the needs of the student.
2.4 Consult and take advice from colleagues and mentors, when appropriate.

3. Professional Practice
These Codes relate to maintaining the professionalism in yoga teaching and yoga
therapy training as expected by peers, students and the community.
3.1 Professional Performance
3.1.1 Acknowledge and teach yoga within the scope of your skills, knowledge
and ability.
3.1.2 Maintain your own regular yoga practice.
3.1.3 Commit to ongoing professional development.
3.1.4 Agree to cooperate fully with any inquiry in relation to behavior and
responsibilities.
3.1.5 Abide by all TriYoga Boston policies and procedures.

3.2 Integrity in Teaching
3.2.1 In all professional matters, act in a manner which honors the profession.
3.2.2 Honestly, accurately and fairly represent the benefits and outcomes of yoga practice.
3.2.3 Respect copyright and acknowledge sources when drawing on the work of others.

3.3 Business Integrity for TriYoga Boston Administrators
3.3.1 Abide by all relevant business and legislative requirements, including, but not limited to, insurance, pay and conditions, taxation, accounting, marketing and advertising, and copyright.
3.3.2 Ensure all information relating to the benefits of yoga and information used for promotional and marketing purposes is accurate, fair, clearly stated and not misleading in any way.
3.3.3 Treat all employees, the community, students, colleagues and other yoga businesses fairly, transparently and honestly in the course of all business transactions.