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.

Yoga Teacher Academy Code of Conduct

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

Neuroscience-Informed Yoga Teaching™ 20-Hour Professional Certification Offered through Yoga Teacher Academy™

At Yoga Teacher Academy™, we are committed to creating a professional, respectful, and growth-oriented learning environment that reflects the evolving standards of modern yoga education. All participants in the Neuroscience-Informed Yoga Teaching™ certification are expected to uphold the following standards throughout their enrollment and participation.

1. Professionalism Participants are expected to engage with course materials, communication, and any community interactions in a respectful and professional manner. Courtesy, integrity, and accountability are foundational to the learning experience.

2. Respect for Others We welcome diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Participants are expected to communicate respectfully and refrain from harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or disruptive behavior of any kind.

3. Confidentiality & Sensitivity Examples shared within the course may involve teaching scenarios, student experiences, or personal reflection. Participants are expected to approach all such content with discretion, maturity, and respect for privacy.

4. Inclusive Learning Environment This training supports a student-centered approach that recognizes variation in human experience, readiness, and learning. Participants are expected to engage in ways that support inclusion, dignity, and belonging for all individuals.

5. Academic Integrity All quizzes, reflections, and course activities are to be completed honestly and as intended. Misrepresentation of work, plagiarism, or misuse of certification materials may result in removal from the program without certification.

6. Responsible Use of Course Materials All course content, written materials, downloads, and intellectual property are provided for individual educational use only and may not be copied, distributed, reproduced, or resold without written permission.

7. Constructive Engagement Growth often includes reflection and reconsideration of existing habits or assumptions. Participants are encouraged to engage with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn.

8. Compliance with Platform Policies Participants are expected to follow all applicable platform terms of use and technical policies associated with course access and participation.

9. Right to Maintain Learning Standards Yoga Teacher Academy™ reserves the right to suspend or remove access, deny certification, or restrict participation in cases of misconduct, harassment, fraudulent activity, repeated disruption, or violations of these standards.

10. Commitment to Ethical Teaching Completion of this certification signifies not only academic completion, but a commitment to applying the material responsibly, ethically, and in service of student wellbeing. By enrolling in this training, participants acknowledge and agree to uphold these standards.