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 Tree Seattle Code of Conduct

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

Purpose:
We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive, and peaceful environment for all students, teachers, and staff members. This Code of Conduct governs behavior within our physical studio space, on our digital platforms, and during studio-sanctioned events and trainings.

1. Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination • Equal Space: We strictly prohibit discrimination, harassment, or exclusion based on race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability. This is fully aligned with the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD).
• Respectful Language: All communication within the studio must be free from profanity, prejudice, insults, or derogatory language.

2. Studio Etiquette & Cleanliness
• Punctuality: Please arrive 10–15 minutes before the scheduled class time to check in and settle mindfully into the space. Late entry disrupts the class flow and meditation periods.
• Digital Detox: All cell phones, smartwatches, and electronic devices must be silenced or turned off before entering the practice room. [1, 2, • Scent-Free Environment: To accommodate individuals with severe allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities, please refrain from wearing heavy perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented essential oils.
• Hygiene and Props Care: Maintain basic personal hygiene. Always clean borrowed studio props using the provided disinfectant and cleaning towels and return them to their designated storage areas after class.

3. Health, Safety, and Professional Scope
• Medical Disclaimer: Yoga is not a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or mental health services. Students are strongly advised to consult a physician before beginning any new physical regimen, especially if they have underlying health conditions.
• Informed Consent & Physical Adjustments: We value somatic autonomy. Instructors must obtain clear, explicit, and ongoing consent before offering physical, hands-on touch or assists. Students always reserve the right to decline adjustments at any time without explanation via visual consent indicators (e.g., consent coasters) or verbal preferences.
• Sobriety Policy: To protect the physical safety of everyone, all clients and staff must arrive in a clear, present state. Entering the property under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or illegal substances is strictly forbidden. (Note: While recreational cannabis is legal under Washington state law, private businesses retain the right to prohibit impairment or substance use on their premises).

4. Professional Boundaries (For Instructors & Staff)
• Scope of Practice: Instructors must teach strictly within the bounds of their credentials, experience, and training. Staff must never provide medical, nutritional, or psychological advice unless licensed independently to do so.
• Sexual Misconduct and Relationships: We maintain a zerotolerance policy for sexual misconduct, unsolicited sexual advances, or suggestive language. Instructors must exercise extreme caution regarding professional boundaries and avoid romantic or sexual relationships with active students that compromise professional judgment.
• Privacy & Consent to Record: Respect the privacy and dignity of all members and trainees. No photographs or video recordings may be taken without the express, written consent of management and every individual within the frame. 5. Enforcement and Reporting • Reporting Violations: If you witness or experience behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately to studio management at info@yogatree.com. • Consequences: The studio reserves the right to issue warnings, pause or terminate memberships or training enrollment without a refund, or ban individuals from the premises if they violate these safety, harassment, or inclusivity terms.