Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is a summation and declaration of acceptable, ethical, and professional behaviour by which you agree to conduct the teaching and business of Yoga. As a registrant on an Academy for Yoga Training course, I agree to uphold the following ethical principles:

I will:

• conduct myself in a professional and conscientious manner. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that my practices and behaviour conform to the representations I make about myself in holding myself as a yoga practitioner.

• acknowledge the limitations of my skills and scope of practice, only offering classes to the level I am competent to deliver. Where appropriate, I will refer students to seek alternative instruction, advice, treatment or direction.

• adhere to the traditional yoga principles as written in the Yamas and Niyamas.

• uphold the standards of the teachings I have been given, to maintain and promote the good name of yoga at all times.

I understand that:

• I am solely responsible for my body and my practice.

• I should not experience physical pain in any pose. If I do, I am aware that I should gently come out of the pose to avoid injury, or rest and an alternative pose can be given.

• AFYT takes no responsibility for any physical, psychological or emotional injury as a result of opening up to the process of becoming a yoga teacher, on my learning journey.

• I should seek professional medical help in the event that I experience any deeper physical, psychological or emotional challenges in attending this course.

I will:

• encourage diversity by respecting all students regardless of age, physical limitations, race, creed, sex, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

• respect the rights, dignity and privacy of all students.

• avoid words and actions that constitute harassment of any type.

• behave and speak with respect to everyone, ensuring my actions do not offend others.

• listen with intent to others, without interruption: everyone is allowed their opinion equally.

• not judge or make assumptions about anyone: everyone has their story.

• not attempt to medically or psychologically diagnose a student’s condition, even if asked for my professional opinion.

• respect my teachers: they have given their knowledge freely and should be treated accordingly.

• not engage in a personal relationship with one of my students that takes advantage of my professional position as a teacher. If anything starts to develop, I will respectfully find the student another teacher immediately.

• seek the permission of anyone I wish to take pictures or videos of whilst on the course. I will confirm they are happy for these to be used on a website or on social media before using them.

I will:

• ensure good time-keeping, arriving on time for the start of the course each day and returning from breaks at the allocated time.

• attend 100% of the course contact hours, unless there is an exceptional circumstance. I understand that in that case alternative arrangements will need to be made with Diane Lee, Course Director, in order for contact hours to be completed.

• comply with the conditions and requirements as set out in the course curriculum, and accept that failure to do so will disqualify me from any accreditation.

• complete and meet assignment and practical assessment deadlines, ensuring all work produced is my own work. I will give reference to any resources used to help complete my written work.

• seek help, if needed, at any time during the course.

• treat all course property and equipment within the yoga studio with respect.

• follow the health and safety guidelines of the studio and the teacher training course at all times.

I will:

• work to create and maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for the practice of yoga.

• show respect to the environment within the studio buildings and outside.

• dress appropriately, wearing clothes that allow for full movement in the practical aspects of the course.

• keep my mobile phone off, or on silent.

• follow all local government and national laws that pertain to my yoga teaching and business.

I accept that failure to follow any aspect of this Code of Conduct may lead to the annulment of any accreditation obtained from the Academy for Yoga Training course.