Principle 1 & 5:
Adhere to
Applicable Law;
Do No Harm
Adhere to
Applicable Law;
Do No Harm
What is "Adhere to Applicable Law"?
This principle requires Yoga Alliance members to follow all local, state, provincial, national, and federal laws applicable to them.
What is the Scope of Practice?
Yoga Alliance members must adhere to this framework, which outlines acceptable and prohibited practices while teaching yoga.
What is "Avoid Discrimination"?
This principle requires Yoga Alliance members to avoid discriminating against any individuals based on factors such as age, gender, race, or ability.
What is "Explicit and Informed Consent"?
Yoga Alliance members must obtain this type of consent before physically assisting or adjusting students during yoga practice.
What is "Plagiarism"?
Yoga Alliance members must accurately disclose the source of teachings, writings, or resources that are not their own and must refrain from this activity.
What is "Do No Harm"?
Yoga Alliance members must commit to this principle, which prohibits causing harm through action or inaction.
What is the Anti-Harassment Policy?
This policy strictly prohibits harassment, including trolling, stalking, hate speech, and intimidation, both in-person and online.
What is "Seek Active Inclusion"?
Yoga Alliance members are encouraged to go beyond legal prohibitions by ensuring that individuals who are typically excluded are actively welcomed into the practice of yoga.
What is a "Romantic and/or Sexual Relationship"?
This type of relationship between a yoga teacher and a student should be avoided during the course of teaching or at events where the teacher is perceived as such.
What is "False or Exaggerated Claims"?
This type of claim is prohibited, as members must avoid making unsupported or exaggerated statements about the benefits of yoga.
What is Beer Yoga?
Despite the popularity of Beer Yoga, Yoga Alliance’s Code of Conduct prohibits members from teaching while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, except for those drugs that have been prescribed to the member for medical purposes by a licensed medical or mental health professional.
What MUST members attest under Code Principle 2?
Members MUST attest that they have read, understand, and agree to the Yoga Alliance Scope of Practice.
What are "Reasonable Accommodations"?
Yoga Alliance members are encouraged to understand and provide these accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure accessibility in their yoga classes.
What is "Work Status"?
Yoga Alliance members must follow this principle when hiring, working with, or engaging students, trainees, employees, or other members, adhering to local, state, and national laws.
What is "Providing Advice or Services Without Proper Licensing"?
Members must avoid providing advice or services in this way, particularly in locations where they are not properly licensed.
What is the Ethical Commitment?
The Ethical Commitment establishes shared responsibility, enhancing accountability for credential holders. This means that practitioners and the public can trust that Yoga Alliance members provide quality teaching in inclusive environments. It consists of three parts: a Code of Conduct, a Scope of Practice, and a responsibility to Equity in Yoga.
What is the Sexual Misconduct Policy?
Yoga Alliance members must not engage in verbal, physical, or other forms of misconduct under this strict policy.
What is "Reasonable Physical Location"?
Yoga Alliance members should ensure that the physical location of their yoga classes and workshops takes into account this key aspect of accessibility.
What is "Consent to Record"?
Members must have this from students or trainees before recording photos, videos, or other forms of imagery, or using those images in any way.
What are "Referral Lists"?
Members should create and provide these lists, which include essential local resources like medical professionals and hotlines.
What are the yamas?
The Yoga Alliance Code of Conduct is based on these ethical principles from yoga philosophy, which guide practitioners toward self-reflection and conscious action.
What is the Code of Conduct?
This document defines the legal and ethical responsibilities of a Yoga Alliance member, which includes guidelines on conduct, harassment, and misconduct.
What is "Actively Include All Individuals"?
This principle requires Yoga Alliance members to actively include and accommodate all individuals, creating an equitable space for everyone regardless of their background or physical ability.
What is "Consent-Based Touch"?
This principle highlights the importance of maintaining professional boundaries by requiring ongoing, clear communication and consent in teacher-student relationships, especially when it comes to physical adjustments.
What is "Cultural Responsibility"?
This aspect of Code Principle 8 emphasizes the responsibility of members to educate themselves about yoga's origins, while considering the impacts of cultural appropriation.