FOYT Ethics

We, the teachers of the Fellowship of Ontario Yoga Teachers, believe we have the responsibility to provide a safe environment where the student can gain strength and grow on a physical, mental, social, ethical, emotional and spiritual level. We recognize the valuable teacher-student relationship and as such we shall strive to uphold the following standards.

1. We will establish and maintain appropriate professional relationship boundaries.

2. We recognize and admit to our own limitations and know when and where to refer the student.

3. We keep abreast of other healing modalities and new developments in the science of Yoga by

attending lectures, workshops, and self study and by seeking out professional Yoga

relationships through a multitude of organizations, colleagues and peers.

4. We maintain a sadhana (Shula's note: this means spiritual practice) which promotes our

5. We avoid discriminating against or refusing professional help to any student/seeker based on

As the Fellowship of Ontario Yoga Teachers, we maintain practices and teaching procedures that protect the safety and health of the public and advance the Fellowship and the profession.

1. We use our knowledge and professional associations as a guide to the skills, judgment and

attitudes that are needed to practice safely. We recognize our knowledge, skills, attitudes and

judgments are used for the benefit of our students and not to secure unfair professional

2. Fees and financial arrangements, as with all contractual matters, are always discussed without

hesitation or equivocation at the outset and are established in a straightforward, professional

4. We conduct our fiscal affairs with due regard to recognize business and accounting procedures.

5. We recognize that it is unprofessional to malign colleagues or other professionals.

6. As FOYT-certified instructors we recognize that it is our responsibility to maintain relationships

with students on a professional basis, as such we do not abandon or neglect students. If we are

unable to continue to provide professional help, arrangement is made for continuation of

7. We make only realistic statements concerning the benefits of Yoga and we recognize our own

8. The goal of the Fellowship of Ontario Yoga Teachers is to provide, through qualified yoga

teachers, the best possible health outcome for the student with no unnecessary exposure to risk

9. Reflective practice - we continually assess our own practice to identify learning needs and

opportunities for constant growth and improvement, this is recognized as the key to competence

improvement. Ongoing feedback from peers, colleagues and students is essential to maintain

10. We do not exploit the trust placed in and unique power of the student teacher relationship. We

do not engage in harassment, abusive words, actions or exploitative coercion of students.

11. All forms of sexual behavior or harassment with students or colleagues are unethical.

Sexual behavior: Is defined as, but not limited to, all forms of overt and covert seductive speech,

Harassment: Is defined as, but not limited to, repeated comments, gestures or physical

12. We recognize that the teacher student relationship involves a relationship of influence, the

effects of which can remain after the student-teacher relationship is over.

Respect for confidentiality is essential for the relationship between teacher and student. It is an aspect of respect for the student's human dignity and responsibility for self. We have an obligation to safeguard information about them that has been obtained in the course of an instruction process.

1. Information about the student will be shared if withholding such information may cause harm to

someone. In this cae, the duty to prevent harm overrides the responsibility of confidentiality.

2. When referring to students in publications, written articles/public presentations, their identity is

3. It is our responsibility to convey the importance of confidentiality to our apprentices, consultants,

All relationships, be they with students, employees, consultants, or assistants, are maintained in a professional and confidential basis.

1. We shall advise our assistants, students and employees against offering or engaging in or holding themselves out as competent to engage in professional services beyond their training/education level of experience and competence. We do encourage growth and development and self-study.

As Yoga instructors, we relate to and cooperate with other professional persons in our immediate community and beyond. We recognize that Yoga is a discipline concerned with the promotion of well-being and as such we are a part of a network of health care professionals and are expected to develop and maintain interdisciplinary and inter professional relationships.

2. It is unethical to speak of other teachers with disrespect, or derision, either publicly or privately.

Any advertising, including announcements, public statements, and promotional activities is devoid of exaggerated claims about the effects of Yoga. The purpose of advertising is to help the public make informed judgments and choices.

Advertising or announcement of workshops, clinics, seminars, conferences of other endeavors are to give a clear statement of purpose and a clear description of the experiences provided.

The education, training and experience of the providers involved are to be appropriately specified.


	www.YogaYoga.ca Up Next Home Statement of Professional Standards of the Federation of Ontario Yoga Teachers Mission Statement We, the teachers of the Fellowship of Ontario Yoga Teachers, believe we have the responsibility to provide a safe environment where the student can gain strength and grow on a physical, mental, social, ethical, emotional and spiritual level. We recognize the valuable teacher-student relationship and as such we shall strive to uphold the following standards. General Standard 1. We will establish and maintain appropriate professional relationship boundaries. 2. We recognize and admit to our own limitations and know when and where to refer the student. 3. We keep abreast of other healing modalities and new developments in the science of Yoga by attending lectures, workshops, and self study and by seeking out professional Yoga relationships through a multitude of organizations, colleagues and peers. 4. We maintain a sadhana (Shula's note: this means spiritual practice) which promotes our personal lies to wholeness and balance. 5. We avoid discriminating against or refusing professional help to any student/seeker based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, religious or national origin. Professional and Student Relationship Standards As the Fellowship of Ontario Yoga Teachers, we maintain practices and teaching procedures that protect the safety and health of the public and advance the Fellowship and the profession. 1. We use our knowledge and professional associations as a guide to the skills, judgment and attitudes that are needed to practice safely. We recognize our knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgments are used for the benefit of our students and not to secure unfair professional advantage. 2. Fees and financial arrangements, as with all contractual matters, are always discussed without hesitation or equivocation at the outset and are established in a straightforward, professional manner. 3. We neither receive nor pay a commission for referral of a student. 4. We conduct our fiscal affairs with due regard to recognize business and accounting procedures. 5. We recognize that it is unprofessional to malign colleagues or other professionals. 6. As FOYT-certified instructors we recognize that it is our responsibility to maintain relationships with students on a professional basis, as such we do not abandon or neglect students. If we are unable to continue to provide professional help, arrangement is made for continuation of instruction with another qualified yoga instructor. 7. We make only realistic statements concerning the benefits of Yoga and we recognize our own limitations and refer accordingly. 8. The goal of the Fellowship of Ontario Yoga Teachers is to provide, through qualified yoga teachers, the best possible health outcome for the student with no unnecessary exposure to risk of harm. 9. Reflective practice - we continually assess our own practice to identify learning needs and opportunities for constant growth and improvement, this is recognized as the key to competence improvement. Ongoing feedback from peers, colleagues and students is essential to maintain competence. 10. We do not exploit the trust placed in and unique power of the student teacher relationship. We do not engage in harassment, abusive words, actions or exploitative coercion of students. 11. All forms of sexual behavior or harassment with students or colleagues are unethical. Sexual behavior: Is defined as, but not limited to, all forms of overt and covert seductive speech, gestures and behavior, as s well as physical contact of a sexual nature. Harassment: Is defined as, but not limited to, repeated comments, gestures or physical contacts of a sexual nature. 12. We recognize that the teacher student relationship involves a relationship of influence, the effects of which can remain after the student-teacher relationship is over. Ethical Behavior / Confidentiality Respect for confidentiality is essential for the relationship between teacher and student. It is an aspect of respect for the student's human dignity and responsibility for self. We have an obligation to safeguard information about them that has been obtained in the course of an instruction process. 1. Information about the student will be shared if withholding such information may cause harm to someone. In this cae, the duty to prevent harm overrides the responsibility of confidentiality. 2. When referring to students in publications, written articles/public presentations, their identity is thoroughly disguised. 3. It is our responsibility to convey the importance of confidentiality to our apprentices, consultants, peers. Business Relationships All relationships, be they with students, employees, consultants, or assistants, are maintained in a professional and confidential basis. 1. We shall advise our assistants, students and employees against offering or engaging in or holding themselves out as competent to engage in professional services beyond their training/education level of experience and competence. We do encourage growth and development and self-study. Interpersonal Relationships As Yoga instructors, we relate to and cooperate with other professional persons in our immediate community and beyond. We recognize that Yoga is a discipline concerned with the promotion of well-being and as such we are a part of a network of health care professionals and are expected to develop and maintain interdisciplinary and inter professional relationships. 1. We do not solicit another teacher's students. 2. It is unethical to speak of other teachers with disrespect, or derision, either publicly or privately. Advertising Any advertising, including announcements, public statements, and promotional activities is devoid of exaggerated claims about the effects of Yoga. The purpose of advertising is to help the public make informed judgments and choices. Advertising or announcement of workshops, clinics, seminars, conferences of other endeavors are to give a clear statement of purpose and a clear description of the experiences provided. The education, training and experience of the providers involved are to be appropriately specified.