Scope of Practice – Federal Yoga Alliance
Last Updated: February 2024
Introduction
The Scope of Practice (SOP) of the Federal Yoga Alliance applies to all certified members, setting forth clear, responsible, and non-lineage-specific guidelines for teaching yoga, maintaining professional integrity, and upholding ethical responsibilities.
This SOP establishes the principles that every member—including Federal Yoga Teachers (FYT™), Continuing Education Providers (CEP), and other certified professionals—must follow. It defines acceptable, recommended, required, and prohibited practices that all members must adhere to when teaching yoga.
The SOP is a fundamental part of the Ethical Commitment that each member must accept, in alignment with the Federal Yoga Alliance Code of Conduct and all governing policies.
Purpose
The Federal Yoga Alliance is dedicated to fostering high-quality, ethical, and inclusive yoga education worldwide. In an era where yoga is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for personal transformation and well-being, it is essential to uphold the highest professional standards.
The Scope of Practice ensures that all members:
Provide safe, effective, and ethical instruction in yoga.
Maintain professional responsibility and accountability.
Respect the cultural and historical roots of yoga.
Promote trust and integrity within the global yoga community.
By setting and enforcing high ethical and professional standards, the Federal Yoga Alliance seeks to protect the credibility of yoga as a discipline and elevate the role of certified yoga professionals worldwide.
Preamble
The Federal Yoga Alliance recognizes the diverse traditions, lineages, and methodologies within the field of yoga. Yoga is a multidimensional system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices that originated in ancient India and South Asia. Over time, it has evolved through various cultural exchanges, influences, and adaptations.
While yoga cannot be reduced to a single definition, the Federal Yoga Alliance acknowledges it as both:
A state of unitive consciousness and
A set of philosophies, techniques, and disciplines that guide practitioners toward this state.
Members of the Federal Yoga Alliance commit to upholding competency, ethics, and inclusivity, ensuring that yoga is taught with authenticity, responsibility, and respect for its origins.
This Scope of Practice does not limit licensed healthcare professionals or certified specialists from practicing within their respective fields.
Scope of Practice (SOP) Overview
Follow the Federal Yoga Alliance Code of Conduct
Teach Yoga Responsibly
Adjust Posture or Practice with Explicit and Informed Consent
Share Yogic Philosophy, History, and Anatomy with Proper Attribution
Advise and Teach Only Within One’s Qualified Scope
Maintain Relevant Credentials and Continuing Education
SOP Principle 1 — Follow the Federal Yoga Alliance Code of Conduct
All members must adhere to the Code of Conduct, which includes:
Compliance with applicable laws.
Following the Federal Yoga Alliance Scope of Practice.
Creating a harassment-free environment.
Upholding ethical and professional relationships with students.
Promoting honesty and integrity in all communications.
Actively fostering inclusivity and accessibility in yoga spaces.
SOP Principle 2 — Teach Yoga Responsibly
Members are authorized to teach yoga within their level of training and expertise, whether in group settings, private sessions, or online.
Teaching must be aligned with yogic philosophy, methodology, and best practices, ensuring that students receive safe and accurate instruction. Members must not misrepresent their qualifications or teach beyond their certified competencies.
SOP Principle 3 — Adjust Posture or Practice with Explicit and Informed Consent
Physical adjustments must only be provided with explicit and informed consent from the student.
Consent must be:
Clearly given (verbally, in writing, or through a consent indicator).
Specific to the teacher and the session (prior consent does not imply future permission).
Freely withdrawable at any time.
Silence or lack of resistance does not constitute consent. Teachers must respect personal boundaries and always prioritize the student’s comfort and safety.
SOP Principle 4 — Share Yogic Philosophy, History, and Anatomy with Proper Attribution
Members may provide instruction on yogic philosophy, history, and anatomy, ensuring that all sources are accurately cited. Acceptable sources include:
Traditional yoga texts and scriptures.
Teachings from recognized yoga teachers and specific lineages.
Academic research from qualified scholars in yoga, anatomy, and related fields.
Misinformation, plagiarism, or misrepresentation of yoga’s history and practices is strictly prohibited.
SOP Principle 5 — Advise and Teach Only Within One’s Qualified Scope
Members must not provide advice or services outside their professional expertise.
If a student requires medical, psychological, or specialized guidance, members must refer them to a qualified professional.
Members must not use their yoga credentials to imply competence in fields beyond yoga education.
Unless properly licensed, members must not provide medical, therapeutic, or psychological treatment.
This principle ensures that yoga remains a safe and ethical practice while respecting the roles of other professionals.
SOP Principle 6 — Maintain Relevant Credentials and Continuing Education
Members must:
Keep their Federal Yoga Alliance certification active.
Complete continuing education requirements to maintain professional competency.
Stay updated on current yoga standards and best practices.
Follow all Federal Yoga Alliance policies and procedures.
Failure to comply with credentialing and education requirements may result in certification suspension or revocation.
Commitment to Excellence
By upholding this Scope of Practice, members of the Federal Yoga Alliance ensure that yoga remains a respected, ethical, and transformative discipline.
The Federal Yoga Alliance is committed to protecting the integrity of yoga, supporting high-quality education, and fostering a global community of skilled, responsible, and ethical yoga professionals.