Code of Conduct
Our shared commitment to a respectful and inclusive yoga community.
Introduction
GOYA brings together yoga teachers, students, schools, and wellness practitioners from around the world. To maintain a community that is welcoming, safe, and beneficial to everyone, all members are expected to uphold the values described in this Code of Conduct. This code applies to all interactions on the platform — including posts, comments, direct messages, events, and public profiles.
Membership in GOYA is a privilege, not a right. We reserve the right to remove any member who consistently fails to meet the standards set out here, regardless of their designation or standing.
Respectful Communication
All members are expected to communicate with courtesy and respect, even when disagreeing. Personal attacks, derogatory language, trolling, or any form of harassment — whether public or private — will not be tolerated. This includes comments that demean a person based on their background, skill level, physical appearance, or personal beliefs.
Constructive critique is welcome. Cruelty is not. When offering feedback — on someone’s teaching approach, a community post, or an event — please do so with the same care you would want for yourself.
Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination
GOYA is an inclusive community. Discrimination or exclusion based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic is strictly prohibited.
Yoga has roots across many cultures and traditions. Members are encouraged to approach diverse lineages and practices with humility and curiosity rather than judgment. Cultural appropriation, misrepresentation of traditions, or dismissal of other valid approaches to yoga are contrary to the spirit of this community.
Professional Standards for Teachers
Teachers listed on GOYA are expected to maintain the highest professional standards in their interactions with students. This includes maintaining appropriate physical and emotional boundaries, never exploiting a position of trust or authority, and ensuring that all teaching environments — physical or virtual — are safe and supportive.
Teachers must accurately represent their qualifications, training hours, and areas of expertise. Misrepresentation of credentials or designations is a serious violation and may result in immediate removal from the directory.
Reporting Violations
If you witness or experience behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, we encourage you to report it. You can use the “Report” feature on any member profile or post, or contact our team directly at conduct@globalonlineyogaassociation.org.
All reports are treated with confidentiality. We will review every report and take appropriate action. Retaliation against anyone who submits a good-faith report is itself a violation of this Code.
Consequences
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in a range of consequences depending on the severity and context of the behaviour. These range from a formal warning and removal of specific content, to temporary suspension or permanent removal from the GOYA platform and directory. In cases involving potential illegal activity, we may refer the matter to the appropriate authorities.
GOYA’s moderation team makes all final decisions regarding conduct violations. We are committed to applying these standards fairly and consistently across all members regardless of their role or designation level.