Student Teacher Relationship Guidelines

This document outlines Yoga New Zealand student teacher guidelines to make students aware of their rights and responsibilities.

This is a document that can be utilised by registered Yoga New Zealand teachers to provide information to their students and provide guidelines for conduct for themselves in professional settings such as Yoga New Zealand state meetings and conferences and first aid courses and continuing professional development events.

Yoga Student Rights

That a fully qualified and registered Yoga New Zealand teacher adheres to the Yoga New Zealand Code of Professional Conduct, operating within the Yoga New Zealand scope of practice, maintains continuing professional development, and first aid certification.

To feel safe.

Have a ‘relationship’ with their teacher free from exploitation.

To decline adjustments if preferred.

Ask questions.

Seek a second opinion.

Contact Yoga New Zealand with concerns around professional conduct. Phone 1300 881 451

Yoga Student Responsibilities

Arrive at least ten minutes prior to class & turn off your mobile phone.

Keep noise to a minimum before, during and after class and be respectful of those who wish to sit quietly or meditate.

Avoid wearing strong scents to class including strong smelling deodorant and essential oils. Prior to class avoid smoking, strong foods, and offensive bodily odors in the class environment.

Wear appropriate and modest clothing that is respectful of the yoga tradition.

Timing of asanas is important. Do not rush ahead of your teacher’s instructions, nor should you slow down or perform a different pose without instruction. Timing is essential.

Avoid eating heavy meals for two hours before class.

Drinking water during class shouldn’t be necessary. If you feel unwell and need water, remove yourself from the class environment. Food and drink should not be brought into the room.

Respect others. Refrain from disturbing the practice of others in the class with touch, moaning or groaning noises, or talking during the class unless invited to. Do not make adjustments to others on the teacher’s behalf, unless asked to.

Leaves all phones outside the yoga room.

Do not practice or attend a class under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Notify the teacher of injuries and/or conditions

Ensure you rest or ask for assistance if you feel a pose isn’t right for you.

Understand and read the role of the Yoga Teacher Code of Professional Conduct

Understand and read the code of the ethics for a Yoga Teacher Statement of Ethics

Check your teacher’s qualifications and that their first aid, registration and insurance are up to date via Yoga New Zealand website.

Stay for the duration of the class.

Be a good example so that new students can see how to conduct oneself respectfully in a yoga environment.

If you think your teacher may be in breach of their code of conduct, contact Yoga New Zealand.

Checklist for Concerns

Feeling under pressure to:

• Perform beyond your physical capability on the day.
• To withhold your concerns over something that is occurring to yourself or others in the teaching environment.
• Taking on belief systems or “spiritual” practices that are not appropriate for yourself.
• Being touched or spoken to unprofessionally.
• Partake in unwanted group therapy or provided with unwarranted advice.
• Should you feel your teacher may be in breach of their code of conduct and you are not in a position to resolve this yourself, you can contact us to discuss and/or lodge a formal grievance.