Definitions
“Sakala School of Integrative Teaching” (“Company”). “Participant” is the individual enrolling or attending. “Services” are courses, workshops, instructional programs, printed and digital materials, audio/video, forums, and related offerings. “Program Materials” are manuals, decks, handouts, slides, recordings, images, and all content. “Digital Platforms” are Company websites, learning portals, conferencing tools, storage, and messaging systems. “Policies” are the rules and agreements in this document.
Services Provided
Company provides educational and training Services. Services are for educational purposes only and are not medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice, and are not a substitute for professional care.
Program Delivery and Access
Services may be offered in person, live online, recorded, or via written or multimedia formats. If a login is required, credentials are personal and may not be shared or transferred. Company may suspend or terminate access, without refund, for violations of this Agreement or Policies, or for conduct that jeopardizes safety, equity, or the integrity of the learning environment.
Payments
Participant agrees to pay all fees per the terms at registration. If installments are offered, they are partial payments toward the full program price and are not cancellable at will. If an installment fails, Company will notify the Participant at the email on file and provide seven (7) calendar days to resolve. Bank or card fees are the Participant’s responsibility. Certificates are issued only after all tuition and fees are paid in full. The Company may correct pricing or typographical errors and may cancel and refund enrollments placed in error.
Refunds and Cancellations
For cancellations received more than forty-five (45) days before the scheduled start, Company will refund amounts paid minus a $200 administrative fee.
For cancellations received within forty-five (45) days of the scheduled start, no refunds are issued.
No refunds are issued once the program begins.
If Company cancels an event before commencement, all amounts paid to Company will be refunded. Company is not responsible for a Participant’s travel, lodging, or other incidental costs.
Compassionate Consideration
Company may, in its discretion, consider a partial refund or credit in the event of a documented life-threatening or disabling illness or accident affecting the enrolled Participant, or the death of an immediate family or household member (including spouse/partner, child, parent/step-parent, or parent-in-law). Requests must include a written explanation and supporting medical or other relevant documentation. Any compassionate remedy is discretionary and may be issued as tuition credit rather than cash refund.
Confidentiality
Participants may share personal or sensitive information during sessions. Participants agree to honor the confidentiality of peer sharing and not disclose outside the training context. Company handles personal information consistent with this Agreement and the Privacy Policy, and may disclose when required by law or to prevent imminent harm.
Safety and Choice
Training occurs in a teaching environment, and active participation is part of learning. Participants are expected to engage in discussion, observation, and practice within their personal limits. All practices are voluntary; Participants may pause, adapt, or decline a specific activity at any time and should inform the Company. When a practice is declined, the Company may offer an alternative learning task (for example, observation, note-taking, or reflective writing) to meet course objectives. Repeated or extended non-participation may affect eligibility for completion or certification in line with Attendance and Make-Ups and Certification Requirements. The Company may offer supportive suggestions and self-directed modifications; it does not provide crisis, clinical, or emergency services.
Touch and Consent
Training addresses consent principles from a trauma-informed perspective for educational purposes only. No hands-on physical assists or adjustments are performed on Participants as part of the program. Demonstrations are verbal, self-directed, or shown on props/equipment by the instructor. Participation does not require touch, and Participants are not asked or expected to give or receive touch during training.
Intellectual Property
All Program Materials are the exclusive property of the Company or its licensors. All rights are reserved. Program Materials are provided to enrolled Participants solely for viewing and personal study in connection with the training. Participants may not copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, upload, post, record, stream, translate, adapt, or create derivative works from Program Materials, in whole or in part, without the Company’s prior written permission. Where third-party materials are included, they are used with permission and/or appropriately cited to the source. Participants may integrate what they learn into their own personal or professional practice without copying or distributing Program Materials.For clarity, the Sakala manual and handouts, the proprietary Sakala card deck, and in-person teaching presentations are Program Materials; no portion may be reproduced, recorded, or distributed without the Company’s prior written permission.
Participant Submissions
By submitting assignments, practicum recordings, or projects required for assessment, the Participant authorizes the Company to review and retain those submissions for grading, certification, quality assurance, and legal or accreditation record-keeping. The Company will not use Participant submissions for marketing or promotional purposes. Participants will use only original or properly licensed third-party content in their submissions and recordings; the Company may remove or decline to publish content that appears to infringe another’s rights.
Media and Recording
The Company may document training sessions by photo, audio, and video for educational, administrative, and promotional purposes connected to the training and teachings. By participating, the Participant consents to such documentation and grants the Company the right to use the Participant’s name, likeness, voice, and session content in any media now known or later developed, including print and online channels, and through the Company’s service providers acting on its behalf, for educational, promotional, and lawful purposes without compensation or royalties.
Where recordings are created for course delivery, access is limited to enrolled Participants, provided on a streaming-only basis, and may expire after the program concludes. Participants may not record, photograph, capture, or distribute any portion of the Services without the Company’s prior written permission and the express consent of all persons captured; consent must be obtained before capturing and before sharing, posting, or publishing. If permission is granted, Participants must use only original or properly licensed third-party content and comply with these Policies; the Company may remove or decline to publish content that appears to infringe another’s rights or that violates privacy.
Communications and Acceptable Use
Participants will maintain respectful and professional communications in all program spaces, whether in person or on Digital Platforms. Prohibited conduct includes harassment, discrimination, bullying, threats, stalking, intimidation, obscene or hateful content, defamation, unlawful activity, and unsolicited advertising or solicitation.
Login credentials are individual and may not be shared, sold, or transferred. Participants will access the Services only through Company-provided interfaces and will not misrepresent identity or affiliation.
Except as expressly permitted by the Company in writing, Participants will not copy, record, download, reproduce, distribute, publicly display, or create derivative works from Program Materials.
Participants will not use automated means (including scraping, spiders, or bots) to access, extract, or index any portion of the Services or Program Materials, and will not attempt to bypass or defeat access controls, security measures, or digital rights management.
Participants will not reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to derive source code from any Digital Platform, nor interfere with or disrupt the operation of any class, system, or network, including by introducing malware or executing denial-of-service activities.
The Company may suspend or revoke access, without refund, for violations of this section or other Policies.
Electronic Communications and SMS
By providing contact information, Participants consent to receive administrative communications by email or SMS text or other electronic means regarding schedules, assignments, and program updates.
Disclaimers
Services are educational. Company does not guarantee specific outcomes, licensure, certification, employment, or income. Company does not provide medical, psychological, or therapeutic services. Participants are encouraged to consult licensed healthcare providers before engaging in practices if they have medical or psychological conditions. Participation is voluntary and at the Participant’s discretion and risk. Participation does not constitute yoga therapy training and does not authorize a Participant to represent themselves as a yoga therapist.
Relationship of the Parties
Enrollment does not create a partnership, joint venture, employment, fiduciary, or agency relationship. Participants do not represent Company for any purpose.
Modifications
Company may update Policies, schedules, or terms to reflect operational or legal changes and will provide reasonable notice for material updates. Continued participation after notice constitutes acceptance of updates.
Assignment
Participants may not transfer enrollment, rights, or obligations without written consent. Company may assign its rights and obligations to affiliates or successors.
Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and any disputes will be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Pennsylvania.
Force Majeure
The Company is not liable for delay or failure to perform due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, public health emergencies, government orders, war, terrorism, labor disputes, utility or internet failures, platform outages, or similar events. Affected obligations will be suspended for the duration of the event. The Company may reschedule, provide a comparable alternative, or issue a tuition credit as appropriate, subject to the Refunds and Cancellations policy. The Company is not responsible for Participant’s travel, lodging, or incidental costs.
Indemnification
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Participant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company, its owners, officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, affiliates, successors, and assigns, as well as any venue owners/hosts and their household members present at locations used for the Services, from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to: (i) the Participant’s breach of this Agreement or any Policy; (ii) the Participant’s participation in the Services; (iii) the Participant’s violation of law or third-party rights; or (iv) content, materials, or submissions provided by the Participant.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company and the Released Parties (as defined in the Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk) shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits, revenue, goodwill, data, use, or business interruption, arising out of or related to the Services or this Agreement, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. In all cases, the Company’s total aggregate liability for any and all claims arising out of or related to the Services shall not exceed the total amount of fees actually paid by the Participant to the Company for the specific Services giving rise to the claim. Multiple claims do not enlarge this limit. Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations; in those jurisdictions, the foregoing will apply to the maximum extent permitted by law. Nothing in this section limits liability that cannot be limited by law.
Crisis and Safety
Services are not intended for crisis intervention or acute care. For emergencies, Participants agree to contact emergency services or licensed professionals. For online delivery, Company is not responsible for internet connectivity, device compatibility, third-party platform outages, or access limitations.
Chargebacks and Collections
Participants agree to contact Company to resolve concerns before initiating a chargeback. If a chargeback is filed, the Participant remains responsible for the program price and all reasonable costs Company incurs to contest or collect amounts owed.
Scholarships, Sliding Scale, Promotions, and Discounts
The Company may offer need-based scholarships, sliding-scale tuition, and promotional discounts at its discretion and subject to availability. These offers are non-transferable, have no cash value, do not apply retroactively, and may not be combined unless stated in writing. Promotion codes must be entered at registration and may have posted terms and expiration dates. For sliding scale, Participants select a tier in good faith at enrollment; the selected tier applies to that program only. Any refunds are calculated on amounts actually paid and remain subject to the Refunds and Cancellations policy. Any scholarship, sliding-scale, or promotional reduction is applied proportionally across installments.
Continuing Education
Select programs may qualify for continuing education credit with Yoga Alliance or other bodies at their discretion. Participants are responsible for confirming eligibility with their credentialing body before enrollment.
Entire Agreement
This document, together with any incorporated Policies and enrollment terms presented at registration, is the entire agreement and supersedes prior communications.
Severability
If any provision is found unenforceable, remaining provisions continue in effect.
Waiver
A choice not to enforce a provision does not waive future enforcement.
Construction and Headings
This Agreement should be read as a whole; headings are for convenience and do not alter meaning.
Binding Effect
This Agreement binds and benefits the parties and their successors and permitted assigns.
Survival
The provisions regarding Intellectual Property, Participant Submissions, Communications and Acceptable Use, Privacy Policy, Indemnification, Limitation of Liability, Governing Law and Dispute Resolution, and any payment obligations accrued before termination, will survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.
Attendance and Make-Ups
Participants are required to attend scheduled sessions in order to qualify for certification. Make-up options and any associated fees will be determined by the Company and communicated in each training program’s guidelines.
Notices and Electronic Signature
All notices, privacy requests, grievances, and SMS opt-out support should be directed to the Sakala School at hello & sakalaschool <.> com. Notices to Participants may be sent by email or posted inside the learning portal. Electronic acknowledgment—clicking “I agree,” checking a box, or submitting digital registration—constitutes a binding signature.
Privacy Policy
Company collects personal information provided during registration, communications, and participation; examples include name, contact details, emergency contact, payment information handled by PCI-compliant processors, attendance, assignments, and completion status. Digital Platforms may collect limited technical data such as IP address and browser type. Company uses personal information to administer programs, process payments, communicate schedules and updates, verify completion, maintain records, improve Services, and meet legal requirements. Company shares information only with service providers necessary to operate the program (for example, payment processors, email and messaging platforms, video-conferencing providers, document storage, websites/LMS) and as required by law. Company does not sell or rent personal information and does not use tracking or advertising cookies. Company employs reasonable safeguards, including encrypted transmission, restricted access, credential practices, and administrative controls. Retention aligns to purpose and law: financial records are typically retained seven years; attendance and completion records may be retained seven to ten years; routine communications are retained for operational needs; marketing consents, if any, are retained until withdrawn. Participants may request access, correction, or deletion of personal information, may withdraw consent for non-essential communications, and may inquire about data practices by contacting hello & sakalaschool <.> com. Company will verify requests and respond within a reasonable time, typically within forty-five days. If Services involve international access, personal data may be stored in the United States; appropriate safeguards are used as applicable. Services are intended for adults eighteen and over; minors require written parental or guardian consent, which may be revoked by contacting hello & sakalaschool <.> com.
Cookies
Our website may use essential cookies necessary for site functionality. We do not use tracking or advertising cookies.
Communications and Social Media
Participants agree not to publish confidential training content or peer information outside the training context. Participants will not use Company materials, marks, or brand in public communications without written permission. Company may request removal of unlawful, harmful, infringing, or misleading content that references Company.
COVID-19 Protocol
Company follows applicable public health directives for the training location and may update protocols as guidance changes. Vaccinations are not required unless mandated by law. Masks are optional unless required by local order; masks are generally not recommended during vigorous practice where they impede breath. Participants agree to regular hand hygiene and to sanitize shared props after use. Company will take reasonable steps to support ventilation and safe use of common areas.
Personal Expectations
Training includes experiential practice and integration alongside study. Participants engage in personal practice and complete assignments on time. A respectful training environment is maintained, including honoring silence, boundaries, and somatic expression. Participants attend free of alcohol or non-prescribed substances.
Certification Requirements
Certificates of completion require finishing the required program hours, assignments, practicums, and assessments, and payment in full. Certificates represent completion of Company’s program and do not constitute yoga therapy certification.
Retaliation
Retaliation for reporting a policy concern or participating in an investigation is prohibited and may lead to removal from the program.
Promotional Materials and Testimonials
Promotional use of photos and recordings is governed by the Media and Recording section. The Company may invite testimonials or reviews. By submitting a testimonial, the Participant grants the Company a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, edit for length or clarity, and publish the testimonial—including the Participant’s name and likeness—for educational, promotional, and lawful purposes without compensation; requests for anonymity will be honored prospectively where feasible.
Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk
Participation in yoga-based and integrative practices involves inherent physical and emotional risks. Activities may include movement, breathwork, meditation, somatic awareness exercises, and related educational practices delivered in a teaching environment. Consistent with Touch and Consent, the program does not include hands-on physical assists or adjustments.
By participating, the Participant represents that they are able to engage safely in these Activities, or have consulted a licensed clinician regarding their participation, and accepts responsibility for monitoring their own condition. The Participant agrees to modify or stop any Activity that feels unsafe, and understands that the Company may, in its reasonable discretion, decline or discontinue a Participant’s involvement where safety concerns arise.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Participant knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks, known and unknown, associated with participation in the Activities, including risks that may arise from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties (as defined below), and acknowledges that such risks may include, without limitation, exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, musculoskeletal injury, changes in blood pressure or heart rate, dizziness or fainting, emotional distress, or other adverse effects.
The Participant understands that group activities may involve exposure to communicable illnesses (including, without limitation, COVID-19 and influenza) and voluntarily assumes these risks while agreeing to follow any posted health protocols.
If the Participant is under eighteen, the parent/guardian signs and agrees to the Release and this Agreement on the Participant’s behalf.
In the event of a medical emergency, the Participant authorizes the Company to seek or request emergency medical assistance and agrees to be responsible for all associated costs.
In consideration of being permitted to participate, the Participant waives, releases, and forever discharges the Company and its owners, officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, affiliates, successors, and assigns, as well as any venue owners/hosts and their household members present at locations used for the Services (together, the “Released Parties”), from any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses arising out of or related to participation in the Activities, including those alleged to arise from the ordinary negligence of any Released Party, except to the extent liability cannot be waived under applicable law (for example, gross negligence or willful misconduct).
The Participant also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from claims brought by third parties arising from the Participant’s conduct in connection with the Activities, to the extent permitted by law.
The Participant further covenants not to sue the Released Parties for such claims, and agrees that this release and covenant not to sue is binding upon the Participant’s heirs, beneficiaries, and legal representatives. Nothing in this section limits rights that cannot be waived by law. This section is intended to be interpreted to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and in harmony with the Disclaimers, Indemnification, and Governing Law and Dispute Resolution provisions of this Agreement.
Code of Conduct
Purpose and principles. This Code supports teaching with integrity and protects Participants and the community. The Company honors each Participant’s agency within the teacher–student relationship. In this educational setting, the teacher’s role is to hold space and witness rather than act as a catalyst for personal transformation. Equality in practice and teaching is observed for all, consistent with the Equity Policy.
Standards of conduct. Participants treat others with respect for individuality, dignity, privacy, and culture; promote well-being; and practice ahimsa. Participants serving in a teaching role during practicums or peer instruction create and maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and positive learning environment; communicate clearly, politely, and honestly; listen attentively; respect differing beliefs; and do not impose personal views.
Integrity and boundaries. Participants strive to uphold traditional yoga ethics, including the yamas and niyamas, and maintain impeccable professional integrity. Recognizing the inherent power imbalance when acting in a teaching role, Participants maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid close personal or sexual relationships with those they teach that could impair judgment or compromise the integrity of teaching. Participants adhere to the Anti-Harassment policy.
Financial practices. Participants who offer classes or services (inside or outside the program) discuss fees and financial arrangements in a straightforward, professional manner and manage business affairs in accordance with recognized professional and accounting standards. Participants do not pay or receive commissions for referrals. Pro bono or community service may be offered at the Participant’s discretion.
Professional growth. Participants maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence, engage in honest self-assessment, and remain current with developments in yoga and related fields through ongoing study and practice.
Applicability, enforcement, and reporting. This Code applies to all Participants and, where specified, to Participants serving in a teaching role (including practicums and peer instruction). Violations may result in corrective action, up to and including removal from the program without refund, in accordance with this Agreement and other Policies. Concerns may be raised under the Grievance Policy. Nothing in this Code creates a therapist–client relationship; see the Disclaimers and Scope of Practice.
Scope of Practice
Qualifications and limits. Participants represent their qualifications honestly and provide only those services they are qualified and certified to perform within their lawful scope of practice. Participants do not give medical advice, recommend treatment, diagnose conditions, or suggest that anyone disregard medical advice outside their qualifications as yoga teachers or other applicable professional credentials. When appropriate, Participants refer individuals to licensed medical or complementary healthcare professionals.
Confidential information. Participants keep personal information disclosed by peers strictly confidential and use such information only for educational purposes within the program, consistent with the Privacy Policy and applicable law.
Professional integrity. Participants appropriately credit their education, teachers, and training to the schools and programs they have attended. Participants do not spread false information—including rumors or gossip—that could harm or discredit other teachers, Participants, the Company, or partners. Participants make no false or exaggerated claims about the benefits of yoga-based practices or about classes, sessions, or training, and do not falsely imply representation by, or endorsement from, any organization or individual.
Inter-professional relationships. Recognizing yoga’s place within a broader network of health and wellbeing providers, Participants seek to develop interdisciplinary relationships and collaborate with other professionals to protect and enhance community wellbeing.
Advertising and public communications. Participants accurately represent their professional qualifications, certifications, and affiliations. Announcements and materials promoting classes, workshops, or services describe offerings with accuracy and clarity and comply with applicable legal guidelines and these Policies.
Relation to other Policies. Nothing in this section authorizes practice beyond a Participant’s credentials, nor does it create a therapist–client relationship. See Disclaimers, Anti-Harassment, Communications and Acceptable Use, and Privacy Policy for related obligations.
Equity Policy
Participants will welcome all individuals regardless of age; gender (including pregnancy, gender identity, and perceived gender expression); sexual orientation; color; race; national origin; marital status; parental status; veteran status; religion; or physical or mental disability, consistent with applicable law. Decisions about participation, sequencing, and any instructional assignments within the program are guided by safety, training objectives, prerequisites, and the Participant’s role and competence; nothing in this section requires services outside the scope of the program or beyond a Participant’s training. Discriminatory conduct is prohibited and may be addressed under the Anti-Harassment and Grievance Policy.
Anti-Harassment
Harassment against protected classes. The Company prohibits harassment of any person in connection with program activities, locations, and Digital Platforms, including by or among Participants, instructors, guest teachers, contractors, visitors, or venue personnel. Harassment on the basis of age; gender (including pregnancy, gender identity, and perceived gender expression); sexual orientation; race; color; ethnicity; culture; national origin; religion; disability; veteran status; marital or parental status; socioeconomic status; genetic information; or any other status protected by law is prohibited.
Sexual harassment. The Company does not tolerate sexual harassment in training spaces. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made a condition of participation or creates a hostile or offensive learning environment.
Sexual misconduct. The Company prohibits sexual misconduct, including unsolicited or non-consensual sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual touching, sexually explicit comments, or other verbal, visual, or physical conduct that creates a sexually hostile environment in any class, session, or program space, whether in person or online.
Romantic relationships in a teaching context. Participants serving in a teaching role (including practicums or peer instruction) shall not invite, respond to, or allow sexual or romantic conduct with a Participant during the teacher–student relationship.
Grievance Policy
Reporting of Policy Violations: A Participant who experiences sexual misconduct or any other conduct that may violate these Policies or the Code of Conduct may report the incident to the Program Director at hello & sakalaschool <.> com; for any immediate threat to health or safety, contact emergency services first. Reports should include the Participant’s name and contact information, the name(s) of the person(s) involved, a description of the conduct, the date, time, and location, any witnesses with first-hand knowledge, and any supporting information. In the interest of fairness and privacy, reports must be made by the person directly affected; the Company generally does not investigate third-party reports. Reports must be made in good faith based on information the reporter reasonably believes to be accurate. The Company may request additional information, will review the matter, and will take action it deems appropriate under the circumstances, which may include conditions on participation, a written warning, or removal from the program without refund as permitted by this Agreement. Information will be handled as confidentially as reasonably possible, and retaliation for good-faith reporting or participation in a review is prohibited.
Third-Party Links, Website Disclaimer, and Online Commerce
Company sites and materials may reference third-party sites for information or commerce. Company does not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for third-party content, products, or services. Company’s websites, platforms, and all information provided are offered “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind to the fullest extent allowed by law. Participants’ sole remedy for dissatisfaction with Company websites, platforms, or third-party links is to discontinue use.
Non-Disparagement and Protected Activity
Participants are encouraged to raise concerns through the Grievance Policy. Participants agree not to publish knowingly false statements about Company, instructors/guest teachers, staff, contractors, or peers. Nothing in this section limits lawful reporting to authorities, truthful testimony, or rights protected by law.
Acknowledgment and Agreement
By selecting the acknowledgment box, or completing registration, the Participant affirms being at least eighteen years of age, and confirms having read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Use, Policies, and Participant Agreements. Electronic acknowledgment constitutes a binding signature.
