The PAA Code of Conduct is important because the Pilates profession is important.
In our 2020 member survey we asked you to tell us the priorities for the PAA and the overwhelming top response was “Increasing recognition, status & credibility of the profession”. We hear this all the time from you: the frustration that the industry remains unregulated, that inadequately qualified instructors are in gyms and physiotherapy practices and that the health system does not accept our credentials.
Changing this is mission critical for the PAA. Pilates should be in its rightful place as a valued movement practice taught by expertly trained specialists. It’s a tough nut to crack, as the status quo works against us, but it’s possible and we remain committed to the goal.
To succeed we at least need to be a unified, collaborative, supportive group. Many of us with long memories know that one of the reasons the Pilates industry has not stamped its place is because of intermittent infighting, factional splits, pointless internal chasms over decades. As a global community, we have spent way too much time sniping at each other and not enough building a united front. This needs to stop.
We have had two complaints from members about other members’ behaviour recently, so it seems a good time to remind everyone of the importance of acting in the common good.
This is (one of the) purposes of the Code of Conduct. It sets out important expectations about treating our clients and it also sets out expectations of how we work with each other. Specifically, it discusses the expectation that members act with Integrity.
No vilification, no disparagement
We would hope that it is evident that vilification or disparagement of a fellow Pilates teacher’s practice, business or person is not acting with integrity. This is true whether they are a member or not. This is true in a “closed” private group let alone in a public forum. There are appropriate avenues for raising concerns about safe practice or uncompetitive practice. We know that these can be frustrating to pursue, cumbersome and may not result in any action – unfortunately until we are regulated, the available sanctions are limited. But trolling, demeaning comments or attempting to publicly embarrass a colleague is unethical and unprofessional.
It is also in breach of the Code of Conduct and meeting these standards is a requirement for PAA members.
What about competition?
We are all “competing” with each other for clients, staff, reputation all the time. Learning how to be respectful, co-operative and collaborative while simultaneously competing for business is a basic skill requirement for professionals everywhere. If we Pilates teachers want to be taken seriously as a profession, we all must learn how to do this too.
In short, competing with Integrity involves presenting a clear compelling case for why people should do Pilates with you (work for you) and what benefits you can bring to them. If you have a good case, you do not need to comment on anyone else’s business or practice. Your business proposition should be strong enough to speak for itself; your skill and competence needs to be able to be recognised on its own terms and what it delivers to your clients.
You still need to understand what your competitors are doing so you can develop your “pitch” to stand out. This is simply market intelligence.
Demonstrating respect for each other’s practice is essential to present the united stance we need to be a credible profession.
What you need to do
If you haven’t looked at it for a while, please take a moment to review the Code of Conduct and think about what it means for you. If anything is unclear, ask us.
And if you believe a fellow member has breached the Code of Conduct, and you are not comfortable directly addressing it with them, you can advise us confidentially and we will follow up. We need to ensure everyone is treated fairly so any complaints will be carefully investigated.
We are proud of our PAA community and that the vast majority of members are hugely supportive of each other. Help us keep and build this strong community.
Meredith Brooks, PAA Treasurer
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