PAA Scope of Practice, Standards of Practice & Code of Conduct

Pilates Association Australia (PAA) Code of Conduct

Part A – Applicable to All Members

1. Purpose	This Code sets the minimum standards of ethical, professional and lawful conduct expected of all PAA members. Compliance with this Code is a condition of membership. Members must act with integrity, professionalism, competence, respect and accountability.
2. Compliance with Professional Framework	Members must comply with: The PAA Scope of Practice The PAA Standards of Practice All mandatory membership requirements Applicable Commonwealth, state and territory legislation Failure to comply with these documents may constitute a breach of this Code.
3. Scope of Practice	Members must: Practise within their education, training and experience Clearly communicate their professional role and limitations Refer clients to appropriately qualified health practitioners when required Members must not: Diagnose medical conditions Provide medical treatment beyond their competence Misrepresent their qualifications, registration or authority
4. Client Safety and Duty of Care	Members must: Prioritise client safety and wellbeing Obtain informed consent Monitor client response and modify services where necessary Deliver services appropriate to the individual
5. Evidence-Informed Practice	Members must: Practise in a manner informed by credible evidence where available Communicate benefits and limitations accurately Members must not: Overstate evidence or certainty of outcomes Present anecdote as scientific fact
6. Claims and Representations	Members must: ensure all communications comply with Australian Consumer Law. Members must not: Claim or imply that Pilates can cure disease, injury or medical conditions Make false, misleading or unsubstantiated claims Guarantee outcomes Represent Pilates as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment Attempt to dissuade a client from seeking or continuing care from a registered medical practitioner or other appropriate health professional Misrepresent services for rebate or insurance purposes Members providing rebate-eligible services must comply with all applicable insurer requirements and PAA Health Fund Provider Requirements.
7. Advertising and Marketing	Advertising, social media and public communications must: Be accurate and verifiable Reflect qualifications and professional role Avoid exploiting vulnerability or fear
8. Professional Conduct and Financial Integrity	Members must: Treat clients, colleagues and stakeholders with respect Maintain appropriate professional boundaries Disclose or manage conflicts of interest Members must not: Financially exploit clients Offer or accept inducements, commissions or gifts in exchange for client referrals
9. Privacy and Confidentiality	Members must: Comply with privacy and data protection laws Maintain accurate, secure and confidential client records
10. Workplace Safety and Hygiene	Members must: Comply with workplace health and safety obligations Maintain appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance Maintain a safe and hygienic practice environment Implement infection prevention measures appropriate to the setting and applicable public health requirements Hold and maintain legally required clearances, including Working With Children Checks and Working With Vulnerable People Checks where applicable
11. Integrity and Association Responsibilities	Members must: Act honestly and in good faith in dealings with PAA Not engage in conduct that brings the profession or Association into disrepute Cooperate with PAA complaints and disciplinary processes Notify PAA of matters affecting membership eligibility
12. Breaches	Breaches of this Code may result in education requirements, conditions on membership, suspension or termination in accordance with PAA procedures.

Part B – Additional Requirements for Health Fund and Rebate‑Eligible Services

This Part applies only where a member provides, advertises, or supports services that are claimed or intended to be claimed through a private health insurer, compensable scheme or third‑party payer.

Health Fund and Rebate Compliance

Members must:

Comply with all applicable insurer, scheme and third‑party payer requirements
Only claim or support claims for services that meet eligibility criteria
Use correct item codes, descriptors and class ratios
Ensure services are delivered by appropriately qualified providers

Members must not:

Misrepresent the nature, format, supervision, duration or delivery of services
Encourage or assist clients to submit false or inaccurate claims
Claim rebates for services that do not meet insurer requirements

Compliance with this Code is a condition of PAA membership.

Breaches of this Code may result in education requirements, conditions on membership, suspension or termination, in accordance with PAA constitutional procedures.

Download: Code of Conduct.pdf

Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice for PAA Members

“Scope of practice” describes procedures, actions and processes a practitioner/instructor is permitted to undertake. The scope is limited by the specific qualifications, education, experience and competency of the practitioner/instructor.

“Standards” include any criteria, protocols or specifications for conduct, performance or services and are considered to be mandatory and may be accompanied by an enforcement mechanism.

“Guidelines” are statements that include recommendations intended to optimise client care.

The following documents describe the “Scope of Practice” and “PAA Standards of Practice” for each PAA membership level:

Open > PAA Scope of Practice & Standards of Practice for Pilates Practitioner

Introduction

Pilates is a mind-body exercise modality that enhances efficient movement habits, postural awareness, coordinated strength and flexibility and respiratory function. Its benefits include:

restoring and improving optimal physical function for health and fitness
preventing and managing injuries and sub-acute/chronic conditions to reduce pain, improve function and mitigate musculoskeletal degeneration
improving strength, flexibility, alignment, balance, range of movement and breathing function for ongoing health and rehabilitation purposes
pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation
improving performance through specific training and countering sports/muscular bias
managing the effects of underlying systemic health conditions especially those impacting on activities of daily living
improving mental health through mindfulness and purposeful movement

To achieve the benefits above, Pilates classes require an environment that enables mindful motor learning. This includes:

consistent repetition and structured progressive exercise programming
exercise modifications and variations tailored to each client’s conditions and goals
high levels of supervision best achieved in small group settings
postural and movement instructions specific to each client
responsiveness to each client’s learning style and biopsychosocial needs

Note: Individuals who hold a bachelor degree, postgraduate or doctoral degree in fields such as Physiotherapy, Pilates, Exercise and Sport Science or have completed additional studies related to musculoskeletal functioning are acknowledged as having a broader ‘Scope of Practice’ specific to their field of specialisation, but are still required to have completed comprehensive Pilates training.

Competencies

All PAA Pilates Practitioners are competent in designing and delivering sessions for lower risk individuals. For more complex conditions and disorders, evidence of further study and relevant experience is required.

Client Profile	Lower Risk Individuals	Higher Risk Individuals
Intention	Improved fitness, physical well-being and mental health Performance enhancement Prevention and correction Supervised guidance Improve functional activities of daily life	Rehabilitation & ongoing management of more complex treatable conditions Management of systemic health conditions
Targeted population	Healthy & low risk individuals Professional and amateur athletes, movement specialists and performers Low risk prenatal and postnatal individuals Individuals at risk of musculoskeletal injury due to occupation, repetitive activity and/or general deconditioning Individuals with well-managed neuro- and degenerative conditions Individuals with muscular or structural conditions or disorders Aging population Low risk pre- and post-surgery individuals	Individuals with a range of conditions including fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, arthritis Special populations eg children Individuals with complex muscular or structural conditions/disorders
Focus	Improve suboptimal postural patterns and movement strategies by addressing range of movement, strength and flexibility, breathing and stabilisation strategies Improve performance in professional, amateur and everyday activities and reduce injury risk, including adverse effects of repetitive movements/postures Address balance, gait and falls risk Prepare and assist with physical impacts of low-risk pregnancy and childbirth and post-natal recovery Prepare for surgery and assist with recovery Postural awareness and improvement strategies for hyperlordosis, hyperkyphosis, scoliosis, low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions	Address specific impacts of client condition Address range of movement, strength and flexibility especially to assist with activities of daily living Improve mental health Mitigate pain Modify according to progression of disorder or improvement in condition
Education level of instructor	PAA approved Diploma	Diploma plus: additional condition-specific training, Advanced Diploma or Allied Health Bachelor degree
Group size (recommended)	Same apparatus: No more than 8 participants to one instructor. (This may be varied dependent on team size if teaching athletes.) Mat: No more than 12 participants to one instructor Mixed studio equipment: No more than 4 participants to one instructor	No more than 3 participants to one instructor

PAA Standards of Practice

The PAA uses a competency-based model for training standards, ensuring instructors’ skills, knowledge, and experience are adequate for the variety of client conditions that present in a Pilates studio. The PAA oversees professional standards by:

setting education standards for course content, minimum study hours and work experience
setting standards for training providers and the qualifications and experience of their faculty
reviewing training courses to ensure ongoing quality assurance
setting standards for entry level PAA membership and upgrades in membership levels
setting standards for ongoing professional development
addressing complaints raised against training providers through investigation and mediation
addressing complaints against individual members through investigation and mediation
reserving the right to audit members to ensure they are operating within the scope and standards of practice

Membership Requirements

PAA Pilates Practitioners must have a comprehensive qualification that demonstrates knowledge, skills and industry experience in the Pilates Method.

Membership as a PAA Pilates Practitioner requires:

holding a PAA recognised government accredited Diploma (AQF level 5 or above) or industry equivalent with a minimum study period of 500 hours
current certification in Provide First Aid
current Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance
full financial membership of the PAA and agreement to abide by the PAA Code of Conduct
maintenance and elevation of industry knowledge, skills and practice through relevant, research-based professional development courses that meet PAA requirements. A minimum of 20 points is required every two years. For more details, refer to https://www.pilates.org.au/education/pdp/
continuity of teaching practice as specified by the PAA (a member must maintain a minimum of 200 hours of Pilates work over any two-year period, otherwise they are deemed ‘non-current’ and require refresher education)

Service Provision

PAA Pilates Practitioners will be guided by the following provisions:

Work with clients whose functional movement capacity or condition is within the practitioner’s level of competency. This may include healthy and lower risk clientele, clients presenting with moderate grade or post-acute injuries and conditions, or chronic conditions or pathologies.
Conduct physical activity readiness assessment/pre-exercise screening to determine each client’s suitability to begin a Pilates exercise program.
Evaluate each client’s static and dynamic posture and movement function.
Identify exercise and programming goals for each client.
Design exercise programs in line with evaluation findings, client goals and medical or allied health professional recommendations.
Provide and supervise Pilates sessions according to program design and client presentation at each session. Sessions range from 45 minutes to 90 minutes but may be varied depending on the capacity of each client.
Constantly evaluate client movement pattern and technique and provide exercise regressions/ progressions/modifications as appropriate.
Use a range of appropriate Pilates apparatus (Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, small apparatus) ensuring the safety of clients and instructors through client education and diligent supervision.
Collaborate with medical or allied health professionals and refer where appropriate.
Promote client understanding of movement function and body awareness to enhance overall health.
Maintain notes on changes in client health status, progress and program updates.

Additional Service Provision for sessions to be considered therapeutic

In order for a client’s management to be considered therapeutic, these additional requirements are compulsory

conduct a one-on-one initial assessment and record findings. This includes collection of relevant health history, client aims, current general health status and recording of any musculoskeletal problems or conditions, medications, and medical or allied healthcare practitioner recommendations.
undertake and record a full functional movement assessment, including evaluation of static and dynamic posture, strength, balance, range of motion, functional performance skills, and respiratory patterns.
document client progress and any change to client health status and/or objectives according to industry guidelines.
conduct ongoing assessment and adapt exercises (regressions, modifications and progressions) as required, keeping thorough records.

Download: Pilates Practitioner Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice

Open > PAA Scope of Practice & Standards of Practice for Studio Instructor

Introduction

Pilates is a mind-body exercise modality that enhances efficient movement habits, postural awareness, coordinated strength and flexibility and respiratory function. Its benefits include:

restoring and improving optimal physical function for health and fitness
preventing and managing injuries and sub-acute/chronic conditions to reduce pain, improve function and mitigate musculoskeletal degeneration
improving strength, flexibility, alignment, balance, range of movement and breathing function for ongoing health and rehabilitation purposes
pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation
improving performance through specific training and countering sports/muscular bias
managing the effects of underlying systemic health conditions especially those impacting on activities of daily living
improving mental health through mindfulness and purposeful movement

To achieve the benefits above, Pilates classes require an environment that enables mindful motor learning. This includes:

consistent repetition and structured progressive exercise programming
exercise modifications and variations tailored to each client’s conditions and goals
high levels of supervision best achieved in small group settings
postural and movement instructions specific to each client
responsiveness to each client’s learning style and biopsychosocial needs

Competencies

All PAA Studio instructors are competent in designing and delivering sessions for lower risk individuals. For more complex conditions and disorders, evidence of further study and relevant experience is required.

Client Profile	Lower risk individuals	Higher risk individuals
Intention	Improved fitness, physical well-being and mental health Performance enhancement Prevention and correction Supervised guidance Improve functional activities of daily life	Rehabilitation & ongoing management of more complex treatable conditions Management of systemic health conditions
Targeted populations	Healthy & low risk individuals Professional and amateur athletes, movement specialists and performers Low risk prenatal and postnatal individuals Individuals at risk of musculoskeletal injury due to occupation, repetitive activity and/or general deconditioning Individuals with well-managed neuro- and degenerative conditions Individuals with muscular or structural conditions or disorders Aging population Low risk pre- and post-surgery individuals	Individuals with a range of conditions including fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, arthritis Special populations eg children Individuals with complex muscular or structural conditions/disorders
Focus	Improve suboptimal postural patterns and movement strategies by addressing range of movement, strength and flexibility, breathing and stabilisation strategies Improve performance in professional, amateur and everyday activities and reduce injury risk, including adverse effects of repetitive movements/postures Address balance, gait and falls risk Prepare and assist with physical impacts of low-risk pregnancy and childbirth and post-natal recovery Prepare for surgery and assist with recovery Postural awareness and improvement strategies for hyperlordosis, hyperkyphosis, scoliosis, low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions	Address specific impacts of client condition Address range of movement, strength and flexibility especially to assist with activities of daily living Improve mental health Mitigate pain Modify according to progression of disorder or improvement in condition
Education Level of instructor	PAA approved Comprehensive Pilates certificate	Comprehensive certificate plus: .additional condition-specific training, Advanced Diploma or Allied Health Bachelor degree
Group size (recommended)	Same apparatus: No more than 8 participants to one instructor. (This may be varied dependent on team size if teaching athletes.) Mat: No more than 12 participants to one instructor Mixed studio equipment: No more than 4 participants to one instructor	No more than 3 participants to one instructor

PAA Standards of Practice

setting education standards for course content, minimum study hours and work experience
setting standards for training providers and the qualifications and experience of their faculty
reviewing training courses to ensure ongoing quality assurance
setting standards for entry level PAA membership and upgrades in membership levels
setting standards for ongoing professional development
addressing complaints raised against training providers through investigation and mediation
addressing complaints against individual members through investigation and mediation
reserving the right to audit members to ensure they are operating within the scope and standards of practice

Membership Requirements

PAA Studio Instructors must have a comprehensive qualification that demonstrates knowledge, skills and industry experience in the Pilates Method.

Membership as a PAA Studio Instructor requires:

holding a PAA approved comprehensive Pilates certificate with a minimum study period of 460 hours
current certification in Provide First Aid
current Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance
full financial membership of the PAA and agreement to abide by the PAA Code of Conduct
maintenance and elevation of industry knowledge, skills and practice through relevant, research-based professional development courses that meet PAA requirements. A minimum of 20 points is required every two years. For more details, refer to https://www.pilates.org.au/education/pdp/
continuity of teaching practice as specified by the PAA (a member must maintain a minimum of 200 hours of Pilates work over any two-year period, otherwise they are deemed ‘non-current’ and require refresher education)

Service Provision

PAA Studio Instructors will be guided by the following provisions:

Work with clients whose functional movement capacity or condition is within the instructor’s level of competency. This may include healthy and lower risk clientele, clients presenting with moderate grade or post-acute injuries and conditions, or chronic conditions or pathologies.
Conduct physical activity readiness assessment/pre-exercise screening to determine each client’s suitability to begin a Pilates exercise
Evaluate each client’s static and dynamic posture and movement function.
Identify exercise and programming goals for each client.
Design exercise programs in line with evaluation findings, client goals and medical or allied health professional recommendations.
Provide and supervise Pilates sessions according to program design and client presentation at each session. Sessions range from 45 minutes to 90 minutes but may be varied depending on the capacity of each client.
Constantly evaluate client movement pattern and technique and provide exercise regressions/ progressions/modifications as appropriate.
Use a range of appropriate Pilates apparatus (Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, small apparatus) ensuring the safety of clients and instructors through client education and diligent supervision.
Collaborate with medical or allied health professionals and refer where appropriate.
Promote client understanding of movement function and body awareness to enhance overall
Maintain notes on changes in client health status, progress and program updates.

Additional Service Provision for sessions to be considered therapeutic

In order for a client’s management to be considered therapeutic, these additional requirements are compulsory:

Conduct a one-on-one initial assessment and record findings. This includes collection of relevant health history, client aims, current general health status and recording of any musculoskeletal problems or conditions, medications, and medical or allied healthcare practitioner recommendations.
Undertake and record a full functional movement assessment, including evaluation of static and dynamic posture, strength, balance, range of motion, functional performance skills, and respiratory patterns.
Document client progress and any change to client health status and/or objectives according to industry guidelines.
Conduct ongoing assessment and adapt exercises (regressions, modifications and progressions) as required, keeping thorough records.

Download: Studio Instructor Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice

Open > PAA Scope of Practice & Standards of Practice for Group Instructor

Introduction

Pilates is a mind-body exercise modality that enhances efficient movement habits, postural awareness, coordinated strength and flexibility and respiratory function. Its benefits, when taught as a system, include:

restoring and improving optimal physical function for health and fitness
preventing and managing injuries and sub-acute/chronic conditions to reduce pain, improve function and mitigate musculoskeletal degeneration
improving strength, flexibility, alignment, balance, range of movement and breathing function for ongoing health and rehabilitation purposes
pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation
improving performance through specific training and countering sports/muscular bias
managing the effects of underlying systemic health conditions especially those impacting on activities of daily living
improving mental health through mindfulness and purposeful movement

To achieve the benefits above, Pilates classes require an environment that enables mindful motor learning. This includes:

consistent repetition and structured progressive exercise programming
exercise modifications and variations tailored to each client’s conditions and goals
high levels of supervision best achieved in small group settings
postural and movement instructions specific to each client
responsiveness to each client’s learning style and biopsychosocial needs

Competencies

All PAA Group Pilates instructors are competent in designing and delivering sessions for lower risk individuals. For more complex conditions and disorders, evidence of further study and relevant experience is required.

Client profile	Lower risk individuals
Intention	Improved fitness, physical well-being and mental health Performance enhancement Prevention and correction Supervised guidance Improve functional activities of daily life
Targeted populations	Healthy or low risk individuals which may include: Professional and amateur athletes, movement specialists and performers Individuals at risk of musculoskeletal injury due to occupation, repetitive activity and/or general deconditioning Individuals with muscular or structural conditions eg mild scoliosis, osteoporosis Aging population
Focus	Improve suboptimal postural patterns and movement strategies by addressing range of movement, strength and flexibility, breathing and stabilisation strategies Improve performance of everyday activities Reduce injury risk, including adverse effects of repetitive movements and/or postures Indirectly address balance, gait and falls risk Postural awareness and improvement strategies, for hyperlordosis, hyperkyphosis, scoliosis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Education Level of instructor	Certificate IV in Contemporary Pilates and Teaching Methodology (52855WA) or A Statement of Attainment for completion of specific units from the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction (10838NAT) or Diploma of Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Instruction Method (11292NAT) or Full matwork and/or reformer training through a PAA recognised course
Group size (recommended)	Reformer: No more than eight participants to one instructor if the participants are healthy, have no major conditions and are injury-free, (This may be varied dependent on team size if teaching athletes.) No more than six participants to one instructor if the participants are population specific eg all with low back pain No more than four participants to one instructor if the participants include a mixture of different conditions Mat: No more than 12 participants to one instructor

PAA Standards of Practice

setting education standards for course content, minimum study hours and work experience
setting standards for training providers and the qualifications and experience of their faculty
reviewing training courses to ensure ongoing quality assurance
setting standards for entry level PAA membership and upgrades in membership levels
setting standards for ongoing professional development
addressing complaints raised against training providers through investigation and mediation
addressing complaints against individual members through investigation and mediation
reserving the right to audit members to ensure they are operating within the scope and standards of practic

Membership Requirements

PAA Group Pilates Instructors must have a qualification that demonstrates knowledge, skills and industry experience in the Pilates Method.

Membership as a PAA Group Pilates instructor requires:

holding a PAA recognised qualification with a minimum study period of 175 hours
current certification in Provide First Aid
current Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance
current financial membership of the PAA and agreement to abide by the PAA Code of Conduct and Ethical Practice
maintenance and elevation of industry knowledge, skills and practice through relevant, research-based professional development courses that meet PAA requirements. A minimum of 15 points is required every two years. For more details, refer to https://pilates.org.au/education/pdp/
continuity of teaching practice as specified by the PAA (a member must maintain a minimum of 200 hours of Pilates work over any two-year period, otherwise they are deemed ‘non-current’ and require refresher education

Service Provision

PAA Pilates Group Instructors will be guided by the following provisions:

Work with clients whose functional movement capacity or condition is within the instructor’s level of competency. This is limited to healthy and lower risk
Conduct physical activity readiness assessment/pre-exercise screening to determine each participant’s suitability to begin a Pilates exercise
Evaluate participant’s static and dynamic posture and movement function.
Identify exercise and programming goals for each group class, with modifications for participant’s varying abilities or restrictions.
Identify and apply contra-indications and modifications for participants musculoskeletal conditions.
Understand how and when to exclude a participant when a particular condition falls outside the instructor’s Scope of Practice.
Provide and supervise Pilates classes according to program design and participants presentation at each session. Classes range from 45 minutes to 60 minutes but may be varied depending on the capacity, health and wellbeing of the group.
Constantly evaluate the groups movement patterns and technique and provide exercise regressions/ progressions/modifications as appropriate.
When using Pilates apparatus, ensure the safety of participants and instructors through participant education and diligent supervision.
Collaborate with medical or allied health professionals and refer where appropriate (out of scope).
Promote participants’ understanding of movement function and body awareness to enhance overall
Maintain notes on program updates and significant changes in client health status and progress.

Download: Group Pilates Instructor Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice

Navigation

Pilates Association Australia (PAA) Code of Conduct

Part A – Applicable to All Members

Part B – Additional Requirements for Health Fund and Rebate‑Eligible Services

Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice for PAA Members

Open > PAA Scope of Practice & Standards of Practice for Pilates Practitioner

Introduction

Competencies

PAA Standards of Practice

Membership Requirements

Service Provision

Additional Service Provision for sessions to be considered therapeutic

Open > PAA Scope of Practice & Standards of Practice for Studio Instructor

Introduction

Competencies

PAA Standards of Practice

Membership Requirements

Service Provision

Additional Service Provision for sessions to be considered therapeutic

Open > PAA Scope of Practice & Standards of Practice for Group Instructor

Introduction

Competencies

PAA Standards of Practice

Membership Requirements

Service Provision