There are many ways to build teams without having to engage in hazing practices. Hazing creates weaknesses in teams and teams that engage in hazing will ultimately fail. Often teams are looking for ways to prove allegiance, prove they belong, and a rite of passage that will make them a better member. It is imperative that we find alternatives to assure that these practices are appropriate and safe to all involved.

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. Some practices associated with hazing carry the potential for serious-bodily harm or even death. These practices may include tattooing, piercing, head shaving, branding, sleep deprivation, physical punishment (paddling and “red-bellying), kidnapping, consuming unreasonable/unacceptable foods, or beverages, being deprived of personal hygiene and/or inappropriate sexual behavior.

What are we really trying to accomplish?

Many hazing activities are done under the guise of positive accomplishment for the team. The activity will help people bond, learn about the team, or be a better member. All of these can be accomplished without hazing.

Cohesiveness & Bonding

• Does the activity help people get to know one another in a positive way or will it create resentment toward certain individuals?
• Does the group create true cohesiveness or forced cohesiveness because of mutual mistreatment.

Respect

• Is respect being created through fear or through positive means?
• Will the newer members like the other members in a month or two or a year?

Loyalty to the Team

• Are you creating loyalty in a positive manner?
• Will members genuinely care about the success of the team?

Better Teammates

• Are you creating good rookies or team members? They are different.
• Are current members acting inline with the team’s mission, or meeting the standards every day?
• Are you teaching new members the real values, purpose or goals through actions?

It is our job as coaches to hold members of our teams accountable during their time with the organization. Not understanding the actual purpose and goals of the organization can lead to hazing. Enforcing the standards for all members is our responsibility. Take the time to understand the facts of hazing and present your expectations clearly to your team.

A recent survey of more than 2,000 college athletes found that roughly 80 percent had been subject to some kind of hazing as part of a team initiation. The survey, conducted by Alfred University in upstate New York and released in August, found that one in five college athletes was subjected to unacceptable and potentially illegal hazing. The researchers also discovered that 42 percent of the athletes who were hazed in college also had been hazed in high school and 5 percent were hazed in middle school. Of those hazed, 38 percent were female.

In summary, this is a very serious topic that deserves a zero-tolerance policy! Athletes should be taught not to accept hazing and to report it when it does occur!

Until Next Month,

Coach Mike Candrea