“Hazing” refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. In years past, hazing practices were typically considered harmless pranks or comical antics associated with young men in college fraternities.
Today we know that hazing extends far beyond college fraternities and is experienced by boys/men and girls/women in school groups, university organizations, athletic teams, the military, and other social and professional organizations. Hazing is a complex social problem that is shaped by power dynamics operating in a group and/or organization and within a particular cultural context.
Hazing activities are generally considered to be: physically abusive, hazardous, and/or sexually violating. The specific behaviors or activities within these categories vary widely among participants, groups and settings. While alcohol use is common in many types of hazing, other examples of typical hazing practices include: personal servitude; sleep deprivation and restrictions on personal hygiene; yelling, swearing and insulting new members/rookies; being forced to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire in public; consumption of vile substances or smearing of such on one's skin; brandings; physical beatings; binge drinking and drinking games; sexual simulation and sexual assault.
The Lake Shore Central School District is committed to the belief that abusive behavior, harassment and assault does not build character, does not build leadership skills, and does not foster group loyalty or unity. Hazing is an abuse of power and relationships, and its purpose is to demean others. Therefore, The Lake Shore Central School District strictly prohibits any and all activities, which resemble a hazing / bullying / harassment activity. Possible consequences may be delivered by the coach, athletic director, school principal, school superintendent, school board of education and law enforcement may include:
- Suspension from contests
- Suspension from team
- Suspension from school
- Expulsion from school
- Law enforcement involvement 23
Possible warning signs that hazing may be occurring within your team:
- The leaders of your team are very aggressive, and intimidating.
- You have heard rumors from your athletes about activities that are hazardous.
- Athlete skips practice or contests.
- Athlete doesn’t go into the locker room with team. Either is late going in or coming out.
- Visible body injuries.
- Athlete sits close to the coaches on the bus.
- Athletes justifying an activity by saying “It’s Tradition.”
- Immediate change of an athletes personality or demeanor around certain players.
If a student/athlete approaches you with a concern regarding possible hazing. Immediately investigate the accusation and notify the athletic office.
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