Three Steps to Ending Hazing

As a youth sports coach, team manager, or parent, there is a good chance you will come across the unfortunate reality that is hazing. It is an activity that is too often defended by teams and institutions - and players, too - as a necessary ritual that leads to team unity and bonding. While there are some team responsibilities handed to the rookies or newcomers that are harmless acts of team unity, hazing takes these a step further.

Freshmen players might be expected to carry the water coolers or set up the team tent - there is nothing wrong with that, as long as other members have similar responsibilities. But when things turn violent, aggressive or emotionally damaging, problems abound. Hazing is a major obstacle for many programs, and there are three things a good coach can do to eliminate anything resembling hazing.

1. Have a united front.
   Merriam-Webster defines hazing as an initiation process involving harassment. That initiation is performed by and against members of the team, but in order to eliminate hazing, a coach must meet with players, parents and any others involved in the team and take a united stance. Team captains must be held responsible for any acts of hazing and be the liaison from the players to the coach. Parents must report anything resembling hazing they learn about to the team officials. And coaches have to be the authority.
2. Have a zero-tolerance policy.
   It sounds harsh, but the best way to stamp out hazing is to remove any guilty parties from the team completely, immediately and without question. With a hard-line approach, coaches will not only rid the team of problematic individuals, it will send a message to anyone else considering hazing that it will not be allowed. You can also publish your policy on the team websites for anyone to see.
3. Have a presence.
   Too many coaches think what happens in the locker room falls under a “don’t ask, don’t tell” banner. This is simply not the case. Coaches need to be a physical presence with the team as often as possible so that any hazing is constantly at risk of being witnessed directly by the staff. With an authority figure involved, kids will be far less likely to consider hazing other team members.

Hazing is counterproductive in every way. It hinders team and individual growth, puts a bad mark on the program and coaching staff, and dissuades kids from joining in the future. But by following these tips and using a team sport website, you can eliminate hazing altogether.