HAZING FOR DUMMIES

It’s that time of the year again, AAA youth and junior hockey players are jockeying for stalls and roster spots and already making plans to resume some of the old fun and games to “one-up” the hazing and initiation rituals they were put through.

Oh boy, the joys of being a veteran. Rookies that can’t pay the court fines will face an entirely new set of consequences for 2024-25.

Let’s be really clear here, players that insist on the continuation of the kangaroo court and hazing rituals will find themselves on the outside looking in. Coaches that allow, condone, facilitate, and overlook the baloney will find their future in the game as extremely limited.

I find it especially comical when teams become more concerned about plugging the information leaks instead of addressing the issues. How do these donkeys think that’s ever going to work when the average roster goes through 45 or more players in a season?

I thought it is important that everyone understands what hazing actually is and this article is designed to help players, families, and staff comprehend the issue.

“Any mental or physical requirement, request or obligation placed upon any person that could intentionally or unintentionally cause discomfort, pain, fright, disgrace, injury or which is personally degrading for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition of continued membership in, a group or organization. A person’s expressed or implied consent to hazing does not negate the above standards.”

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EXAMPLES OF HAZING

Hazing can be subtle, harassing, or violent in nature. It can manifest itself in the form of physical violence, forced physical activities, or psychological and/or emotional harm, which can be violations of law. Although it is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors because many are context-specific, the list below provides some common examples of hazing behaviors. It is important to note, however, that these categories do not negate nor lessen an allegation of hazing. Regardless of category, hazing is hazing and could easily lead to a Center for SafeSport investigation.

“Subtle” Hazing

“Subtle” hazing refers to activities that are often taken for granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. There is an emphasis placed on a power imbalance between new members and other members of the team, thus leading to activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect, and place new players on the receiving end of ridicule or embarrassment. New players often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the team. Examples may include:

Requiring new players to perform unnecessary duties not assigned to veteran players
Required calisthenics such as sit-ups or push-ups, or other forms of physical exercise
Sleep deprivation
The assignment of meaningless and sometimes impossible tasks
Required “greeting” of veteran teammates in a specific manner when in public
Required carrying of certain items
Required walking in groups to arenas, the meals, etc.
Restriction of communication

“Harassment” Hazing

“Harassment” hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new players. This behavior has the potential to cause emotional anguish and/or physical discomfort.(Note: Some types of harassment hazing can also be considered violent hazing.) Examples may include:

Yelling or screaming
Personal servitude or chores
Lineups for the purpose of interrogating, demeaning, or intimidating
Wearing of embarrassing or uncomfortable clothing
Assigning pranks such as stealing, painting objects, or harassing other teams
Forced confinement, oftentimes involving very loud music and/or the repetition of a specific song
Being dropped off somewhere and forced to find the way back

“Violent” Hazing

“Violent” hazing is behavior that has the potential to cause physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm. It often includes activities that tend to be the most extreme types of hazing. Examples may include:

Capturing or kidnapping
Total or partial nudity
Compelled sexual activity
Pushing, shoving, tackling, or any other physical contact
Forced consumption of any liquid or food, often involving alcohol and/or gross food combinations
Paddling or whipping
Branding, cutting, labeling, or shaving parts of the body

STILL UNSURE IF IT IS HAZING? ASK YOURSELF…

Would I feel uncomfortable participating in this activity if my family were watching?
Would a team owner or league commissioner disapprove of this activity?
Am I being asked to keep these activities a secret?
Am I doing anything illegal?
Does participation in an activity violate my values or those of my team?
Is it causing emotional distress or stress of any kind to me or others?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, please feel free to contact me directly. I promise to do everything possible to stop the baloney while helping you (or the family) secure a full release and get to a different team.

CENTER FOR SAFESPORT POSITION ON HAZING

Click to access Hazing-Trifold.pdf

Adapted from The University of Texas at Austin

HAZING FOR DUMMIES Rookies that can’t pay the court fines will face an entirely new set of consequences for 2024-25.

EXAMPLES OF HAZING

“Subtle” Hazing

“Harassment” Hazing

“Violent” Hazing

STILL UNSURE IF IT IS HAZING? ASK YOURSELF…

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