Position On Hazing
Hazing is an issue that the EASD administration and coaches take very seriously. Hazing is generally defined as any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of a person to join a group, regardless of the person's willingness to participate in the activity. Hazing is a negative activity and works against the Interscholastic Program Mission Statement, the Objectives for Participation. It is not acceptable behavior for anyone associated with the EASD.
There are several misconceptions regarding hazing. One is that hazing includes harmless pranks that can be dismissed as traditions. The truth is that hazing is physically and emotionally harmful for junior high school and high school students. Hazing is a form of abuse. A second misconception is if someone agrees to participate in an activity, it cannot be considered hazing. The truth is that consent of the victim cannot be used as a defense for hazing activities. A third misconception is that hazing teaches respect and develops discipline. The truth is that respect is earned, not taught. Victims of hazing do not respect the individuals responsible for the hazing. Hazing teaches mistrust and creates alienation.
The following steps are taken in the EASD to eliminate hazing:
- Every head coach is to read the definition of hazing to the team and discuss the destructive nature of hazing and the consequences of hazing. (Team discipline, school discipline and reported to the local police.)
- If a student-athlete is aware of a hazing incident, the student-athlete is expected to report the incident to a coach or school administrator immediately.
- If a coach is aware of a hazing incident, the coach must report the incident to a school administrator immediately.
- All reported incidents of hazing are investigated by school administration.
- An educational video will be viewed by members of the interscholastic sporting teams, and a discussion will follow by the Athletic Director to answer questions or concerns.
Last Modified on 8/27/2008 11:18:42 AM
