Hazing is a harmful and mean way of including someone in a group (USlegal.com, 2017). It happens when people intentionally or carelessly hurt others physically or mentally. This can involve hitting, bruising, or being really mean to someone. Hazing usually occurs when someone wants to join a club or team (USlegal.com, 2017).
Somewhat recent studies have focused on hazing in sport (Waldron, 2012, 2017; Waldron et al., 2010 When athletes are forced to do things that are hurtful or humiliating just to join the team it can have negative effects on their emotional well-being (Waldron, 2017). They might feel very sad, have low self-esteem, and even think about hurting themselves. Hazing can make it hard for athletes to get along with their teammates, and they may even quit the sport.
It is important for schools and sports teams to stop hazing and find other ways for team members to bond. They should have clear rules against hazing that everyone can understand, including athletes, parents, coaches, and fans. Instead of hazing, teams can do fun activities together like team trips, community service, or acting/skit nights (Waldron, 2017).
USlegal.com (2017). Hazing law and legal definition. https://definitions.uslegal.com/h/hazing/.
Waldron, J. J. (2012). A social norms approach to hazing prevention workshops. Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, 3, 1 9.
Waldron, J.J. (2017). Reducing hazing in sport teams. Retrieved on 10-16-17 from http://www.appliedsportpsych. org/resources/resources-for-coaches/reducing-hazing-in- sport-teams/.
Waldron, J. J., Lynn, Q., & Krane, V. (2010). Duct tape, icy hot, & paddles: Male athlete hazing narratives. Sport, Education, and Society, 16, 111 125.
