Hazing Prevention in Sport
Hazing prevention in sport fosters teamwork,
trust and respect
What is Hazing Prevention?
Hazing includes any activity expected of athletes joining a team that humiliates or abuses them, even if they participate voluntarily. It is often done in an attempt to complete a rite of passage or initiation into a group, and includes a range of activities, from small pranks to severe actions. It can harm others and is never acceptable.
Hazing is banned by the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) because of its harmful effects. Examples include:
- Demeaning nicknames or forced public singing
- Excluding “rookies” or making them perform tasks
- Wearing embarrassing clothing or experiencing public shaming
- Forced consumption or physical harm
Why is Hazing Prevention important?
Preventing hazing builds trust and respect. Hazing undermines emotional safety by creating fear, humiliation, and distress. It damages both individual well-being and team dynamics.
Minimizes Mental and Physical Health Risks
Preventing hazing mitigates serious health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, concussions, and, in severe cases, suicide.
Reduces Negative Team Consequences
Hazing prevention fosters teamwork and discourages a “code of silence” around abuse. Preventing hazing leads to Athletes feeling less isolated from teammates and results in fewer athletes quitting sport.
Minimizes Negative Impact of a Power Imbalance
Preventative measures decrease the likelihood that those being hazed will comply with unreasonable or dangerous requests, especially where a power imbalance exists.
Practical Tips for Hazing Prevention
Discuss Hazing Early
Begin each season with a conversation about hazing. Make sure all team members know what it is, understand the risks, and know it’s not allowed.
Use Positive Influence
Senior team members can play a big role in preventing hazing. Set a good example and create an inclusive, healthy team culture.
Report and Act on Incidents
Any hazing incidents should be reported and handled by team leaders to prevent further issues.
Check for Hazing in Activities
Use this checklist to decide if an activity might be hazing.
If the answer is “yes” to any of these, the activity may be hazing. Instead, consider safe alternatives that build team unity.
- Are only rookies required to take part?
- Is the activity kept secret from others?
- Is intimidation or a hierarchy used to enforce it?
- Are there physical or emotional risks?
- Does the activity involve pressured alcohol use?
Plan Positive Team-Building Activities
Choose activities that build trust and teamwork without harm, like:
- Rookie-veteran mentorships
- Craft nights
- Ropes courses or outdoor adventures
- Escape rooms
- Volunteering
- Team dinners or trips
