Resources for Sports Clubs at FSU

Do you participate in Sports Clubs at FSU?
Please Read this…

What is Hazing?

Hazing is any act committed against a student who is trying to join a group that is humiliating, demeaning or endangers the student’s health and safety.  It can occur regardless of consent or willingness to participate.  If you choose not to take part but knew what was going on, you are part of the problem.  It’s called passive participation.  Even the creation of an environment that promotes or allows hazing can be considered hazing. 

If you’re not sure if an activity is hazing, ask the following questions from The Hazing Test adapted from Death By Hazing (Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 1988). If you answer yes to any of the following questions then the actions could be hazing.

(Yes/No)

_____  Is this a team activity where members are encouraged to attend and where any minors are consuming alcohol?

_____  Will current team members refuse to do exactly what new members are asked to do?

_____  Is there risk of emotional or physical abuse?

_____  Is there any risk for injury or is safety a question?

_____  Would you object to inviting your parents, coach, university official or professor?

_____  Would you object to being photographed or video taped by the media or school paper?

Consequences of Hazing

Individuals involved in hazing activities are subject to both criminal and university judicial proceedings. 

• Criminal proceedings are facilitated by the legal system, courts, and police in accordance with laws of the State of Florida regarding hazing.

Chad Meredith Act Summary

Chad Meredith Law

• University judicial proceedings are facilitated by the Office of the Student Rights and Responsibilities in the Dean of Students Department in accordance with the

Student Code of Conduct at Florida State University

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Policies on Hazing

SOURCE:  Modified with permission from (a) Rick Farnham, Hazing Prevention & Leadership Education; (b) Sports Hazing/ Club Hazing:  Beyond Greeks Audio Conference, June 22, 2006; (c) www.stophazing.org

Example of Hazing in Sport Clubs
What you can do as a student in our community

XYZ Club holds a beginning of the semester party to welcome all of the new members to the club.  At this party, new members are encouraged or forced to drink alcohol and/or engage in other acts or activities which can be construed as embarrassing and/or demeaning.  This can be considered hazing. 

Important Note: Under the new Florida Law on hazing (Chad Meredith Act), if the new members consented to participating this can still be considered misdemeanor or felony hazing. 

The creation of an environment that makes new members feel pressured into participating can be construed as hazing.  Members, leaders, and the sports club/organization itself, can and will be held responsible under these circumstances.  Not taking action to stop hazing is called passive participation and is a part of the problem.   

	Members and Leaders of Sports Clubs Need to Take Responsibility

	What New Members Need to Know about Hazing

New members to the club need to understand that by participating in hazing
activities, they are not contributing to the team or club’s success.  By consenting
and participating in hazing members will not earn true respect in the club.  Respect
is earned by their individual performance and attitude.  There is no correlation between participating in hazing and being a better athlete.  A coach will not play you because you participated in hazing.  You do not have to participate in these activities and you should report hazing if these activities take place. 

Hazing Definition

Hazing Incidents Need to be Reported

Hazing incidents need to be reported when they occur.  Do not let a common barrier such as fear or the assumption that hazing is harmless affect your decision to report an incident.  Anyone can report hazing if they have witnessed or have knowledge of an incident. 

Florida State University's ability to investigate reported incidents, enforce the university’s expectations, and protect future students depends on the accuracy and specificity of the information provided. You are encouraged to provide as much specific detail as possible so that appropriate action can be taken to address the reported behavior. You have the option to submit a report anonymously, though officials may find it difficult to complete their investigation without knowing the source of the report.

When reporting, provide the following information:

• What is the name of the organization that you are reporting for acts of hazing?
• When did the event(s) occur?
• Where did the event(s) take place?
• What time of day did the event(s) occur?
• Who was involved in this event?
• Are there any other people that either were present or can corroborate the information you are providing?  Please provide their names and contact information (if available).
• How did you become aware of the event(s)?
• Please describe the event(s) in as much detail as possible.
• Your name, phone number, and e-mail address

Click here to report a hazing incident, or send an e-mail to:  reporthazing@fsu.edu

The Danger of Social Networking Websites

Sport Clubs need to be especially careful when posting club related pictures or material on social networking websites (i.e., Facebook, Community Webshots, etc).  These sites are open to the public and the content on these sites can be directly associated with your club, including any photos that only appear to be hazing.  One false assumption about a photo of club members can lead to severe damage to not only the club’s reputation, but the university’s as well.  Please remember to only post content that is suitable for public exposure and to use the privacy settings that are available.  Educate all of the members of the club to use caution when using these sites. 

	Make Change Happen

Hazing does not have to occur and can be stopped, but only the club membership can make it happen.  These divisive and dangerous practices will not help a sport club’s performance.  Take responsibility, educate your members, and stop hazing within your sport club before it is too late and something tragic occurs.  Use this website as a resource to learn about hazing so you can prevent hazing and make change happen!

SOURCE:  Modified with permission from (a) Rick Farnham, Hazing Prevention & Leadership Education; (b) Sports Hazing/ Club Hazing:  Beyond Greeks Audio Conference, June 22, 2006; (c) www.stophazing.org