Alternatives to Sport Hazing: Recommendations and Actionable Steps for Building Inclusive Team Ethics and Practices

Abstract

What is the purpose of hazing? Why does it continue to happen? How can we enact change? Despite a wealth of research on hazing – documenting the detrimental effects, analysing prevalence, trends and causes, as well as suggesting steps to prevent hazing – there remains a disconnect between anti-hazing research, messages and online resources and the delivery and implementation of anti-hazing information and work in communities. Ignited by waves of sport activism and social justice movements globally, not only is greater attention being paid to long-established cultures of violence and abuse in sport and society, but victims are finding their voice and collective strength to expose perpetrators of violence and hold them accountable. Indeed, we are witnessing positive cultural shifts that challenge many of the ideological norms and values traditionally used to rationalise hazing behaviours. Deep change of this magnitude requires serious investment in thoughtfully developing strategies to: optimise educational efforts, expose infractions, enforce rules, hold policymakers, team leaders and athletics personnel accountable, open lines of communication for reporting and addressing instances of hazing as well as listening to athletes' voices in promoting positive team building experiences. Successfully making these investments is key for making progress towards protecting athletes from cultures of violence and harm.

Citation

Chin, J.W. and johnson, j. (2024), "Alternatives to Sport Hazing: Recommendations and Actionable Steps for Building Inclusive Team Ethics and Practices", johnson, j. and Chin, J.W. (Ed.) Cultures of Sport Hazing and Anti-Hazing Initiatives for the 21st Century (Research in the Sociology of Sport, Vol. 23), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 223-246. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1476-285420240000023013