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Many athletic/extra-curricular programs today are quick to promote and condone
time-honored traditions. Many of these traditions are wholesome and a positive
part of the total experience. Unfortunately, some traditions from the past
are both dangerous and illegal. These dangerous traditions often center on
initiations and rites of passage required of younger teammates by their older
counterparts. Many times these initiations are nothing more than disguised forms
of hazing. However, these events can sometimes get out of hand and the physical
and emotional welfare of all involved is at great risk.
The
administration of this school tries to make it clear to coaches, parents and
athletes that hazing and initiations are never to be part of our program.
Quite often, acts of hazing and initiations can escalate to the point that the
student-athlete is at risk. It is also quite possible that many acts of hazing
and initiation will result in legal action being taken against the coach,
athlete, administration or the school district.
The
administration of Mission San Jose High School has adopted a "ZERO-TOLERANCE"
stance on the hazing of students and athletes. The hazing and initiation policy
is in our coaching handbook and is also in our student athletic handbook. The
school and the school district make the same statement with their written
policies.
Any student who
participates willingly in a hazing or an initiation ritual is subject to
disciplinary action, including:
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A
5-day suspension
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Removal from
their respective athletic/extra-curricular team
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Termination of
all athletic/extracurricular activities for one calendar year
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Possible legal action
dependent on the severity of the incident
Any student-athlete
who observes and does not attempt to stop or report such a violation can also be
subject to disciplinary action by our school. Repeated acts of hazing and
initiation can result in further school action.
20 Most Common Examples of
Hazing
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Assigning pranks
such as stealing, painting objects or harassment of other groups.
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Modifying one's
appearance with unusual haircuts, shaving, tattoos or skin markings.
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Engaging in
public acts of buffoonery.
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Consumption of
undesirable foods and/or liquids.
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Apparel that is
embarrassing, lewd or interferes with the educational atmosphere.
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Playing games
where the loser must perform embarrassing acts.
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Agreeing to do
demeaning tasks for others (servitude).
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Spanking,
swatting or hitting with great force.
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Throwing in the
shower, dousing, powdering or dumping in the toilet or urinal.
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Requiring
acceptance of verbal abuse and/or name-calling.
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Sitting or standing in
uncomfortable positions.
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Pushing, shoving
or tackling team members under orders from others.
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Sexual activity
of any kind.
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Any use of
alcohol or drugs.
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Any tests of emotional
stability.
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Disruption of sleep.
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Spreading false rumors.
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Any process that
produces mental anguish.
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Any act that
could pose a safety risk to the student-athlete.
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Any act that could
bring shame or discredit to the team or school
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