I read a disturbing
article in Sports Illustrated (September
13, 1999), entitled "Who’s Coaching Your
Kid". The article brought to light
a horrific problem – that of coaches who
prey on young and vulnerable athletes.
You may have read it, as well as
articles about hazing. Hazing is a
term used to describe various group or
team rituals. The purpose of these
rituals is presumably to enhance bonding
between teammates. In its least
offensive form, hazing is bullying; in
its worst form it can be traumatic. Some
hazing even "may include sexual contact"
(Anchorage Daily News, October 7, 1999).
In some instances it has been known to
cause death.
THERE IS NO PLACE FOR
HAZING IN SPORTS - there is no place for
it in LIFE.
Youngsters become involved in sports for
many reasons - for the sheer love of it,
for the joy of competition, for the
thrill of pursuing and achieving
excellence. In the process of
competing they presumably are also being
taught some invaluable life lessons -
cooperation, fairness, honesty,
sportsmanship, respect (for teammates,
coaches, officials, foes, etc),
judgment, humility, understanding. But
are they?
Sports have many ugly aspects.
There are rumors of rituals, which (if
true) make one’s hair stand on end.
Older kids doing questionable things to
younger kids. Veteran players doing
questionable things to rookie players.
Peers doing questionable things to
peers. All just "normal", playful,
behavior?
What
is
going on behind
those locker room doors?
What is happening on the team bus, in
hotel rooms, on and off the playing
field (ice)? Have you heard
"things"? Have you witnessed
"things"? Have you had to consider
removing your child from hockey (or
another sport) because of concerns for
his or her safety?
I know of reputable sports publications
that are interested in bringing these
issues to light. If you have
experiences that you want to discuss,
please email me at
laurastamm@earthlink.net.
If you should decide to "go further"
with your information I could refer you
to a highly ethical and caring freelance
writer.
The sports world needs watchdogs.
We can make a difference by speaking out
against behaviors and rituals that have
been overlooked or accepted for too
long. If we speak out loud enough,
hard enough and persistently enough
perhaps we can become catalysts for
major changes.
