The Record Journal of Meriden (Conn.), Oct. 22:
Even the most seasoned coaches of youth sports should not think their programs beyond the scourge of hazing. It is important to remain vigilant, so that instances of harassment do not go unnoticed and unstopped.
A much-publicized hazing scandal has enveloped the town of Sayreville, New Jersey this fall. Multiple reports indicate that freshmen on the football team were beaten, groped and sodomized by upperclassmen. This was not the result of a shoddy program under inferior management. According to an Oct. 20 New York Times report, 20-year head coach George Najjir was “old school,” did not swear or yell, and told players “he never wanted anyone to embarrass the team, because character meant more than winning.” So respected locally was he that misbehaving youths in Pop Warner were cautioned that their actions would be looked upon poorly by Najjir.
And yet even he may have missed ”“ or perhaps tolerated ”“ a history of older players brutally hazing younger teammates. Allegedly, certain acts of sexual assault were common enough in the Sayreville locker room that they had code phrases players would call out as upperclassmen surrounded freshmen. Najjir was not usually with kids after practice, and paid little attention to team matters beyond football. That does not excuse him from accountability. Coaches are responsible for fostering an environment of safety and respect.
Purported acts of hazing in Sayreville are reprehensible and illegal. If allegations prove true, then they reflect either outrageous negligence or inexcusable lapses of judgment on the part of Najjir.
Other coaches can learn from his failure of responsibility. It is one thing to proclaim team character above victory. It is another to ensure that players uphold such values, even when left unsupervised.
Part of establishing such a positive environment is making sure students can comfortably report abusive behavior. Between social media and in-school gossip, Sayreville has suffered a storm of victim-blaming (especially since the scandal likely means a lengthy suspension for the football team). Spitefully, kids have sought out which freshmen reported harassment, rather than expressing anger at perpetrators. This misguided reaction may dissuade youths elsewhere from disclosing abuse. Coaches must instill a sense of trust that they will handle situations discretely and appropriately, so that victims do not face retribution.
Bullying and peer pressure are problems in high schools nationwide. Freshmen may feel too intimidated to speak honestly about harassment, allowing abuse to continue unhindered. Hazing may take place in private areas like locker rooms, equipment facilities or in the woods along running courses. But a coach cannot be everywhere at once. Thus, they should proactively forbid hazing, and not think twice to inspect when situations or rumors suggest something is wrong. Otherwise, coaches turn a blind eye on misconduct that can physically and emotionally scar youths for life, while letting down an entire town that has entrusted someone with the well-being of its kids.
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