ABSTRACT
Hazing is prevalent in today's society in part because anti-hazing policies and laws are unclear. Hazing may cause physical, emotional, or mental harm and in some cases results in death. Forty-four states have anti-hazing laws. Indiana's state law definition of hazing recognizes that regardless of a person's willingness to participate in any events to be part of a group, hazing is only physical. There is currently no federal legislation regarding hazing practices. This chapter explores different organizational types and the role of hazing in their development. Hazing can potentially be used to introduce athletes to the team culture or to set the stage for athletes to compete in making teams or earning starting positions. The military setting is unique among potential hazing environments, as members eat, sleep, live, and work with one another. Educational institutions have played a major role in creating anti-hazing policies and laws.
