Needham Girls HS Hazing

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Mine is not putting collars on anyone.

Mine refused to be hazed. There are plenty of kids who disagree with this behavior.

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Mine is not putting collars on anyone.

Neither is mine.

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every high school team in america participates in some sort of hazing. although your sons or daughters may not run home to tell their parents about it (as freshman or seniors) it still happens. just because this time the freshman ran home to tell on the big bag seniors they get suspended? its crazy that these poor girls would undergo such consequences for something that happens on every field, at every high school. when your kids in high school they should be able to man up and handle harmless pranks. im sure these girls weren't looking to harm any of the freshman involved, only to carry on the traditions that have gone on for years and years at their school. to think that these girl's futures are put in jeopardy just because a few freshman cant take a joke is ridiculous. grow up and man up .. very annoyed by all this crap.

You're kidding, right?

[Unregistered]

every high school team in america participates in some sort of hazing. although your sons or daughters may not run home to tell their parents about it (as freshman or seniors) it still happens. just because this time the freshman ran home to tell on the big bag seniors they get suspended? its crazy that these poor girls would undergo such consequences for something that happens on every field, at every high school. when your kids in high school they should be able to man up and handle harmless pranks. im sure these girls weren't looking to harm any of the freshman involved, only to carry on the traditions that have gone on for years and years at their school. to think that these girl's futures are put in jeopardy just because a few freshman cant take a joke is ridiculous. grow up and man up .. very annoyed by all this crap.

Yeah right, and when you get caught breaking the rules you should "man up" and not go running to court.

[Unregistered]

Two of the three freshman were on varisty since the start of the season. One came up early in the season. I'm not sure why they waited until the end of the season. My guess is that it became more of a celebration of the strong season they just completed as well as a preparation for the upcoming playoffs in which they were, and I stress "were", projected to do quite well.

There was a freshman involved that wasn't one of the freshman who was hazed. That may have been why the seniors got ratted out. They didn't apply their form of justice equally.

[Unregistered]

this whole thing is hilarious. did you hear what they did? they were blind folded, put on dog leashes, and got a pie in the face. did someone seriously cry to their mommy and daddy... who then went and called the school. how old are you? now because of these six year olds five girls are being suspended, could get scholarships taken away, and might be criminally charged... over a pie in the face? is that a joke? this is stupid everyone is freaking out over nothing.

[Unregistered]

this whole thing is hilarious. did you hear what they did? they were blind folded, put on dog leashes, and got a pie in the face. did someone seriously cry to their mommy and daddy... who then went and called the school. how old are you? now because of these six year olds five girls are being suspended, could get scholarships taken away, and might be criminally charged... over a pie in the face? is that a joke? this is stupid everyone is freaking out over nothing.

It's a crime:


Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Anti-Hazing Law

Chapter 269: Section 17. Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined
Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor,
beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

Chapter 269: Section 18. Failure to report hazing

Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such
crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

[Unregistered]

You know, I hate to break it to you people, but if your daughter plans to go on to play soccer in college, they arre going to experience some sort of hazing as a freshman. It is not condoned by the schools or the coach, but it does happen. I had 3 kids go to 3 different colleges (D1-D3) and they all experienced it. Nothing was done to harm them, though they did do some humiliating things - but my kids laughed about it. If the freshman does not want to participate, they are not forced to, but the ones who do are more accepted by the upper classmen. I'm not saying it's right - I'm saying it happens.

Not true at all schools. Freshman hazing on our kid's college team meant the freshmen had to carry the water bottles off the field and the upperclassmen got to fill their plates first at team dinner events. Not really very intimidating. Oh I forgot - freshman were also required by upperclassmen to friend them on Facebook.

I think you need to stop making excuses. This is why we haven't stamped this behavior out yet. Too many apologists for it.

[Unregistered]

at my school a girl was late to practice so the coach made her stand in front of the whole team as they proceeded to whip fifty or so soccer balls at her. those girls should be lucky they got pies.

[Unregistered]

It's a crime:


Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Anti-Hazing Law

Chapter 269: Section 17. Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined
Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor,
beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

Chapter 269: Section 18. Failure to report hazing

Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such
crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

It is a crime NOW....and the change in the law is a reflection on how society has changed over the last 30+ years.....not necessarily for the better.
I suspect that the majority of the viewers of this site might remember back when they were treated like the new kid on the team, or might even look at this with some humor.
We might even look at this and say that those being hazed should toughen up a bit and accept the initiation rite.
None of these opinions really matter since there is now a law against it and, regardless of the severity, it is against the rules that have been put forth. At the very least, the coach should know this.
It is also understandable why so much attention is being given toward this issue and why the many support a zero-tolerance. It only takes one severe injury or death to make everyone wonder why any form of 'bullying' is tolerated.
Personally, if my daughter were involved, depending on how she reacted (I believe she would find it to be amusing) I would be OK with it. However, I would change my mind pretty darn quick if she were injured......which is why zero-tolerance is the modus operandi.

The kids should be made to do community service.
The coach should be suspended if he knew anything about it prior to its happening

[Unregistered]

You parents who think this is a non-event and funny, youthful play, and/or in the normal course of growing up, and who are condemning our "wimpified" society, are a disgrace. You would laugh and high five your daughter's participation in an activity clearly designed to humiliate younger students (sorry, but carrying the ball bag isn't even close). With the attitude you have, it's no wonder your kids think this kind of thing is a-ok; I'd be absolutely furious if my daughter even thought about something like this as a team leader. And I'd take the blame for raising a kid who thought it was okay too.

[Unregistered]

this whole thing is hilarious. did you hear what they did? they were blind folded, put on dog leashes, and got a pie in the face. did someone seriously cry to their mommy and daddy... who then went and called the school. how old are you? now because of these six year olds five girls are being suspended, could get scholarships taken away, and might be criminally charged... over a pie in the face? is that a joke? this is stupid everyone is freaking out over nothing.

Needham student perhaps, one of the soccer girls?

[Unregistered]

"Well-documentated"?

Where's the data you mention?

a 2 second google search on this issue will generate approximately 8.9M hits for your data, Mom. Please review

How to Recruit, Hire, and Retain the Best of Generation Y: 10 Workplace Issues Most Important to Gen Y

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by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Note: Before reading these tips, it's important to break some of the stereotypes about Generation Y by reading this article: Perception vs. Reality: 10 Truths About The Generation Y Workforce.

Experts have been warning employers for years about the impending brain drain as baby boom workers -- the heart and soul of many organizations over the last three decades -- leave corporate America in droves for retirements and re-careering options.

But with the gloom associated with the baby boomers' exit, comes the hope of a new generation of workers. Roughly the same size as the boomers, Generation Y is the foundation for the next three decades of employment and leadership.

So, what's the problem? It lies with the attitudes that Generation Y has to employment and work. Generation Y has been the most pampered and indulged generation. Growing up with the Internet and various technological gadgets, this generation is also the most tech-savvy and wired (or perhaps wirelessly connected) cohort. Their views of life and work are different from any others -- and if employers want to recruit and retain these people, strategies and policies and procedures will have to change.

There is no question that a paradigm shift is occurring in recruitment and retention -- with the most successful organizations already implementing changes to cater to this new generation of workers.

Besides obvious things such as using social-networking sites to recruit employees and offering a corporate career site that is interactive and engaging (like the Deloitte career site that offers grads videos on life at Deloitte), what else can employers do to help ensure that they will be able to recruit, hire, and retain Generation Y workers?

Here is a list of the 10 workplace issues most important to Gen Y job-seekers and workers:

1. Nurturing corporate culture. Gen Ys view having strong friendships with co-workers and bosses as extremely important to them. There is much anecdotal support of workers staying longer in jobs simply because they loved the people they worked with -- and did not want to leave them. Management styles must be Theory Y for Gen Y. Consider too a formal or informal organization-wide mentoring program.

2. Job flexibility. Gen Ys not only want flexible hours and schedules, but remote work options because of their perception of the never-ending intersection of work and life. They see themselves doing work everywhere -- except in a cubicle. Jobs must be designed to accommodate these workers personal lives -- not the other way around.

3. Challenging work. Gen Ys, more than any previous college grads, are graduating college with a dynamic mix of academic and work experiences that have them positioned to contribute from day one. They are not interested in "grunt" jobs, or jobs in which they have to "pay their dues;" they seek challenging work from the start.

4. Professional and personal growth opportunities. Gen Ys value lifelong learning. They also tend to get bored easily and seek out new things. They want employers that offer tuition reimbursement, sabbaticals, and other growth opportunities.

5. Volunteering options. Gen Ys have been involved in service most of their lives and have a true commitment to bettering the world around them. Employers should develop organizational volunteering programs and options that allow workers to continue these efforts. Having an organizational culture that supports these values is essential.

6. Competitive salaries. Gen Ys -- especially younger ones fresh out of college -- have more debt (both student loans and credit cards) than any previous generation, and they demand a salary that not only recognizes their contributions, but also helps them pay down the debt. Some employers even have programs in place to help these workers pay off student loans.

7. Advancement opportunities. While Gen Ys are certainly not the most loyal bunch (but don't blame them -- blame those employers that downsized their parents), they do seek out employers that have a plan for their success. Employers should examine and create new ladders to guide younger workers through a steady progression in the organization.

8. Recognition programs. Gen Ys were raised in a bubble of constant praise and recognition from their families, and so this kind of constant reinforcement and recognition is something they expect. But please, no Office Space "flair" programs; instead, implement authentic work recognition programs.

9. Business casual. Gen Ys, as a whole, have more tattoos and piercings than any previous worker cohort -- and that personal style also applies to how they dress and how they want to dress for work. While they can look great in business suits, many prefer a work environment in which they can wear comfortable clothing that expresses their individuality.

10. Intrapreneurship programs. Study after study show that Gen Ys have an extremely strong entrepreneurial focus -- with many planning to start their own businesses (partly so that they can control their own fate). Employers can retain workers longer -- while leveraging that entrepreneurial sprit -- by developing incubator and intrapreneurship programs and opportunities.

Final Thoughts
Just as the work that is completed changes to meet the times, so, too, must the way we perform the work -- and Generation Y workers are some of the most independent-minded and tech-savvy workers employers have seen. Changing the way you do business -- and the way you manage, recognize, and reward your employees (including the mix of benefits and perks you offer) -- is essential not only to your success in recruiting and retaining Generation Y workers, but to the organization's future success as well.

Finally, if you seek yet more information, advice, and research on this generation, feel free to surf over to these resources:

From CBS News: The "Millennials" Are Coming
From CNN.com: Generation Y: Too Demanding at Work?

From Time: What Gen Y Really Wants

From USAToday: Generation Y: They've Arrived at Work with a New Attitude




Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.

[Unregistered]

It's a crime:


Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Anti-Hazing Law

Chapter 269: Section 17. Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined
Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor,
beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

Dude, did you read what you posted? It says it's only "hazing" if it "endangers the physical or mental health" of the student. I don't think its very likely that putting on a dog collar and getting a pie in the face does either. Verdict: NOT A CRIME.

[Unregistered]

at my school a girl was late to practice so the coach made her stand in front of the whole team as they proceeded to whip fifty or so soccer balls at her. those girls should be lucky they got pies.

That's another thing that should be abolished!