Oct. 7, 2003

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854;  e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

DEVELOPING AN ANTI-HAZING POLICY –

AREA COACHES TO GATHER OCT. 23 FOR HAZING WORKSHOP SPONSORED BY SRU

           WEXFORD, Pa. – As the problem of hazing in athletics continues to make news, Slippery Rock University is assembling a group of coaches, teachers and administrators to do something about it. The group meets Oct. 23 to develop an anti-hazing policy for their respective teams.

           Coaches from Shaler Area, Upper St. Clair, North Allegheny and Hempfield school districts are among the participants in  “Hazing in Athletics: Legal Implications for Coaches and Administrators,” 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SRU’s North Hills Center in Wexford, 15 miles north of Pittsburgh off Route 910.

                Participants will receive six hours of Act 48 credit. The workshop is open to middle school, high school and college coaches, teachers and administrators.

Overview of problem

           Participants will become familiar with federal laws and the Pennsylvania statute regarding hazing, discuss several cases related to hazing and collaborate to develop an anti-hazing policy. SRU’s Dr. Brian Crow and Dr. Robin Ammon, associate professors of physical education and sport management, will lead the timely workshop.

National spotlight

           High-publicity incidents have thrust hazing back into the national spotlight. Most recently, football players at Mepham High School in New York allegedly abused younger players during a football camp. Last year, Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School withdrew its football team from the playoffs after a reported hazing incident.

           Cost is $100 for the first person and $50 for each additional person from the same school district. To register, call 724-933-8150 or go to www.sru.edu/north_hills.

PN, PgN, PR