Anti-Hazing Policy

It is the policy of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) that there shall be no hazing of any participant involved in any of its member programs by any other participant.

FCA supports constructive, educational activities that contribute to the spiritual, personal and physical development of athletes and other individuals. Therefore, FCA prohibits hazing within the athlete community. Any person participating in, suffering from or witnessing an act in violation of this policy is encouraged to report the incident in a timely manner to the FCA Player’s Health Protect site.

FCA defines hazing as intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, for the purpose of initiating, admitting or affiliating a minor or athlete into or within a group (or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing an athlete’s membership or status in a group), causes, coerces or forces an athlete to do any of the following:

1. Violate federal or state criminal law.
2. Endure brutality of a sexual nature.
3. Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics or exposure to the elements.
4. Endure brutality of a mental nature, including activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment.
5. Consume any food, drink, alcoholic liquid, drug or other substance that subjects the minor or student to a risk of emotional or physical harm.
6. Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the minor or student.

Accountability

Hazing is a crime and may result in the imposition of criminal penalties against an individual, a group and/or FCA. In addition, athletes and groups are subject to discipline under the FCA Code of Conduct, up to and including suspension of an athlete or group of athletes, depending on the specifics of the incident.

This policy applies to athletes while they are attending FCA camps, traveling to and from games, and/or participating in an FCA-sponsored League.

The policy applies to all athletes, parents, coaches, employees, volunteers and other persons associated with FCA.

Groups may be held accountable

1. When a violation is committed by one or more members of the group and is supported by the group’s practices, custom or traditions.
2. When a violation is authorized, encouraged, or tolerated by one or more members of the group acting on behalf of the group within the scope of their membership.
3. When the group, through its relation, fails to take action to prevent violations of FCA policy.

Allegations against FCA employees who serve as staff or are otherwise associated with the group shall be reported to the Disciplinary Committee of FCA in the event of allegations that they failed to prevent hazing. Allegations against volunteers and other individuals associated with FCA shall be reported to the local police department and/or another appropriate office.

Athlete Conduct Process Guidelines for this Policy

If anyone suspects a student or student organization of hazing, that person should report the incident in a timely manner to the FCA Player’s Health Protect site.

Athletes may be held responsible for a hazing violation individually, in addition to the group.

1. It is the responsibility of the League and/or Club leadership to inform athletes, parents and coaches of FCA’s Hazing Prevention Policy.
2. This policy will also be posted on every League’s FCA branded microsite.