Rowers are expected to conduct themselves maturely and demonstrate good behavior and good sportsmanship while participating in the W-L Crew program. The W-L Crew Boosters recognize that the crew team may engage in various activities “off the water” to boost team spirit. These activities, while not intended to be harmful to rowers, may have an adverse effect on the students involved, if as a result of peer pressure, the rowers do things that they would not otherwise do. Of particular concern is the potential for misuse of power or influence by upperclassmen over lower classmen, however subtle the influence. Such a dynamic can be considered hazing.
Hazing is defined as any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in Washington-Lee Crew. Virginia State law states that any student found guilty of hazing will be charged with a Class 1 felony. The Boosters understand the importance of building team spirit but do not endorse any activity that could be deemed hazing. Outside of coach-supervised practices and regattas, rowers are encouraged to participate in team-related activities but are not required to do so. Coaches, team captains, and parents will work together to inform rowers about appropriate activities, to help monitor these activities and to prevent any activity that might be considered hazing.
Approved 9/04