UNI professor researches hazing in sports

Hazing incidents in sport teams continue to be a nationwide problem. Iowa is no exception. Jennifer Waldron, University of Northern Iowa associate professor of health, physical education and leisure services, recently completed research on the effects of hazing in sports.

Waldron's last publication, "Duct Tape, Icy Hot, and Paddles: Narratives of Initiation onto U.S. Male Sport Teams," includes interviews with former male athletes who were involved in hazing. Waldron also has given lectures at anti-hazing workshops and is currently collecting data on better prediction in initiation rituals.

There have been several instances of hazing in sport teams in Iowa and nationwide.

"There is often a misperception that hazing is harmless fun, but hazing causes emotional and physical harm to teammates," said Waldron. "The publicity surrounding these cases should lead to a teachable moment for all involved in sport."

For more information, contact Waldron at 319-273-2730 or

jennifer.waldron@uni.edu