How to Welcome New Players and Safely Build Team Camaraderie by Guest Post U.S. Center for SafeSport June 26, 2026 | 0 minutes, 45 seconds read U.S. Center for SafeSport Check out more U.S. Center for SafeSport video content on the U.S. Center for SafeSport SportsEngine Play Channel The start of any sports season comes with anticipation and excitement for coaches and players alike. However, as you prepare to welcome new players on to your team, take a step back and consider how you can set the expectation of positive team camaraderie. As you’re writing up game plans and mapping out competitions, the possibility of hazing occurring on your team might not be top of mind. But it happens more often than you think—with 74% of students involved in varsity athletics programs having experienced hazing in order to join or maintain membership on their team. As a coach, you can help establish a culture of safety and advocate that players partake in respectful team bonding rituals. Read the full article at U.S. Center for SafeSport > About The U.S. Center for SafeSport The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit organization responsible for responding to and preventing emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct and abuse in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues. Learn more > Read the full article at U.S. Center for SafeSport > tags in this article Safety U.S. Center for SafeSport