Hazing in Arizona high schools and on athletic teams

What the criminal law covers

The hazing statute applies to any group whose members are mostly current or former students of a high school or college (A.R.S. § 13-1215(G)). That includes athletic teams, bands, spirit groups and clubs. It covers conduct connected to joining, staying in or moving up in the group. See what counts as hazing in Arizona.

Training versus hazing

The law excludes reasonable and customary athletic training, contests, competitions and events (A.R.S. § 13-1215(B)). A hard practice is not hazing. Forced drinking, beatings, sexual humiliation, confinement and extreme sleep deprivation are not customary training, and the group's tradition is not a defense (A.R.S. § 13-1215(E)).

What school policies must say

Every public school from kindergarten through 12th grade, every public community college and every public university must adopt, post and enforce a hazing policy (A.R.S. § 15-2301). The policy must say that it is not a defense that the victim consented or went along with the hazing, and it must cover reporting, investigation, referral to law enforcement and sanctions. The statute does not mention private or charter schools. Colleges publish their own policies, for example the University of Arizona's policy SA-204 and Arizona State University's SSM 104-03.

When the student is under 18

For most injury claims, the time a person is under 18 does not count toward the deadline (A.R.S. § 12-502). For a claim against a public school or university, a person who was a minor has 180 days after turning 18 to file the notice of claim (A.R.S. § 12-821.01(D)). A parent's own claims, such as for medical bills, can follow different timing, so it is worth asking early. A lawyer can tell you which deadlines apply to your situation.

If your child was hurt

You are not overreacting, and you are not in trouble for calling. Save what you have and hold off on confronting anyone. The 48-hour checklist lists what to keep. You can also read who can be responsible.

Quick answers

Does Arizona hazing law cover high school students?

Yes. The law covers groups whose members are mostly current or former high school or college students, including athletic teams, bands, spirit groups and clubs (A.R.S. § 13-1215(G)).

Is team training the same as hazing?

No. Reasonable and customary athletic training, contests and competitions are not hazing (A.R.S. § 13-1215(B)). Brutality, forced drinking and sexual humiliation are not customary training.

Do schools have to have a hazing policy?

Yes. Every public school from kindergarten through 12th grade, community college and university must adopt, post and enforce a hazing policy that states consent is not a defense (A.R.S. § 15-2301).

Sources

More about hazing law in Arizona

Updated October 8, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and the right answer depends on the facts.