Across Bucks County, high school football coaches are rolling out a suite of preventive measures as the region grapples with a string of hazing scandals that have already forced the shutdown of entire programs.
A proactive approach to player safety
Souderton head coach Ed Gallagher says the best time to talk about hazing is before any incident occurs, urging teams to set clear expectations early in the season.
Bensalem’s head coach Mitch Cohen echoes the sentiment, emphasizing that senior players must model the behavior they expect from younger teammates.
Todd Shelton, chief executive of the Hazing Protection Network, adds that transparent policies, regular education and swift action when concerns arise are essential to building a culture of accountability.
North Penn athletic director Kyle Berger stresses that respect and trust are the foundation of any anti‑hazing strategy, noting that coaches can only influence so much of what happens in the locker room.
Quakertown’s head coach George Banas points to continuity in coaching staff as another lever, arguing that stable leadership helps reinforce consistent standards.
The recent cancellation of Cheltenham High School’s varsity and junior varsity teams for the 2026 season underscores the stakes, while investigations by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office continue into the alleged locker‑room assault that sparked the move.
Historical precedents show that hazing is not new to Pennsylvania football; programs in Middletown, Athens and Mohawk each faced similar allegations in 2022, and earlier incidents at Conestoga and Central Bucks West date back to 2016 and 2014 respectively.
Experts agree that the fight against hazing extends beyond policy; fostering inclusion through team‑building activities outside of practice can reshape the social dynamics that sometimes enable abuse.