MILLERSPORT - Millersport High School has completed an investigation into a hazing incident this past week involving members of its baseball team. Whether the incident will lead to an inquiry by the Millersport Police Department, however, remains unclear.

School officials were alerted Friday to a report of a physical altercation between members of the baseball team after practice March 6.

Principal Roger Montgomery interviewed members of the baseball team Monday to ascertain what happened inside a high school locker room.

"After investigating what we heard, we found there to be some truth to that," Walnut Township School District Superintendent Ron Thornton said Wednesday. "That some of the older kids were going through some kind of initiation with some of the younger players.

"Those things that happened involved throwing a volleyball and smacking kids on the back."

Three "older" students were disciplined, though Thornton declined to discuss the punishment. Montgomery said 10 to 12 players - freshmen to juniors - were subjected to the hazing ritual.

The older students were punished according to Millersport's Athletic Code of Conduct, Thornton said.

That policy states that any act of unacceptable conduct "such as, but not limited to theft, vandalism, disrespect, immorality or violations of law, tarnish the reputation of everyone associated with the athletic programs will not be tolerated."

Punishment for violating the code can range from a suspension of "10 percent of the season or succeeding season to a maximum of permanent denial of participation."

Athletic Director Mike Washburn spoke with all spring sports coaches upon learning of the incident.

"My question to the coaches was 'Who was in the locker room, and if nobody was in there, then why not,' " Washburn said. "At every in-service meeting we have, we stress the fact that these kids need to be supervised. (Coaches) know that you cannot let these kids in there by themselves."

Montgomery, who interviewed about 15 students regarding the incident, said players were hit on the back and a volleyball was thrown at them.

"Nobody was forced to do anything," Montgomery said. "The kids opted to do it. That's what's flipping me out."

His investigation, which began after a parent e-mailed him Friday morning to notify him of the incident, found similar hazing had been done in the past.