Five youth football players in New York state have been banned from playing in the league due to possible bullying and misconduct by their parents regarding team management, according to reports.
The football-loving kids, ages 8 to 11, were kicked out of the Washingtonville Wizards Youth Football and Cheer League last week, and the parents of the board members were forced out of their jobs. News12 reported.
The league's remaining 11 board members voted the parents out in November after a series of altercations that led to code violations.
The newspaper said the expelled's families complained about the coaching style, team management, playing time and the way bullying was handled within the team.
Nicole Berhow claimed that her 10-year-old son, Nolan, was bullied to the point that he was “sickened” throughout the season, but the league placed the blame on Nolan before he was expelled from the team.
“Nolan had been bullied and made to feel bad all football season. When he decided he had had enough and wanted to get rid of the person who had made the 10-year-old boy feel unwanted, The TV show has started.'' Berhow claimed on Facebook.
The protective mother says she doesn't care if she gets kicked out of the league, but she draws the line at her innocent son.
“Whatever happens with my position on the board, I don't care. What I care about, and continue to care about, is Nolan. He is 100% removed from WYFCL. “I don't deserve to be asked not to come back again,” she said. “You want to piss me off? Move on, but I will not apologize for wanting to remove someone who not only allowed the bullying to occur, but held Nolan responsible for the bullying.” ”
The league in Orange County, 105 miles north of Manhattan, voted to suspend five players, four family members and a 13-year-old volunteer cheerleading coach because of his mother's expulsion.
“Our board of directors has unanimously voted to confirm that you and your family have been released from our program and are no longer a league member of Washingtonville Youth Football and Cheerleading, Inc. Please be aware that this is an official notification.'' I sent this to parents and asked them to read it.
Bellhow said she was scared to tell her son he would no longer play in the league he has played in for the past five years.
“I hope we can resolve this so I don't have to tell him,” the heartbroken mother told News12.
Berhow demanded that league officials personally inform the 10-year-old boy that he has been expelled from the league.
“So, all you brave souls, why don't you come look Nolan in the face… Tell him that he is no longer welcome as a wizard, and tell him why. Feel free to 'free' him.” Once you get used to it, you'll be able to have those awkward conversations with him,” she added. “If you can't do that, you've made the wrong decision.”
The league allowed four families to enroll in different youth football programs in the Orange County Youth Football League.
Governing bodies across the 17 towns and counties found no players violated rules or codes of conduct.
“In the interest of your child, we strongly urge parents to desist from inappropriate behavior and to refrain from any unnecessary contact with WYFCL,” the league's attorneys wrote in a cease-and-desist letter obtained by the media. I told them.
Despite facing backlash for the move, WYFCL says the board complied with all state-approved bylaws.
“This decision was not taken lightly,” WYFCL Chairman James Ferrazzano told the media outlet. “Our commitment to maintaining the integrity and health of our organization remains unchanged, and we believe this action was necessary for the continued success of WYFCL and everyone involved in its programs.”
