Pop Warner Fight?

[boomhauer]

How embarassing for Pop Warner. Anyone involved should be kicked out of the league.

Glad Disney kicked them out. They should just build a hotel at WWOS for these teams to stay. That way they don't bother other guests. Sorry - I realize it's not everybody, but when was the last time these groups were there that someone didn't complain about something?

 

[joeathome167]

I've read nearly the entire thread and I am very confused. All the legitimate news coverage says a fight between Pop Warner teams happened at an All Star Resort.

However, I started reading this thread because the first poster said the fight took place at Magic Kingdom. Several people made reference to strollers being cleared from in front of Crystal Palace. My q is; Was there a fight at both MK and the resort or is something getting lost in translation? I can't find any news coverage of anything happening at MK..

Thanks for clearing this up.

We were at Sea World on Saturday and checked into AKL after 8PM.

 

[Karnak]

I think this thread belongs in the wild rumors and misinformation section.

WHY?

 

[I'mNoPrince]

I've read nearly the entire thread and I am very confused. All the legitimate news coverage says a fight between Pop Warner teams happened at an All Star Resort.

However, I started reading this thread because the first poster said the fight took place at Magic Kingdom. Several people made reference to strollers being cleared from in front of Crystal Palace. My q is; Was there a fight at both MK and the resort or is something getting lost in translation? I can't find any news coverage of anything happening at MK..

Thanks for clearing this up.

We were at Sea World on Saturday and checked into AKL after 8PM.

I would think the only thing they can report is what was in the Police reports.

If something happened at MK it may have not been these groups or broken up very quickly,heck even a bunch just goofing off and pushing some strollers around.

But the reports are the 2 fights that the Police had to be called in on .

 

[Amyg]

I've read nearly the entire thread and I am very confused. All the legitimate news coverage says a fight between Pop Warner teams happened at an All Star Resort.

However, I started reading this thread because the first poster said the fight took place at Magic Kingdom. Several people made reference to strollers being cleared from in front of Crystal Palace. My q is; Was there a fight at both MK and the resort or is something getting lost in translation? I can't find any news coverage of anything happening at MK..

Thanks for clearing this up.

We were at Sea World on Saturday and checked into AKL after 8PM.

I only read the first two pages and you are right it sounds confusing. As mention a couple of posts above yours, I live in Hawaii and our news only reported that a fight broke out between the the Baltimore team and one Hawaii team then another Hawaii team jumped in to help them out. One boy went to the hospital. It mentioned a hotel arcade and being asked to leave around 3 a.m.

And of ourse another poster above mentioned that the PW league made the decision to have the three teams kicked out of the resort not Disney.

 

[usewickhouse]

I've read nearly the entire thread and I am very confused. All the legitimate news coverage says a fight between Pop Warner teams happened at an All Star Resort.

However, I started reading this thread because the first poster said the fight took place at Magic Kingdom. Several people made reference to strollers being cleared from in front of Crystal Palace. My q is; Was there a fight at both MK and the resort or is something getting lost in translation? I can't find any news coverage of anything happening at MK..

Thanks for clearing this up.

We were at Sea World on Saturday and checked into AKL after 8PM.

Hi, I am the original poster to this thread and when I started it I was trying to find out what happened at Magic Kingdom on that Saturday night. As my Neice and her DH were there and witnessed some kind of commotion taking place after wishes on Main Stree near Casey's. She said there were several security guards rushing down Main Street and then also near Crystal Palace and that they were throwing strollers over the shrubs to make more room to get by. I had no idea that there had been a fight at the All Stars. I actually had mis-read the original article about the incident and thought that the fight had happened at the MK but then realized these were 2 different things.

So sorry for the confusion but I would still LOVE to know what happened that Saturday night at the MK. Thanks, Becky

 

[sandicinderelli]

Glad Disney took this action. I've been at ASMu when the teams were there. Let me just say that many of the kids have not been told what is expected of them.

I think you are exactly right. I believe that some of the parents may have given the kids so little information. This could be from the stress of getting the trip together, or them trying to get the kids excited about going on the trip that disciplinary rules were put on the back burner.

Although Disney does need to protect themselves legally, I do agree with the woman on the news report. The manager of the resort should have handled it better considering the amount of children that were in the party.

So sorry for the confusion but I would still LOVE to know what happened that Saturday night at the MK. Thanks, Becky

Don't feel bad. When people report things, most times they forget the most important things in writing/speaking: who, what, when, where, why, and how.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Although Disney does need to protect themselves legally, I do agree with the woman on the news report. The manager of the resort should have handled it better considering the amount of children that were in the party.

I have to disagree with you. Given this was their "second chance" according to two published reports after already having gotten a warning earlier in the evening -- I'm sorry.. too bad. I recognize that the some members of that team might not even have been aware of the warning, but that's up to the chaperones/guides to communicate with their group "Hey, smarten the heck up".

Disney, in coordination with the Pop Warner organization representatives, did the right thing.

I would expect to get thrown out after having been warned about fighting once.

Frankly, if I had been a chaperone, they all would have been on lockdown in their rooms after the first incident. No exceptions.

And I would have tried to negotiate the same with the chaperones of the other involved team(s) as well. (punishment for all: This is probably why I never get asked to chaperone anything..)

Knox

 

[Laurabearz]

I think this whole thing comes down to the chaperones... Kids were out past curfew.. kids allowed to be disruptive in the parks/busses/etc...


I think Pop Warner needs to screen the chaperones and provide them with more training on how to follow the rules when on outtings.

 

[sandicinderelli]

I have to disagree with you. Given this was their "second chance" according to two published reports after already having gotten a warning earlier in the evening -- I'm sorry.. too bad. I recognize that the some members of that team might not even have been aware of the warning, but that's up to the chaperones/guides to communicate with their group "Hey, smarten the heck up".

Disney, in coordination with the Pop Warner organization representatives, did the right thing.

I would expect to get thrown out after having been warned about fighting once.

Frankly, if I had been a chaperone, they all would have been on lockdown in their rooms after the first incident. No exceptions.

And I would have tried to negotiate the same with the chaperones of the other involved team(s) as well. (punishment for all: This is probably why I never get asked to chaperone anything..)

Knox

And I have to disagree with you.

Apparently, there are conflicting reports circulating. The news reports I read/seen did not mention a previous warning given by Disney. They all stated that Disney asked them to leave because of the fight - nothing else.

I'm not debating the decision they made. I'm debating how they went it.

Yes, Disney was correct in following the policies and procedures set up between them and Pop Warner concerning violent behavior and altercations. However, would you give the city of Houston 30 minutes to evacuate with a hurricane coming? NO. Likewise, with a party of their size, 20 minutes was not enough time and had the potential of causing more trouble for other guests. All I am saying is that they should have been given a wider time frame to vacate - not a whole load of time, but enough time for 70+ guests to "get out" in a reasonable manner. They weren't paying attention to the fact that a lot of children were involved. That's why Labryanna Kubo (a mother on the Hawai'i team) went straight to the media about this.

 

[huey578]

You are making the pop warner families and their thug kids to be the victim in all this. They brought it on themselves.

And I have to disagree with you.

Apparently, there are conflicting reports circulating. The news reports I read/seen did not mention a previous warning given by Disney. They all stated that Disney asked them to leave because of the fight - nothing else.

I'm not debating the decision they made. I'm debating how they went it.

Yes, Disney was correct in following the policies and procedures set up between them and Pop Warner concerning violent behavior and altercations. However, would you give the city of Houston 30 minutes to evacuate with a hurricane coming? NO. Likewise, with a party of their size, 20 minutes was not enough time and had the potential of causing more trouble for other guests. All I am saying is that they should have been given a wider time frame to vacate - not a whole load of time, but enough time for 70+ guests to "get out" in a reasonable manner. They weren't paying attention to the fact that a lot of children were involved. That's why Labryanna Kubo (a mother on the Hawai'i team) went straight to the media about this.

 

[polkadotminnie]

many kids these days have no healthy fear of discipline. I'm not talking about beating your kids, but they have to know that if they do something wrong that there will be consequences and that the adults in their lives mean what they say.

Amen!!! I am a teacher and many parents threaten, but never follow through. The kids have no fear of consequences because many times there are none.

 

[HopperFan]

Go to Pop Warner's site page http://www.popwarner.com/07superbowl/forms.asp and read....
...Disney Info Guide
...Advisors Manual
...Articles of Compliance
...Superbowl Football packet

The issue of behavior, curfews, expectations and consequences are spelled out over and over. It is so detailed it speaks even to the wearing of their spikes in the resort etc. If you want to travel to Disney as a part of their program, then you must adhere to the rules. It could not be more clear from the Pop Warner program to their teams.

If the "innocent" team were in their rooms by the 10pm curfew as stated, then there would have been no incident for them. All are responsible for their own eviction. Kids were out past a well stated curfew, and the adults with them allowed it. They must accept the consequences for their actions.

 

[OKWDVCMagic]

And I have to disagree with you.

Apparently, there are conflicting reports circulating. The news reports I read/seen did not mention a previous warning given by Disney. They all stated that Disney asked them to leave because of the fight - nothing else.

I'm not debating the decision they made. I'm debating how they went it.

Yes, Disney was correct in following the policies and procedures set up between them and Pop Warner concerning violent behavior and altercations. However, would you give the city of Houston 30 minutes to evacuate with a hurricane coming? NO. Likewise, with a party of their size, 20 minutes was not enough time and had the potential of causing more trouble for other guests. All I am saying is that they should have been given a wider time frame to vacate - not a whole load of time, but enough time for 70+ guests to "get out" in a reasonable manner. They weren't paying attention to the fact that a lot of children were involved. That's why Labryanna Kubo (a mother on the Hawai'i team) went straight to the media about this.

In any hotel if there was such a physical altercation between guests, the hotel would immediately eject all parties and their associated families. From other earlier posts, it appears that these PW teams had gone at each other earlier in the evening.
Why would WDW want to risk more altercations throughout the night? Why should WDW provide special accommodations for guests that lack the maturity, manners and common sense of knowing that starting a fight in public will lead to adverse consequences! I guess the safety of other WDW guests should take a back seat to the chaperones and their "babies" getting a full night sleep.

As difficult as this situation was for Ms Kubo and her "babies" what about the non-PW families who got caught in the middle of the food court melee? The bottom line is that PW players were not properly chaperoned and due to their behavior PW and WDW ejected the whole group. This what really amazes me about Ms Kubo... her PW players are in a fight but it is WDW fault for ejecting them in the middle of the night.

Let's assume the following

• Ms Kubo's players are properly chaperoned and/or in their rooms at 1am.
• The players are not in a fight.
• PW and WDW does NOT eject them from the property!
• Chaperones, players and "babies" all get a good night sleep!
• No problem, no mama drama!

 

[digskat]

And I have to disagree with you.

Apparently, there are conflicting reports circulating. The news reports I read/seen did not mention a previous warning given by Disney. They all stated that Disney asked them to leave because of the fight - nothing else.

I'm not debating the decision they made. I'm debating how they went it.

Yes, Disney was correct in following the policies and procedures set up between them and Pop Warner concerning violent behavior and altercations. However, would you give the city of Houston 30 minutes to evacuate with a hurricane coming? NO. Likewise, with a party of their size, 20 minutes was not enough time and had the potential of causing more trouble for other guests. All I am saying is that they should have been given a wider time frame to vacate - not a whole load of time, but enough time for 70+ guests to "get out" in a reasonable manner. They weren't paying attention to the fact that a lot of children were involved. That's why Labryanna Kubo (a mother on the Hawai'i team) went straight to the media about this.

evacuating Houston due to an impending hurricane, and kicking out problem guests.....quite the comparison. A couple million people, with their entire personal property and 70 people with what a suitcase and an overnight?
There are more reports that have surfaced since, including employee reports, and they state there was a large disturbance in the arcade prior to midnight, that included kids and their 'chaperones', and the involved were sent to their rooms. A second disturbance, involving the same groups, occured 2 hours later, near two buildings, and included a serious injury and police involvement. With the involvement on Pop Warner execs, it was decided to evict. One incident was enough to evict, as per the agreements betwen groups. They were given 20 minutes, so that they didn't have time for round 3. Disney helped arrange for taxis and accomodations......I'd have just said hit the bricks.

 

[CanadianGuy]

A couple of interesting pages from the PW Guides.. Each team had to sign documents acknowledging they received this information and they shared it in the spirit it was intended with their players, coaches and chaperones.

Some of this has already been posted but I think its worthy of being posted again... (bolding is mine)

TO: All Pop Warner Association, League & Regional Officers
FROM: Jon C. Butler, Executive Director
RE: Sportsmanship
DATE: September, 2007

One of the Major concerns for everyone in sports is the decline in sportsmanship at all levels. Especially at the very impressionable Pop Warner age level, we believe that everyone involved should read and remember the following sportsmanship credo:

• Your number one priority is the physical and emotional welfare of your young athletes.
• Develop the respect of your rival coaches and administrators, and remember to deal with them as you would like to be dealt with.
• Squash rumors early, before they gain momentum.
• Support the officials.
• Educate your participants about the “spirit” as well as the “letter” of the rules.
• Refuse to teach, or allow others to teach, techniques or philosophies that violate the spirit or letter of the rules.
• Clearly tell your athletes and their parents that there are consequences for unacceptable behavior, and that they will be held accountable.
• Make sure that your fellow coaches, participants and parents respect the officials, and accept their decisions without argument.
• Do not make, or allow others to make, insulting comments.
• Be a “good winner”, polite and considerate in victory, and calm and controlled in defeat.
• Respect your opponents. Without them, you wouldn’t have a game.
• Remember that 20 years from now, your young athletes will care much more about the fabulous experience than whether they won or lost.

Since sportsmanship is such an important part of overall behavior at Pop Warner events, we will hold accountable Head Coaches and their Associations for instances of obvious poor sportsmanship in accordance with the Pop Warner Members’ Code of Conduct stated on Page 7 of the 2007 Pop Warner Official Rule Book.

And...

TO: All Pop Warner Association, League & Regional Officers
FROM: Jon C. Butler, Executive Director
RE: Personal Responsibility at PWLS Events/Activities
DATE: September, 2007

As Pop Warner’s events grow and attract more media attention, each of us has a duty to make sure that ALL of the people at those events represent Pop Warner appropriately.

We’ve had serious behavior problems at past Pop Warner Super Bowls at WALT DISNEY WORLD®. This note gives you and your participants, young & old, players & coaches, parents & fans fair warning that such problems have not been tolerated in the past, and certainly will not be tolerated this year. Teams have been disqualified, and, in one case, sent home early at their increased expense.

Every Pop Warner Association is accountable for its players, cheerleaders, coaches, administrators, parents and others from your area at all Regional and National events. Any incidents of unacceptable behavior from any person(s) affiliated in any way with your Association will mean:

• A possible immediate ejection from the Pop Warner Super Bowl events and WALT DISNEY WORLD® property. The persons involved risk forfeiting hotel and other deposits. Revised Air reservations/ ticket payments will be your problem, not ours nor Disney’s.
• Possible lifetime ban from Disney World.
• An AUTOMATIC PROHIBITION from all Regional and National events for all teams/squads from that Association for one full season.
• Possible suspension and/or probation from coaching or administering within Pop Warner.

Each Association is responsible for those who represent it. So is each League. So is each Region. If repeated problems occur within a particular Association, League or Region, additional measures will be taken. Pop Warner is a family. Let’s all act like it. If our Pop Warner family behaves well, then everyone – whether part of Pop Warner or not - will respect us.

It's not like these matters were not exceedingly clear for all involved.

They either knew, or at least lied and said they knew, when they sent in the forms required for their participation.

 

[aubriee]

I would be willing to bet that a majority of working CM's (if anyone ever asked them) woud be glad to NEVER see Pop Warner or the Cheerleaders at WDW again.

I know that's true. We were there during the time alot of Brazilian tour groups were a couple of years ago and mentioned how horrible they were to a couple of CMs. In every instance, the CMs brought up Pop Warner and said if we didn't like the Brazilians to be sure and stay away from WDW the first week of Dec because the POP Warner kids were much worse. They said the "little hoodlums" trash the resorts grounds and rooms and have to be the rudest "little monsters" on earth. They also talked about how bad and useless the chaperones were and said they cause as much trouble as the kids. In every instance that we mentioned the rude Brazilians, a CM would immediately bring up the subject of POP Warner and how all the CMs hate them.

 

[seashoreCM]

Perhaps some of the specific miscreants should have been hauled off to jail and their parents could bail them out either immediately or after sunrise.

>>> Disney arranged for taxis and alternate lodging

You mean the miscreants did not get enough punishment?

>>> Pop Warner and how all the CM's hate them

This is a Disney corporate management problem. The company needs to provide more support for the employees, notably in the way of security.

 

[Calcio]

I did a search on the Baltimore Sun web site about the fights (plural) and eviction of the offending teams.

The "best" part by far was a quote by a coach of the Baltimore team saying "it was just a fight, not a big deal."

Let me think about this. In the Magic Kingdom you have families, many with small children, and a fight breaks out between players for certain, and apparently at least one adult joins in. Almost all of these families have paid a significant amount of their own hard earned cash for an enjoyable and relaxing vacation at the holiday season. This coach is a dope, a total fool. The impact of the actions of his little darlings on these innocent parties doen't seem to register in his thick skull.

At a minimum innocent people, as Disney calls them, guests, are inconvienced. At the maximum, and thank goodness this didn't happen, guests are injured in the melee.

As with many other posters, I have been at WDW during the Pop Warner weekend, and I'll never do that again. Fly 1300 miles just to expose myself to this garbage? No thanks. It's too bad since it's such a nice time of year to go. Even if you don't stay in the Pop Warner hotels you have to put up with it all over the property.

I'd gladly participate in anything to express my views about this to the Disney decision makers. They have the Pop Warner groups in for a simple reason; profits. Full hotel rooms and lots of supplemental revenue. At some point this will all tip as folks simply stay away to avoid the kind of behavior that too many of us have directly observed or experienced during this week. Did I see somewhere the Disney/PW contract expires in the next few years? Perhaps the Disney people will realize the negatives far outweight the positives for this particular group, both the football players and the cheerleaders.

 

[Markstudy]

The "best" part by far was a quote by a coach of the Baltimore team saying "it was just a fight, not a big deal.".

The best football team has to be the strongest, most aggressive kids?

The coach and the players aren't exactly the core Disney customer... Now are they?

I just can't believe we haven't seen more of this?