Sports
'Playground Bullies' Ban Graydon Swim Team From Postseason Play, Report Says
New Jersey Pool Manager's Association is coming under fire for instituting a significant ban over a minor rules violation.
The Graydon youth swim team is facing a "draconian" one-year postseason ban for a minor rules violation, according to a report in The Ridgewood News.
The New Jersey Pool Manager's Association (NJPMA), levied the one-year ban because pool manager Steve Diamond did not attend at least four out of five mandatory group meetings, the paper reported. The 92-member team will not be able to participate in next week's Bergen County Swim Championships.
Diamond reportedly told parents he had a legitimate personal conflict at the last meeting and apologized profusely. Parents are blaming the NJPMA, not Diamond, per the report.
"The board has been handing out these draconian penalties against other kids for years - exhibiting all the traits of a playground bully," parent Julian Linden told The Ridgewood News. "The children have not broken any rules and can't defend themselves. When their parents intervene on their behalf, the board goes running for cover."
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