Letter: Berkshire County Youth Football League needs to do better

Published: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 9:15 am

Youth Football League Faces Scrutiny Over Fairness Concerns

Recent decisions by the Berkshire County Youth Football League (BCYFL) are drawing criticism from a local parent, raising questions about fairness and consistent rule enforcement within the league. In a letter to the editor, Preston Houghtlin highlights concerns regarding the treatment of a young player who was stripped of his waiver to play at the junior level.

The initial reason provided for the waiver revocation was an injury to another child. However, the justification later shifted, with the league citing the player's perceived skill level as the reason for the penalty. Houghtlin argues that this contradicts the core values of youth sports, which should focus on development and opportunity, not punishing children for excelling. The player had already been moved to a new position, demonstrating his willingness to adapt and learn.

Adding to the concerns, Houghtlin points to inconsistent rule enforcement within the league. He notes that a 12-year-old player on another team was reportedly going to be restricted, but was allowed to play unrestricted. Meanwhile, the penalized player's requests to review game footage that supposedly led to his waiver revocation have been ignored, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the BCYFL.

Houghtlin argues that such decisions discourage families, undermine trust, and could negatively impact the future of football in the county. He calls on the BCYFL to apply rules consistently, prioritize transparency, and ensure that no child is penalized for their talent, effort, or commitment. He urges parents, coaches, and community members to actively participate in league meetings and demand accountability to safeguard the future of youth football.

BNN's Perspective:

While the specifics of this situation are limited, the core issue of fairness in youth sports is a valid concern. Leagues must strive for consistent rule application and transparency to maintain the trust of families and ensure a positive environment for young athletes. The BCYFL should address these concerns promptly to avoid further erosion of community support.

Keywords: youth football, Berkshire County, BCYFL, fairness, rule enforcement, transparency, accountability, waiver, player, community, sports, youth sports, penalty, talent, effort, commitment

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