Parent’s Soccer Ban Is Lifted

The national American Youth Soccer Organization on Monday lifted a lifetime ban on a parent accused of taking part in a brawl during a boys’ soccer tournament in San Juan Capistrano, and reduced its discipline against two coaches.

An investigation by an AYSO appeals panel into the June 24 melee cleared Mark Kaylor of attacking rival spectators with a metal rod, finding that he fought in self-defense and did not use a weapon.

The panel of three AYSO members, after interviewing spectators and tournament officials who saw the brawl, also concluded that two volunteer coaches with the Chino Chiefs’ under-14 team should receive shorter bans.

“We have to get this behind us and get on with the new season, and let parents prove that they understand what’s appropriate on the sidelines,” said Lolly Keys, national spokeswoman for the Hawthorne-based AYSO.

She said officials reviewed the punishment after all three adults filed appeals. But they cautioned that reducing the penalties, which the organization said at the time were the toughest in its history, should not suggest that the nonprofit soccer organization tolerates sideline violence at its games.

The two soccer teams involved in the brawl remain disbanded, officials noted. And more people could still face discipline for their roles in the melee as the investigation continues.

The decision by the AYSO comes nearly three months after dozens of adults kicked and punched one another at the close of a tournament game between the Chiefs and the Palmdale Eagles.

The violence resulted in the arrest of Kaylor and in numerous injuries to parents, ranging from fractured bones to a bite on a parent’s arm.

While parents from each side blamed the other for starting the clash, the appeals panel concluded that Palmdale’s supporters were probably more to blame because the brawl started just yards from the sideline where Chino parents had been standing.

“That means that the Palmdale parents would have had to have run across the field,” said Frances Stronks, director of the AYSO section that includes Los Angeles and Chino. Stronks acknowledged, however, that the panel did not interview Palmdale supporters during its investigation.

News of the decision to lift the lifetime bans drew mixed reactions in Chino, where many parents and coaches said they feel unfairly blamed for the recent violence.

“We’re very, very happy,” said Kaylor’s wife, Pat. “It’s been a horrific ordeal. We trusted that the truth would prevail.”

Pat Kaylor said her husband suffered two fractured bones in his wrist when a group of Palmdale supporters attacked him and threw him into some bushes.

But it was Kaylor, 40, who was arrested when Palmdale parents told Orange County sheriff’s deputies that he had attacked them--allegations that the AYSO has now concluded were false.

Orange County prosecutors in recent weeks also decided not to file assault charges against Kaylor, saying the case against him lacked sufficient evidence.

Nevertheless, Pat Kaylor said her family has spent $7,000 to bail her husband out of jail and pay attorney fees--money they may never recover.

“When you’re accused of things that you didn’t do, it’s a horrible feeling, especially when you’re honest, law-abiding citizens,” she said. Her husband could not be reached Monday for comment.

Not everyone was happy with the outcome of the appeal.

Ron Munch, the Chiefs’ head coach, said he was bitterly disappointed that the organization did not lift the ban against him and his assistant coach, Jaime Perez, entirely. Munch’s ban was reduced to two years, followed by one year of probation. Perez is banned for one year, followed by a year of probation.

“I had nothing to do with this incident,” Munch said. “We were attacked by Palmdale, and I think I’ve been made a scapegoat.”

Munch said he plans to appeal the latest decision to the national board of directors in an attempt to overturn the punishment. He faulted the decision not to ban any Palmdale supporters or coaches, particularly in light of the most recent finding that Palmdale was mostly to blame.