3 youth football coaches from Cabot and Greenbrier have been permanently banned from participating in Arkansas Premier Youth Football League activities following a postgame altercation involving the 2 communities’ sixth-grade football teams.
The incident occurred Saturday, October 10, 2026, following a game between Cabot and Greenbrier Blue.
The Arkansas Premier Youth Football League, known as APYFL, announced the disciplinary action in a statement released Monday, October 12.
The coaches identified in published reporting are Alex Chambers and Kent Chambers of Greenbrier, along with Brian Jones of Cabot.
The league’s Board of Directors said the incident occurred during the traditional postgame handshake, when players and coaches normally gather to demonstrate sportsmanship and respect following competition.
The confrontation was captured on video and circulated on social media.
## 3 COACHES PERMANENTLY BANNED FROM LEAGUE ACTIVITIES
According to the APYFL Board of Directors, the decision to permanently ban the coaches followed a review of available video footage, photographs and statements obtained through interviews with all 4 game officials.
The 3 coaches identified in reporting are:
Alex Chambers — Greenbrier
Kent Chambers — Greenbrier
Brian Jones — Cabot
All 3 were permanently banned from APYFL activities.
The action prohibits their participation in the league but does not, by itself, establish a statewide prohibition against coaching in unrelated organizations.
The board said the disciplinary decisions followed its investigation into the events that occurred after the sixth-grade game.
## INCIDENT OCCURRED DURING POSTGAME HANDSHAKE
The incident occurred immediately following the October 10 matchup between Cabot and Greenbrier Blue.
According to the league, the confrontation took place during the traditional postgame handshake.
The APYFL Board of Directors described the conduct as a serious violation of its expectations for sportsmanship, professionalism and personal behavior.
The board said the events were unacceptable and reflected poorly on the league and its member programs.
The league emphasized that physical confrontations, verbal abuse, intimidation and unsportsmanlike behavior would not be tolerated.
The available disciplinary announcement does not provide a detailed, individual account of each coach’s actions.
It also does not establish that each person personally engaged in the same conduct.
## LEAGUE BOARD CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN YOUTH SPORTS
In its October 12 statement, the APYFL Board of Directors expressed disappointment over the events following the game.
League officials said youth athletics must remain focused on the development, safety and well-being of children.
The board emphasized that coaches, parents and administrators have a responsibility to set positive examples for young athletes.
The statement also recognized the contributions of the many coaches, volunteers, parents and administrators who dedicate their time to youth sports.
Officials stressed that the conduct of a few individuals should not overshadow the work of those who consistently put children first.
The league said competition cannot be used as an excuse for behavior that compromises the safety or purpose of youth athletics.
## COACHES, PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS REMINDED OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The league’s statement called on everyone involved in its programs to recognize the responsibility that comes with working around children.
Board members emphasized that the purpose of youth football extends beyond winning games and developing athletic skills.
Coaches and other adults are expected to help young athletes develop character, discipline, respect and appropriate responses to adversity.
The board urged member programs, directors, coaches and parents to reaffirm their commitment to sportsmanship.
Officials also reminded adults that children learn from watching how coaches and parents handle difficult situations.
## ADDITIONAL OFFICIATING DIRECTIVES ANNOUNCED
In addition to the permanent bans, APYFL announced additional officiating directives intended to strengthen enforcement of expectations for coaches’ conduct and sportsmanship.
The changes are designed to reinforce the league’s standards and help prevent future incidents.
The information released does not specify every operational detail of the new officiating directives.
The board said it expects cooperation from all member programs as the league moves forward.
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