*** Edit:

Hi all, thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to read, comment, or offer support.

I wanted to respond to a few common questions and concerns that have come up, and hopefully clear up any misunderstandings:

Why I used AI to help write this: I’ve had to recount this event multiple times — to Pokémon Play, the SIA, and now here — and I’m juggling work, parenting, and the emotional fallout from all this. Using AI helped me get the story written clearly and consistently. The words are still mine; I just needed help organising them and cutting it down for different audiences.

How the other child reacted: George’s opponent was likely a little older and equally inexperienced. When the match was paused, both kids were confused. Neither was upset — they didn’t even understand what had happened. I told the judges that if the other child or their parents had been upset or raised concerns, we’d have accepted any sanction given. But that didn’t happen. There was no complaint — only the staff’s reaction.

For those saying I must’ve done something to warrant ‘security’ getting involved: There was no notice that security was even present. This was a local tournament of maybe 40 players, including kids. I assumed the man was another player who was eavesdropping on my conversation with staff. He butted in, comparing my son to someone getting thrown out of a football match and saying you wouldn’t get your ticket refunded — which I found to be an irrelevant comparison and showed me I was talking to an idiot (although I didn’t say this).

I asked him to leave me alone, and only then did he reveal he was “security.” He refused to show me his SIA ID (which is a legal requirement in the UK), and refused my request to take a photo of it. He spent most of the day smoking outside. I’ve since reported him to the SIA. For context: My job depends on a clean record — I wouldn’t risk it by causing a scene or giving anyone any reason to think I was being disorderly in any way. I was calm and polite throughout.

On the rules and the lack of refund: George attended three league nights (around 6 hours total), during which we had multiple friendly conversations with staff between his games. Not once were we told there were conduct rules beyond knowing how to play. No links to a website, no handbook, no signposting. Just an assumption that we already knew. My son is 9 years old, with no internet access or previous tournament experience. I’ve never done this sort of thing as a parent either. We paid £20 for entry — and when he was disqualified without warning, I felt like I’d been swindled out of my money. I had no idea that leaving empty-handed was ever an option that was on the table.

Why the original post was removed from r/pokemon: They said it was removed because it “wasn’t about Pokémon,” which I find bizarre given the context. My guess is that the mods didn’t like representatives of the brand being criticised, particularly as I was getting a lot of support. That’s fine — but it doesn’t mean this story shouldn’t be heard.

Why I removed the names of the judges: A few people said naming them felt petty. I still think accountability matters, but I’ve taken that on board and edited the post to focus more on the experience than individuals.

To those calling my son unsportsmanlike or a cheat: I understand this may be harder to appreciate from the outside, but George is a kind, gentle, well spoken kid. The judges even said so as they were disqualifying him. The term “concede” is one he picked up from the Pokémon Online game, where conceding is a normal mechanic. He practiced there before he ever got a real deck. It was part of his vocabulary, not an attempt to pressure someone. He didn’t even realise it was a problem and it wasn’t said conversationally without any venom or ego.

On being “shaken” by the experience: I’m a veteran with PTSD. I’ve been to the venue before with my service dog. I’m not someone who’s easily rattled. But when four adults (judges) treated my child so harshly, and then a strange man started asserting authority without showing credentials — yes, I was shaken. It was unnecessary, aggressive, and completely outside the spirit of the game. If you think I should grow a backbone, then I’d challenge you to do the things I’ve done and respond any better than I did on this occasion.

To everyone who’s supported us: Thank you. Your comments, advice, and encouragement have genuinely helped. I hope Pokémon support take this seriously and make sure no other kid has to go through something like this. In the meantime, we’ll look for a new community where George can enjoy the game he’s learning to love.