Editorial:

If this isn’t the best children’s event in the Newport-Mesa area, we don’t know what is.

Consider: About 2,500 children from more than 250 schools in the Newport-Mesa area zigging and zagging around soccer fields, with thousands of parents egging them on. All under the firm but sportsmanlike supervision of parent-coaches, referees and event Chairman Kirk McIntosh.

This year’s event marks a milestone: 10 years of giving kids a great time and valuable lesson in competition and teamwork.

We’re talking, of course, about the Daily Pilot-sponsored Pilot Cup.

And we can say with confidence that this year’s event, which started Tuesday and ends with an awards ceremony today, has been a smash success.

No less than 100% of public schools participated. Participants were at record levels.

Sponsorship participation was better than ever before (thank you Hoag, CHOC, Coldwell Banker, Newport Orthopedic, K1 Speed, UCI Athletic Department and Jamba Juice).

Of course, not everything came up roses. What does in life?

On day one of the event, McIntosh learned that a player — a ringer, most likely — played in two of her school’s games, on two different teams, which is a clear violation of the rules. McIntosh found out because he refereed one of her games and later saw a picture in the Pilot of her playing in another game.

Said McIntosh: “The violation was clear and irrefutable. Additionally, both teams are coached by the father of the player so ignorance was certainly not a defense. You wonder why an adult would knowingly violate the rules. Come on folks this tournament is the biggest and best community event we have. Let’s not tarnish the event with poor judgment. We rely upon an honor system, and if I had not centered the earlier game, or, the second game had not been covered by the Pilot, who would have known?

“Of course the team must forfeit the victory in the silver division and I have banished the father from coaching the remainder of the tournament. Hopefully I have no more incidents.”

But let’s be clear: This was an exception to the rule.

And while it’s a shame, one bad apple doesn’t have to ruin the bunch, and the proverbial bunch here is all the children and parents who not only had the time of their lives, but who played by the rules.

Kudos for another great year for the Pilot Cup.

And if you get a chance, make your way over to the farm complex adjacent to Costa Mesa High School for the awards ceremony this afternoon.