I don't see the benefit of teaching players that it's okay to rush into registration at the last possible moment, rather than showing up plenty early and assuring themselves of a seat in the event. The manpower and time necessary to register players is considerable, and players showing up at the last minute slows things down for everyone, especially those who arrived plenty early to get checked in and ready to play.
Uncontrolable circumstances!?
Time of departure: Controlable
Remembering medicine: Controlable
What part of the circumstances that led to this group being late was beyond thier control?
Had Ken chosen to leave at an earlier time, they would have had more time to turn around and get the medicine, and go back. Had the adult person who needed the medicine, remembered their medicine, there would have been no need to turn around. Had they simply continued to the venue, registered, and spoken to the PTO about one person having to go and get the medicine, and accepting the possibility of a first round loss should they not return in time, I'm sure the PTO would have accepted that circumstance.
Your point about a PTO getting paid for these participants cuts right through your argument about an abuse of power. She LOST money by doing this. This obviously was not an optimal choice for her to take, as I'm sure she would've loved crack the 100 participants number. But she obviously had reasons that she felt strongly enough about, to make this call, not just for Ken, but for all players that were late.
Thank you,
Prof. Dave