Participation Backwards

All across America, you see the topic of “Should children be receiving participation trophies” being brought up. The idea that all kids should get some reward for being a part of the game and helping it grow. To some, it seems like an excellent idea, but to others not as much. For example, NFL linebacker James Harrison took his children 's participation trophies and gave them back to their coaches saying "EARN a real trophy." Other parents believe that their children deserve to be praised and want them to feel good for doing something they have worked hard. So which side is correct? Should we give our kids these trophies or not?

Participation trophies send a dangerous message. I have many trophies,but i worked hard for these trophies. Everyone on my team deserves my team. For the people who think giving out the same award at the end of the year to all the children; i am  sorry to inform you that your hurting the child more than not giving the child the trophy at all. Children need to know the importance of working hard than someone else. In life you do not make the same amount as your boss makes just because you show up on time everyday. Why would the kids who just show up to practice everyday vs the kids the more elite kids get the same reward. Life does not work like that.

Children that receive awards for showing up to sit around and talk is not an accomplishment. If someone wants to give an award to every person on the team, then make it an award for teamwork. Give kids prizes for having spirit, for improving, for hard work, for anything other than participation. To give a child a participation trophy is a one way ticket for that child to believe that nothing needs to be done and that they will be rewarded. Children do deserve awards, but not for nothing.

Participation trophies are changing kids ideas of winning around the globe in many ways. First off, it gives children the wrong impression on working or putting an effort towards something. Trophies are something you should have to earn. Life doesn’t give you a participation medal, you have to earn it (Website #2). Kids just need to learn that

In an age where everyone is expected to be recognized, there must be an understanding that the world does not progress by congratulating the “average.” I believe that giving participation trophies makes people stop competing; especially if the trophies are given at a very early age. For example, a team of small children have a terrible baseball season, but it’s okay! Because the coach gives out trophies to everyone. This in turn only teaches the child that no matter how bad life gets, they will always be rewarded. Participation trophies create future generations of entitled adults as seen by today’s generation. We need to reward kids that work hard for what they do for the sake of risk and reward. That is simply how progress is made in society. Yet I agree with one point made by the opposing side. I believe that participation should be recognized sometimes. Participation can teach kids that teamwork matters in every little aspect of society. Participation trophies should be eliminated but participation should still merely just be recognized with a pat on the back as said by Betty Berdan, a high school junior from Connecticut. Participation trophies overall hinder the growing and learning process of kids; whether it is through sports, or any other competitive involvement.

A new trend across America has risen in sports. Event officials are doling out participation trophies in massive numbers. The question is, are these participation trophies negatively changing the basic American values we treasure in these children? Yes, participation trophies are shaping a new cultural norm of entitlement and it promotes a new attitude of doing nothing, yet still being rewarded for it. This trend must be put to a halt and reversed. Participation trophies are not the answer to making kids feel better about themselves.

Reason-Rupe poll, 43 percent of Americans believe that every child should receive a trophy for participation, but the numbers drop with income, education, and age. Although participation trophies can cause unrealistic expectations in children, these trophies raise self-esteem and build a work ethic.

Should all youth athletes receive participation trophies? According to the "Trophies for All " policy, youth athletes are being awarded with participation trophies. Some people believe that in life, you have to work hard for what you want. Participation trophies boost youth athletes self-confidence. In addition, participation trophies are used to motivate kids to have fun playing sports. Also, participation trophies put a smile on children's faces. Every child should receive a participation trophy, for just showing up.

Should everyone get a trophy? According to the "Trophies for all" policy , youth athletes, youth athletes are being awarded with participation trophies. Giving trophies to everyone is sending the wrong message .As well as Extrinsic motivation is more harmful than helpful. Not everyone is a winner so why award those who don't win? Some might reply this, "Is their anything wrong with giving a kid a trophy that says good job?"

Is giving kids participation trophies beneficial to children, or motivation killers? Many people all around the U.S. have their opinions for both sides of the discussion. James Harrison, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has weighed in on this topic. In many people’s eyes, his beliefs make a lot of sense, they understand where he’s coming from and what he is speaking about. Carol Dweck also made a statement to NPR about her belief’s on the topic. There are millions of important facts that need to be talked about with this epidemic: an estimated fifty-seven percent said “only winners” should receive a trophy for participation in kids sports, giving out participation trophies is tantamount to giving kids the wrong kind of praise, and this

Once you reach age eight you understand the concept of the game and that their are winners and losers. By taking away participation trophies we can eliminate the culture of expectation that everyone gets a trophy for showing up and kids will understand that you are going to have to work hard to get a trophy that you truly deserve. If we do decide to stop giving out participation trophies children need to understand that “It’s okay to lose, but it’s not ok to not try your best” (Lula Bauer). Lessons in sports can still be taught without participation trophies. “Trophies aren’t all the issues.

Participation trophies are a highly debated topic among childrens sports. Many people beleive it is unessarcary, while others beleive it boosts self-esteem to non-confident young athletes. Participation Trophies should not be handed out because kids will learn that if the just give a little effort towards accomplishing something they will get rewarded.

Imagine being on a baseball, soccer, ect. Team and getting a trophy for just being there. Say you practiced non stop to be really good at that sport but when it is time to get rewarded everyone gets a trophy, even the kids who never practice or hit the ball. How would that make you feel? It would probably make you upset because you put your time and effort into practice. Recently people have been arguing over if kids should or should not get trophies for just showing up. There are multiple reasons I do not think kids should get trophies for just showing up.

What do you think life would be like if everyone got a trophy for just going to school or work? That would be crazy! That is not how life works, so why should kids get a participation trophy for just showing up.That is a waste of an organization's scarce funds. Also, the more trophies given out the less each one means. Youth athletes should be allowed to fail. On the other hand, some people believe it is worth a few bucks to give a kid a smile. Participation trophies are unessential for rewarding youth athletes in sports.

First, some kids might participate more than others, so it is not fair if everyone gets the same trophy. In the article "Should Kids Get A Trophy For Showing Up" by NPR Ed, Corey Turner said that a mother stated that "her daughter had a very bad attitude and rarely showed up for practice, but she still got a trophy. " It is not fair for a child to get the same trophy when they have not done anything to receive it. However, instead of the kids getting a "participation" trophy, the coaches of the team could come up with an individual award for each person. For example, someone who has shown up the whole time and worked very hard could get an outstanding player award, and someone who did not show up every time and did not work as hard, but they were funny could get the funniest award.