A Modest Proposal

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

Should every kid get a trophy? Well, I think not every kid should get a trophy. That is because they need to learn you are a winner sometimes and sometimes you are a loser.

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.

Participation trophies can vary from sports to clubs to activities of any type. Many people believe these standard awards provide many benefits for children and their childhood growth. However, children today have become accustomed to receiving an item or prize regardless the outcome of their effort, which could potentially send an unhealthy message about achievement and diminish the value of the award.

Yes it might make kids feel good when they receive a trophy. But the kids that do nothing don't deserve a trophy.

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.

Do you remember what it was once like to win a trophy? Those huge, golden statues that resembled an accomplishment that you completed? How happy you were when you received your very own trophy too? Everyone should be able to recall when you were once rewarded for any outstanding achievement that they've done. What if I told you, however, that the trophy you received when you were a child wasn't so special? That it was, in fact, a participation trophy, and every other child got one. Would it be so special now? That's the problem that kids are facing now with participation trophy's, due to its lack of being "one of a kind". I believe that because of its lack of being unique, a participation trophy shouldn't be required to be given out at our

Should everyone get a trophy? I do not think that youth sports athletes should receive participation trophies at all. Many people believe it is worth a buck to give a child a smile but, I do not. I do not think everyone should receive a trophy because it waste good money from the organization. If children just receive trophies for trying their hardest they are not going to try any harder the next year and their best may not be good enough. On the other hand coaches and parents believe that youth athletes should be rewarded for their hard work. Participation trophies are unnecessary because youth athletes play to win not just to receive a trophy they didn’t earn.

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

People all have their own opinion on different issues and I will be discussing one of those pertinent issues today. Fortunately, unlike others, this issue is pretty straightforward. And I want to explain it, while also expressing my own thoughts and opinions. So, I would like to state that I do, in fact, believe that kids should not get a trophy for participation. Additionally, I will further explain my stance, while still giving the points of the opposition to my statement.

I agree with the fact of all kids should be given trophies. I say this because if all kids are given 1 trophy that is exactly the same with everybody on the team, this way they wouldn’t feel hurt if they weren’t given a trophy. Kids that worked hard could more rewarded individually, thus showing kids that if they want a special reward they have to work hard for it so they can be successful. I think this will help kids prepare for the future and will spare any unnecessary tears.

With the news of James Harrison, the outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who took his kids participation trophies ignited a national conservation over the idea of Participation trophies. While many say that the idea of a participation trophy is idealizes a non-competitive attitude , I however say it's a great idea. One of main reasons on why we have participation trophies is that we would rather have your kid feel good about themselves then bad bad. The thing is, we are not talking about NFL Superstar Athletes, we are talking about 6 to 12 year olds. The worst thing you can tell a kid is that they aren't good enough. Kids shouldn’t be held up to the hall of fame standards, they aren't being idolize in the Little League hall of fame

The state of California wanted to build the self-esteem of their youth, so they began to make participation trophies. Trophies should be given to kids at the end of their sports season, because it motivates them to play sports, improves their grades and fitness levels, and kids will have plenty of other opportunities to learn about competition. Kids should get trophies, because it motivates them to play sports and have fun. First, in “Should Every Kid Get a Trophy?” by Lauren Tarshis, Dr. Michelle Anthony, author and psychologist, says, “‘The idea is to motivate kids to play sports, to have fun.’” Kids will keep playing sports if they are motivated.