Should Trophys Be Allowed In Kids Sports

The thrill of winning a trophy for the first time is always memorable, however, it brings up the question: Is receiving an award for participating just as exciting? Participation awards are a topic highly debated among those of all ages, with none agreeing on a single answer. Individuals who are under the impression that they are essential believe they boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. This may be true in some cases, but these trophies could be doing more harm than good. Although in the moment they may appear to be wholesome, they have a lasting effect on children as they grow older. Many children put loads of effort into winning awards, which is belittled by participation trophies that are not only unhelpful and unrewarding, but don’t teach them the important values learned by losing.

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.

These peoples thoughts are that participation trophies don’t cause any harm. They believe that participation trophies should be given out, not to state that everyone's a winner, but to congratulate young athletes on their time and effort put forth to compete. At the same time, they also believe that there is nothing wrong with celebrating a child’s achievement with a trophy that will make them happy, but not leave a lasting effect on their life (Website #1). However, even though it doe congratulate them for their effort, it also tells them that they will always win. Many people say that these participation trophies won’t leave a lasting impact on a child’s life, but you never know, maybe that one little trophy will cause them to become full of themselfs and narcissistic. All I’m saying is that It’s fine to acknowledge a child’s achievements, but participation trophies don’t do that. They show kids that they don’t need to work hard to

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

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.

Do we give children too many trophies? According to Bob cook a sports father of four, “when it comes to participation trophies in my experience kids know the score.” Therefore at the end of the day, a trophy for involvement is a gift, and children are aware. Based on the facts and anecdotal evidence we are not giving children too many trophies. These pieces of plastic are a source of memorabilia. In addition, the trophy does not reflect the kid’s attitude towards hard work.

"kids shouldn't get participation trophies because trophies need to be earn" said by Harrison, and not just given to. people with low work ethic shouldn't get trophies because they aren't working for it, but people with high work ethic deserves a trophies because they a trying there hardest to get it.

I don't know about you but I disagree with those parents. I believe that only certain children should get trophies. If every kid knows that they're gonna get a trophy then they won't work as hard as they should, but if kids know that only a certain amount of kids will get a trophy they will work harder and achieve more goals. Ashley Merryman states that when extracurricular activities start and you go to sign your child up ask the program organizers “ Which kids get awards?”

Participation trophies are wrong because they diminish the value of trophies and wreck the competitive spirit of youth sports. Yes, some parents and kids take youth sports too seriously. Participation trophies are not the answer to solving this issue. Participations trophies are unjust because they do not reward those who deserve it and do reward those who do not deserve it. A utilitarian would also see these trophies as an awful use of resources. Wouldn’t the result be the same if youths were all given participation trophies or they all were not given anything? The minimum number of trophies optimizes the effect it has on the athletes. This is the best use of resources and truly embodies what a trophy

Only the kids who actually win deserve to be recognized for their hard work that paid off in the end. “The benefit isn’t actually winning. The benefit is improving. When you’re constantly giving a kid a trophy for everything they 're doing, you’re saying, ‘I don 't care about improvements’” (Participation trophies reward mediocrity 2). This conveys the idea that when a child is constantly being praised they think they have no more room for improvement and are the best they could be. Although, there is always room for developing as an athlete to become a higher level sportsman. In general, participation trophies hurt kids more than they help them and are ineffective ways to reward kids.

It is also a good thing to give trophy to kids because you can out a smile on their face and make them feel special. There are many reasons to support those that people and coaches should not just give trophies to kids

Kids should not get trophies just because they worked hard. They should be rewarded for their athleticness. Sports help teach kids it’s okay to lose, they can learn they are not always going to be the best, they can learn what it takes to become the best, and how to work harder. Although kids may work hard, not everyone should get a trophy just for showing up.

Kids should not get a trophy for participating because giving trophies sends the wrong the message. In CNN it states that, "Having a child return the trophy compounds the idea that only being the best is good enough when in fact giving one's best should have that mantle."