In the Room for Debate article I read, "Should Every Young Athlete Get a Trophy?" it was debated what effect these awards actually had on kids and if they were ultimately good or bad. Betty Berdan, having participated in competitive sports from a young age, stated that they gave kids a false reality that everyone is a winner. She also points out that making kids think they will be praised and rewarded for things they are expected to do like show up everyday rather than for going above and beyond can be a detrimental mindset to have. In addition, she illustrates that trophies begin to lose value and meaning if everyone gets to have one. On the other hand, Eric Priceman, a manufacturer for these said awards, declares that people are wrong for focusing on what their child receives for their participation instead of the actual participation. He feels that participation awards are in turn rewards for accomplishment, not achievement.
I was intrigued by Priceman's perspective, because I had never thought of it that way. However, personally I feel that both of their ideologies play into whether or not participation trophies should be eliminated. I think kids at a considerably young age are too young mentally and emotionally to grasp that not everyone is a winner. If they are shown that they are less than the other naturally gifted player, they may want to avoid sports or competition in general from a young age. Yet once a child is old enough, I think it's time to trash the trophies and hand them this life lesson. Once they realize that great success can be derived from failure, I feel children can become more resilient and motivated rather than heartbroken and discouraged.
How do you feel about participation trophies? Should they be encouraged or frowned upon? Based on my statement, at what age do you think is the right time to remove these awards? How do you think children respond to participation trophies? Are they losing value or do you think they still appreciated?
I think that participation trophies can be a positive reinforcement to young kid, but there should be a certain point where they are no longer given out so often. For example, a child trying out baseball for the first time may enjoy a participation award because it encourages them to keep playing and aim for higher awards. However, an older kid (such as a 7th grader) trying a sport for the first time and not doing well may not need a participation award because they already know that not everyone is a winner the first time they try something. I personally don't think participation awards are losing value; I think that kids who started off only receiving participation awards and then go on to receive higher, more meaningful awards can look back and appreciate the progress they made.
ReplyDeleteIn a way, I think participation trophies serve as a back-handed compliment. It is essentially saying "well...at least you showed up."...Sure, younger kids could be awarded these trophies and they may be an incentive to do better next time but I think once a child has reached their teenage years, participation trophies are not needed. It's almost like growing up...think of a participation trophy as a parent holding onto your hand. After a while you grow up and let go of their hand. They are still appreciated and the trophies are a way of seeing how far you have come, though.
ReplyDelete