According to a 2018 survey conducted by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the total participation rate for children ages 6 to 12 was a little over 71%. This included individual as well as team sports.
While these numbers may seem surprising, most parents encourage participation in physical activity at an early age. There are many parental debates about the benefits of certain sports over others. However, no youth sports debate among parents is as heated as the debate over the participation trophy.
Are participation awards good or are participation awards bad?
Keep reading to learn about both sides of the debate!
Pros for the Participation Trophy
Participation trophies are often given out in youth sporting leagues, and as the earlier survey suggested, to kids aged 6-12. Especially for children at the younger end of the spectrum, their attention span is quite minimal. A participation trophy may keep children engaged and motivated to play, even if their performance isn’t exceptional.
Furthermore, a trophy might inspire confidence and encourage a child to practice harder and perform better.
Participation trophies also boost inclusivity and build team morale. Every child can’t be the star player, and a participation trophy acknowledges their effort and their value to the team.
A participation trophy can show a child that even if their effort doesn’t guarantee a win, that their hard work still mattered. It also teaches that winning isn’t the only goal a child should place their value in.
Finally, these trophies can also serve as a memento for all of the positive experiences a child has playing on a team and for the connections they foster with their teammates.
Cons for the Participation Trophy
One of the greatest arguments against the participation trophy is that it shelters kids and takes away powerful learning opportunities. By giving out participation trophies, they never experience what it feels like to lose, and therefore, won’t have the capacity to cope with failure in the real world.
Instead, they’ll learn to expect an award or recognition, regardless of the outcome of their actions, and therefore won’t try as hard.
Prioritizing trophies and awards for the winners can teach the value of hard work. It shows children what they’re capable of when they work together and put forth the time and effort to achieve a goal.
Stuck in the Middle
Some parents feel trapped in the participation trophy debate. Some want to compromise with personalized trophies rather than general participation awards. For example, a golf ball trophy award for the most hole in ones, or a basketball trophy award for most points throughout the season.
Even if the children don’t win a game or a season, these trophies can highlight their strengths and efforts, and similarly, encourage hard work in the future.
Regardless of the participation debate, youth sports are incredibly beneficial. They enhance the physical health and well-being of children and effectively lower their risks of developing obesity or other health conditions in the future. This increase in physical activity also enhances a child’s cognitive skills.
Are Trophies Good or Bad?
Ultimately, the participation trophy is something that will continue to be debated by parents. Although, many have determined that the effect of the participation trophy wears off as children age. Overall, youth sports are critical as they teach values like inclusion, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
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