Why I’m ok with participation trophies

Thought that might get your attention! Although it is a topic that seems to get a lot of attention these days – most of it bad. It’s not unusual these days to see people online disparaging participation trophies. They blame participation trophies for kids being soft, whiny, and lacking effort. The term “snowflake” is often […]

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Great post/article Ken. However, as was pointed out by Eric F on one of my posts about a similar topic, the participation trophies for a majority of our societys' special needs individuals probably should never end. Many times it's just an achievement in and of itself just to compete on any athletic level. Otherwise, I agree wholeheartedly with you. Unfortunately, we see participation trophies, or it's societal equivalent, handed out way past the 10YO age for far too many (since we don't want to crush the self-esteem of the others who didn't earn them....sarcasm font needed once again) which has led to the past 4 geneerations feeling "entitled" whether sports related or not.

YOCOACH said:

Great post/article Ken. However, as was pointed out by Eric F on one of my posts about a similar topic, the participation trophies for a majority of our societys' special needs individuals probably should never end. Many times it's just an achievement in and of itself just to compete on any athletic level. Otherwise, I agree wholeheartedly with you. Unfortunately, we see participation trophies, or it's societal equivalent, handed out way past the 10YO age for far too many (since we don't want to crush the self-esteem of the others who didn't earn them....sarcasm font needed once again) which has led to the past 4 geneerations feeling "entitled" whether sports related or not.

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Agree on the special needs participants. They are in a different category and should be recognized for overcoming their challenges just to be able to participate.

Softball seems unique in our experience where DD gets a cheap t-shirt, once she done my mother will sow them all together and make a blanket. Really cool by the way.

DD might quit just to get her blanket.

quincy said:

Softball seems unique in our experience where DD gets a cheap t-shirt, once she done my mother will sow them all together and make a blanket. Really cool by the way.

DD might quit just to get her blanket.

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We had enough tournament, clinic and camp T-shirts for DD's DG to not only make a Full sized quilt for DD to take to college, but a nice 5'X6' quilted throw for DW. She also took one of my past Coach's jersey and made me a pillow.

After all the hot summers spent in those coaching shirts, I'm not sure I'd want them so close to my face when I'm trying to sleep. Laundry detergent can only do so much.

Ken Krause said:

After all the hot summers spent in those coaching shirts, I'm not sure I'd want them so close to my face when I'm trying to sleep. Laundry detergent can only do so much.

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LOL. It's actually one that was worn maybe 3 times total. Plus, it has a zipper which isn't exactly comfortable so it spends all of it's time just sitting there looking pretty as opposed to being a used and/or useful pillow.

YOCOACH said:

LOL. It's actually one that was worn maybe 3 times total. Plus, it has a zipper which isn't exactly comfortable so it spends all of it's time just sitting there looking pretty as opposed to being a used and/or useful pillow.

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Ok, that's not so bad then. One year we had what I consider the worst coaching shirts ever. We approved them in December, which was the big mistake. They looked nice, but when summer rolled around they were awful. The material was thick so they were very hot, and they were sewn together horizontally in a couple of places so that added to the discomfort. I would always bring an extra t-shirt to tournaments, and as soon as we were done for the day that coaching shirt came off. I still have coaching shirts from years past, but not that one. Couldn't wait to toss it.

Ken - I agree with your premise that participation trophies are ok for kids 10 years or less (especially in rec leagues). When I coached, I used the participation trophy that every kid received as an "excuse" to call up the kid individually and say something nice about the kid (e.g. Sally was one of the most improved players this season; Kayla has the best attitude on the team, etc.). Secondly, all of the players knew the difference between a participation trophy and a trophy for winning 1st place (or 2nd place) in the league, tournament, etc. I remember in my son's flag football league, every player received a small trophy with a football on it. It sits on his shelf as a reminder of the FUN he had playing football with his some of his friends. There is no other meaning to it than that and no it hasn't made him soft or a snowflake...