Participation Trophies are a Joke

Perhaps, it’s just an old school mentality. Putting in the work and getting recognized for your achievements doesn’t seem like a hard concept to grasp. But in today’s world, everyone is entitled and gets a trophy just for showing up and to be quite frank, I think it’s a joke.

So when did participation awards become a thing?

Apparently after World War I in the 1920s as a way to encourage students to participate in sports. Than Military bases handed out trophies around and after World War II to sports teams for the most number of players used per game for the season. Fast forward to the 1990s and we have the participation trophy of today where everyone gets one just for being on the team.

Benefits of Not Getting a Trophy

Growing up, I played baseball, track, cross country and was on the wrestling varsity team by default. I think my dad was hoping he had a superstar athlete, so I practiced a lot. I put all my blood, sweat and tears into every practice, meet and game. I wanted the VIP title and the recognition and praise that came with it. Year after year my other team-mates received awards and all I got was a pat on the back. I can’t lie. It was soul crushing.

But you know what?

Not getting those participation trophies taught me how to lose.  It reminded me that I needed to practice more and push myself harder to be great. I never did receive that VIP status but I earned respect for coming to the field every day and giving it everything I had. And the times that I did get some sort of participation award it didn’t really mean anything.

Negative Consequences of Participation Trophies

So let’s be honest here, getting these types of awards tells your kids that winning is not important

It tells them that they can show up, half ass it and still get rewarded.

Let’s also be honest and say that getting these awards will probably not inflict any physiological damage on our children in the short term. But in a time when younger generations are becoming entitled and expect praise without little effort, I think it’s the little things that matter and these types of awards don’t help.  

What Age Should Participation Trophies Stop?

Don’t get me wrong. I think participation trophies at a young age are great for little kids. At the end of this last soccer season my toddler got a metal and certificate. He was a happy camper. My 7 year old got the same treatment up until 6 years old.

At this age, kids are just having fun and sports aren’t super competitive. There is nothing wrong with showing them a little appreciation for not giving up.

When things start getting competitive, your little one is starting to learn that it takes hard work, dedication and perseverance to be top contributor to the team. It may be a good time to stop.

Moral of the Story

In the real world, we adults don’t get recognition unless we are performing at a higher level than our peers. Why not teach our kids the same?

Ultimately do what you think is best for your future superstar athlete. I think it’s important to make sure that they understand that it takes more than just showing up to get a trophy.

But what do I know I am just a dad trying to figure it out.