Trophies for Everyone: The Pros and Cons of Participation Trophies

Trophies have a long and lively history. This history is almost as lively as the debate over "participation trophies," especially in youth athletics. Participation trophies are the practice of providing trophies for everyone on the team and not the member who scores the most points.

As with all robust debates, there are plenty of sides to the question "should everyone get a trophy?" Read further on some facts about participation trophies and their pros and cons. They may help you decide whether they are a benefit or a curse.

History Behind the "Trophies For Everyone" Movement

Some believe the participation trophies culture was born in the United States in the late 1980s. The State of California "Task Force to Promote Self-Esteem and Personal and Social Responsibility" studied the role of self-esteem in areas like poverty and education. The task force found that people with positive self-esteem usually enjoyed a sense of belonging and acknowledgment for their hard work.

The Commission noticed that children in struggling communities had low levels of self-esteem. As a result, school districts and community groups began to boost group or cooperative esteem efforts with kids "rather than promote individual competition for recognition."

Benefits of Participation Trophies

Participation trophies can boost a child's confidence and give them something to play for. Young athletes will lose interest in sports early if they aren't winning any games. A trophy to display at the end of the season can be a positive reminder of the happy times with teammates and make those endless losses a distant memory.

Participation Trophies shouldn't be anonymous mementos. Customized participation trophies acknowledge participation on the team with simple inscriptions like the child's name and team name. If you worry about minimizing the accomplishments of the fastest or the strongest, pick a different award like a medal to acknowledge their hard work.

Cons of Participation Trophies

Some believe that the trophy shouldn't be the reward. Teamwork and love of the game should be their own psychological rewards when participating in sports. Learning to lose with grace and applauding the winners are life lessons that will translate into success long after the game is over.

A trophy at the year-end banquet is also no replacement for the ongoing encouragement young athletes need from coaches and parents throughout the entire season. Children will build confidence and self-worth if they get coaching and support during every game. Kids will know they matter to the team when they receive constant encouragement all season long.

Next Steps

Use the arguments in this article to assess participation trophies pros and cons. They will help you and your child's coach decide which course is right for your kid's team.

Start by talking with your child today. Coach them not to compare their athletic level with the other players. Remind them that the entire team wins when they work together.

The Awards and Personalization Association provides training to industries to recognize personal growth in employees and athletes alike. Read their tip sheet on ways to create meaningful sports recognition events.

Participation trophies for everyone shouldn't be a distraction that divides your child's team. Just make the award specific to them and their role on the team. Read more here on how to create your own personalized participation trophy so that young athletes will know they are important members to the team.