James Harrison Returns Sons' Participation Trophies

#26
#26
utvolpj said:
At that age the kids forget who won as soon as the game is over. I hardly think a small little trophy at the end of the season for a 5-6yo is lavish. If you can't celebrate the little things at that age then you're simply missing out as a parent

Going off the deep end on this one prof
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By the same token, I think they pretty much forget about the trophy too.
 
#28
#28
VolsSportsFan said:
By the same token, I think they pretty much forget about the trophy too.
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But if you can put the trophy somewhere in the house so that, near the beginning of the next season, you (the parent) can point to that and remind him of the fun that he had, then it can be easier to convince him to go back out
 
#29
#29
also, I call BS on that age kids forget the games. My 5 year old niece played in a soccer league that "didn't" keep score. I would go four weeks between chances to see her and she could tell me the outcome and final score of the four games I'd miss, how she played, how her team played.
 
#30
#30
volfanbill said:
also, I call BS on that age kids forget the games. My 5 year old niece played in a soccer league that "didn't" keep score. I would go four weeks between chances to see her and she could tell me the outcome and final score of the four games I'd miss, how she played, how her team played.
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I'm more interested in hearing you guys defend the notion that participation trophies are ruining our nation.
 
#32
#32
volfanbill said:
also, I call BS on that age kids forget the games. My 5 year old niece played in a soccer league that "didn't" keep score. I would go four weeks between chances to see her and she could tell me the outcome and final score of the four games I'd miss, how she played, how her team played.
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Depends on the kid; I probably didn't really care about winning (that I remember) until around 9-10 when in Little League or Pop Warner. I'd argue most don't care.
 
#33
#33
Vol8188 said:
I'm more interested in hearing you guys defend the notion that participation trophies are ruining our nation.
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I see it every day in the junior enlisted. I've never encountered a more entitled bunch in all my life. Their mannerisms, expectations, work level, etc just show how they've been taught to view showing up equals getting rewarded.
 
#35
#35
utvolpj said:
At that age the kids forget who won as soon as the game is over. I hardly think a small little trophy at the end of the season for a 5-6yo is lavish. If you can't celebrate the little things at that age then you're simply missing out as a parent

Going off the deep end on this one prof
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You are incorrect about your assessment of a 5 year old.
 
#36
#36
Vol8188 said:
Like I said, it's more for the parents than it is the kids
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Oh I agree, all this is because of some parents that didn't like that their kid wasn't getting any recognition and didn't want to or didn't know how to deal with their kids' disappointment (real or imagined).

There's also always the parents that attempt to compensate their own issues as a kid by trying to live through their kids. But that's a whole other issue.
 
#37
#37
VolsSportsFan said:
Oh I agree, all this is because of some parents that didn't like that their kid wasn't getting any recognition and didn't want to or didn't know how to deal with their kids' disappointment (real or imagined).

There's also always the parents that attempt to compensate their own issues as a kid by trying to live through their kids. But that's a whole other issue.
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I disagree that it's a seperate issue. Trophies are not harming children. If kids truly are becoming more entitled, it's not because of trophies. It's because of parents.
 
#38
#38
allvol123 said:
You are incorrect about your assessment of a 5 year old.
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Not at all. I've coached a bunch and mine plays in that age group. Of course if that's what a parent emphasizes then they're going to remember since it's what seems truly important
 
#39
#39
Vol8188 said:
And positive reenforcement is important to society. Children don't have to play sports, they can sit at home on their ass if they chose.

So there's nothing wrong with rewarding positive behavior.
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Only if parents let them. Parents need to make their kids go out and play. Whether it's sports or just a simple game of tag, parents need to encourage their kids to do more than sit in front of a TV or a video game or a computer.
 
#41
#41
Weezer said:
Only if parents let them. Parents need to make their kids go out and play. Whether it's sports or just a simple game of tag, parents need to encourage their kids to do more than sit in front of a TV or a video game or a computer.
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I don't disagree, but the point is still the same. You can't force a child to participate in sports (you can encourage, you can even beat the **** out of your kid, but ultimately if they don't want to do it they won't). So the child is making a positive decision, and there is nothing wrong with reenforcing that.
 
#42
#42
utvolpj said:
Not at all. I've coached a bunch and mine plays in that age group. Of course if that's what a parent emphasizes then they're going to remember since it's what seems truly important
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Yes you are wrong.

I coach that age as well, for the past two years.

While some dont give a shat, there is another segment that does.
 
#43
#43
If they were never awarded for just participation, but a good banquet at the end of the season were provided, the kids would never think they SHOULD get a trophy for just being on a team. They wouldn't feel cheated at all. But, if the coach says something like "I wish you guys could get a trophy, because you deserve it - but trophies are usually reserved for those that finish first, second or third in the league." This incentive might just actually make them practice, refine their games and, in turn, grow to love the sport, and sport in general.
 
#44
#44
Rasputin_Vol said:
I sense you either have a problem with this or you feel it is a trivial act.

Which is it?
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I think taking away something from a kid that young and telling them they weren't good enough to receive it is detrimental.
 
#45
#45
MphsBlues said:
If they were never awarded for just participation, but a good banquet at the end of the season were provided, the kids would never think they SHOULD get a trophy for just being on a team. They wouldn't feel cheated at all. But, if the coach says something like "I wish you guys could get a trophy, because you deserve it - but trophies are usually reserved for those that finish first, second or third in the league." This incentive might just actually make them practice, refine their games and, in turn, grow to love the sport, and sport in general.
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Instead they'll think they deserve a banquet for participation. There is no difference

There is also no control over the skill of the team in very young leagues. Pretending more worry and practice could have made the difference is laughable
 
#46
#46
Vol8188 said:
I don't disagree, but the point is still the same. You can't force a child to participate in sports (you can encourage, you can even beat the **** out of your kid, but ultimately if they don't want to do it they won't). So the child is making a positive decision, and there is nothing wrong with reenforcing that.
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Participating in sports should be a choice, because you find it fun. Fun should be enough of an award. Physical activity is something a parent can control. Take away the TV, video game, computer, cell phone, etc. and leave them with nothing else to do. Eventually, they'll cave.
 
#47
#47
Weezer said:
Participating in sports should be a choice, because you find it fun. Fun should be enough of an award. Physical activity is something a parent can control. Take away the TV, video game, computer, cell phone, etc. and leave them with nothing else to do. Eventually, they'll cave.
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Are you convinced children participate in sports for the trophy?
 
#48
#48
utvolpj said:
Instead they'll think they deserve a banquet for participation. There is no difference
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I disagree. An award celebrates an individual whereas a banquet celebrates the team. Is teamwork not a valuable lesson as well?
 
#50
#50
Weezer said:
I disagree. An award celebrates an individual whereas a banquet celebrates the team. Is teamwork not a valuable lesson as well?
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There is no difference if everyone gets the same reward for their participation. Still rewarding that mediocrity

There is also little to no teamwork on a field full of 5yo kids
 
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