Should We Reward Children in Competition Solely on Participation Instead of Results?

Melissa (Participation):

“If everyone wins, what’s the point of playing?” It’s the question that has been circulating for years in

response to all children receiving rewards solely for participation. But perhaps the question we should

be asking is: “Why are so many children quitting team sports by age 11?” The answer for many is that

it’s simply not fun anymore (Lee, 2018). The main advantages of being involved in team sports are the

development of skills such as teamwork, determination, and perseverance. With so much emphasis on

competition and so little on the love of the game, many children are opting out early. The participant

trophy began as a means to keep children involved in sports, praising them for their continuous effort

while they work to hone their skills. The winner’s trophies remain just as prestigious if the other children

receive ribbons. Many argue that giving everyone a trophy is another way of overprotecting kids and

shielding them from failure. On the contrary, participation trophies reward the effort and show children

the importance of practice and determination. Research shows that children who have a “growth

mindset” are more successful in school and life in general (Dweck, 2008). Even if we are creating

overconfident young people, would that really be the worst thing? Children will quickly learn the

difficulties of life. With the suicide rates of young people reaching 6,200 in 2017 (Frazee, 2019), maybe a

little overconfidence is exactly what our children need.

https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-positive-reinforcement-2795412

Eugenia (Results):

The argument that participation trophies are ruining this new generation only holds water if you

believe that children aren’t intelligent enough to know the difference between an award for

participation and the actual winner’s trophy. Rewarding children for their participation doesn’t

mean “Everyone is a winner.” When done properly, the effort and growth is praised, but children

are very aware who the winners are. The winner’s trophies remain just as prestigious if the other

children receive ribbons for participation. Many argue that giving everyone a trophy is just

another way of overprotecting kids and shielding them from failure. I would argue just the

opposite. Participation trophies reward the effort put forward and show children the importance

of practice and determination. You may not be the best initially in sports or life, but those who

succeed are those who continue to try. Research shows that children who are taught to have a

“growth mindset” which emphasizes effort and growth over perceived natural talent, are more

successful in school and life in general. Competing is fun and winning feels great, but what

makes being a part of a team truly advantageous for children are the skills they learn and take

with them in life. If acknowledging a child’s effort encourages them to continue to practice and

strive for greatness, what is the harm? Children are much more likely to thrive when they are

encouraged and supported.