Participation Trophies

Our society has shifted its beliefs in how we should treat competition in young people. The concept that "everyone receives a trophy" has taken the place of only rewarding those who achieve excellence within that activity. Rewarding all participants in youth activities and sports has become standard practice in American culture. However, this practice has become the root of many heated discussions as to whether the presentation of participation trophies has a positive or negative effect on the young children of America. Many prestigious researchers have invested a monumental amount of time into developing a concrete answer on the issue. However, many of these researches stand on opposite sides of the line, only increasing the heat of the debate.

In an article written by Brenda Lasevoli - a journalist for the website, TIME For Kids - she interviews several researchers on the topic of participation trophies, including Dweck. In this article Lasevoli writes, ““The trophy has to stand for something,” Dweck told TFK. “If we give a trophy to everyone, then the award has no value.” Dweck argues that giving kids trophies for particular reasons, such as improving in a sport, teaches kids that adults value hard work and trying our best.” In this way, Lasevoli has captured the true thoughts of Professor Dweck. She believes that all kids should get a trophy, however these awarded trophies can not be for the sole purpose of participation. Dweck suggests that trophies should be awarded for, “most improved player, or the one who contributed most to the team spirit, as well as to those who play the

Kenneth Barish, a psychology professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, in New York City argues in favor of participation trophies. Barish argues that when we single out only the best or even the most improved players with a trophy, we are teaching kids the wrong lesson. We are sending the message that winning is everything. “Winning is only part of the equation,” Barish told TFK. “Playing sports also teaches kids about teamwork and the importance of exercise.” There will be plenty of opportunity for kids to learn about competition as they get older, says Barish. They’ll soon realize that only one soccer team wins the World Cup and only one football team wins the Super Bowl. For now, he thinks there’s nothing wrong with letting all kids who play a sport feel like winners. That means trophies for