Words from the web
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison recently stated on Facebook that he gave back participation trophies his sons brought home, noting trophies should be earned not just given out to everyone. His comments seemed to resonate with many people who agree that participation trophies are a symbol of what’s wrong with today’s society. Others said the trophies are simply an incentive for youngsters to get out of the house and participate in sports. What do you think of participation trophies? What would you do if your child brought one home? Are they good or bad for children?
“I think parents place too much energy on school sports. Most kids will grow up into boring jobs that destroy their health even if they have legitimate trophies. Instead of spending hundreds of hours on a field playing soccer, maybe teach children skills that will be useful later in life like investing money or electronics. The participation trophies mean nothing. The real trophies mean nothing as well.”
“I still have every single one of my trophies. No, they are not displayed in my house, but I have every one that I earned while playing softball some 20-plus years ago.”
“I understand your point, but I feel extracurricular activities help to round us out as individuals. I wouldn’t be who I am if I did not practice dance for 15 years. Dancing didn’t directly contribute to my career but it rounded me and helped to mold me.”
“I’m not against extracurricular activities. I’m against the current parental obsession with them, with winning, with identifying who they or their kids are by what they should be doing for fun. Sports today is treated like a career, like a financial investment, like the only path to getting your kid socialized with other kids. It should be treated as something fun and a good form of exercise, but that seems to take second place now.”
“I’m not into the participation trophy idea either. A reward or recognition for making it a great distance would work though.”
“It’s called sports media driving home that second place or third place means nothing.”
“I’ve said this for years! I agree with Mr Harrison.”
“Kids should have to go out and earn the trophies. That’s the way life is.”