Trophies or awards just for participation and Is it damaging the youth of today?

135678

Comments

  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576

    rgambs said:

    MayDay10 said:

    because its only sports.

    Yes, sports are games...it is supposed to be about having fun.
    If you've never seen a parent ruin a sport for their kid by pushing too hard to win, you've never been on any sports teams.
    I disagree that it's just about having fun. For the 5 and 6 year Olds it's about having fun. Once you get to 7 and 8, winning and losing has to be taught. It should piss an 8 year old off to lose. Even if you are the worst kid kn the team. And you know if you are at that age.

    I think teaching kids that losing sucks, but can be dealt with and handled properly should be taught at that age. Same with teaching kids how to be good winners.

    I have seen parents burn kids out of sports. But honestly, those are few and far between. You may have a parent make an ass of himself once in a while, but typically, that doesn't hurt the kids.
    A grade school child getting pissed off about losing is not handling it properly. Dissatisfaction with losing is one thing, if you are getting angry you are just losing to yourself.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • Last-12-ExitLast-12-Exit Posts: 8,661
    rgambs said:

    rgambs said:

    MayDay10 said:

    because its only sports.

    Yes, sports are games...it is supposed to be about having fun.
    If you've never seen a parent ruin a sport for their kid by pushing too hard to win, you've never been on any sports teams.
    I disagree that it's just about having fun. For the 5 and 6 year Olds it's about having fun. Once you get to 7 and 8, winning and losing has to be taught. It should piss an 8 year old off to lose. Even if you are the worst kid kn the team. And you know if you are at that age.

    I think teaching kids that losing sucks, but can be dealt with and handled properly should be taught at that age. Same with teaching kids how to be good winners.

    I have seen parents burn kids out of sports. But honestly, those are few and far between. You may have a parent make an ass of himself once in a while, but typically, that doesn't hurt the kids.
    A grade school child getting pissed off about losing is not handling it properly. Dissatisfaction with losing is one thing, if you are getting angry you are just losing to yourself.
    Were you the kid that got picked last? I kid. I disagree. I think properly channeled anger is a great motivational tool to make one better. I used it. My oldest daughter uses anger as motivation. If it doesn't bother you to lose, then you shouldn't be playing.
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    I didn't get into any of the _____ball sports, they all just seemed like politics to me. Too highly stylised and with the coach's picking favorites...didn't make any sense to me.
    Then I started wrestling and Judo, and those made sense. You didn't need a rulebook to understand if you won or lost, you didn't need trophies or ribbons or explanations...
    I understand that anger can be a motivation, but I think it is foolish to teach anger as motivation, it should be a technique for those who have anger that needs channelled only.

    That last sentence is bullocks.
    Games should be played for the love of the game, not the love of winning!
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • MayDay10MayDay10 Posts: 11,727
    edited August 2015
    like I said before though. We got trophies and we still wanted to win, even at a young age... to the point of getting really disappointed/tears plenty of times. It was never a case of "we got these trophies coming our way anyways, why did we waste our time even trying?"

    I don't think that is an issue. I don't think kids go through the season solely to obtain the trophy... nor do I think it goes through their heads after the fact that 'its OK I guess I don't need to win at anything anyway". I think those thoughts are way overblown and projected by the TPOA crowd.

    It was just kind of a souvenir of the season we would get at the post-season pool party or whatever. Should we not have a pool party either because we were losers? Those were way cooler than trophies anyways and more of a reward.
    Post edited by MayDay10 on
  • Last-12-ExitLast-12-Exit Posts: 8,661
    Yes, you play because you love the game. But that certainly doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to be the best at whatever you do. And losing shouldn't be fun. I love the scene in moneyball when Brad pitt walks into the locker room after a loss and sees the team with a party at most after a string of losses. He asks "is losing fun?" And proceeds to take a bat to the stereo the team was blasting. Silence follows and pitt says "that's what losing sounds like."
  • Last-12-ExitLast-12-Exit Posts: 8,661
    Btw, I started wrestling my freshman year because I got cut from the basketball team and wanted to stay busy between football and baseball. Best move I could make. To me, wrestling is the best one on one sport there is. I was in the best shape of my life. My wrestling coach was a huge influence in my life.
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,038
    rgambs said:

    MayDay10 said:

    because its only sports.

    Yes, sports are games...it is supposed to be about having fun.
    If you've never seen a parent ruin a sport for their kid by pushing too hard to win, you've never been on any sports teams.
    So true! My story about beaning three batters in a row is a reflection of this. This happened when I was 10 or 11 years old. We sucked badly, so much so our teams coaches, one of whom was my father, couldn't find anybody better than me to be first string pitcher. In one inning I hit a batter with a pitch. When it happened to the next batter I looked over at my father and mouthed, "Get me out of here!". Well, Pop played what he called "semi-pro softball" in his twenties and no way was he going to let HIS SON be a loser and he kept me in. I was totally rattled and when the next batter came up and I beaned him (none were intentional) and loaded the bases, I threw my mitt down on the mound and walked off. Man, did I get my ass chewed for that! Talk about ruining an experience. It only got better later because a few games later I asked to play third base and made an unassisted double play in that position.

    (My father and I are close today but it look a long time for me to get past some of the bullshit.)

    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,954

    Yes, you play because you love the game. But that certainly doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to be the best at whatever you do. And losing shouldn't be fun. I love the scene in moneyball when Brad pitt walks into the locker room after a loss and sees the team with a party at most after a string of losses. He asks "is losing fun?" And proceeds to take a bat to the stereo the team was blasting. Silence follows and pitt says "that's what losing sounds like."

    I agree.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • MayDay10MayDay10 Posts: 11,727
    edited August 2015
    would it be acceptable destroy things in front of a bunch of 12 year olds because they couldn't score on the powerplay and lost a game to the Joe's Car Wash Bruins?

    In pro sports they are playing for millions of dollars, championship rings, legacy, and even peoples' livelihood.


    I'm commenting a lot about this because it is something that I think a lot about. My kids are nearing the age of entering sports, and I have actually scouted around and found a youth hockey organization in the area that does not focus as much on competition as they do on personal and skills development. They compete, but its a great atmosphere, and politics are nonexistent. They have a knack for fostering top high school players and scholarship athletes. I also plan on coaching tee-ball on up and I plan on focusing on players' skills and enjoyment. I am sure kids will still desire to win and I wont be harboring a team of spineless pansies.
    One of my degrees is in Physical Education and we covered topics like this.

    Playing, coaching, and officiating youth sports most of my life has led me to the conclusion that 'win at all costs' is an awful and poisonous stance for parents to take.

    I presented the question before... but would you rather see your kid lose a competition by being selfless and helping a weaker opponent or teammate? or trample his/her way through a weaker kid to win a game? I bet if the former happened, most onlookers would be envious.

    There is the old quote that is dead on:
    "Sports do not build character, they reveal it"
    -John Wooden
    Post edited by MayDay10 on
  • on2legson2legs Posts: 15,124
    If your a parent who lets their kid form their opinions about hard work, effort, and persistence from a tiny piece of plastic then you're not doing your job as a parent.

    Those lessons should be given and reinforced in your home. If you're raising your kid right the world won't end if they get a trophy for showing up for tee ball.
    1996: Randall's Island 2  1998: East Rutherford | MSG 1 & 2  2000: Cincinnati | Columbus | Jones Beach 1, 2, & 3 | Boston 1 | Camden 1 & 2 2003: Philadelphia | Uniondale | MSG 1 & 2 | Holmdel  2005: Atlantic City 1  2006: Camden 1 | East Rutherford 1 & 2 2008: Camden 1 & 2 | MSG 1 & 2 | Newark (EV)  2009: Philadelphia 1, 2 & 4  2010: Newark | MSG 1 & 2  2011: Toronto 1  2013: Wrigley Field | Brooklyn 2 | Philadelphia 1 & 2 | Baltimore  2015: Central Park  2016: Philadelphia 1 & 2 | MSG 1 & 2 | Fenway Park 2 | MSG (TOTD)  2017: Brooklyn (RnR HOF)  2020: MSG | Asbury Park  2021: Asbury Park  2022: MSG | Camden | Nashville  2024: MSG 1 & 2 (#50) | Philadelphia 1 & 2 | Baltimore


  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576

    Btw, I started wrestling my freshman year because I got cut from the basketball team and wanted to stay busy between football and baseball. Best move I could make. To me, wrestling is the best one on one sport there is. I was in the best shape of my life. My wrestling coach was a huge influence in my life.

    It is the best sport! One on one, the referee has little power, coach can't pick favorites to start, and it teaches you a form of self-defense that is truly defensive...and quite powerful. Boxers lose to wrestlers 9 out of 10 times.
    Talk about being in shape, there is no sport that gives a more total body fitness, a fitness that is practical as well.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524
    PJ_Soul said:

    I think it's damaging for sure. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that kids get prizes just for showing up. I also think these little graduations they have for middle school and various random grades is stupid. I don't really think that getting through grade 6 is not a special accomplishment unless we're talking about kids with mental disabilities. Getting through elementary school is a mandatory responsibility that doesn't deserve celebration IMO. I think all this over-congratulating is going to make kids think that everything they do is a lot more special than it is, which equals a bunch of entitled spoiled brats who expect to be rewarded for simply carrying out their responsibilities.
    I see the results of this already at work. Younger people have started whining about not getting enough pats on the back from their boss. They think they deserve special recognition just for doing an average job with their regular responsibilities. It's so stupid. Wtf do they think their pay cheques are????

    Fascinating thread! Much agreed with the the above, and must admit I'm coming at this from a general vs. sports-specific related view.

  • rr165892rr165892 Posts: 5,697
    rgambs said:

    Btw, I started wrestling my freshman year because I got cut from the basketball team and wanted to stay busy between football and baseball. Best move I could make. To me, wrestling is the best one on one sport there is. I was in the best shape of my life. My wrestling coach was a huge influence in my life.

    It is the best sport! One on one, the referee has little power, coach can't pick favorites to start, and it teaches you a form of self-defense that is truly defensive...and quite powerful. Boxers lose to wrestlers 9 out of 10 times.
    Talk about being in shape, there is no sport that gives a more total body fitness, a fitness that is practical as well.
    Admit it beard boy,you just wanted to rock that singlet/onesie.You can't fool us
    MayDay10 said:

    would it be acceptable destroy things in front of a bunch of 12 year olds because they couldn't score on the powerplay and lost a game to the Joe's Car Wash Bruins?

    In pro sports they are playing for millions of dollars, championship rings, legacy, and even peoples' livelihood.


    I'm commenting a lot about this because it is something that I think a lot about. My kids are nearing the age of entering sports, and I have actually scouted around and found a youth hockey organization in the area that does not focus as much on competition as they do on personal and skills development. They compete, but its a great atmosphere, and politics are nonexistent. They have a knack for fostering top high school players and scholarship athletes. I also plan on coaching tee-ball on up and I plan on focusing on players' skills and enjoyment. I am sure kids will still desire to win and I wont be harboring a team of spineless pansies.
    One of my degrees is in Physical Education and we covered topics like this.

    Playing, coaching, and officiating youth sports most of my life has led me to the conclusion that 'win at all costs' is an awful and poisonous stance for parents to take.

    I presented the question before... but would you rather see your kid lose a competition by being selfless and helping a weaker opponent or teammate? or trample his/her way through a weaker kid to win a game? I bet if the former happened, most onlookers would be envious.

    There is the old quote that is dead on:
    "Sports do not build character, they reveal it"
    -John Wooden

    Love that quote by wooden May.

    If your kids are getting ready for team sports then enjoy the hell out of it.It goes quick,and quits being fun and turns into some big buisness as they get into their early teens and HS.Sounds like the are in good hands if your coaching.
  • pjhawkspjhawks Posts: 12,529
    MayDay10 said:

    would it be acceptable destroy things in front of a bunch of 12 year olds because they couldn't score on the powerplay and lost a game to the Joe's Car Wash Bruins?

    In pro sports they are playing for millions of dollars, championship rings, legacy, and even peoples' livelihood.


    I'm commenting a lot about this because it is something that I think a lot about. My kids are nearing the age of entering sports, and I have actually scouted around and found a youth hockey organization in the area that does not focus as much on competition as they do on personal and skills development. They compete, but its a great atmosphere, and politics are nonexistent. They have a knack for fostering top high school players and scholarship athletes. I also plan on coaching tee-ball on up and I plan on focusing on players' skills and enjoyment. I am sure kids will still desire to win and I wont be harboring a team of spineless pansies.
    One of my degrees is in Physical Education and we covered topics like this.

    Playing, coaching, and officiating youth sports most of my life has led me to the conclusion that 'win at all costs' is an awful and poisonous stance for parents to take.

    I presented the question before... but would you rather see your kid lose a competition by being selfless and helping a weaker opponent or teammate? or trample his/her way through a weaker kid to win a game? I bet if the former happened, most onlookers would be envious.

    There is the old quote that is dead on:
    "Sports do not build character, they reveal it"
    -John Wooden

    hard for anyone to disagree with the bolded comment above BUT again i think you are over equating us who say don't give trophies to everyone to being only about winning and losing and that's not what we are saying.

    also at 12 years old kids know when parents are acting like a dick. if a 12 year sees a parent act like that most are going to understand that is not the way to do that.

  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    I rocked it like Iron Butterfly!
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • Last-12-ExitLast-12-Exit Posts: 8,661
    I did not fear the singlet.
  • pjhawkspjhawks Posts: 12,529
    edited August 2015

    Btw, I started wrestling my freshman year because I got cut from the basketball team and wanted to stay busy between football and baseball. Best move I could make. To me, wrestling is the best one on one sport there is. I was in the best shape of my life. My wrestling coach was a huge influence in my life.

    "so you wear tights" - always good for a Breakfast Club quote.

    and not to get off topic but i don't see how starving yourself to make weight is a good thing. the wrestlers at my school would do crazy shit to make weight. no thanks.
    Post edited by pjhawks on
  • Last-12-ExitLast-12-Exit Posts: 8,661
    I was also able to avoid the dreaded cauliflower ear. I never understood the guys that would practice without headgear. Made no sense to me.

    I also did not have to cut weight. I weighed 136 lbs my senior year and wrestled in 134 weight class. Makes a huge difference.
  • MayDay10MayDay10 Posts: 11,727
    I have seen a 120 pound wrestler take down a monster once in a bar
  • rr165892rr165892 Posts: 5,697
    pjhawks said:

    Btw, I started wrestling my freshman year because I got cut from the basketball team and wanted to stay busy between football and baseball. Best move I could make. To me, wrestling is the best one on one sport there is. I was in the best shape of my life. My wrestling coach was a huge influence in my life.

    "so you wear tights" - always good for a Breakfast Club quote.

    and not to get off topic but i don't see how starving yourself to make weight is a good thing. the wrestlers at my school would do crazy shit to make weight. no thanks.
    My kids high school made national news when the wrestling team ,thanks to some boosters and coaches got busted for juicing.lots of failed tests,many kids lost rankings and the program went on super secret probation.Huge investigations followed.They were state champions at the time.oooops
  • Gern BlanstenGern Blansten Posts: 20,275
    edited August 2015
    MayDay10 said:

    like I said before though. We got trophies and we still wanted to win, even at a young age... to the point of getting really disappointed/tears plenty of times. It was never a case of "we got these trophies coming our way anyways, why did we waste our time even trying?"

    I don't think that is an issue. I don't think kids go through the season solely to obtain the trophy... nor do I think it goes through their heads after the fact that 'its OK I guess I don't need to win at anything anyway". I think those thoughts are way overblown and projected by the TPOA crowd.

    It was just kind of a souvenir of the season we would get at the post-season pool party or whatever. Should we not have a pool party either because we were losers? Those were way cooler than trophies anyways and more of a reward.

    totally agree...i think people read way too much into it. My kids wanted to win...they didn't give a damn about the trophy even when we played travel sports.
    Post edited by Gern Blansten on
    Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
    The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)

    1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
    2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
    2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
    2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
    2020: Oakland, Oakland:  2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
    2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
    2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana
  • Last-12-ExitLast-12-Exit Posts: 8,661

    We didn't get a trophy unless we won our division in little league. The coach would typically throw a end of year party for the team and hand out ribbons. I think there is a huge difference in ribbons and trophies. My wife is a youth soccer coach for the YMCA. She gives trophies for all the kids. I've told her several times that I disagreed with that. If that team didn't win a game, they would get a trophy. To me, the trophy is for a season played well. At some point before high school, children need to be taught about winning and losing. Kids need to know how to do both.

    so you don't
    MayDay10 said:

    like I said before though. We got trophies and we still wanted to win, even at a young age... to the point of getting really disappointed/tears plenty of times. It was never a case of "we got these trophies coming our way anyways, why did we waste our time even trying?"

    I don't think that is an issue. I don't think kids go through the season solely to obtain the trophy... nor do I think it goes through their heads after the fact that 'its OK I guess I don't need to win at anything anyway". I think those thoughts are way overblown and projected by the TPOA crowd.

    It was just kind of a souvenir of the season we would get at the post-season pool party or whatever. Should we not have a pool party either because we were losers? Those were way cooler than trophies anyways and more of a reward.

    totally agree...i think people read way too much into it. My kids wanted to win...they didn't give a damn about the trophy even when we played travel sports.
    I don't what?
  • Gern BlanstenGern Blansten Posts: 20,275

    We didn't get a trophy unless we won our division in little league. The coach would typically throw a end of year party for the team and hand out ribbons. I think there is a huge difference in ribbons and trophies. My wife is a youth soccer coach for the YMCA. She gives trophies for all the kids. I've told her several times that I disagreed with that. If that team didn't win a game, they would get a trophy. To me, the trophy is for a season played well. At some point before high school, children need to be taught about winning and losing. Kids need to know how to do both.

    so you don't
    MayDay10 said:

    like I said before though. We got trophies and we still wanted to win, even at a young age... to the point of getting really disappointed/tears plenty of times. It was never a case of "we got these trophies coming our way anyways, why did we waste our time even trying?"

    I don't think that is an issue. I don't think kids go through the season solely to obtain the trophy... nor do I think it goes through their heads after the fact that 'its OK I guess I don't need to win at anything anyway". I think those thoughts are way overblown and projected by the TPOA crowd.

    It was just kind of a souvenir of the season we would get at the post-season pool party or whatever. Should we not have a pool party either because we were losers? Those were way cooler than trophies anyways and more of a reward.

    totally agree...i think people read way too much into it. My kids wanted to win...they didn't give a damn about the trophy even when we played travel sports.
    I don't what?
    that wasn't my verbiage...quote function must have screwed up

    Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
    The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)

    1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
    2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
    2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
    2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
    2020: Oakland, Oakland:  2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
    2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
    2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576

    I was also able to avoid the dreaded cauliflower ear. I never understood the guys that would practice without headgear. Made no sense to me.

    I also did not have to cut weight. I weighed 136 lbs my senior year and wrestled in 134 weight class. Makes a huge difference.

    Ditto on the headgear and not cutting weight...the kids who did at my school did so under pressure from their dad actually!
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    rr165892 said:

    pjhawks said:

    Btw, I started wrestling my freshman year because I got cut from the basketball team and wanted to stay busy between football and baseball. Best move I could make. To me, wrestling is the best one on one sport there is. I was in the best shape of my life. My wrestling coach was a huge influence in my life.

    "so you wear tights" - always good for a Breakfast Club quote.

    and not to get off topic but i don't see how starving yourself to make weight is a good thing. the wrestlers at my school would do crazy shit to make weight. no thanks.
    My kids high school made national news when the wrestling team ,thanks to some boosters and coaches got busted for juicing.lots of failed tests,many kids lost rankings and the program went on super secret probation.Huge investigations followed.They were state champions at the time.oooops
    My school is an astounding wrestling school. A twin city with only 5,000 people and we compete with the number one school in the nation Lakewood St Edwards, and we are a public school. Public schools have a very tough time against the private schools that recruit from all over the nation.
    We do it with moxie, no roids, no plastic suits, no biddy program!

    We don't recruit, we don't rebuild, we just reload!
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • Last-12-ExitLast-12-Exit Posts: 8,661
    I put on plastics once just to see what it was like. I lasted 10 minutes. Very uncomfortable. Fuckers would sit in the sauna at the health club doing sit ups with those things on for 30 minutes! I don't know how they had the strength to wrestle after all of that nonsense.
  • g under pg under p Posts: 18,196
    I would agree with Mr Harrison however the thing I'm at odds with him is......the returning of the trophies to whomever gave his sons their trophies. In our American youth sports too many of our children feel entitled, I feel they should earn them instead.

    That said my daughter was into just about every sport there was. She was a star competitive swimmer so participation trophies were never an issue. However in soccer, softball and basketball they we're participation trophies, she never had much interest in them. We had so many of those they were put out in the shed. Her favorites were the gold/silver, all star medals for swimming given to her like they do in the Olympics.

    I coached her in softball and basketball....in softball I think I pushed her hard. She played in the Catholic School League being a 4th grader she made and started with 6th graders. I would take her out to fields and hit hundreds of balls to her, situational plays, catching, throwing etc. Now that I think I don't know how she didn't lose teeth and braces as hard as I hit those grounders. Anyway, we made it to the championship game against a far better team and pitcher. They jumped out ahead of us and started to talk trash....we came back with a hit from my daughter and she fielded and made the last out for our St Mary's to win the championship. To this day she still keeps that championship medal and team photo. One of my proudest days with her....it's still hard to believe we won that game.

    Point is she worked hard in practice for swimming and softball and it paid off. She had no interest in just participating, she wanted to win and be the best. I in no way influenced her in this way of thinking.....she just didn't want or liked to lose.

    Peace
    *We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti

    *MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
    .....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti

    *The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)


  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,954
    hedonist said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think it's damaging for sure. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that kids get prizes just for showing up. I also think these little graduations they have for middle school and various random grades is stupid. I don't really think that getting through grade 6 is not a special accomplishment unless we're talking about kids with mental disabilities. Getting through elementary school is a mandatory responsibility that doesn't deserve celebration IMO. I think all this over-congratulating is going to make kids think that everything they do is a lot more special than it is, which equals a bunch of entitled spoiled brats who expect to be rewarded for simply carrying out their responsibilities.
    I see the results of this already at work. Younger people have started whining about not getting enough pats on the back from their boss. They think they deserve special recognition just for doing an average job with their regular responsibilities. It's so stupid. Wtf do they think their pay cheques are????

    Fascinating thread! Much agreed with the the above, and must admit I'm coming at this from a general vs. sports-specific related view.

    Yes, that's where I was coming from too. TBH, sports didn't even occur to me until Mayday started talking about them. I was more thinking about the classroom, as well as rewarding kids for doing household chores, etc.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • FoxyRedLaFoxyRedLa Posts: 4,810
    Since when does an award for participation = winning?
    Oh please let it rain today.
    Those that can be trusted can change their mind.
  • SmellymanSmellyman Posts: 4,524
    NO.

    I think it's ridiculous. I'm 47 and remember getting participation ribbons in elementary school for field day activities and participation trophies for baseball, football, etc.

    It seems like a right wing pandering point to me.

    Yup. In my 40's as well and got praticipation ribbons too.


    What a stupid thing to say it is damaging youth.
Sign In or Register to comment.