Participation Trophy Poll
 

In one of the replies in the Trayvon Martin thread, a poster was offended by the idea of Participation Trophies. Of course the subject at hand had nothing to do with Participation Trophies but I thought I would do a poll to assess your views on the matter. That is if this works. If it doesn't I hope to at least receive a Participation Trophy for my efforts.

Give all the young kids a trophy to boost their morale...I say. Life will beat them down soon enough.

I read what you did in that thread. I think you rightfully earned the recognition you received. Supporting a team or organization for that long is a rarity now days. As far as getting recognition for showing up at a event, I do not, and have never liked the idea.

So, I tried to make this a public poll, but apparently that didn't work. I, of course voted for option 3. Everyone knows that a Participation trophy is not the same as an accomplishment trophy, but it does acknowledge that the person has put in the work.

Every year I attend the end of season boys basketball dinner for the Riverside Brookfield basketball team. Every player at all levels receives an envelope from the coaching staff. The Freshman and Sophomore team members are introduced by name, but no comments are made. The Head Varsity coach introduces each varsity player by name and lists that players accomplishments.

Every player receives a certificate acknowledging his place as a member of the team. But no one equates that with the trophy that a player receives for being on the regional championship team (Which we won last season) or for being on the All Conference Team (Which we had four last year including conference MVP)

I think even young children (Maybe seven or older) understand the difference between winning and participating.

Kids, even young ones know the difference between winning and losing. They want to win and if they don't, they won't be playing. It's about morale, but more importantly it's about wanting to be a contributing part of something bigger than themselves.

What if I don't care but hate Christmas with a huge passion?

Darn, I knew I should have allowed multiple options!
Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch invite you to tea.

Questions for those of you who have kids or grandkids participating in sports or other competitive activities. Does the organization give out participation trophies. Are these actual trophies or are they certificates. Every kid gets a participation trophy but does the organization recognize exceptional performance or success with clearly superior trophies.?

I can see why you've started this thread. You're been "participating" on this forum for 12 long years and according to your rep points, you have nothing to show for it. No one has officially recognized you for showing up here virtually every day. I can appreciate how that would be a self-esteem destroyer.

Will someone be merciful and give Mostie a rep point, please? Life cannot be this unfair all the time for the poor guy, can it? :popcorn:

Any award or reward given without being earned sends a horrible message to a young child. Kids are given everything these days and a trophy for just existing cements their belief that they are entitled to receive everything without achievement.

I applaud you on your well-earned award!

It worked fine. To see who voted, just click on one of the vote tallies.

Totals don't match the list of posters - not enough names.

mostie, nothing makes a kid want to be a winner more than losing.

That's because you don't need to be a registered user to vote in polls.

Thanks for clearing that up. I was not aware of that necessary procedure.

Also something I did not know.