All-Star How Do You Feel About “participation” Trophies?

[Sterling von Shimmer]

In my experience all kids know what a participation award means. They do expect it, because they’ve been getting them since they were about five. Do they appreciate it? I don’t know? But they pretty much think they deserve it. And I don’t see that there is much harm in them thinking it is more than a “ thanks for sticking out the season”

Yeah I’ve definitely rethought the entire idea recently. I don’t believe in handing out awards just to spare feelings. But I do believe the girls should be acknowledged for all their hard work throughout the year. You could argue, “Oh that’s what they signed up for, they shouldn’t be awarded for doing the bare minimum,” but I think that’s a little short-sighted. In the real world, isn’t that was holiday bonuses are for? A reward for putting in the work you were hired to do?

 

[coacha]

You could argue, “Oh that’s what they signed up for, they shouldn’t be awarded for doing the bare minimum,” but I think that’s a little short-sighted. In the real world, isn’t that was holiday bonuses are for? A reward for putting in the work you were hired to do?

I don't know anywhere that holiday bonuses are for putting in the bare minimum. They are usually performance based.

I believe that getting better is the reward for putting in the work. I coach high school, and it that arena, there is no better reward than their peers telling them they look good at games/pep rallies. My kids get their varsity letter if they meet our requirements and that's their award.

Having said that, I also saw your post in the high school forums and I should add that I also don't do those type of awards. They know who has the best jumps, who is the best back spot, etc. These are high school kids, they aren't stupid.

Now, participation awards for the younger set is a different thing (like under 8).

 

[cheeringonmyown]

In terms of competitions, I don’t like the idea of participation awards.

However, as an athlete I always appreciated the “year end reward” that we got at the end of the season, which was usually a medal or certificate. Maybe its because I’m a really sentimental person, but I liked it as a reminder of the personal goals that I accomplished throughout the season as well as the work that I put in for all those months.

 

[BlockHead]

I do believe most of these kids look at these "trophies" as souvenirs. For some kids, the participation medals might be the only thing that they ever receive from competitions. Their gyms might not have the talent to place well at competitions (I am not referring to the children. I am referring to great choreography, coaching experience, creativity, etc). These gifts might be one of the things that keep them in the sport. For some gyms, performing their best, will never be good enough to come out on top. You are only as good as the routine that your gym has put together for you. If these medals make just a few kids smile, I think they are worth it.

 

[Sterling von Shimmer]

I don't know anywhere that holiday bonuses are for putting in the bare minimum. They are usually performance based.

I believe that getting better is the reward for putting in the work. I coach high school, and it that arena, there is no better reward than their peers telling them they look good at games/pep rallies. My kids get their varsity letter if they meet our requirements and that's their award.

Having said that, I also saw your post in the high school forums and I should add that I also don't do those type of awards. They know who has the best jumps, who is the best back spot, etc. These are high school kids, they aren't stupid.

Now, participation awards for the younger set is a different thing (like under 8).

At a few of the places I’ve worked, I’ve gotten some sort of end-of-the-year gift. Maybe “holiday bonus” wasn’t the right term. I’ve gotten paid vacation days for over the holidays, spa gift certificates, etc. That’s what I was comparing it to.

It also should be said: I LOVE giving out awards lol. Love giving out sashes for cheerleader of the week. Love gift bags. In that way, it’s just as much for me as it is for them.

That being said, I still don’t believe in giving out awards for nothing. So I’m really trying to get it through to the girls: “I WILL give you an individual award at the end of the year. I’d love to. You have plenty of opportunities to earn one. But you HAVE to earn it. I’m not going to just make up an award for you the night before so your feelings aren’t hurt. You’ve known the deal since you made this team.”

So far it’s worked with only a handful of whining parents.