Should Trophies Be Given for Participation?

A sportsmanship award could also be beneficial when given for participation. The middle ground argues that these types of awards are beneficial to the child's self-esteem. They argue that children know when they are receiving something they didn't earn. For example, a "showing up" participation award.

Why we should give participation trophies?

Participation Trophies Are Good

Giving children a reward for their efforts is great, because it shows them the value of being present, working hard, and contributing to a team. They are shown how good it is to be reliable, and how important the effort of every person is, no matter if it leads to a victory or a loss.

What are the pros and cons of giving trophies for participation?

Participation Trophies: The Pros & Cons
  • Pro: A Boost of Confidence. Not everyone is a winner. ...
  • Con: We Play to Win the Game. Trying certainly matters, but when it comes down to it, the point of playing sports—much like any other game—is to win. ...
  • Pro: Something to Play For. ...
  • Con: Rewarding Proper Effort.
Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.