Do participation trophies have a role in youth sports?

By Peter Schwartz | Posted 8/25/2015

Every time I walk into my son’s room, I can’t help but look over at a display of some amazing memories. On top of his dresser sits all of the trophies that he has received in youth sports since starting at age 3.

Now 9 years old, Bradley (inset below) has trophies for his participation in football, soccer and baseball as well as participation medals for street hockey and for a few quarter-mile races that raised money for charity.

I look at that hardware, and I can’t help but smile.

I remember when he scored 11 goals in one soccer game. I think back to a long touchdown run in his first year of tackle football that caused me to lose my mind. I’m brought back to a great play at the plate that he made in baseball as a catcher taking a throw, holding on and tagging out a runner.

There also are two championship trophies, one for football and one for baseball. Those are the crown jewels of his collection, but all of the others also have special meaning for a variety of reasons.

My 5-year-old son Jared (main photo) has only been involved in youth sports for two years.

His room includes two participation trophies for soccer. Jared is not nearly the sports enthusiast as Bradley is, but that didn’t prevent the biggest smile you’ve ever seen when he was presented with those trophies.

I look at the first trophy, and I remember the first goal that Jared ever scored. It came off a corner kick as a teammate booted the ball and Jared got a foot on it. It rolled ever so slowly across the goal line, prompting him to pump his fists and jump up and down.

A look at the second trophy reminds me of how far along he came from Year 1 to Year 2. In his first year, there were times when he had no interest in playing. The second season was completely different. He couldn’t wait to play, and he had a blast – scoring 17 goals, 16 more than the year before.

Those are all memories that my boys will always have. So will I and so will my wife Sheryl.

The subject of participation trophies became national news earlier this month when Steelers linebacker James Harrison took to Instagram to post a photo of trophies that his sons had received. That didn’t sit well with him, so he took them away and gave them back.

While I respect Harrison’s opinion along with other parents who share the same feelings, I disagree, and I don’t think that parents should take away the trophies.

I have no problem with boys and girls being rewarded for their hard work during the course of the season. I think there is a time when I child will outgrow the excitement of a participation trophy, but we’re not there yet in our family.

When I first saw Harrison’s comments, I thought about it for a while, then asked Bradley how he felt. I asked him if he still enjoys the participation trophies, and he said yes. When I asked him why, he said it rewards hard work and dedication.

Harrison’s sons are about the same age as my own and likely take part in the same types of leagues.

Bradley was quick to point out that he relishes his championship trophies a lot more because of the accomplishment. In my opinion, we underestimate the fact that most kids understand the difference between winning and losing or between celebration and participation.

It’s interesting that Harrison talks about earning things in life because recognizing participation can go in two different directions.

What about the guy who doesn’t step on the field in the Super Bowl and still gets a championship ring? That guy busted his butt in practice all year but never played. Should he give back the ring?

On the other hand, and bringing it all back to youth football, what about the kid who never shows up to practice or the kid who is always goofing off in practice? What about the kid who misses half the games because of conflicts with other sports or because maybe he or she just doesn’t want to play? Should that kid get a participation trophy?

At football practice last week, I asked about a dozen parents how they felt, and the results were mixed. There are good points to be made for both sides of the argument, but maybe there could be some common ground.

If the argument against participation trophies is that the kids didn’t earn them, then perhaps there’s a way to change that perception. What if there were certain requirements for a child to “earn” that trophy?

The parameters should be easy to reach but still requires the child to work hard for the reward. Here are some goals that a player should meet in order to receive a participation trophy:

  • Show up for practice. The number of practices that a team holds each week can differ. For example, Bradley’s team will practice three times a week until school starts, then two per week. Let’s say a child should be required to attend 75 percent of the practices during the course of the season to get that checkmark.
  • Be there on game day. Football is a unique game as all 11 players on a team need to function as a unit to execute a play. Sometimes a player, especially at the youth level, needs a rest so it’s important that everyone shows up for the games. Perhaps the requirement is that a player misses no more than two games during the season to satisfy that category. There is, of course, the injury factor which a coach would have to take into consideration.
  • Treat the game, coaches and teammates with respect. It’s important to have fun when playing football, but it’s also serious business. In practice, you want to learn the plays and get better. In games, the objective is to execute the plays and win. Players should take practice seriously and not horse around. Play hard during games, and when not in the game, pay attention on the sideline. The coaches should keep track of who is serious and who is not.

A coach also could add some special awards like offensive MVP, defensive MVP, most improved player, and an extra effort award.

The bottom line is that there should be no shame in accepting a participation trophy. It’s certainly a special feeling to win a championship or even finish in second or third place, but there’s more to youth football and youth sports in general than just winning.

A child can be honored for his or her hard work and dedication, but James Harrison is right about one thing.

Even with a participation trophy, a player has to earn it.

Peter Schwartz is an anchor and reporter for CBS Sports Radio and WFAN Radio in New York. You can read his general CBS New York sports blog at newyork.cbslocal.com/tag/peter-schwartz/. You can follow him on Twitter @pschwartzcbsfan. Peter’s son Bradley plays for the Levittown Red Devils of the Nassau Suffolk Football League on Long Island in New York. 

Share