James Harrison to return sons' participation trophies (1 Viewer)

[seahawk 17]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

 

[skol asylum]

Oh bull####. We are talking little kids here. These sport activities are an opportunity to learn and have fun, as well as to be part of a team and be physically active. If anything it's the overly pushy parents with high expectations ridiculing their kids for screwing up constantly that is the problem here, leading to kids that grow up extremely self conscious and messed up emotionally.

 

[timschochet]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

We need more Great Santinis!

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

Glad you guys were able to solve that for us.

 

[shuke]

I can't imagine what is going to happen when this group of kids that we are raising has to make it out into the workforce and deal with some of the Richards that are out there who demand it all done yesterday and don't offer up a cookie for doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Give me a break. I'm 42, and I remember getting participation trophies in youth sports. This is not a new phenomenon.

You did?

Why would I make this up?

 

[shuke]

I can't imagine what is going to happen when this group of kids that we are raising has to make it out into the workforce and deal with some of the Richards that are out there who demand it all done yesterday and don't offer up a cookie for doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Give me a break. I'm 42, and I remember getting participation trophies in youth sports. This is not a new phenomenon.

It's nowhere near like it was.

What's the difference, in regards to the trophies?

They get them all the time for everything. We used to get certificates and ribbons here and there but now you get them for eating lunch and you don't even have to eat anything.

How old are your kids? What are they getting them for? I honestly can't think of any trophies or certificates my kids are getting other then sports and honor roll.

 

[shuke]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

Participation Trophy's what?

 

[joffer]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

yes this is a really popular, and unbelievably stupid opinion.

 

[None_More_Black]

I think it's fine as long as they don't get rid of MVP or most improved type trophies. It is just a way to commemorate a year of sports. I don't see an important distinction between a ribbon, trophy, or certificate. His kids were probably in some type of private athletic league and paying parents probably expect something more then a piece of paper for their money.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

My wife gave me a trophy because I have the biggest wang she's ever seen.

she just gave me a participation trophy

 

[GroveDiesel]

6 year olds are just learning to play the game. The kids work hard to learn the game and get better. I don't see a problem with rewarding them, giving them some excitement about the sport and making them happy.

My daughter participated in t-ball/coach pitch this year. She has auditory processing issues and some fine motor issues that are going to make life tough for her in general. But she was able to play baseball this year, worked her butt off to improve and was thrilled to death when she got a trophy at the end of the year. It's the greatest thing in the world to her and she is so proud that she earned it after working so hard.

For kids that age, rewarding them for working hard and doing their best is at least as important as rewarding outcomes. Kids that learn that working their hardest is important are probably going to be more successful than kids that learn that talent is the only thing that matters.

I'm thankful my kid worked hard and that she was given a trophy. It taught her that working to get better even though it was hard sometimes came with a reward. That's something that will benefit every kid, but especially a kid with the deck stacked against her in life. And the joy she got from receiving it makes it well worth it.

Guys like Harrison can go ahead and feel good about themselves teaching their kids that the only thing that matters in life is winning and that that's where someone's value comes from, but I'd rather teach my kid that effort is important and that her value is more than an outcome.

 

[Christo]

I can't imagine what is going to happen when this group of kids that we are raising has to make it out into the workforce and deal with some of the Richards that are out there who demand it all done yesterday and don't offer up a cookie for doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Give me a break. I'm 42, and I remember getting participation trophies in youth sports. This is not a new phenomenon.

You did?

Why would I make this up?

Any number of reasons. Where were you when you received these participation trophies?

 

[seahawk 17]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

yes this is a really popular, and unbelievably stupid opinion.

Please don't insinuate that my opinion is stupid., it hurts my feelings and causes me mental anguish.

See what I did there? Society is out of control.

 

[Bucky86]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

yes this is a really popular, and unbelievably stupid opinion.

Please don't insinuate that my opinion is stupid., it hurts my feelings and causes me mental anguish.

See what I did there? Society is out of control.

Nice try. Good effort!

 

[joffer]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

yes this is a really popular, and unbelievably stupid opinion.

Please don't insinuate that my opinion is stupid., it hurts my feelings and causes me mental anguish.

See what I did there? Society is out of control.

pretty sure I didn't "insinuate" anything. I was pretty clear.

 

[PIK95]

Never too early for kids to learn that their dad is a ####.

Bingo!

 

[larch]

I can't imagine what is going to happen when this group of kids that we are raising has to make it out into the workforce and deal with some of the Richards that are out there who demand it all done yesterday and don't offer up a cookie for doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Give me a break. I'm 42, and I remember getting participation trophies in youth sports. This is not a new phenomenon.

This explains so much now.

 

[mr roboto]

List of FBG's who will complain about this...

Kinda surprisingly, shuke and NCC. Huh.

 

[msommer]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

yes this is a really popular, and unbelievably stupid opinion.

It seem that in that opinion to have a generation of perpetual losers is the preferred end game

 

[Frostillicus]

If they're young he's just a jackass. Little kids enjoy getting them, older kids don't care. I think participation trophies stopped when the kids were pretty much all 8 and older. We did give the runner up in each championship game a trophy. I think he can identify with that.

:goodposing:

The faux rage about participation trophies these days is laughable.

My 5 year old daughter got a participation trophy for playing soccer. It is instructional soccer, they don't play with goalies and don't keep score. So there's nothing to "win". I see the trophy as a sign of her accomplishment, which was taking part in a new sport, trying hard, learning about teamwork and sportsmanship.

She was very proud and excited.

Interesting timing with tonight being my kids last night of tee ball. In our city they play tee ball for three years from 4-7, and this year it worked out that both my kids could play on the same team. It's my daughter's third year and my son's first and she spent the whole car ride there telling him about how you get a trophy at the end. For some reason this year there were no trophies. They were both super bummed. Until the head coach busted out the mini snickers, then it was cool, but for kids that young I can't imagine the mindset that leads to being staunchly anti-trophy.

 

[flapgreen]

I never saw the harm in participation trophies. If this can motivate a kid to do something that is good for them, why is that not a good thing?

If they then turn out to be really good at what ever it is they do, then they can earn real trophies.

Agreed. Seems like a small thing to get bothered over.

 

[cstu]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

Winning doesn't matter.

 

[flapgreen]

6 year olds are just learning to play the game. The kids work hard to learn the game and get better. I don't see a problem with rewarding them, giving them some excitement about the sport and making them happy.

My daughter participated in t-ball/coach pitch this year. She has auditory processing issues and some fine motor issues that are going to make life tough for her in general. But she was able to play baseball this year, worked her butt off to improve and was thrilled to death when she got a trophy at the end of the year. It's the greatest thing in the world to her and she is so proud that she earned it after working so hard.

For kids that age, rewarding them for working hard and doing their best is at least as important as rewarding outcomes. Kids that learn that working their hardest is important are probably going to be more successful than kids that learn that talent is the only thing that matters.

I'm thankful my kid worked hard and that she was given a trophy. It taught her that working to get better even though it was hard sometimes came with a reward. That's something that will benefit every kid, but especially a kid with the deck stacked against her in life. And the joy she got from receiving it makes it well worth it.

Guys like Harrison can go ahead and feel good about themselves teaching their kids that the only thing that matters in life is winning and that that's where someone's value comes from, but I'd rather teach my kid that effort is important and that her value is more than an outcome.

Amen!

 

[shuke]

6 year olds are just learning to play the game. The kids work hard to learn the game and get better. I don't see a problem with rewarding them, giving them some excitement about the sport and making them happy.

My daughter participated in t-ball/coach pitch this year. She has auditory processing issues and some fine motor issues that are going to make life tough for her in general. But she was able to play baseball this year, worked her butt off to improve and was thrilled to death when she got a trophy at the end of the year. It's the greatest thing in the world to her and she is so proud that she earned it after working so hard.

For kids that age, rewarding them for working hard and doing their best is at least as important as rewarding outcomes. Kids that learn that working their hardest is important are probably going to be more successful than kids that learn that talent is the only thing that matters.

I'm thankful my kid worked hard and that she was given a trophy. It taught her that working to get better even though it was hard sometimes came with a reward. That's something that will benefit every kid, but especially a kid with the deck stacked against her in life. And the joy she got from receiving it makes it well worth it.

Guys like Harrison can go ahead and feel good about themselves teaching their kids that the only thing that matters in life is winning and that that's where someone's value comes from, but I'd rather teach my kid that effort is important and that her value is more than an outcome.

YOU'RE RUINING AMERICA!

 

[shuke]

I can't imagine what is going to happen when this group of kids that we are raising has to make it out into the workforce and deal with some of the Richards that are out there who demand it all done yesterday and don't offer up a cookie for doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Give me a break. I'm 42, and I remember getting participation trophies in youth sports. This is not a new phenomenon.

You did?

Why would I make this up?

Any number of reasons. Where were you when you received these participation trophies?

Kettering, Ohio.

 

[Frostillicus]

I can't imagine what is going to happen when this group of kids that we are raising has to make it out into the workforce and deal with some of the Richards that are out there who demand it all done yesterday and don't offer up a cookie for doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Give me a break. I'm 42, and I remember getting participation trophies in youth sports. This is not a new phenomenon.

You did?

Why would I make this up?

Any number of reasons. Where were you when you received these participation trophies?

Kettering, Ohio.

Fake

 

[shuke]

Just got into this topic of conversation at a BBQ yesterday. It was agreed upon that this is a big reason why American's have become so soft.

Participation Trophy's, winning doesn't matter just have fun, no discipline, political correctness.

We are raising a bunch of softies.

yes this is a really popular, and unbelievably stupid opinion.

Please don't insinuate that my opinion is stupid., it hurts my feelings and causes me mental anguish.

See what I did there? Society is out of control.

OUT OF CONTROL

 

[shuke]

I can't imagine what is going to happen when this group of kids that we are raising has to make it out into the workforce and deal with some of the Richards that are out there who demand it all done yesterday and don't offer up a cookie for doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Give me a break. I'm 42, and I remember getting participation trophies in youth sports. This is not a new phenomenon.

This explains so much now.

This actually makes me feel awesome, coming from the board's biggest loser.

 

[flapgreen]

 

[EYLive]

Good for him. Too many blousy parents out there churning out another generation of soft whiny liberals.

 

[belljr]

7 year old tball?

 

[Frostillicus]

7 year old tball?

Yes. I'd rather them have started coach's pitch at that point, but whatevs, she's having fun. Which I'm sure is a horrible thing and I'm ruining her for life.

 

[Softballguy]

6 year olds are just learning to play the game. The kids work hard to learn the game and get better. I don't see a problem with rewarding them, giving them some excitement about the sport and making them happy.

My daughter participated in t-ball/coach pitch this year. She has auditory processing issues and some fine motor issues that are going to make life tough for her in general. But she was able to play baseball this year, worked her butt off to improve and was thrilled to death when she got a trophy at the end of the year. It's the greatest thing in the world to her and she is so proud that she earned it after working so hard.

For kids that age, rewarding them for working hard and doing their best is at least as important as rewarding outcomes. Kids that learn that working their hardest is important are probably going to be more successful than kids that learn that talent is the only thing that matters.

I'm thankful my kid worked hard and that she was given a trophy. It taught her that working to get better even though it was hard sometimes came with a reward. That's something that will benefit every kid, but especially a kid with the deck stacked against her in life. And the joy she got from receiving it makes it well worth it.

Guys like Harrison can go ahead and feel good about themselves teaching their kids that the only thing that matters in life is winning and that that's where someone's value comes from, but I'd rather teach my kid that effort is important and that her value is more than an outcome.

I coach a ton of youth sports. This post is so perfect...

Results are so overrated... it's effort that we should reward and having fun that we should promote at a young age.

 

[Frostillicus]

6 year olds are just learning to play the game. The kids work hard to learn the game and get better. I don't see a problem with rewarding them, giving them some excitement about the sport and making them happy.

My daughter participated in t-ball/coach pitch this year. She has auditory processing issues and some fine motor issues that are going to make life tough for her in general. But she was able to play baseball this year, worked her butt off to improve and was thrilled to death when she got a trophy at the end of the year. It's the greatest thing in the world to her and she is so proud that she earned it after working so hard.

For kids that age, rewarding them for working hard and doing their best is at least as important as rewarding outcomes. Kids that learn that working their hardest is important are probably going to be more successful than kids that learn that talent is the only thing that matters.

I'm thankful my kid worked hard and that she was given a trophy. It taught her that working to get better even though it was hard sometimes came with a reward. That's something that will benefit every kid, but especially a kid with the deck stacked against her in life. And the joy she got from receiving it makes it well worth it.

Guys like Harrison can go ahead and feel good about themselves teaching their kids that the only thing that matters in life is winning and that that's where someone's value comes from, but I'd rather teach my kid that effort is important and that her value is more than an outcome.

I coach a ton of youth sports. This post is so perfect...

Results are so overrated... it's effort that we should reward and having fun that we should promote at a young age.

But you're ruining America.

 

[Softballguy]

6 year olds are just learning to play the game. The kids work hard to learn the game and get better. I don't see a problem with rewarding them, giving them some excitement about the sport and making them happy.

My daughter participated in t-ball/coach pitch this year. She has auditory processing issues and some fine motor issues that are going to make life tough for her in general. But she was able to play baseball this year, worked her butt off to improve and was thrilled to death when she got a trophy at the end of the year. It's the greatest thing in the world to her and she is so proud that she earned it after working so hard.

For kids that age, rewarding them for working hard and doing their best is at least as important as rewarding outcomes. Kids that learn that working their hardest is important are probably going to be more successful than kids that learn that talent is the only thing that matters.

I'm thankful my kid worked hard and that she was given a trophy. It taught her that working to get better even though it was hard sometimes came with a reward. That's something that will benefit every kid, but especially a kid with the deck stacked against her in life. And the joy she got from receiving it makes it well worth it.

Guys like Harrison can go ahead and feel good about themselves teaching their kids that the only thing that matters in life is winning and that that's where someone's value comes from, but I'd rather teach my kid that effort is important and that her value is more than an outcome.

I coach a ton of youth sports. This post is so perfect...

Results are so overrated... it's effort that we should reward and having fun that we should promote at a young age.

But you're ruining America.

Ha, you're right. Making little kids feel good about themselves, giving them something they can be proud of, rewarding them for listening, doing what they've been taught, practicing hard, and working together... why the hell should that matter when another 7 year old team beat them according to the score?

These parents and coaches who think results matter at this age are pretty much the worst people ever.

 

[fantasycurse42]

In 7th grade about 20 years ago we finished 2nd in our county tournament in basketball. We were up by 1 with 1 second on the clock and the other team had possession. After a time out, they inbounded the ball, the kid catches it facing sideways, takes a dribble, pump fakes, and then hits a basket from the elbow. The whole sequence had to be roughly 4 or 5 seconds.

Three of my buddies and myself took our second place trophies and put them in the garbage right there and then for everyone to see. I called the ref and scoreboard guy blind morons afterwards too. We wanted the championship trophies, the ones we earned. At this point, if my son did that, I'd probably reprimand him a little, but I'd understand.

By the age of 10 or so, participation trophies are stupid. Any unearned trophy is stupid once you're a certain age. For a 5 or 6 year old, I don't have an issue though.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I finished 2nd in the Olympics one time, I threw my silver medal in the trash and told the judges they were blind morons.

 

[renesauz]

If he was genuine about this why didn't he just do it, rather than tell the world about it?

It wasn't like a donation to a charitable cause where it detracts from it if you publicize your own good deeds. In this instance, he's TRYING to call people out for supporting the participation trophy generation

Exactly. Participation trophies are beyond stupid. Have an end of year get-together at Pizza HUt to celebrate participation.

 

[renesauz]

6 year olds are just learning to play the game. The kids work hard to learn the game and get better. I don't see a problem with rewarding them, giving them some excitement about the sport and making them happy.

My daughter participated in t-ball/coach pitch this year. She has auditory processing issues and some fine motor issues that are going to make life tough for her in general. But she was able to play baseball this year, worked her butt off to improve and was thrilled to death when she got a trophy at the end of the year. It's the greatest thing in the world to her and she is so proud that she earned it after working so hard.

For kids that age, rewarding them for working hard and doing their best is at least as important as rewarding outcomes. Kids that learn that working their hardest is important are probably going to be more successful than kids that learn that talent is the only thing that matters.

I'm thankful my kid worked hard and that she was given a trophy. It taught her that working to get better even though it was hard sometimes came with a reward. That's something that will benefit every kid, but especially a kid with the deck stacked against her in life. And the joy she got from receiving it makes it well worth it.

Guys like Harrison can go ahead and feel good about themselves teaching their kids that the only thing that matters in life is winning and that that's where someone's value comes from, but I'd rather teach my kid that effort is important and that her value is more than an outcome.

I coach a ton of youth sports. This post is so perfect...

Results are so overrated... it's effort that we should reward and having fun that we should promote at a young age.

See....I can agree with this and still be anti-trophy for participation. Trophies have always signified victory. Can't we teach that effort is important without giving, as a reward for that effort, the exact same reward we give the victors?

Rewarding and encouraging participation in the youngest players isn't a bad idea. Doing so with a TROPHY is a bad idea.

 

[timschochet]

Hey Yankees! You can take your apology AND your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ###!

 

[Tom Servo]

Hello my friend,

I agree and disagree with you here. Parents DO have a lot more to do with any of that than a trophy, 100% agree.

I disagree that they should get a trophy for sticking to a commitment. It's a terrible precedent to set, and it coddles the kids. They need to learn like I did and like I taught my daughter, you make a commitment you stick to it, and if you don't you're going to get your ### chewed. You teach them the value of sticking to a commitment. Not lean on a trophy or medal. It's more important to stress they stick with it more when he/she sucks at it. Kids and people in general quit too easy today. Take the easy way out. That doesn't bode well for their future because we all know life is not easy.

Edited to add, all that said, him throwing the trophies away is wrong.

What is wrong with rewarding a kid for sticking to something? If you think it's important for a kid to want to stick with something than you should reward that behavior, not make them never want to try because if they can't finish they are going to get their ### chewed.

You take 'em out for ice cream and praise them for their efforts. You don't have to dust a memory.

 

[Tom Servo]

In 7th grade about 20 years ago we finished 2nd in our county tournament in basketball. We were up by 1 with 1 second on the clock and the other team had possession. After a time out, they inbounded the ball, the kid catches it facing sideways, takes a dribble, pump fakes, and then hits a basket from the elbow. The whole sequence had to be roughly 4 or 5 seconds.

Three of my buddies and myself took our second place trophies and put them in the garbage right there and then for everyone to see. I called the ref and scoreboard guy blind morons afterwards too. We wanted the championship trophies, the ones we earned. At this point, if my son did that, I'd probably reprimand him a little, but I'd understand.

By the age of 10 or so, participation trophies are stupid. Any unearned trophy is stupid once you're a certain age. For a 5 or 6 year old, I don't have an issue though.

I have the picture of you and your friends protest.

 

[Peyton Marino]

Great thread

 

[belljr]

7 year old tball?

Yes. I'd rather them have started coach's pitch at that point, but whatevs, she's having fun. Which I'm sure is a horrible thing and I'm ruining her for life.

Lol...just thought it was old for tball.

 

[matuski]

I finished 2nd in the Olympics one time, I threw my silver medal in the trash and told the judges they were blind morons.

Special Olympics?

 

[Sweet J]

I throw ours away. I tried to get the rec park guy to stop buying them. When he finally did he said he got this huge response from everyone else that they really wanted them. So back to the trash I go.

When I coached, the parents/kids always seemed to want some sort of trinket to remember the season by, and I could dig it. A couple years the kids got framed pictures of their team. On my daughter's team when they were younger, the coach gave the girls T-shirts (maybe even with a team picture on it) that the girls are signed, which was pretty cool.

 

[Sweet J]

Hello my friend,

I agree and disagree with you here. Parents DO have a lot more to do with any of that than a trophy, 100% agree.

I disagree that they should get a trophy for sticking to a commitment. It's a terrible precedent to set, and it coddles the kids. They need to learn like I did and like I taught my daughter, you make a commitment you stick to it, and if you don't you're going to get your ### chewed. You teach them the value of sticking to a commitment. Not lean on a trophy or medal. It's more important to stress they stick with it more when he/she sucks at it. Kids and people in general quit too easy today. Take the easy way out. That doesn't bode well for their future because we all know life is not easy.

Edited to add, all that said, him throwing the trophies away is wrong.

What is wrong with rewarding a kid for sticking to something? If you think it's important for a kid to want to stick with something than you should reward that behavior, not make them never want to try because if they can't finish they are going to get their ### chewed.

You take 'em out for ice cream and praise them for their efforts. You don't have to dust a memory.

 

[top dog]

We give out participation trophies at work here. They are called quarterly bonuses. They are based off net profits. The amount you receive is based off your salary and I believe something to do with years of service. There are quite a few people who get these based off just participating and not really contributing.

 

[top dog]

I think participation trophies for kids are pretty dumb, but it was never anything I thought was detrimental to society or any craziness like that. My son was a wrestler from a young age through middle school. They gave out trophies for 1-4th place in pretty much every tournament. I remember a few times where my son was about 10ish and would end up winning one match, then losing every match after and getting a 4th place trophy because there were only 5 kids or something in his bracket. He hated those trophies and just chucked them in a box somewhere. He always wanted to win. Could have cared less about getting a trophy.

If the kids have any competitive spirit, it works itself out. He wrestled through high school and some college. Getting those participation trophies didn't ruin him.

 

[roadkill1292]

What's the real issue here bothering people? Does anyone think we don't have enough competitive people in society? Not everybody lives in sports dork world, you know.