First off they still give Trophys for All Stars etc. Nothing changed about that I am sure...
Second, I coaches two kids from Pee Wee baseball and football until they went to High School. We ALWAYS gave participation trophies. Why?
The vast majority of those kids, for one reason or another will never get to the point of reaching " serious" competition. The top kids were always recognized with All Star selection and other honors. But since these other kids went out and sweated and were were in the permanent rotation in LF or 3rd base. I felt like they deserved a pat on the back. I would sell it as a reward for hard work or dedication not participation. There is a difference between an award and recognition.
No idiot is going to say the trophy was for outstanding performance. Its a way to recognize the kid for helping the team, blocking for the big Star RB or Getting ran over play after play in practice against the 1st team linemen. IMO its respect. Its a small recognition and its the least the coaches can do to recognize that.
Most of those kids will drop out of sports and never play again. I think a recogntion of contributing to the team is as important for them as the Big Stars because they need to know that even in a small way these kids helped.
I hate to think of what James Harrisons kids lives will be like if they do not have the talent to excell enough to get a " real" award.
Parents are the ruination of kids sports and this is another example of why.
Second, I coaches two kids from Pee Wee baseball and football until they went to High School. We ALWAYS gave participation trophies. Why?
The vast majority of those kids, for one reason or another will never get to the point of reaching " serious" competition. The top kids were always recognized with All Star selection and other honors. But since these other kids went out and sweated and were were in the permanent rotation in LF or 3rd base. I felt like they deserved a pat on the back. I would sell it as a reward for hard work or dedication not participation. There is a difference between an award and recognition.
No idiot is going to say the trophy was for outstanding performance. Its a way to recognize the kid for helping the team, blocking for the big Star RB or Getting ran over play after play in practice against the 1st team linemen. IMO its respect. Its a small recognition and its the least the coaches can do to recognize that.
Most of those kids will drop out of sports and never play again. I think a recogntion of contributing to the team is as important for them as the Big Stars because they need to know that even in a small way these kids helped.
I hate to think of what James Harrisons kids lives will be like if they do not have the talent to excell enough to get a " real" award.
Parents are the ruination of kids sports and this is another example of why.
