Should Everyone Get a Trophy?

March 15, 2021

Trophies for competing in Little League. Ribbons for taking part in science fairs. Medals for playing on soccer teams. These are just some of the awards kids can receive—whether they win a competition or not.

Some people say giving out awards for participation sends the wrong message. They argue that when everyone gets a trophy, the awards aren’t special and don’t motivate kids to do better. Others point out that participation trophies don’t prepare kids for adulthood, when people don’t win awards just for showing up.

But others argue that participation trophies reward kids for sportsmanship, teamwork, and trying their best. And, they say, building those types of skills is more important than becoming a superstar.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

Everyone should be able to receive a trophy. We like to have winners and losers, but we need to start thinking differently. Getting a trophy or a medal can give kids more confidence, even if they’re not the best player. All kids should get the chance to feel like winners.

Also, in the real world, we’ll need to be able to collaborate with others. When we play sports, we learn that the team is more important than one individual. That teamwork should be rewarded, even if the team doesn’t come in first place.

Getting a trophy just for showing up is like getting one for breathing. You should only get rewarded for actually accomplishing something. I’ve been doing tae kwon do since I was 6. Every time I get ready to test for a new belt, I practice—a lot! The only way to earn a black belt is through hard work. If everyone got a belt just for coming to class, it would have no meaning.

Not winning encourages kids to try harder. If my tae kwon do master told me everything I did was perfect, I wouldn’t have come so far.