According to a 2014 survey, 57% of American parents felt that trophies should only be given to the winning players on a sporting team. Although this is a heated debate in sports, trophies are also used to celebrate achievements in other fields, like academia and extracurriculars.
Regardless of how frequently they’re used, the question remains: do trophies matter? Perhaps more importantly, are trophies good or bad? Should trophies matter, do they need to be custom trophies?
Keep reading to learn about both sides of the debate!
The Origin of Trophies
The word trophy derived from the Greek tropaion, meaning “to rout”. The early trophies were used to symbolize conquest in war, often made to resemble warriors. Soldiers would often dedicate these trophies to their gods and goddesses.
Trophies have always been used to signify victory.
While they are frequently given to athletes, intellects, and artists in recognition of their esteemed talent and hard work, the debate often surfaces regarding participation trophies.
Trophies: the Pros and Cons
Trophies boost confidence and they make people feel good. They reinforce a person’s value and effort. For kids especially, giving out a trophy can encourage them to stick with a certain sport or activity, or otherwise encourage them to try out something new.
The knowledge that there is a trophy to be won also inspires participants to work harder.
As for the cons, some believe that a participation trophy can have the opposite effect. The idea that “everyone is a winner” actually discourages participants from trying harder because they believe they’ll get something simply by showing up. This mentality also contradicts reality, in which failure is a very common occurrence.
Another con is that trophies distract from other important values. Some coaches believe that trophies don’t matter. They care more about teamwork, competition, and the experience rather than the consolation of a participation trophy.
Should Trophies Exist?
After a thorough review of the pros and cons, there is still plenty of favor that warrants the existence of trophies.
A requirement, however, is that the trophies should only be given if it serves its original purpose – to symbolize victory. If trophies are given to everyone or given away without demanding a certain standard of excellence, then the trophy itself becomes meaningless and less desirable.
A trophy that is easily won is no longer a trophy.
A trophy that requires time, effort, and talent, however, can motivate others to achieve greatness.
This type of special recognition is also achieved through custom trophies. A custom trophy commends an individual for their unique contributions. These trophies also offer a chance for personalization to represent a particular sport, team, or brand.
Before investing in custom trophies, it’s best to learn more about the types of customization available, as well as pricing.
Benefits of Recognition
The debate about trophies, be it participation or custom trophies, is never-ending. However, whether you are giving the trophies or receiving them, it is important to acknowledge their purpose. Ultimately, any trophy aims at making someone feel valued, which always matters.
Check out the rest of our site to stay up to date on other trending topics!
