Steelers linebacker James Harrison makes sons return participation trophies

[GIF REACTION]

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/steelers-harrison-sons-return-particiapation-trophies-article-1.2327595

Do you agree with Harrison? His sons are 6 and 8. I agree with what he did. We shouldn't be giving out trophies for participation. Sends the wrong message. Bad character. Mediocrity...

[nathanjizzle]

Whatever. *rolls eyes*

[GIF REACTION]

Whatever. *rolls eyes*
How you been bro

[UK2K]

Depends. I received participation trophies as a kid.

I also received awards as a kid.

I don't have a problem with everybody receiving a participation trophy as long as awards for outstanding performance are given out as well.

[NumberSix]

Depends. I received participation trophies as a kid.

I also received awards as a kid.

I don't have a problem with everybody receiving a participation trophy as long as awards for outstanding performance are given out as well.
We now live in an age where everybody thinks they're entitled to high paying CEO jobs they didn't earn. These people were the first "everybody gets a trophy" generation.

The message people grow up with should be clear. Winners gonna win, losers gonna lose. You wanna win? Somebody's not gonna just hand you a W. You gotta do what it takes to get it.

[Lensanity]

When I have kids I won't let them accept participation awards. Builds a ***** mentality.

[UK2K]

We now live in an age where everybody thinks they're entitled to high paying CEO jobs they didn't earn. These people were the first "everybody gets a trophy" generation.

The message people grow up with should be clear. Winners gonna win, losers gonna lose. You wanna win? Somebody's not gonna just hand you a W. You gotta do what it takes to get it.

That's why I said if they give both.

I would play in leagues where I would receive a participation trophy AND an MVP award.

I don't mind the participation trophy part as long as excellence is still recognized.

[Lensanity]

That's why I said if they give both.

I would play in leagues where I would receive a participation trophy AND an MVP award.

I don't mind the participation trophy part as long as excellence is still recognized.
But what about the fat ugly kid that sucks and won't win any awards? That's right, he gets a participation award. What a joke. We need to teach kids that there are winners and losers in life and if you want to be a winner you must work for it.

[UK2K]

But what about the fat ugly kid that sucks and won't win any awards? That's right, he gets a participation award. What a joke. We need to teach kids that there are winners and losers in life and if you want to be a winner you must work for it.

The fat ugly kid receives an award for participating in the league, which is a lot more than a lot of other fat ugly kids were willing to do.

He is a participant, not a winner. The winners get participation trophies AND awards for winners. If you want a winners trophy, you have to earn it.

[Lensanity]

The fat ugly kid receives an award for participating in the league, which is a lot more than a lot of other fat ugly kids were willing to do.

He is a participant, not a winner. The winners get participation trophies AND awards for winners. If you want a winners trophy, you have to earn it.


The fat ugly kid is a ****ing loser who averaged 0.0 PPG on a terrible percentage and should not be awarded with shit. Losers get nothing. Don't give a loser satisfaction over his failure.

[Trollsmasher]

great father:applause:

participation trophies breed weak willed, leftist pussays

[Nanners]

its funny when adults complain about participation trophies.

i remember when i was a kid and i would receive a participation trophy for little league or whatever, none of the kids ever gave a single **** about those trophies. nobody ever felt a sense of accomplishment because of a little league participation trophy. the kids always knew that participation trophies are meaningless. these type of trophies are just supposed to be a fun little momento, nobody puts a participation trophy in their trophy case.

harrison is a moron.

[Lensanity]

its funny when adults complain about participation trophy.

i remember when i was a kid and i would receive a participation trophy for little league or whatever, i never gave a single **** about those trophies. the kids all know that participation trophies are meaningless, harrison is a moron.
Then they should stop giving them out, agreed?

[Lensanity]

I'm just going to leave this here http://www.glennbeck.com/publish/uploads/2014/08/salary-breakdown.png

[UK2K]

I'm just going to leave this here http://www.glennbeck.com/publish/uploads/2014/08/salary-breakdown.png

Well as always, the bottom of the society barrel want some sort of recognition without actually sacrificing to achieve.

What else is new?

[Nanners]

Then they should stop giving them out, agreed?

i dont really care either way. the trophies are meaningless and all the kids know it.

[Lensanity]

Well as always, the bottom of the society barrel want some sort of recognition without actually sacrificing to achieve.

What else is new?


Yup.
Society's losers are so entitled. If you never make over 30k a year in your life then you are a pathetic loser who deserves nothing.

[Jailblazers7]

Pretty sure a participation trophy isn't going to make or break a kid's idea about work/reward. That idea is shaped by a million parenting decisions throughout childhood.

[niko]

Then they should stop giving them out, agreed?
it's irrelevent. Only parents who are worried about their kids not excelling because they are living through them because they are losers care either way.

[Lensanity]

it's irrelevent. Only parents who are worried about their kids not excelling because they are living through them because they are losers care either way.
When I was a young kid I witnessed parents congratulating their children over participation trophies. That is disgusting.

[niko]

When I was a young kid I witnessed parents congratulating their children over participation trophies. That is disgusting.

Maybe their kids worked hard? Tried hard? It's children sports. Anyone who takes children sports seriously is a douche. Nothing looks more asinine than a parent yelling and screaming at a 5 yr old or the ref of a 5 yr old, etc.

As i said before, parents who worry about trophies for little kids are doing so for their own sake and not to make the kid do better. Children aren't motivated by trophies unless their parents tell them that's all that matters. And winning a trophy at a team sport means your team was best, it doesn't even mean you played. Or you're any good.

[niko]

My favorite sports memory was my HS baseball team that got bounced in the playoffs because it was so freaking hard to get to the playoffs. There were teams that had kids brought in to the district just to play baseball and my school was an arts school.

Measuring success by others giving you accolades is so beta.

[niko]

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/steelers-harrison-sons-return-particiapation-trophies-article-1.2327595

Do you agree with Harrison? His sons are 6 and 8. I agree with what he did. We shouldn't be giving out trophies for participation. Sends the wrong message. Bad character. Mediocrity...

The reason i think he's full of shit is in youth sports like football winning and losing are often a result of location, which team you are placed on. You could be in a district that's loaded and never ever play and win. Or you could be a freaking monster and dominate but you're with people who are confused what sport it is.

Combine that with in football their are rules to even things up (if you're too big you are a lineman even if you are the most gifted 8 yr old QB ever) and telling the kids it's only meaningful if you win makes no sense.

Winning in youth sports isn't a function of your drive and effort most times, it's a function of where you live or if your parents are loaded and can put you on a better team.

Harrison, uber football badass, is essentially the soccer mom who pays to put her son on a better travel team and brags about it. :lol

[UK2K]

The reason i think he's full of shit is in youth sports like football winning and losing are often a result of location, which team you are placed on. You could be in a district that's loaded and never ever play and win. Or you could be a freaking monster and dominate but you're with people who are confused what sport it is.

Combine that with in football their are rules to even things up (if you're too big you are a lineman even if you are the most gifted 8 yr old QB ever) and telling the kids it's only meaningful if you win makes no sense.

Winning in youth sports isn't a function of your drive and effort most times, it's a function of where you live or if your parents are loaded and can put you on a better team.

Harrison, uber football badass, is essentially the soccer mom who pays to put her son on a better travel team and brags about it. :lol

What does any of that have to do with getting a trophy for simply being there?

[nathanjizzle]

This topic is only discussed by everyday imbeciles. what you guys dont know, is if every child were "A" types and competed with each other to the highest degree, there would still be a bottom of the barrel, that would make significantly less than the cream of the crop. Thus leaving the reward to the best, and less for the least.

[niko]

What does any of that have to do with getting a trophy for simply being there?

Because his throwing it out says it's only meaningful (playing) if you win and that's ridiculous because at age 6 winning means mommy/daddy paid someone for you to be on a better team 95% of the time.

A little older, i'm in. 100%. Age 6? That's dragon mom bullshit, living through your kids.

[niko]

I'm not saying it's bad to teach your kids winning is important (clearly it's the most important thing especially later), i don't get telling them winning is the only thing worth celebrating when in team sports, especially when you're a tiny kid it's almost entirely based on your situation, not your skill, and not your effort.

[nathanjizzle]

If you actually compared this to the real world, it would be wrong. in the real world you dont have to be the best to be rewarded, people that are average and mediocre at their work are still in the range of 30k-70k. In the real world, you do get rewarded for mediocrity, so why be so critical when it comes to kids?

[niko]

If you actually compared this to the real world, it would be wrong. in the real world you dont have to be the best to be rewarded, people that are average and mediocre at their work are still in the range of 30k-70k. In the real world, you do get rewarded for mediocrity, so why be so critical when it comes to kids?
Plus kids aren't stupid. My 3 yr (at the time) knew his soccer medal meant he played, not that he won. His friend looks like a young Messi out there, he wants to be better to be like him, not to get a different paper.

[ace23]

Old white people love complaining about the "participation trophy generation" :oldlol:

[UK2K]

Old white people love complaining about the "participation trophy generation" :oldlol:

58% of millennials say the millennial generation is entitled.

It's kind of a 'everybody loves complaining about the participation generation'.

[Raymone]

If the Steelers hypothetically won a super bowl while James sat out the whole season due to injury, would he still accept the ring?

I wonder.

[Lensanity]

Old white people love complaining about the "participation trophy generation" :oldlol:
I'm from the participation trophy generation and i think it is disgraceful

[HitandRun Reggie]

http://sundaynightfeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wall-of-gaylord.jpg

[Derka]

They're his kids and he can raise them however he wants.

I personally wonder what harm a stupid plastic trophy is doing to the work ethic of children aged 6-8 that cartoons and Xbox aren't already doing with far more success, but whatever.

[UK2K]

If the Steelers hypothetically won a super bowl while James sat out the whole season due to injury, would he still accept the ring?

I wonder.

His kid's team didnt win anything.

They weren't exceptional.

They literally did nothing to earn the trophy they were given, except beg their parents to fill out the paperwork.

[Nick Young]

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/steelers-harrison-sons-return-particiapation-trophies-article-1.2327595

Do you agree with Harrison? His sons are 6 and 8. I agree with what he did. We shouldn't be giving out trophies for participation. Sends the wrong message. Bad character. Mediocrity...
He's right. Participation trophies are a joke. They have lead to a generation of whining sniveling ninnies with zero work ethic or determination.

[Nick Young]

If the Steelers hypothetically won a super bowl while James sat out the whole season due to injury, would he still accept the ring?

I wonder.
James Harrison still made the first team roster of the Steelers purely on merit, which means he is one of the elite football players in the world. Also considering what he's doing with his kids, he has a good chance of giving the theoretical Super Bowl ring back unless he felt like he did something to earn it.

[knickballer]

There was a recent study that showed this current generation is the most spoiled/narcistic generation because their parents coddled them too much and constantly refinforced to their kids that they were perfect and amazing and w/e they done. Apparently, this generation is the least skilled generation and largely due to this behavior. We apparently lack technological skills(I don't believe this part) as well despite the fact we were raised with technology.

[Nick Young]

There was a recent study that showed this current generation is the most spoiled/narcistic generation because their parents coddled them too much and constantly refinforced to their kids that they were perfect and amazing and w/e they done. Apparently, this generation is the least skilled generation and largely due to this behavior. We apparently lack technological skills(I don't believe this part) as well despite the fact we were raised with technology.
I easily believe this. I will never understand the appeal of selfies. People my age go out to get cool selfies they can brag about, not to actually have a good time. It's a joke.

[Lensanity]

James Harrison still made the first team roster of the Steelers purely on merit, which means he is one of the elite football players in the world. Also considering what he's doing with his kids, he has a good chance of giving the theoretical Super Bowl ring back unless he felt like he did something to earn it.

If you make the NFL, stay on a team throughout the season and go to all the required practices and events required then you deserve a ring. The NFL is much different than a youth sports league where you just fill out paperwork and make a team.

[Lensanity]

I easily believe this. I will never understand the appeal of selfies. People my age go out to get cool selfies they can brag about, not to actually have a good time. It's a joke.
Go to a concert these days and all you will see is a bunch of people standing completely still while recording with their phones. It absolutely boggles my mind. They never watch it more than once anyway, enjoy the show.

[Nick Young]

They're his kids and he can raise them however he wants.

I personally wonder what harm a stupid plastic trophy is doing to the work ethic of children aged 6-8 that cartoons and Xbox aren't already doing with far more success, but whatever.
Kids getting taught that even the last place shitty team gets a trophy f*cks them up. Makes them think "I don't have to try that hard, I'll still succeed."

[TripleA]

There was a recent study that showed this current generation is the most spoiled/narcistic generation because their parents coddled them too much and constantly refinforced to their kids that they were perfect and amazing and w/e they done. Apparently, this generation is the least skilled generation and largely due to this behavior. We apparently lack technological skills(I don't believe this part) as well despite the fact we were raised with technology.

My grandfather called my fathers generation a bunch of lazy hooligans.
The cycle continues. :lol
Yeah but a lot assholes especially the spoiled kids are so disrespectful to their parents acting like they deserve shit from them and talking back. My parent are firm with me and want me to succeed. They don't have to make me do something I love running track, going to school, and helping my community.
I am not forced to do those things I do it because I am my own person not some self entitled dipshit like a lot of the kids my age are.

[niko]

I think it's a reach that taking something that says an 6 yr old earned for effort is ruining his life because effort is being celebrated. Again, he's 6 - a 6 yr old cannot impose his will on a football game the way youth football is set up. A parent can impose his will by sending him to a team that wins more often.

Harrison throwing the trophies away is more about him saying that he's all about winning than any real lesson for his sons.

[Nick Young]

I think it's a reach that taking something that says an 6 yr old earned for effort is ruining his life because effort is being celebrated. Again, he's 6 - a 6 yr old cannot impose his will on a football game the way youth football is set up. A parent can impose his will by sending him to a team that wins more often.

Harrison throwing the trophies away is more about him saying that he's all about winning than any real lesson for his sons.
I will again explain things very simply so that you will be able to understand. Of course participation trophies aren't exclusively responsible for kids growing up to be lazy narcissists.

It is the idea behind participation trophies, and all the various ways children are exposed to this idea growing up, that leads to them becoming lazy narcissists and low achievers.


Being awarded a trophy for simply putting effort in to something is toxic to a child's development. Think of the message that sends to little kids-even if they are shit, and the worst in the league, they still get the same trophy as the first place team. What motivation should they have to put in the work and time to become the best, when they receive the same reward that champions of the league do? Why even bother competing? Everybody is a winner just for trying!

In the real world, that's not how things work, believe it or not.

Not everyone deserves a trophy simply for trying. We don't deserve applause simply for walking out the door on time. We don't deserve gold stars on our tests for getting 65%. People who raise their kids to have that zero-determination attitude are a big problem.


Toxic ideas like this are anything but harmless. Toxic ideas have real world effects.

[Rockets(T-mac)]

its funny when adults complain about participation trophies.

i remember when i was a kid and i would receive a participation trophy for little league or whatever, none of the kids ever gave a single **** about those trophies. nobody ever felt a sense of accomplishment because of a little league participation trophy. the kids always knew that participation trophies are meaningless. these type of trophies are just supposed to be a fun little momento, nobody puts a participation trophy in their trophy case.

harrison is a moron.This. The trophy is like souvenir. Parents are just stupid sometimes. No kid will feel special if they see that every other kid got the trophy too.

Not to mention these kids are ****ing 6 & 8, if they were 10+ sure don't give them anything, but they are young as ****. People need to chill the **** out.

[TheMan]

When I was a young kid I witnessed parents congratulating their children over participation trophies. That is disgusting.
Lol, you care way too much and you don't have any kids. I don't see anything wrong in congratulating your son for participating as long as he tried his best and played hard. You win some, you lose some. Feel bad for the kid who doesn't even bother to try.

Let me be clear, I have no problem with participation awards al long as there are awards for the champions, MVP etc.

[Nick Young]

A shit ton of short sighted dumbass people who can't wrap their heads around what the toxic idea behind these participation trophies and gold stars represents.

Perfect illustration of how this generation of selfie narcissist special snowflakes came to exist in the first place:roll: :roll: :roll:

[niko]

I will again explain things very simply so that you will be able to understand. Of course participation trophies aren't exclusively responsible for kids growing up to be lazy narcissists.

It is the idea behind participation trophies, and all the various ways children are exposed to this idea growing up, that leads to them becoming lazy narcissists and low achievers.


Being awarded a trophy for simply putting effort in to something is toxic to a child's development. Think of the message that sends to little kids-even if they are shit, and the worst in the league, they still get the same trophy as the first place team. What motivation should they have to put in the work and time to become the best, when they receive the same reward that champions of the league do? Why even bother competing? Everybody is a winner just for trying!

In the real world, that's not how things work, believe it or not.

Not everyone deserves a trophy simply for trying. We don't deserve applause simply for walking out the door on time. We don't deserve gold stars on our tests for getting 65%. People who raise their kids to have that zero-determination attitude are a big problem.


Toxic ideas like this are anything but harmless. Toxic ideas have real world effects.
It's a souvenir of the experience. Only adults put value on things like that. I have kids in leagues that give out papers, medals. It gets tossed to the side. EVERYONE gets one, so the kids understand it's value is nil. The parent, whose life sucks and wants his kid to be a sports star gets upset.

I feel bad for any kid whose parent thinks he needs to win at sports at age 6. Winning at sports at most ages has no tangible benefit save winning a contest no one cares about 2 minutes after its done.

My daughter has every important award (top of class, etc.) but not one of her participation thingees. If your kids are so stupid that you need to toss out something meaningless because they'll change their whole way of thinking because of it you're a shitty parent.

[Nick Young]

It's a souvenir of the experience. Only adults put value on things like that. I have kids in leagues that give out papers, medals. It gets tossed to the side. EVERYONE gets one, so the kids understand it's value is nil. The parent, whose life sucks and wants his kid to be a sports star gets upset.

I feel bad for any kid whose parent thinks he needs to win at sports at age 6. Winning at sports at most ages has no tangible benefit save winning a contest no one cares about 2 minutes after its done.
One would like to think that, but it isn't the case.

What I have bolded is a true loser's mindset, and a toxic attitude. I can only pray that most parents aren't teaching their young kids these negative values.

[niko]

One would like to think that, but it isn't the case.

The bolded is a true loser's toxic attitude. I pray that most parents aren't teaching their young kids these values.

Yes, they should ignore all the other things in life in order to excel at sports, something that 99.9% of the population can never make a dime at. That's smart.

Don't you draw comics? How does that fit in with the alpha male sports at all cost philosphy? That's like the most opposite worse thing an athlete's kids could do. Do you slap yourself in anger?

[TripleA]

One would like to think that, but it isn't the case.

What I have bolded is a true loser's mindset, and a toxic attitude. I can only pray that most parents aren't teaching their young kids these negative values.

When I was a kid I was short as shit and small and the same fools winning became average once people went into puberty. I didn't get no mvps trophies as 8 year old but when I got to 13 I became much better at sports and the same people that won shit as kid didn't get better. The point of kid sports is to have fun not ****ing win at all costs. You sound like one of the parents who get angry when their kid strikes out and takes it out on the ump.

[niko]

When I was a kid I was short as shit and small and the same fools winning became average once people went into puberty. I didn't get no mvps trophies as 8 year old but when I got to 13 I became much better at sports and the same people that won shit as kid didn't get better. The point of kid sports is to have fun not ****ing win at all costs.

If Harrison's kids never played but their team won could they keep the trophy?

[TripleA]

If Harrison's kids never played but their team won could they keep the trophy?

Why not they were there in practice helping the team and being part of team.
Practice squad players get rings.

[Nick Young]

Yes, they should ignore all the other things in life in order to excel at sports, something that 99.9% of the population can never make a dime at. That's smart.

Don't you draw comics? How does that fit in with the alpha male sports at all cost philosphy? That's like the most opposite worse thing an athlete's kids could do. Do you slap yourself in anger?
Jesus Christ, talking to you is frustrating because you only take things at face value and seemingly aren't capable of understanding even semi-abstract concepts. No one is advocating that kids should "ignore all the other things in life in order to excel at sports."


I will again put things very simply for you.

Kids learn about competition by playing games from a young age. They get taught early on that the last place kids who suck get exactly the same as the first place kids who are really good and excel at things. They are taught that even though they were last place, they deserve exactly the same as the first place kid got, simply for putting in basic effort.

This toxic attitude carries on in to other aspects of their lives growing up, IE "why should I study hard in class? I got a 56% on my test, but got the same sticker the kid with 100% got."

Everyone's a winner.
Everyone gets a gold medal.
Everyone deserves a round of applause simply for trying.
Everyone is a special snowflake.
:facepalm

[Lensanity]

Lol, you care way too much and you don't have any kids. I don't see anything wrong in congratulating your son for participating as long as he tried his best and played hard. You win some, you lose some. Feel bad for the kid who doesn't even bother to try.

Let me be clear, I have no problem with participation awards al long as there are awards for the champions, MVP etc.

Fair enough, but lots of youth sports only have particI patio awards. When i was like 6-8 years old I remember playing organized soccer and they didn't even keep score. I also remember around that age winning a running event in a track meet and only getting a participation ribbon. Shit is pathetic.

[navy]

They give out participation rings in the nfl. You could literally not suit up and get a ring in the nfl.

It's fine.

[Nick Young]

They give out participation rings in the nfl. You could literally not suit up and get a ring in the nfl.

It's fine.
Winning an NFL contract is a huge accomplishment, even the guys who sit on the bench and never see the field are in the elite .01% of football players in the world.

Not even Brock Lesnar could get an NFL contract.

[niko]

Jesus Christ, talking to you is frustrating because you only take things at face value and seemingly aren't capable of understanding even semi-abstract concepts. No one is advocating that kids should "ignore all the other things in life in order to excel at sports."


I will again put things very simply for you.

Kids learn about competition by playing games from a young age. They get taught early on that the last place kids who suck get exactly the same as the first place kids who are really good and excel at things. They are taught that even though they were last place, they deserve exactly the same as the first place kid got, simply for putting in basic effort.

This toxic attitude carries on in to other aspects of their lives growing up, IE "why should I study hard in class? I got a 56% on my test, but got the same sticker the kid with 100% got."

Everyone's a winner.
Everyone gets a gold medal.
Everyone deserves a round of applause simply for trying.
Everyone is a special snowflake.
:facepalm

It's not the only competitive things kids do. And some people actually, you know, TALK to their kids. You're acting like kids go into sports, this ONE thing, and it's the only thing they ever do.

It's really not important at all. Are you saying that what ****ed you up personally was someone giving you the participation trophy so you never accomplished anythign else?

[niko]

Why not they were there in practice helping the team and being part of team.
Practice squad players get rings.
6 yr old teams don't really practice much once games start. It's just games. You literally could be third string sitting never playing but your team wins every game because you live in the stacked part of town.

When you're older, even a little (even 10) it's really different. At 6, it's a crapshoot games even look like games.

[Nick Young]

It's not the only competitive things kids do. And some people actually, you know, TALK to their kids. You're acting like kids go into sports, this ONE thing, and it's the only thing they ever do.

It's really not important at all. Are you saying that what ****ed you up personally was someone giving you the participation trophy so you never accomplished anythign else?
Stop using logical fallacies and personal attacks.

You are failing to understand the simple point I have been making. As simply as I have been explaining things for you, you still don't get it. I'm not going to waste more time putting in effort here.

[niko]

Stop using logical fallacies and personal attacks.

You are failing to understand the simple point I have been making. As simply as I have been explaining things for you, you still don't get it.

Because your point it stupid and simplistic and doesn't take actual reality into account. :confusedshrug: This is not my fault. Perhaps the educational system failed you?

[navy]

Winning an NFL contract is a huge accomplishment, even the guys who sit on the bench and never see the field are in the elite .01% of football players in the world.

Not even Brock Lesnar could get an NFL contract.
They give rings to the waterboys.

[TripleA]

6 yr old teams don't really practice much once games start. It's just games. You literally could be third string sitting never playing but your team wins every game because you live in the stacked part of town.

When you're older, even a little (even 10) it's really different. At 6, it's a crapshoot games even look like games.

Well technically you are part of team so the of the team shares the trophy.

[TheMan]

Fair enough, but lots of youth sports only have particI patio awards. When i was like 6-8 years old I remember playing organized soccer and they didn't even keep score. I also remember around that age winning a running event in a track meet and only getting a participation ribbon. Shit is pathetic.
For really young kids, I see no problems with that. Let's encourage them and congratulate them for playing, trying, participating. As they get older, we encourage them to be the best they can be, to try to win. Just keep in mind that you can also harm them if you have a win at all cost attitude and don't accept losing. They aren't always going to win. You run the risk of making them always feel they are never good enough and in the end they'll always hate you. You have to be measured, teach them to always try their best and work hard to always improve and they can become what they want to become as long as they work hard at it.

[Nick Young]

Because your point it stupid and simplistic and doesn't take actual reality into account. :confusedshrug: This is not my fault. Perhaps the educational system failed you?
More logical fallacies. This is what people resort to when they have no argument.

My point is only "simplistic" because you are seemingly only capable of thinking in black and white/all-or-nothing.

[Nick Young]

For really young kids, I see no problems with that. Let's encourage them and congratulate them for playing, trying, participating. As they get older, we encourage them to be the best they can be, to try to win. Just keep in mind that you can also harm them if you have a win at all cost attitude and don't accept losing. They aren't always going to win. You run the risk of making them always feel they are never good enough and in the end they'll always hate you. You have to be measured, teach them to always try their best and work hard to always improve and they can become what they want to become as long as they work hard at it.
balance.

[KNOW1EDGE]

There is not 1 right answer, it depends on each individual child.

I think in this case he is def doing the right thing.
His children will grow up with a silver spoon in their mouth, this is the first step, and he's tryna them that they gotta do more than just participate.

For some inner city kids who may never win anything and just need something to boost their self-esteem a trophy might do them some good.

It really just depends.

[niko]

balance.
You're not arguing balance, you're arguing 100% that it's wrong. Do you even know what you're writing? My point was always for small kids this is stupid, for bigger kids it's not. And you told me it's wrong 12 times.

[Derka]

Kids getting taught that even the last place shitty team gets a trophy f*cks them up. Makes them think "I don't have to try that hard, I'll still succeed."
If the parents are failures, sure. Any normal parent isn't intimidated by a trophy.

[Lensanity]

1st 2nd and 3rd place trophies/medals/ribbons are good. Giving an award to the kid in last place sends a message that last place is OK and you don't need to do better. That is wrong and not how life works. We should be teaching these kids these things as young as possible.

[wang4three]

I got participation trophies as a kid. Even as a kid, I realized how stupid they were.

[Lensanity]

I got participation trophies as a kid. Even as a kid, I realized how stupid they were.
So did I, but not everyone is as smart as us.

[Nick Young]

When I was a kid I was short as shit and small and the same fools winning became average once people went into puberty. I didn't get no mvps trophies as 8 year old but when I got to 13 I became much better at sports and the same people that won shit as kid didn't get better. The point of kid sports is to have fun not ****ing win at all costs. You sound like one of the parents who get angry when their kid strikes out and takes it out on the ump.
No. I wouldn't get pissed if my kid sucks at sports. If my kid wanted to play sports and was really bad, but enjoyed it, I'd support him. If he was complete shit, I wouldn't appreciate coaches telling him he was awesome, and giving him championship trophies and fake MVP awards. I'd rather they gave him tips and drills on how to improve. Of course there is a balance but I'd appreciate coaches telling my kid what their weaknesses are and give them ways to work on improving them.

For example if my kid is shit at soccer, I'd say "It's cool you're so passionate, but I see you always just kick the ball as hard as you can. Here's some tips of what you can work on to get better, look up before kicking and try to do softer passes to open teammates, let's practice."

Then if he didn't want to practice, and just wanted to keep blindly booting the ball up the field, fair enough, that's how he wants to play. I'm not going to tell him 'YOU'RE AN AMAZINGLY TALENTED SOCCER PLAYER' though if it's not true.


That's the message these idiotic participation awards tell kids. Yes we all say we recognized how stupid they were, but most kids are dumb, and don't ever recognize this.


I believe strongly that it's detrimental to tell kids they are talented and special when they aren't. Even if my kid was a sports prodigy, excessive praise is damaging.

[Nick Young]

1st 2nd and 3rd place trophies/medals/ribbons are good. Giving an award to the kid in last place sends a message that last place is OK and you don't need to do better. That is wrong and not how life works. We should be teaching these kids these things as young as possible.
This man understands how it works.

[Nick Young]

You're not arguing balance, you're arguing 100% that it's wrong. Do you even know what you're writing? My point was always for small kids this is stupid, for bigger kids it's not. And you told me it's wrong 12 times.
You only see things in simplistic black and white terms. You display zero understanding of what I've been saying.

[Heavincent]

Meh, adults taking youth sports so seriously is kind of cringe worthy. At the end of the day, clumsy little Jimmy is gonna make the same amount of money playing sports as the "star player" (0 dollars and 0 cents).

Youth sports are just a way for kids to be active and socialize with each other. That's all it is. It's not an indication of anything.

[kNIOKAS]

How about trophies themselves sends the wrong message? There is no real right or wrong in life, and it is certainly not as plain back/white as a trophy or no trophy. This sportslike/militaristic approach to life - winning sports event - good accomplishment, following orders - good accomplishment - tells nothing about the morality and being educated about life, questioning the self and others. It's a simplistic ideology that produces more harm than good, yet many impotent simpletons want to be doubt-free about the reality so they choose the ridiculous dichotomy of winner/loser and apply it to things it has no relevance whatsoever :facepalm

[niko]

You only see things in simplistic black and white terms. You display zero understanding of what I've been saying.
:facepalm

[NumberSix]

I'm willing to bet Tiger Woods' dad wasn't a "you tried your best" or a "participation trophy" kinda guy. I'd bet he was a "your best isn't good enough... but you can improve if you work for it" kinda guy.

[TripleA]

How about trophies themselves sends the wrong message? There is no real right or wrong in life, and it is certainly not as plain back/white as a trophy or no trophy. This sportslike/militaristic approach to life - winning sports event - good accomplishment, following orders - good accomplishment - tells nothing about the morality and being educated about life, questioning the self and others. It's a simplistic ideology that produces more harm than good, yet many impotent simpletons want to be doubt-free about the reality so they choose the ridiculous dichotomy of winner/loser and apply it to things it has no relevance whatsoever :facepalm

I like the idea of no trophies for kids under like 7.

[HitandRun Reggie]

How about trophies themselves sends the wrong message? There is no real right or wrong in life, and it is certainly not as plain back/white as a trophy or no trophy. This sportslike/militaristic approach to life - winning sports event - good accomplishment, following orders - good accomplishment - tells nothing about the morality and being educated about life, questioning the self and others. It's a simplistic ideology that produces more harm than good, yet many impotent simpletons want to be doubt-free about the reality so they choose the ridiculous dichotomy of winner/loser and apply it to things it has no relevance whatsoever :facepalm

http://i.imgur.com/mLLKhsM.png

[west_tip]

People are really running with this bullshit, its incredible.

Countless high school and college football players are given unearned grades or given phony classes just to keep them eligible so they can earn sham diplomas and sham degrees. What happened at UNC is the tip of the iceberg, that shit is replicated at countless educational institutions all throughout the US. And people are tripping off 7 year old Johnny getting a $10 little league trophy. :lol

Participation trophies are just keepsakes, mementoes of a season's worth of effort and commitment. They are not supposed to be representative of athletic achievements or triumph. They don't take away a kids competitiveness or drive to succeed to be the best that's complete nonsense.

Its a $10 piece of plastic that collects dust on a kids bookshelf you ****ing morons!

[STATUTORY]

expected in a society that elevate entitlement and envy to a virtue

[west_tip]

I think it's a reach that taking something that says an 6 yr old earned for effort is ruining his life because effort is being celebrated.

Cal Ripken is one of the most celebrated athletes in America and his lifetime win/loss record is .501. The reason he is so beloved is because he showed up everyday and did his best, win or lose. The 2,600 game streak is a testament to his determination, his fortitude and his toughness all traits that are not measured by simple wins and losses.

[Nick Young]

Cal Ripken is one of the most celebrated athletes in America and his lifetime win/loss record is .501. The reason he is so beloved is because he showed up everyday and did his best, win or lose. The 2,600 game streak is a testament to his determination, his fortitude and his toughness all traits that are not measured by simple wins and losses.
Cal Ripken Jr. is not one of the most celebrated athletes in America, except in Baltimore aka the most crime ridden hell hole in the country. The most celebrated athletes in America are guys like Lebron James, Tom Brady, Michael Phelps and Kobe Bryant aka champions who are elite in their field.

Take a look at the people who are glorifying Cal Ripken Jr the most. Their city is the deepest in the shit. He's the perfect hero to represent Baltimore, because they can all relate to him. He showed up every day and put in some effort. That's all we need, right?

Showing up every day and trying is not an admirable trait. That is something that should be expected from everyone. People don't deserve a pat on the back just for trying and showing up.

[west_tip]

Cal Ripken Jr. is not one of the most celebrated athletes in America, except in Baltimore aka the most crime ridden hell hole in the country. The most celebrated athletes in America are guys like Lebron James, Tom Brady, Michael Phelps and Kobe Bryant aka champions who are elite in their field.

Take a look at the people who are glorifying Cal Ripken Jr the most. Their city is the deepest in the shit. He's the perfect hero to represent Baltimore, because they can all relate to him. He showed up every day and put in some effort. That's all we need, right?

Showing up every day and trying is not an admirable trait. That is something that should be expected from everyone. People don't deserve a pat on the back just for trying and showing up.

WRONG.

Ripken is adored by hard working blue collar Americans the length and breadth of the United States not just in Baltimore, Maryland. They love his quiet, unassuming personality, strong work ethic and indomitable spirit.

By contrast Kobe and Lebron's fanbases are primarily elementary age school kids and the weird stan type of fanboy millenials you get in the NBA forum. Lazy narcissists who have to jump on the bandwagon of a successful athlete and live their dreams vicariously through them. The VERY type of people you were railing against earlier in this thread.

[hateraid]

Do any of you have children? I have 10 year old. These trophies aren't about awarding or winning. Its about comraderie and having a keepsake to remember you team or sport by. At those ages winning doesn't count for anything, merely an assesment of how good you are compared to your age group
I coached my son's team so I'm familiar with the system

[Nick Young]

WRONG.

Ripken is adored by hard working blue collar Americans the length and breadth of the United States not just in Baltimore, Maryland. They love his quiet, unassuming personality, strong work ethic and indomitable spirit.

By contrast Kobe and Lebron's fanbases are primarily elementary age school kids and the weird stan type of fanboy millenials you get in the NBA forum. Lazy narcissists who have to jump on the bandwagon of a successful athlete and live their dreams vicariously through them. The VERY type of people you were railing against earlier in this thread.
No one even remembers the scrub known as Cal Ripken EXCEPT LOSERS WHO HAVEN'T ACHIEVED SHIT. They like him because they relate to him. Ripken fans value showing up on time and doing the basic requirements more than anything else.

Cal Ripken Jr is not beloved up and down the country. Baseball is a dying sport, and Ripken was only notable for playing a long time and not getting injured-not actually being an exceptional player. No one is going to remember him in 5 years, except for baseball historians.

If you look up to Cal Ripken Jr I feel bad for you.

[west_tip]

No one even remembers the scrub known as Cal Ripken EXCEPT LOSERS WHO HAVEN'T ACHIEVED SHIT. They like him because they relate to him. Ripken fans value showing up on time and doing the basic requirements more than anything else.

Cal Ripken Jr is not beloved up and down the country. Baseball is a dying sport, and Ripken was only notable for playing a long time and not getting injured-not actually being an exceptional player. No one is going to remember him in 5 years, except for baseball historians.

If you look up to Cal Ripken Jr I feel bad for you.

Dumb post.

Cal Ripken is a first ballot HOFer who maximized his talent through hard work grit and determination and who has, upon retirement, parlayed a successful baseball career into an array of lucrative business enterprises. More than that he is a standup guy.

Unlike Kobe he never quit on his team, never demanded a trade, never deliberately sabotaged his teams chances of winning a championship or ran one of his teammates out of town. He was never described by his coach as being uncoachable and he never raped anyone.

With role models like Kobe Bryant it is little wonder this present me-first generation of Americans have become selfish, vainglorious and lacking in intestinal fortitude.

[Nick Young]

Dumb post.

Cal Ripken is a first ballot HOFer who maximized his talent through hard work grit and determination and who has, upon retirement, parlayed a successful baseball career into an array of lucrative business enterprises. More than that he is a standup guy.

Unlike Kobe he never quit on his team, never demanded a trade, never deliberately sabotaged his teams chances of winning a championship or ran one of his teammates out of town. He was never described by his coach as being uncoachable and he never raped anyone.

With role models like Kobe Bryant it is little wonder this present me-first generation of Americans have become selfish, vainglorious and lacking in intestinal fortitude.
You are the only Cal Ripken fan I have ever met in my life. No body talks about this scrub any more. Baseball is a dying sport. The fact that this mediocre scrub with zero ambition Cal Ripken, who did nothing exceptional except not get injured for a long time and play average baseball, is your hero says it all.


Kobe never raped anyone. The woman who said he raped her revealed herself to be a mentally ill psycho. Kobe is innocent. You calling him a rapist is libel and slander and opens you up to legal consequences. If you were smart, you'd edit that post. I will not hesitate to forward your slander to Mamba's legal team.

Kobe has the strongest work ethic in the NBA. He worked harder than anyone else in the NBA to become a multiple time champion and one of the best scorers ever. He is a true hero and example that people should look up to.

The only thing Cal Ripken did was show up on time. It is retarded to idolize mediocrity.

[KyrieTheFuture]

God damn you're a ****ing joke.

[dude77]

:facepalm if you wanna trash someone for being 'mediocre', cal ripken jr is not someone to use as an example .. nick young you drunk or something ? maybe some bad memories flashing back from some orioles game ? did cal blow you off for an autograph ?

cal ripken jr.

over 400 hr

8 time silver slugger

19 time all star

3184 hits .. only two other shortstops have more in the 100+ yr history of pro baseball

an iron man of an elite league of baseball players with a record 2000+ consecutive starts ..

and lastly, FIRST BALLOT HOFer .. you're not a hofer, let alone first ballot if you're fkn mediocre dude ..


pick someone else to trash .. you're embarrassing yourself right now

[niko]

Cal Ripken was ridiculously popular. He's not now because he retired. It would be like me saying Roberto Clemente wasn't popular, none of my friends are fans. Saying he has no fans because you don't know any, when he retired a while ago and you're in Europe is quite a compelling case.

[Nick Young]

Baseball historians coming out of the woodwork like cockroaches. Like I said bros, baseball is a dying sport. No one gives a shit about Cal Ripkin Jr. in this day and age. Deal with it.

[Rockets(T-mac)]

Nick Young is relentless, I'll give him that. He's probably trying to get a participation trophy at this point.