Persuasive Essay On Equal Playing Time

Words: 629
Pages: 3

Sports teams often focus on keeping the playing time equal for all players, but this isn’t the way to win. A starting lineup not only puts forth your best chance to win but it gives a goal to those not on the starting lineup, to work harder to be on the starting the lineup. This creates an environment where every athlete works hard. Yet many still believe that equal playing time for all and participation awards are the best for children of this age. Children are rewarded to often for being average. At this point awards have lost their meaning. There used to be a time when trophies, medals and ribbons were impressive, now however, all children have piles of awards in their room. The trophy and award industry in Canada and The United States at this point is a $3 billion industry. When every child is awarded a participation trophy it makes trophies seem like no big deal. There is no difference between those who are talented and work hard and those who aren’t working hard. Schools also reward children for have average grades. Many middle schools have an honor …show more content…
When awards are so easy to come by, they teach children that they don’t have to work hard, everyone's a winner. Not everyone can be a winner in everything. With hard work, most can be a winners, but not everyone is deserving of the title. Many professional athletes don’t agree with awards for taking part in a team. One former NFL super bowl winner actually had his children return their participation trophies. Adding to that, professional baseball player Bryce Harper for the Nationals’ doesn’t believe in participation trophies and awards either. He told little leaguers, “As much as they might tell you, ‘It’s OK you guys lost today,’ no Johnny. No participation trophies, OK? First place only, alright?” Giving children participation trophies also tells them that losing is okay, that since they decided to show up, no matter the outcome, they should be