The idea of awarding participation prizes doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Critics argue it teaches children that minimal effort is enough, that it coddles them, or that it fails to prepare them for the real world – the one where not everyone wins.
In the latest episode of our podcast So Your Kid Wants to Play Sport, host Matt Webber speaks with Bond University psychology professor Dr Shawna Campbell about whether rewarding those who do no more than just ‘have a go’ is beneficial or detrimental.
YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF SO YOUR KID WANTS TO PLAY SPORT ON SPOTIFY HERE AND APPLE PODCASTS HERE.
Dr Campbell says the research points to long-term benefits when participation is celebrated.
"The data does suggest that praising children and giving them encouragement for perseverance versus achievement is better for not just their long-term mental health, but it actually motivates them to persevere and to try."
She says recognising excellence – MVP, best and fairest, top three finishers – is valuable, but it doesn’t have to be an either/or.
"If we only were motivated in life to do things because we were going to achieve the highest level, we’d be disappointed,” she says.
“There’d be a couple at the top, and that’s about the end of it."
The relevance of recognition of participation evolves over time, she says. But that shouldn’t dampen enthusiasm for celebrating the joy of throwing your hat in the ring while you’re young.
"It can be about winning – and winning is fine – but if that's the only thing (children) perceive themselves to be good for, then that’s when it’s dangerous territory.
"If the environment you're in is saying you're sort of nothing unless you achieve that, well then it’s going to be really detrimental to your resilience and your wellbeing."
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So Your Kid Wants to Play Sport, hosted by Matt Webber, is a Bond University podcast devoted to issues faced by younger athletes and their parents and coaches.
You can listen to previous episodes on Spotify here and Apple Podcasts here.