Much of the societal blames that goes around now is the fact that there is a generation of children who grew up receiving a trophy or medal no matter what they do.  This isn’t completely hyperbole.  Do a quick Google search, and you will find different articles espousing the theory.

It is a concept that is strange for me because I remember in my local Little League only the top three teams received a trophy.  I also remember the size of the trophy depended upon your standing.  I remember in CYO trophies were only awarded for first place and for the team that displayed the best sportsmanship.  In soccer, you only received medals for winning the season or tournaments.  Personally, I never received or really even saw a participation trophy.

That changed when my son finished his first stint in soccer.

Now, my son did not play on a team.  Realistically, there is no way you can form a team of two and three year olds.  It is an impossible task.  Getting them to sit is an accomplishment.  Making sure they don’t use their hands to stop the ball before kicking makes you Vince Lombardi.  The whole concept of toddler soccer is to provide an environment where you can introduce some of the basics of the game while making it fun for them.  It is part of the reason why I was shocked that my son received a medal at his last session.

The medals were handed out by the coach after each of the kids scored a goal.  To that end, the kids actually had to accomplish something in order to receive the medal.  Still, it’s not like it was a hard fought season where they overcome all comers to become champions.  No, these were little kids who were frankly just goofing around.  In the moment, I was a bit surprised the medals were handed out.  When I saw the look on my son’s face when he got his medal, I understood why:

My son was beaming as were most of his friends.  They were all excited because they felt like they accomplished something.  And you know what?  They did.  They learned how to play soccer.  Remember with kids this age, we heap praise on them for anything positive thing they do.  Giving them a medal for learning how to play soccer and scoring a goal is no different.

So yes, at two years of age, medals are appropriate.  It gives a child a sense of accomplishment, and it gets them more interested in sports.  Since that day, he has been more interested in playing soccer and baseball because he wants to earn another medal.  Instilling a sense of drive and purpose is a good thing.

Overall, medals are appropriate for two and three year olds.  Now, when they start playing organized games, the need for medals goes by the wayside.  At that point, medals are only for the victors.