In all seriousness-is that really fooling any kid into thinking that he or she won or performed any better than he or she really did? How would something everyone gets even be a self esteem boost (if that's the point)?

Libs don't like being reminded what pussies they are. A "participation" trophy for them is like a non-existent Air Force medal is to Stolen-Valor-Shays.

I don't remember receiving them unless I was on a winning or runner up team when I played soccer for a few years as a kid. When they were kids my nephews were given one (or a medal) at every hockey tournament. They wouldn't even bother to carry it out of the arena unless they won or came in second on their own. They had to be told to. And then it was with giving an eye roll.

I have 2 of each child... neither daughter care for trophies, but neither one are in sports. Both have gotten a participation trophy for drama-type stuff (one dance, the other theater).

my sons... they are different. my oldest got a participation trophy for baseball when he was 6. I said nothing to him, and he gets in the car and says "why in the world did we get this, we didn't win" (it was also a no-score league). my youngest son is about to be 6. he appears to live for trophies and ribbons. he played soccer in 2015 and got a trophy (but also realized they won no games). he's now doing martial arts and seems a whole lot more interested in that structure rather than the sports leagues. so we shall see.

In all seriousness-is that really fooling any kid into thinking that he or she won or performed any better than he or she really did?

When they are a very young age? Possibly. If they can believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy then they can be tricked into thinking that the trophy means something.

How would something everyone gets even be a self esteem boost (if that's the point)?

Eh, I think the point is that no one is left out, or something. Inclusive and what not.

I can remember one of my nephews coming home from a tournament in Canada where they didn't win a game. They weren't given a trophy. He was Bantam age (13). He said "Got to respect the Canadians. We played like crap and they didn't give us anything."

Both hated t ball because they didn't officially keep score. But they could tell you who did win because they kept track themselves.

Both hated t ball because they didn't officially keep score. But they could tell you who did win because they kept track themselves.

Well, humans do seem to be naturally competitive. Participation trophies do seem a bit silly but they really don't hurt anything, IMO.