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Michigan school ruins Field Day

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Ann2011
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24 May 2014, 4:39 pm

Raptor wrote:
Ann2011 wrote:
I have never understood the urge to win. To this day I am not actually sure what it is that is being won. However, some people clearly get this and enjoy competitive sports. I can't see why there can't be a coexistence of both, and the kids just be left to gravitate to where they are most comfortable.


This line from the letter is what caught my eye:
"since we believe that all our students are winners, the need for athletic ability and the competitive 'urge to win' will be kept to a minimum."


I see what you're saying. The wording is saying that those who do feel competitive should stiffle it. That isn't right any more than making those who don't feel it participate.



lostonearth35
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04 Jun 2014, 8:47 pm

I'm one of the best losers there is. I have lost in almost every competition I attempted at as a kid in school unless it involved art or writing skills. If there was a trophy for good losers, I'd have a cabinet full of them. :thumleft:



starkid
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07 Jun 2014, 3:52 pm

OliveOilMom wrote:
I never won anything playing those games. It didn't make me feel bad about myself. I knew athletics weren't my strong suit, but so what? I had fun trying to win. I cheered for my friends to win. These kids are going to grow up with the mentality of "I showed up! I want my paycheck and a raise!" What's next, doing away with grades? We don't want little Junior to feel bad that he can't do long division now do we?


That is a poor analogy. The purposes of games and work/school are quite different; games are supposed to be fun, and, secondarily, provide exercise. I don't understand why people think competition is such a crucial element to games, especially children's games. Doesn't education, then work, provide more than enough competition in life?

Furthermore, if there is nothing to win at this field day, then that would tend to discourage a sense of entitlement to benefits, rather than encouraging it, as you've suggested.