Winning isn't everything.........
- Ashmead Green
- Feb 7, 2017
- 2 min read
On a grey and windy day where I would happily have traded a few pounds for a good dose of winter sunshine I got to thinking about the 'winning isn't everything' debate and at what point in a child's sporting life does winning become equally important to the taking part, if ever..
Vince Lombardi, considered by many to be one of sports most successful coaches was famously quoted as saying ' Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing'. but near the end of his life seemed to recant, saying: "I wished I'd never said the thing...I meant the effort. I meant having a goal. I sure didn't mean for people to crush human values and morality."
And therein lies the dilemma.
At the heart of it is understanding why people play sport, particularly team sport.
A study conducted with a 1,000 children aged 8-16 by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and ‘Chance to Shine’ cricket charity found the following:
- 84% of 1,000 children aged eight-16 agreeing that experiencing winning and losing is important
- 64% of children admitted that they would be relieved, not bothered or happier if the competitive element was removed
- 43% of parents and 36% of children agree that teamwork is the most important aspect of sport
- 34% and 37% of parents and children respectively agree that exercise is the next most important
- Pride is the overwhelming emotion felt by children (62%) and parents (71%) when they experience winning.
Both Derek Brewer Chief Executive of MCC and Wasim Khan MBE, Chief Executive of the Chance to Shine highlighted their concerns that so many children would be relieved to see competition removed from sport. We want to teach children the importance of playing sport competitively and fairly and for them to see the benefits that it can bring to their lives
In every sport there is ultimately a winner and a loser. If we remove the competitive aspect of the game then essentially we are engaging in the activity for exercise purposes only.
This may in itself not be a bad thing but, rightly or wrongly, life is competitive. Whether you are applying for a university position, an apprenticeship or a job, buying a house that is in demand or even 'fighting' for a potential partner's attentions, we are constantly competing.
By removing competitiveness from sport we are denying children the opportunity to experience the ups and downs of winning and losing. This reduces a significant element of life experience and one that helps shape our means of dealing with success or failure and sense of fair play so much a part every day life.
As a coach of now adolescent sport, I have witnessed the change in attitude to participation and winning from the age of 7 to 18. The enjoyment gained from playing with mates is still a vitally important reason for their participation, equally, the desire to play to the best of their ability and winning have become far more important.
As important as participating..........? In spite of the myriad studies done the jury, I believe, is still out.
However, unquestionably, at the heart of it must surely lie enjoyment.
Comments