Random Irritations

[Papas1982]

It’s finding the balance , sport participation was on the decline , people just didn’t play it , it was too hard to go out in the weather etc , and there was far too much focus on people “winning” as opposed to kids just taking part. The culture needed to change especially in the early years until they hit true competitive sport to try and get as many kids just playing the game and trying to grab their attention to it. It’s not harming kids or the sport to trying ensure everyone feels like a winner just for taking part - its a shame this country is always about the winning and there is have been far too many issues of parents and indeed kids demeaning others because they didn’t win.

Unless someone can provide so basis or facts to back up any theories of it “harming” kids or sport right now it’s just opinions - you only have to look at the how well the nation is performing over the decade in many sports

An example is some countries when they play football under the age of 10 there isn’t any goals - it’s not about winning it’s just playing

But there needs to be a balance and it’s finding that after the age of 11 etc

Nobody will be able to find stats yet as it’s only really been a trend in the last 5/10 years or so that I’m aware of, so we won’t know the effects. The current crop of stars didn’t grow up in an era of participation medals.

I think most countries are about winning at top level, if in fields they expect to do well.

 

[Imurg]

Why 11..?
In the early years, by having an "everyone wins" policy you may well increase the number of kids playing sports.
When you suddenly introduce the competitive aspect to kids, effectively, groomed to believe that they get something for just turning up, these kids may wonder why, all of a sudden, they're not being rewarded unless they win. Some may drift away..
Surely a better way to do it is to have a winner's prize but also a much smaller token for those that took part but didn't win. Isn't that what we have in the Gold, Silver and Bronze medal system..?
What happens to these kids in 10 years when they go for a job and don't get it....
Kids need to learn that life doesn't hand them everything on a plate and if you want to be successful at something you have to put in the graft to achieve it because nobody's going to give it to you.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

My lad was sporty when younger, a little bit now still, he is 19. He played a number of different sports and they tried all of this stuff. What was funny was that the schools, clubs etc tried all of this 'you are all winners' stuff but the kids all knew who had won, which team was better etc. They didn't buy into it, they talked amongst themselves about it. This was brought in to make the adults, who were rubbish at sport, feel better.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Nobody will be able to find stats yet as it’s only really been a trend in the last 5/10 years or so that I’m aware of, so we won’t know the effects. The current crop of stars didn’t grow up in an era of participation medals.

I think most countries are about winning at top level, if in fields they expect to do well.

No but we know how much a good stat is needed to quantify an argument on here.

The issue is actually wider. Schools aren't really engaging in sports and there are often a lack of facilities and resources to run teams in various sports so they don't bother. However, it goes further and a lot of governing bodies in football, cricket, rugby, athletics etc need to do more to get kids involved and engaged at a very early age. At that time the kids learn some life lessons about team work, team spirit, fair play and that sometimes you can try your best and not succeed. It doesn't have to be "a play nicely and everyone's a winner". If schools are going to pursue that route, I feel it's far more important that kids learn it elsewhere otherwise they'll come into adulthood and expect everything on a plate and complain when it isn't spoon fed and things don't go to plan

 

[ColchesterFC]

And how many were in athletics? We only win medals in posh sports you need expensive equipment to win, like cycling, rowing, sailing, etc.

Don't diss the posh sports. For some kids today dressage is their only way out of the ghetto.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Nobody will be able to find stats yet as it’s only really been a trend in the last 5/10 years or so that I’m aware of, so we won’t know the effects. The current crop of stars didn’t grow up in an era of participation medals.

I think most countries are about winning at top level, if in fields they expect to do well.

As i said - it’s about finding the balance and the right time to focus on competing to win , to find the winners you need to get the people to compete , people aren’t being “rewarded” for “no effort” as been suggested , and the higher level of ability will win and will be rewarded in the future. Some will obviously go too far but there is also the responsibility for the parents to teach the kids the idea of participation, winning and losing with grace on all accounts.

I live right by a sports field which is rammed on the weekend with junior football and it’s horrifying the attitudes of the parents which are in turn being shown by the kids and it’s going to do more damage imo than encouraging participation in the sport.

A bigger danger to the sports is a “win at all costs” being drummed into young kids

 

[Papas1982]

As i said - it’s about finding the balance and the right time to focus on competing to win , to find the winners you need to get the people to compete , people aren’t being “rewarded” for “no effort” as been suggested , and the higher level of ability will win and will be rewarded in the future. Some will obviously go too far but there is also the responsibility for the parents to teach the kids the idea of participation, winning and losing with grace on all accounts.

I live right by a sports field which is rammed on the weekend with junior football and it’s horrifying the attitudes of the parents which are in turn being shown by the kids and it’s going to do more damage imo than encouraging participation in the sport.

A bigger danger to the sports is a “win at all costs” being drummed into young kids

Sorry, but been as it was me that raised the subject on this occasion you are wrong. In my op which started the debate I literally watched kids walk around a track and still get the same medal a lad who busted his gut got.

That may not be the norm, but it’s what I’ve witnessed for 5 years of my girls being at their school, so it does happen.

I fully agree that the parental role is required, but kids spend more time at school than with their parents these days, so I think it’s somewhat optimistic to expect them to somehow only take the ideas on board from their parents.

 

[Wolf]

No but we know how much a good stat is needed to quantify an argument on here.

The issue is actually wider. Schools aren't really engaging in sports and there are often a lack of facilities and resources to run teams in various sports so they don't bother. However, it goes further and a lot of governing bodies in football, cricket, rugby, athletics etc need to do more to get kids involved and engaged at a very early age. At that time the kids learn some life lessons about team work, team spirit, fair play and that sometimes you can try your best and not succeed. It doesn't have to be "a play nicely and everyone's a winner". If schools are going to pursue that route, I feel it's far more important that kids learn it elsewhere otherwise they'll come into adulthood and expect everything on a plate and complain when it isn't spoon fed and things don't go to plan

Ah be we all know once those stats are posted there will then be the inevitable "you can make stats suit your argument so what's your point" comment 😂

I completely agree with your post though, there is a wider issue in schools when it comes to sports. When I was at school we had football, rugby, cricket, hockey, and netball teams. My kids schools barely have a football team. We also used to have singles, doubles & mixed doubles tennis tournaments every year, my kids school doesn't as in the words of my oldest son "the teachers said its not fair when someone loses that they can no longer be in the tournament"

I believe we should be encouraging a level of competition, its healthy & impacts on life situations in how we handle winning and defeat e.g job interviews, also shows how to try again in the face of adversity.

 

[Wolf]

Sorry, but been as it was me that raised the subject on this occasion you are wrong. In my op which started the debate I literally watched kids walk around a track and still get the same medal a lad who busted his gut got.

That may not be the norm, but it’s what I’ve witnessed for 5 years of my girls being at their school, so it does happen.

I fully agree that the parental role is required, but kids spend more time at school than with their parents these days, so I think it’s somewhat optimistic to expect them to somehow only take the ideas on board from their parents.

Again agreed. In my 7 year old case, there were 3 podium places of which she was one, but everyone else got the same medal so got rewarded for merely taking part and made no point in rewarding the kids who did well.

To say its all the parents is naive as schools have a huge impact on kids interaction in sports, society and how they deal with things winning or losing. Yes the parents have a large responsibility to show how to be gracious in victory and courteous in defeat but its silly to say its their responsibility alone.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I live right by a sports field which is rammed on the weekend with junior football and it’s horrifying the attitudes of the parents which are in turn being shown by the kids and it’s going to do more damage imo than encouraging participation in the sport.

Again that has more to do with the way the club and the local FA control the parents. If they are allowed to get away with poor behaviour they will. I know football teams locally where parents have been asked to leave the touchline if they get aggressive or abuse a player or official. It has nothing to do with all getting rewarded.

If you play football (as you brought it up) then you don't expect every game to be a draw so there aren't any losers. Kids need to learn and parents need to teach kids that there's no shame in not winning as long as you've tried your best. Sadly a number of these parents are already on the expecting something for nothing ethos and again, purely imo, there is a downturn in standards set compared to even a decade ago

 

[Slab]

I still wake up sweating some nights. Even after almost 50 years the image still haunts me. I see that little egg begin to wobble and although I try to stop it I realise I’ve over-corrected and as its falling from the spoon! My dreams of lifting aloft a certificate (with 100m dash tippex’d out and Egg & Spoon written over) while clutching my winners mars bar, disappear in an instant and I am to be left with nought. This is a harsh harsh lesson (some might say too harsh for someone so young & with poor dexterity) I'm crushed (as was the egg after I stumbled trying to retrieve it and stood on it)

Its not like my competitive swimming endeavours, here I received a medal & a certificate of participation with the distance I swam written on (800m as it happens although I quickly realise this can easily be changed to 1800m or even 8000m with the correct kind of pen. For many weeks after I stared at that medal each night (I didn't have the certificate anymore as it got a bit wet in the locker rooms when I put it on the seat to get changed) As I turned the little medal over and over in my hand daydreaming about future aquatic participation accomplishments I realise the little disc of a swimmer in the medals centre is plastic while the rest is some kind of metal (probably lead) and it’s been stuck on with a tab of glue. After picking at it until it comes free I see underneath that the medal was originally intended for a runner! A runner I ask you. It was 7 long years before I enter the water again and the chlorine still tasted bitter!




Actually while much of the above is true I must admit the reason I wake up sweating some nights is because its freakin hot here and the Aircon needs switched on again

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

That we have a generation of 20-somethings who don't know how to wire a plug (yes I know appliances etc come with moulded plugs attached - however...). And if you don't know how to do even that, I am guessing that you are going to be unable or unwilling to take on almost any basic DIY challenge.

(doesn't irritate so much as give me a wee bit of concern for the poor dears...as they will have to pay 'a man' to do just about everything for them once mum and dad aren't able)

 

[Robster59]

That we have a generation of 20-somethings who don't know how to wire a plug (yes I know appliances etc come with moulded plugs attached - however...). And if you don't know how to do even that, I am guessing that you are going to be unable or unwilling to take on almost any basic DIY challenge.

(doesn't irritate so much as give me a wee bit of concern for the poor dears...as they will have to pay 'a man' to do just about everything for them once mum and dad aren't able)

I'd have to say that my two have both moved into new houses about 400 miles from where I live and both have done a lot of their own work. My son in particular has done his kitchen including doing the tiling himself. Something I never did. I think with my kids the DIY skills have skipped a generation as my Dad was good at it but I do it only if necessary and to avoid paying someone else to do what I could do but don't get a great deal of joy out of.

 

[Wolf]

Next.... We ordered 3 pairs of girls sandels for my youngest 3 to go with their bridesmaid dresses, all paid for including express delivery. Just signed for them opened them up and only 2 pairs in the packaging. Quick phone call to them and they state no we sent 3 pairs 😒 told them that's strange because the delivery note states only 2 pairs in there and no mention of the 3rd pair.. 15minutes on hold later get told oh perhaps we forgot to pack them I can get them sent out to you how would you like me to take the delivery charge card or account.. Eventually after half hour on the phone speak to a supervisor who sends will them them next day and refund delivery charge.

 

[Robster59]

Another random irritation.
People who get out of their cars and then walk about doing things that they would moan like hell if somebody else did. Walking across car parks without looking, and in holiday towns randomly walking out onto the road without even thinking about what traffic may be around. It drives me mental!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

That we have a generation of 20-somethings who don't know how to wire a plug (yes I know appliances etc come with moulded plugs attached - however...). And if you don't know how to do even that, I am guessing that you are going to be unable or unwilling to take on almost any basic DIY challenge.

(doesn't irritate so much as give me a wee bit of concern for the poor dears...as they will have to pay 'a man' to do just about everything for them once mum and dad aren't able)

How many plugs are not sealed now? I am looking around my office now and there is hardly that I would be able to change a fuse on.

Anyway, all they have to do is to look it up on Youtube and there will be a video showing them

On a slightly glib front, so many jobs are going to be taken by robotics and computers in the workplace that is paying for an odd job person such a bad thing? Keeps someone in a job.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

How many plugs are not sealed now? I am looking around my office now and there is hardly that I would be able to change a fuse on.

Anyway, all they have to do is to look it up on Youtube and there will be a video showing them

On a slightly glib front, so many jobs are going to be taken by robotics and computers in the workplace that is paying for an odd job person such a bad thing? Keeps someone in a job.

Indeed - and why I added the words in parentheses. Just the most immediate example I've had to deal with - there will be another simple DIY task that younger folks have no idea about...and if you can't tackle simple things then you are going to be baffled by, or reluctant to tackle, anything of even only slightly increased complexity. But you are of course quite right - Google / Youtube is your friend in such things.

I say this as someone who is not at all brilliant on electrical and plumbing stuff. And as for bigger jobs? Well it depends on how long I think it will take me to do; the financial worth of my free hours in the timescales to do the job; and the cost of getting 'a man' in to do it for us.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Indeed - and why I added the words in parentheses. Just the most immediate example I've had to deal with - there will be another simple DIY task that younger folks have no idea about...and if you can't tackle simple things then you are going to be baffled by, or reluctant to tackle, anything of even only slightly increased complexity. But you are of course quite right - Google / Youtube is your friend in such things.

I say this as someone who is not at all brilliant on electrical and plumbing stuff. And as for bigger jobs? Well it depends on how long I think it will take me to do; the financial worth of my free hours in the timescales to do the job; and the cost of getting 'a man' in to do it for us.

I think some people lean towards DIY, others don't. I can do some basics but I largely get a 'proper man' in. I can change a plug but give me a light to change in a living room with 6 wires hanging down and that is is a big no from me. I am trying to think of the last time I changed a fuse and I really can't. It must be 10yrs +. Fuse boxes trip before a fuse blows now, so it seems anyway.

I haven't taught my son or daughter how to change a fuse or wire a plug, largely because I haven't had to myself for so long, it is not really relevant any more (my mum, a stickler for knowing the basics, would shudder at that but it is the reality)

 

[Imurg]

DIY...destroy it yourself

 

[patricks148]

our Sky box going down due to the Atmospherics up here today, forecast for Thunder and Lightning