Why are there awards banquets? Why we choose to highlight a select few players at the end of each sports season? Where did the tradition come from? Why do we do it?
Before tonight’s sports awards ceremony started a Dutch parent leaned over to me and said, “I don’t really like these awards things. Someone always gets left out and feels bad. Why do we do this thing?” It made me wonder. She had a point.
Then we sat through the two hours of praises. Every player’s name was mentioned and each individual highlighted in someway. It seemed to last forever. Then, the few were honored with the special coach’s awards. These few walked away with big smiles while others stepped of the stage a bit deflated. My Dutch friend was right. Especially in a team sport such as basketball, it seems the entire team should be celebrated. Let’s face it, no one member of such a team can do it all alone. In a team sport each player IS needed at some point. So why do we need an MVP, especially when each coach claims “Everyone deserves the MVP” or “This is the most difficult award to choose”. If those statements are true, then why do we do it? I’ll admit, occasionally it seems like the chosen player was simply the coach’s favorite, not necessarily the best or most promising athlete. So, what is the point of that?
How could these banquets be more meaningful? Well, they should be SHORTER for one thing. The coach’s should be sincere about individual mentions. They shouldn’t honor just for the sake of honoring. They should use specific examples or demonstrate evidence of what they are saying. The entire team (as individuals or as a team) should be celebrated. Otherwise just have the banquet and celebrate the sports season.