Trophy Ideas
Buying trophies can definitely be a difficult task for some. For one, the given trophy tends to be a reflection of the person giving it. This in itself can create anxiety in the buying process. Also, the buyer wants to provide a great experience to the person receiving it. And mostly, trophies should be a lasting keepsake that rests in sight for years of recognition.
Thus, many of our clients struggle with the task of selecting “the right trophy”.
Let us help you take the anxiety out of your purchase. Our advice is derived from our own personal experiences in running recreation programs. We have also spoken with children and young adults to gain their insights to the best trophy.
So what should you consider in selecting the trophy for your program or athlete/student? Typically we have found that there are six (6) main items to consider when buying the right trophy: Athlete/Student Age, type of sport, placement type, previous years, name recognition and finally budget.
1. Athlete/Student Age
Through our experiences and conversations, we have found that there tends to be a cyclical nature to trophies throughout a child’s life. In their youngest ages, smaller trophies that describe their successes in participation is adequate. The two foot trophy for the four year-old child just seems a little out of sync. However, children between 8 and 10 believe that the big ones count. They like having their friends over their homes and showing the big trophy under the lights. Between 10 and 12 the children tend to look for uniqueness in a trophy because they now have had a few throughout their lives and finally as they gain in age we cycle back to the big ones counting to dwarf the many in the years between.
2. Type of Sport
As you can imagine, the type of sport can dictate the type of trophy. All most all sports have resin, acrylic and assembled trophies available for purchase. However, they also have many different tops pieces and designs that can be used in combination that might not match the actual sport. For example, although it is tempting to put a star on top of a trophy for a soccer award, our experience is the athlete/student really want the top piece and trophy to resemble what they have earned. Therefore, trophy representing soccer would be better suited in that occasion.
3. Placement Type (Placement or Participation)
Placement type refers to whether the trophy is being provided for just participating (participation trophy) in a program or tournament or for winning a place (such as 1st or 2nd trophies) within the program or tournament.
I don’t think I have ever seen more dissatisfaction in a child’s face when they see the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place trophies the same size and quality of the participation trophies. They have worked and accomplished something a little more special to achieve their status and rightly deserve a unique trophy. In programs where you provide participation and placement trophies, make sure you see a distinction.
4. Previous Year Awards
One of Trophy World’s value add is that we keep a history of your purchases. As a Chairman of one of the largest soccer programs in the state, I once gave the same trophy in back to back years because I failed to remember what we gave in the previous year. As we discussed in the Athlete’s Age section, young athletes tend to keep their awards as a keepsake. They do look and compare trophies from one year to the next. Don’t disappoint them by yourself or your supplier not monitoring as well.
5. Names
Yes, it is very painful to keep track of all of the names of the kids in your program. It’s more painful to keep track of them with the correct spelling. However, if you can find the time and spare a few more dollars for engraving, I always suggest placing the child’s name on the trophy. Most of the recreation leaders are volunteers so there are many times where this is not feasible due to time constraints. However, if you have a smaller program and a good lead time, we strongly suggest this practice. There is nothing better than seeing your own name on a trophy.
6. Budget
We live in a new economy. Days where reductions in budgets did not impact trophies are gone. However, you should not ever go completely without. A trophy shows a child that they have accomplished something. We try to tell our children never quit…award them for this. However, you can stretch your dollars. Talk to us and tell us your constraints. There are many ways to help reduce the cost of a trophy but provide for a lasting impression.
