CHAPTER IX
AWARDS, POINT SYSTEMS AND RECORDS
SYSTEM OF AWARDS

The purpose of an award system in the intramural program is twofold, namely;
motivation and recognition of achievement.

Award systems are not universally used, as there are some physical education
leaders who think the system is stressing the award rather than participation for
enjoyment. However, there are arguments for giving awards by proponents of the
plan.

Awards create interest, and, as a result of the increased student interest,
there will be a greater percentage of participation, which is a step toward the
realization of our objectives.

There is an opportunity for each student to win an award. If an award plan
is used (which is recommended for junior high and high schools) it places all
students upon the same level of opportunity and encourages all of them to
participate. In other words, we are not only encouraging the physically superior
students but those whom we might call physically inferior by participation awards.

Intramural athletics is only one of the many extra-curricular activities
that are being carried on in the school program. The activities are made as ap-
pealing to the students as possible in an attempt to gain their individual
participation but at the same time the awards are also given to make it more
attractive.

In giving awards we recognize individual achievement in that we give the
students something that is of little monetary value but, at the same time, gives
credit for their interest, participation, and physical prowess and proves to them
and shows the world that they have the physical and mental capacities to turn in
a creditable performance.

Those who feel that we are stressing the wrong thing by giving awards present
as their arguments the following points:

The individual should be taught to participate for the enjoyment he can
derive from the activity. This argument is worthwhile and no doubt many students
would enter into the program if no awards were given. However, there are others
that are not participating who will be attracted by the award. We strive for
100% participation in the program and if the awards will attract some of those
students who would not otherwise be in the program, surely the award system is
all right.

Awards are an added expense. This is true and if the awards system takes
away from or limits the type of program that is carried on, it is an argument that
deserves every consideration. Awards, however, need not be very expensive as
cheaper ones will successfully accomplish the same purpose.

If each individual can win an award, awards mean very little. In this
argument one thing is not taken into consideration and that is, we are not recog-
nizing ability as such, but participation. In interscholastic and intercollegiate
athletics awards are given for ability, as the individuals are the outstanding

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