I guess everyone is in titled a opinion. I as a dad don't believe in getting awards for just being there. I don't even let my personal kids accept at award if they get last place but when they earn it and deserve it then they get it. Not to mention there flyer even said medals and brackets for all 1st placers. As far as going to bigger tournys for just an award we have gone to smaller tournys like Linn co and Allen co and they all gave medals away even with just 250 kids in the entire tourny.