Just one more quick thought:

I DO NOT believe that the problem lies with the kids, OR the trophies. Have been following another thread: "the end of wrestling....", and agree. The REAL problem lies with SOME coaches and a LOT of parents.

All kids understand competition. Shoot, my 4 yo daughter races her brothers down the hall at home, and then shouts "I win, you lose" when she beats them...laughing all the way. She also laughs when she loses, though. How long would she keep racing if I screamed at her when she lost, I wonder???????????