Against the current norm.

[Carol]

I think recognizing participants, at all levels, and at all age brackets, is a good idea.

If you don't have participants, you don't have a tourney.

 

[Kacey]

For younger kids, having a participation award doesn't bother me (say, under 8 or 9 or 10). Showing up - never mind participating - is a big deal for kids that age. As they get older, the participation award can be phased out in favor of less tangible awards. For example, in recognition that showing up is valuable, any student who participates in a tournament gets a seeding point. Placement is not relevant - only participation - for that seeding point, as the experience of participating itself improves the students' abilities at the next tournament. Students who place get additional points based on how they placed (if they placed at all). Older students understand the purpose and value of those seeding points, and don't need the tangible award that younger students need, due to their level of cognitive development.