“…In addition, competitions prepare youth for a competitive world, and motivate them to strive for excellence (4-H Leader, 1986;Fetsch & Yang, 2002;Keith & Vaughn, 1998;Ladewig & Thomas, 1987;Weber & McCullers, 1986;Wessel & Wessel, 1982). Despite these many positive aspects of competition, opponents argue that competition 1) decreases self-esteem and fosters individualism, 2) encourages counter productive activities, 3) aids in imbalanced skill development, 4) makes false judgments about individuals, 5) encourages cheating and unfair practices, 6) requires excessive parental involvement, 7) engages in aggressive behavior, 8) allows for poor sportsmanship, 9) increases improper parental attitudes, and 10) fosters individualism rather than cooperation (Allen et al, 1988a;Allen et al, 1988b;Bell & Suggs, 1998;Clifford, 1989;Fetsch & Yang, 2002;Kohn, 1992;Martens, 1978). Regardless, competition not placed in a proper perspective, coupled with sportsmanship and fairness, may be detrimental to youth development and selfesteem (Perkins, 2000).…”