Benefits of Competition

From its beginning, the 4-H program has used a system of clubs and competitive activities to promote learning and the development of specific skills of 4-H members (Ladewig & Thomas, 1987). Sometimes competition is viewed negatively.  Florida 4-H does not believe that competition is beneficial for youth under the age of eight, but for older youth, competition can help promote the development of life skills.  When you break it down, competition is simply the process of comparing skills (Midura & Glover, 1999).  Competition provides opportunities for youth to master and demonstrate life skills that can be used in the real world. For example, livestock judging participants learn more than animal science- they learn about the ethical treatment of animals, how to communicate and critical thinking.

Weber and McCullers (1986) stated that “young men and women who traditionally attain the highest levels of achievement in the 4-H program are typically very successful ‘in other aspects of life as well.” Other studies have also shown that competition helps to decrease juvenile delinquency, foster responsible social behavior, stimulate creativity, motivate young people to set goals, prepare them for the competitive world and gain important life skills.

Competitions involving judging are beneficial educational tools used to prepare youth for the workforce, regardless of their chosen careers. Former participants have learned to become team players, which is essential to their success and efficiency in the workplace.  Teambuilding skills are an essential element of success at any age.

In a 2003 study conducted by the University of Idaho to determine development of beneficial life skills associated with past participants in 4-H Livestock and Horse Judging programs, over 97% of the judging alumni indicated that the Idaho 4-H judging experience positively influenced their personal success. The participants indicated gaining the following life skills:

• Ability to verbally defend a decision
• Animal industry knowledge
• Decision-making
• Oral communication
• Organizational skills
• Problem solving
• Team building
• Self-confidence
• Self-discipline
• Self-motivation

Overall, 4-H participants perceive that 4-H competitions are very valuable to them in terms of teaching responsibility, building self-confidence and self-worth, and preparing them to face challenges in a competitive world.  Florida 4-H offers many opportunities to help youth develop through competitive events:

• 4-H record books
• Public speaking
• Demonstrations, or show and tell presentations
• Graphic design
• Photography
• Judging competitions
• Shooting sports
• Animal shows
• Fair exhibits

To learn more about competitive opportunities in 4-H, or how you can become involved as a coach or project leader, contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office or visit http://florida4h.org.

Related Article- The Impact Ag Judging Had on Me

Resources:

https://www.joe.org/joe/2002june/a5.php

https://www.joe.org/joe/2006december/rb3.php

http://countryfolks.com/4-h-ffa-competitions-benefit-students-livestock-and-communities/

https://www.joe.org/joe/2002april/rb5.php

https://www.joe.org/joe/2005april/rb5.php