- Hillary Muhalya argues that school competitions must reward talent, discipline and hard work, not favouritism, manipulation or external influence.
- He says teachers, coaches and adjudicators have a duty to uphold fairness by ensuring every learner earns opportunities through merit and preparation.
- The article warns that when integrity is compromised learners lose confidence, but when talent speaks for itself future stars are born.
Behind every school competition is a learner with a dream, a teacher with a responsibility and a community hoping to see genuine talent rewarded. Whether on the football pitch, basketball court, music stage, drama arena or talent show platform, the spirit of competition depends on one important principle — fairness.
Teachers play a central role in discovering, nurturing and developing learners’ abilities. As patrons, coaches, trainers and mentors, they are expected to create an environment where talent, creativity, discipline and hard work determine success. However, when teachers influence outcomes unfairly, they risk destroying the confidence of learners and undermining the very purpose of co-curricular activities.
School competitions are not only about trophies and recognition. Games, music, drama and talent shows are platforms where learners discover their abilities, build confidence, develop teamwork and prepare for future opportunities. Every participant deserves a fair chance to showcase their skills without fear that decisions will be influenced by personal interests, favouritism or external pressure.
Fair selection builds confidence
One of the greatest challenges in school competitions is unfair selection. When teachers choose participants based on friendship, family connections, personal preferences or pressure from influential individuals rather than talent and commitment, deserving learners are denied opportunities. A learner who has spent months practising a musical piece, perfecting a dramatic performance or training on the field deserves to be judged on ability and preparation.
In games, teachers must allow performance on the field to determine results. Selection of players should be based on skill, fitness, teamwork, discipline and commitment. Influencing match outcomes, favouring certain players or encouraging unfair tactics not only affects the credibility of the competition but also teaches learners the wrong values.
The same applies to music, drama and talent competitions. Judges and teachers must evaluate performances based on creativity, originality, presentation, technical ability and adherence to competition guidelines. Manipulating scores, awarding marks unfairly or giving preference to certain schools or individuals undermines the confidence of talented learners and weakens trust in the competition process.
Teachers must also avoid interfering with adjudicators and officials. While it is natural for educators to support their learners, pressuring judges, disputing every decision or attempting to influence outcomes goes against the values of fair play and professionalism. Learners should be taught that success comes through preparation and improvement, not through unfair advantage.
Teachers must nurture, not manipulate
Unfair practices can have long-term consequences. A learner who loses an opportunity because of bias may become discouraged and abandon a talent that could have developed into a career. Similarly, a learner who succeeds through manipulation may fail to appreciate the importance of hard work, resilience and continuous improvement.
The true role of a teacher is to be a talent developer, not a result manipulator. Great mentors identify potential, provide guidance, encourage discipline and help learners become better versions of themselves. Whether a learner wins or loses, the experience should build character, confidence and a passion for excellence.
Competitions in games, music, drama and talent shows should remain spaces where creativity, ability and dedication are celebrated. Schools should uphold transparent selection processes, credible judging systems and clear competition rules to protect the interests of every learner.
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The greatest victory in co-curricular activities is not merely lifting a trophy or receiving an award. It is knowing that success was achieved through genuine talent, preparation and determination. When teachers allow talent to speak for itself, they create fair opportunities, inspire future stars and preserve the true spirit of school competitions.
In the end, trophies may fade, but the confidence and values built through fair competition remain a lifelong legacy.
By Hillary Muhalya
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