Sucking the fun out of youth sports | Mike Terson | TEDxVernonAreaLibrary

Why do adults get so wrapped up in the outcome of youth sporting events? In this thoughtful and funny talk, Mike looks at common parent and coach behavior at youth sporting events, and offers a new perspective for putting the fun back into sports for kids. Mike Terson is the Public Relations and Marketing Manager at the Buffalo Grove Park District. He has worked as the public address announcer for the Chicago Wolves hockey team and the Chicago Cubs. He also served as a Village Trustee from 2011 - 2014 in his hometown of Buffalo Grove, where he lives in with his wife, Nicole and their 13-year old son, Jack. Mike was inducted into Harper College’s Distinguished Alumni in 2013. He is a graduate of Buffalo Grove High School and earned a degree in Communications from Northern Illinois University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Cadethoopsbasketball]

Absolutely amazing. Thanks you Mike for a wonderful Ted Talk. As the founder and director of the Cadet Hoops Basketball program your Ted Talk encompasses everything I try to preach within my organization and community. Thank for sharing your thoughts and views with us.

[@mterson]

Thanks, Brian! My pleasure... My high school basketball coach, the late Ken Sartini, taught me a lot. He's be happy to know that there are programs out there teaching the game the right way.

[@williamnowacki]

I remembered the good times when Mike did the PA announcing for the Chicago Wolves. Especially during the championship back in 2008. I’ll be honest he had a huge motivation voice when he announced the Wolves lineup. Ah good times.

[@mterson]

Thanks, William! Those were good times indeed.

[@jazminebrook]

He’s my uncle!!!

[@jazminebrook]

I HAD NO IDEA MY UNCLE MIKE MADE A TED TALK

[@larsafrika]

Absolutely Brilliant! Thanks for your efforts at thinking this through!

[@mterson]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words.

[@TomKimCreative]

I went to this TEDx talk, and I still find this compelling-inspiring, thoughtful, and funny! 😀

[@mterson]

Thank you for the kind words, Tom!

[@guymckim3367]

Thank you for a wonderful presentation, taking a look at youth sport from many perspectives. Thanks for forcing me to think.

[@mterson]

My pleasure... Thanks for the kind words, Guy.

[@mterson]

My pleasure... Thanks for the kind words, Guy.

[@jimarmstrong6231]

Great TEDTalk Mike! I first read about it in the Daily Herald earlier this month. As a parent whose son is involved in travel and high school sports I have witnessed some of the most despicable fan (parent) behavior and attitudes of athlete entitlement. It's destructive and as you mentioned sends the wrong message to our kids and the future of youth sports.

[@mterson]

Thank you, Jim!

[@Jenda-ld8dj]

Not only sports but life in general!

[@joelfranco2042]

I wish it were longer! Well done

[@mterson]

Thank you, Joel!

[@wocpfilm]

Great chat! Should have been longer! Well done

[@mterson]

Thanks!

[@manel6f]

Really good talk!

[@mterson]

Thank you, Manel!

[@terson44]

I am just here cos my name is Terson aswell

[@nunyah7856]

So how can yelling encouragement be a bad thing??

[@mterson]

Well, that depends. For example, when my kid makes a great save, I yell, "great save, Jack!" However, if your "encouragement" is more like a constant series of barking direction, where your voice is constantly heard the whole time by everyone, you might want to ask yourself if your kids participation in sports is about them having fun, or more about you. But, to really answer your question, if I were you, I'd ask my kid this question... When I come to your games, would you honesty rather I just watch the game and clap when you do well, but not yell; or, do you like it when I yell encouragement?