“I learned many years ago that life is far better lived- and told- anecdotally, rather than analytically. Tom Gomes’ witty and trenchant compilation of youth sports parables is the perfect manifestation of this insight. It’s guaranteed to make adults think hard about what their proper behavior should be, before they ever set foot near a child’s sports venue again.”
Bob Bigelow; youth sports reformer and activist; Author of “Just Let the Kids Play; How to Stop Other Adults from Ruining Your Child’s Fun and Success in Youth Sports”
Tom Gomes speaks clearly and accurately to those of us involved in any capacity with organized youth sports. With an engaging and humorous anecdotal style he successfully exposes the all-to-frequent and outrageous displays of parental behavior that often leave an indelible and toxic impact on the development of our children. The characters, scenarios and vivid descriptions of the “enemy-parent” are hilarious, yet they invariably leave the reader with a bit of self doubt and wonder. Tom brings attention to an ugly problem, but more so, he invites a challenge to view organized sports as an opportunity to nurture youthful self-esteem.
Jack Helbick, ACSW, LICSW, DCSW
Psychotherapist
