San Francisco Dad Questioned for Teaching Kids Tennis

A San Francisco father’s attempt to enjoy a casual tennis afternoon with his two children at a public park took an unexpected turn when park rangers approached, questioning whether he was operating an unauthorized commercial lesson. Sam Dogen, a local resident, was practicing with his 6-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son at Golden Gate Heights Park shortly after returning from a family vacation.

A Routine Practice Interrupted

Dogen recounted that he had taken his children to the court with the intention of helping them overcome jet lag and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, a familiar activity they had engaged in many times before. However, about twenty minutes into their session, two rangers from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department approached the family. They inquired if Dogen possessed a permit for teaching tennis.

“I was immediately thinking to myself, ‘What are you talking about? These are my kids,'” Dogen shared, expressing his bewilderment at the situation. The confusion was eventually clarified when one of his children pointed out the obvious familial connection, stating, “He’s my daddy.” Although the family was not issued a citation, Dogen was informed by one ranger that the penalty for teaching without a permit could amount to $192.

Understanding Regulations, Questioning Enforcement

While Dogen acknowledged the necessity of city regulations concerning commercial instruction on public courts, he felt the interaction was misplaced. He pointed out that the court was empty and there was no one else waiting to use it, making the disruption of a father-son and father-daughter practice session seem unnecessary.

A spokesperson for the Recreation and Parks Department, Tamara Aparton, explained that the rangers’ actions were part of a routine procedure. “Because paid instruction is not allowed on public courts without a permit, rangers will sometimes ask questions to determine whether someone is providing commercial instruction or simply using the courts for personal recreation or coaching their kids,” Aparton stated. She emphasized that the interaction was standard practice aimed at ensuring compliance with rules against commercial activities without proper authorization.

Dogen, however, believes that a distinction should be made between commercial instructors and parents teaching their own children. “Raising children in a city as expensive as San Francisco is hard enough,” he commented. “When you add law enforcement officers who aren’t friendly, it gets even tougher.” His primary concern during the encounter was to maintain a calm environment for his young children.

A Call for a More Welcoming Approach

Dogen expressed his hope that this incident might encourage city officials to adopt a more family-centric approach to enforcing park regulations. He envisioned a San Francisco that is more accommodating to families, rather than a place where a father engaging in a simple recreational activity with his children could face potential fines.

With a touch of wry humor, Dogen mused about future visits to the park, suggesting he might carry his children’s birth certificates in his tennis bag. “I’m going to get their birth certificates and carry them with me in my tennis bag just to prove they’re my children,” he joked. “I’m not going to get a permit to teach my children.” His underlying sentiment is a plea for policies that support, rather than hinder, family engagement in public spaces.

The incident highlights a common tension between enforcing regulations and fostering community use of public facilities, particularly in densely populated urban areas like San Francisco. While the city aims to manage its resources effectively and prevent commercial exploitation of public spaces, Dogen’s experience underscores the importance of nuanced enforcement that considers the spirit of the law and the well-being of families.