Sam Dogen, a father in San Francisco, faced an unexpected encounter while playing tennis with his children at Golden Gate Heights Park. The afternoon that was meant to overcome jet lag from a family trip to Hawaii turned into a questioning session by park rangers.
Dogen, accompanied by his 6-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, was approached by San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department rangers. They inquired if he had a permit to teach tennis.
What are you talking about? These are my kids,
Dogen recounted thinking. The situation was clarified when Dogen’s son told the rangers, He’s my daddy. No citation was issued. However, Dogen learned the potential penalty for teaching without a permit could be $192.
In a statement to The San Francisco Standard, department spokesperson Tamara Aparton explained that rangers routinely check public courts for commercial instruction. Paid tennis lessons require a permit, so they question people to determine their activity.
Dogen appreciated the city’s regulation but felt parents teaching their children should be treated differently, noting the high cost of living in San Francisco. He recognized the need to keep calm for his children’s sake during the interaction.
Jokingly, Dogen mentioned he might carry his children’s birth certificates in the future. He emphasized his hope for a more family-friendly attitude in enforcing park rules.
Dogen’s experience highlights the delicate balance between routine regulation and ensuring a welcoming environment for families.
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