Q: Can public school coaches refuse to tell parents why their child isn't being given play time?

A: Under California law, there isn't a straightforward answer to whether public school coaches must disclose reasons for a student's playtime to parents. However, it's important to understand that education and athletic policies often aim to balance the development of student autonomy with parental rights to be informed about their child's education and extracurricular activities. The coach's reference to building a trusting relationship with students suggests an approach that prioritizes student independence and learning through direct interaction.

In the context of public schools, while transparency and communication with parents are encouraged, there may be specific policies at the district or school level that guide how coaches and teachers interact with parents about student performance, including in athletics. These policies might be designed to teach students how to engage in conversations about their performance and advocate for themselves, which could explain the coach's response. However, this approach should not preclude clear communication channels and should ideally include guidelines on how parents can receive feedback or discuss concerns.

If you feel that the school's policy is not adequately addressing your concerns or if the response seems to conflict with your rights as a parent to understand and support your child's participation in school activities, it may be helpful to seek clarification from school administrators or the school district. Understanding the specific policies in place and the rationale behind them can provide a clearer picture of the steps you can take to address your concerns. Additionally, engaging in a dialogue with school officials may help in finding a resolution that respects both the coach's approach to student development and your interest in your son's well-being and progress in his extracurricular activities.