Q: If a coach purchased equipment for a high school program and then resigned, do they have property rights?
The items were purchased using a non-school affiliated club organization, and it is unclear who is a part of it and or who runs it.
A:
In California, the ownership of equipment purchased for a high school program, even through a non-school club, can be complex and depends on the specifics of the purchase and agreements made at the time. If the coach purchased equipment with funds from a non-school affiliated club specifically for the school's program, the intent and agreements surrounding the donation or purchase play a significant role in determining ownership.
If there was an understanding or agreement, written or verbal, that the equipment was for the school's use, it likely becomes the property of the school program, not the individual coach. Documentation, such as receipts, emails, or meeting minutes, can help clarify the intention behind the purchase. Without clear ownership or agreements, the situation can become legally ambiguous.
If disputes arise over the property rights of the equipment, it may require mediation or legal intervention to resolve. It would be beneficial to discuss the matter with the involved parties and attempt to reach an agreement based on the intended use of the equipment and any existing agreements or understandings. If necessary, legal advice might help clarify the rights and responsibilities of each party involved.
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