Motorcycle Club Guide

MOTORCYCLE CLUB GUIDELINES 1

- Motorcycle Club Guidelines -

SO, YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN CLUB? It is not as simple as you or your friends might think. There are a few items on the list that you need to pay a�en�on to before you just put a patch on your back.

Maybe the colours you use are representa�ve of a rival club that your local has problems with; the colours used as well as the patch itself has a meaning.

If you decide to start your own club, MC or otherwise, you MUST contact the local Club Associa�on, Federa�on or Council and discuss it with them. Period. There is a few, VERY FEW, places that do not requires this, but the only way is to contact them.

Maybe the name you choose is the name of another club from the past that disbanded with honours or disbanded due to causing too many problems for the MC community.

The MC community, despite the ac�ons of some, does not want any more problems that may reflect on them that others may cause. To do this, they keep some controls on who flies colours and wants to be sure they understand the different protocols involved.

It is generally seen as poor taste to decide to start your own club. Basically, it tells them that you are trying to avoid paying your dues and avoid the learning of what they mean by respect, because there are already enough clubs in existence where you could be taught and bond with an exis�ng brotherhood.

Everyone hears about the big clubs. Few outside the lifestyle realize there are hundreds of smaller MCs across the country that are not 1% or even support clubs. I would recommend ge�ng to know those in your area first. Who knows, you might fit right in with one of them instead of trying to start your own.

While the internet has a LOT of informa�on, it is basic informa�on and doesn’t cover many things that do not need to be known by the general public. Someone star�ng a new club will be schooled in these more in depth protocols.

As a former club member and leader, I learned they had a certain way of doing things that while in the beginning you may not have understood and thought it was stupid, as you progressed in your �me in, these stupid things slowly came to make more and more sense. It’s the li�le things that going through the proper procedures can help prevent misunderstandings and can establish the reputa�on you will develop as a club.

Besides the fact that there does need to be some controls on who’s running around spor�ng back patches and calling themselves a MC, the established clubs know what the situa�on is with other clubs and former clubs. If you think the procedures are bad now, imagine if the government controlled clubs. Scary.

Let’s say for instance you created a back patch.

It happens to look a lot like another club’s that has caused a lot of problems in the past. You are wearing that into mee�ng where other clubs mistake it for the troublemaking club and ........... I think you can see where that is going.

Not to men�on the fact that if you go through the proper procedures to get their blessing, you will have them on your side if there is any problems.

Yes, the image of the Bad Ass biker is fading, but, it’s s�ll there. There are movies in 2

- Motorcycle Club Guidelines -

SO, YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN CLUB? Hollywood made every year that s�ll use bikers to represent the bad ass. TV shows s�ll portray the Biker as the Bad Asses. Stone Cold - the movie - really portrayed bikers in a bad light. Nash Bridges the TV show had the wrestler - Stone Cold Steve Aus�n as a bounty hunter....... he rode a bike. The bike was a Suzuki, but most people did realize that. Even Yamaha has used the tough guy image of the biker in commercials. So, while the bad ass image is fading, it’s nowhere near gone. MCs do not want people with that image to be flying colours and playing at being the bad ass. This will not only bring heat down on the “club” that does it, but, brings heat down on all MC clubs.

5. What kind of an MC do you want to start?

Tradi�onal back patch MC club A social club A riding club A Service oriented club 6. Will you prospect the members? How long in general?

7. What does it take to get approval to become a member?

8. Harleys only club or accept all brands.

9. How many members would you have if you started up a club tomorrow? (Need to have 4, 5, 6 poten�al members at the very least.)

10. How well do you know the people that are going to start this with you? Brotherhood isn’t just a word, it’s TOTAL dedica�on to each other, not just when it’s convenient.

As for the right to wear anything you want.

Wear a Cop uniform and see what happens.

Wear a military uniform with all the patches.

That’s a no no! Freedom of speech isn’t so free. Sure you can say anything you want, but, certain things can land you in jail. Threaten the President and see what happens. Tell someone you are going to kick their ass and you could wind up in court. While you are there, wear a t-shirt that says Lawyers Suck and see what happens. You have every right to wear that tshirt, but is it a wise thing to do?

If you’re seriously thinking of star�ng a M.C. or other type club cantered around motorcycles, then do an on-line search and check out all the serious clubs’ websites(if they show it).

In general, I would recommend you do some research and find out who is the top dog club in your neck of the woods. You can find out easy enough by asking at the motorcycle shops, biker friendly bars, etc. Are there any other non-1% clubs in your neighbourhood and if so who are they and what type of club are they?

You may consider hanging around several to see if there is a fit. If you find one you like, you could approach them and find out what requirements are to join their club.

Reality of consequences of our ac�ons some�mes overrides what we perceive as a right or privilege.

If you insist…………….

DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST!

When you find the local dominant, MAKE SURE you read up on them if you can. If they have a web site, read the “About Us”, “Our History”, “Our Brotherhood”, and any “Mission Statement” they may have. Then read and check out everything else on those sites too.

That should give you somewhat of an idea of

1. Where will the Club be based?

2. What is the Dominant 1% Club in your area?

3. Is there a COC or some type of “Motorcycle Rights” associa�on in your area?

4. Are there other non-1% clubs in your area?

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SO, YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN CLUB? what’s involved and, at the very least, the same things that they’ll expect from the other clubs wan�ng an OK in their area.

Biker Rights or Freedom Fighter Clubs/Orgs (Organiza�ons): They may be either a MC (dominant club OK’ed their use of the MC patch, usually) or an Organiza�on (if not OK’ed). But with that said, some Bikers Rights Organiza�ons only want to be known as an “Organiza�on” that rides, and not a MC, so as not to take anything away from their objec�ve of what they do. And that would be, to do everything in their power to aid, support, and further all the brotherhood, freedoms, and rights of all riders, whether they be hard-core bikers, or just the occasional motorcyclist. That would include making websites and newsle�ers for “calls to ac�on”, email and le�er wri�ng campaigns to all riders, and to the poli�cians and legislators when needed, pu�ng on runs or riding in and showing support for motorcycle causes, mo�va�ng our riding masses, speaking out against injus�ce and bad laws, and speaking out and/or vo�ng in favour of our best interests. And that’s just to name a few of the things they do, passionately, for EVERY motorcyclist.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE Also, with that said, different clubs may have some differences in the way they work too and what they’ll want from any new start-ups.

Then there are all types of “other” clubs, but not coun�ng the area’s dominant(1%) club or their support clubs, most of the others seen around are these six: Mom & Pop social MCs, RC’s(Riding Clubs), or Bikers’ Rights Organiza�ons that ride.

The dominant MC’s (1% Clubs) and their Support Clubs normally work on a “need-toknow” basis. If you really want to find out a lot more about a certain club, joining them is the only way. You’ll need to become (if invited in) a Hang-around first for a period of �me and then, if OK’ed, go to the second stage, a Prospect for another amount of �me, for the club. If you pass 100%, only then would you become an equal, a full-patched member.

And of course, there may also be other MC’s and non-MC’s whose Clubs have their own agendas, but I’m not going to get into them, that’s their biz (and usually only on a “need-toknow” basis).

So, let’s start with RC’s: Some MC’s have no problem with RC’s (Riding Clubs). That may be because they both ride in very different circles and live by different codes. There are other clubs that look down at RC’s and others that see them only as weekend warriors or wannabes.

But they tolerate them as long as they stay out of the MC’s biz, as long as the RC’s members don’t start pu�ng on the “macho act”, or trying to mimic the real MC’s. Then there’s also a few clubs that see a place for RC’s, that hopefully, the RC will join an area MRO’s (Motorcycle Rights Organiza�ons), and help our cause by helping to vote out the poli�cians that deny our biker rights, etc., etc.

BTW, 1% Clubs normally only will hang with their own circles and supporters.

Anyway, I’m not an expert on all the various clubs out there, but I think it would be safe to say, that if you s�ll want to start up an MC, you’ll need a plan that your group can bring to the dominant club to show them what your group plans to be about. And since you now know a li�le about all the various types of MC’s and Org’s from the explana�ons above, your 4

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SO, YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN CLUB? group should start with at least 5-6 members and hold mee�ngs amongst yourselves to formulate what type of group you want to be.

Then you’ll also plan out your officers, your mission statement and what you’ll all want to be about, your by-laws, rules, etc., etc. (DON’T RUSH ANY OF THIS, because once it’s all done, this is what you’ll be bringing with you to the first mee�ng with the dominant club).

approval or changes that they request. More than likely you are going to be asking to start a one patch (mom and pop) club. They probably aren’t going to go for anything more than that, as they expect everyone to start at the bo�om, just like a hangaround in a club. Forget pu�ng any thing firm together on a patch or deciding on any colours for now. The COC and local Council or Federa�on will decide what is acceptable. Go�a pay the dues first. Be aware that in some places, there is an agreement between the established clubs that enough MCs are already in the area that no new MC clubs will be formed.

Once your group believes they’ve covered everything and you’re all set, then you’ll have to make contact with the dominant’s closest chapter and ask to speak with one of their Officers. If your state has a COC (Coali�on of Clubs or Confedera�on of Clubs) that means they’ll be holding monthly or quarterly mee�ngs there with other clubs and that’s usually the best way to find their members. Don’t interrupt any patchholder, but if he’s not busy talking to someone, or he doesn’t look like he’s keeping an eye out for anything, you can politely ask him if he’ll set up a meet date for your group.

I would not advise approaching the Pres or the SAA. 99.9% of the �me, they will have other things on their minds than someone wan�ng to start a club on their turf.

Be honest: Answer all ques�ons truthfully. Liars won’t be tolerated and your club instantly loses any credibility that it might’ve had.

Come well prepared. Since you should’ve already taken all the �me needed to plan out everything, then you should already be able to answer any ques�ons you’re asked. Again, it goes to your group’s credibility and whether you’re actually ready to run the club right, or you’re just seen as a bunch of fuck-ups in their eyes. But if you do wind up in that situa�on, DON’T DARE LIE, it’s be�er to explain that you don’t have the answer for them at that moment, but that you will get the answer to them ASAP, AND THEN MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO IT!

If OK’ed for a meet, don’t be late. Everyone who’s supposed to go with you had be�er show up, or you’ll “lose face” before you’ve even opened your mouth.

Going up to a dominant club and announcing your inten�on to start up a motorcycle club and not have the right answers would be considered a show of disrespect or ignorance, neither of which would be tolerated. No one said it’s easy and it’s not.

Show them “RESPECT”. It boils down to... they’ve earned their dues, with blood, sweat and tears, you haven’t!

PLEASE TAKE NOTE While a club may work out a compromise with you, it could very well be that your group will do the compromising. And if you’re told to make any changes to your rules, patch design, etc.,

Bring all of your club’s documents, patch design, name, etc., with you for either their 5

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SO, YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN CLUB? or even what you can or can’t wear, then that’s it, that’s just what you’ll have to do in order for your group to exist in the MC world.

It’s also impera�ve that you and your group need to familiarize yourself with the informa�on right here on the MC/RC Educa�on Site so you won’t make an innocent mistake that could turn into a sign of disrespect.

Also, if they just say “No” to everything about your group becoming a MC, then that’s it, it’s over. At least you tried, but now you’ll just have to make do, the very same way you had been doing. And the good thing is that you can s�ll ride together and show your respects, you just won’t be doing it as a declared MC, or wearing a patch. No ma�er WHAT kind of club you decide on, in the advice here is solid for all kinds of clubs, MC or not. All types of clubs should at the very least let the local clubs know who they are and what they are about. By doing some kind of mee�ng, you can save poten�al future problems with the other clubs in the area.

Lastly, a patch is not a requirement to form and enjoy a brotherhood. Not many people are cut out to be in the tradi�onal MC lifestyle. It’s a lot of hard work and �me on the road and away from family and friends. The club becomes your family and friends. The club will be expected to support the other clubs in the area. O�en �mes it may conflict with something you may have planned.

And BTW, just in case you were wondering why I haven’t stated any clubs above, by name, it’s considered a sign of disrespect to throw a club’s name, or one of its member’s names around.

It’s a difficult journey that many just cannot manage. Those that make it wouldn’t live any other way.

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THE CLUB The intent of this sec�on is to give you an overview of the structure and philosophy of the tradi�onal motorcycle club (MC). This does not necessarily express the feelings or priori�es of any par�cular club, as all motorcycle clubs differ on some points. Regardless of the basic philosophy of this group, it is important that you understand the perspec�ves of other clubs that you may be associa�ng with from �me to �me.

speak. The goal is to be admired and respected by the general public rather than feared. The serious club, and all of its members and guests, will always conduct themselves publicly in a highly professional manner.

Club Colours The general public does not draw a dis�nc�on between different club colours. In many cases, they simply can’t tell the difference: we’re all “Biker Scum” to them. If one club causes a problem that touches the public sector, the offending club’s iden�ty is either confused or ignored and the heat comes down on all clubs. The general public does not make the dis�nc�on between a MC and an RC (Riding Club), therefore EVERYONE needs to be aware that no ma�er whether they are in an MC and RC or an Independent rider, their ac�ons reflect on all in the motorcycle community. The MC clubs tend to police themselves to avoid such incidents.

If motorcycles influence your lifestyle, then you are part of the motorcycle community. Of all the types of organiza�ons found within that community, the tradi�onal motorcycle club stands apart and ranks highest in stature.

Respect A serious MC club commands respect for one reason. Those who are correctly informed recognize the deep level of personal commitment and self-discipline that a man has to demonstrate and sustain in order to wear a patch. They realize that a club’s “Colours” are closely guarded and the membership process is long and difficult. Other factors notwithstanding, they respect Patchholders for what they have accomplished by being able to earn and keep the patch they wear. This is respect born out of recogni�on of dedica�on and accomplishment.

The MC Club strives for respect for this reason.

This is especially true as it pertains to those persons outside of the motorcycle community.

This segment of society is by far the larger, and therefore represents a larger market for any fund raising ac�vi�es that the group might undertake. It stands to reason that cul�va�ng a rela�onship with these people is important, and to be perceived by them as “Biker Scum” would not be advantageous to the group. They will therefore conduct themselves as upstanding ci�zens in every way... “Good neighbours” so to

Par�cipa�on A Patchholder will not discuss any club business whether it’s about membership numbers, club goings on, or any member’s personal informa�on with anyone outside of the club.

They understand that they are a Patchholder 24 hours a day whether or not they are wearing their colours. Everything they say or do in public can affect the club. They also understand that if they get out of line, that they are subject to be counselled for their own good and for that of the club. Wearing a patch is more than ge�ng together for good �mes. It also means ge�ng together for the other �mes, too. It cons�tutes a lot of work. It’s commi�ng themselves to a lifestyle in which they do not look for how their brothers or sisters can help them, but for ways that they can be of help to their brothers and sisters. They always look to give rather than to 7

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THE CLUB receive. All of this may seem very idealis�c, and in some cases it’s just that. But it is an ideal that all clubs profess and are always striving for in principle and prac�ce.

He/she is educated in basic MC protocol and e�que�e.

He/she is given �me to develop the habits that are basic to good security and good communica�ons.

Always be aware of the “Golden Rule” of conduct while traveling in club circles: If you give respect, you’ll get respect. If you act with disrespect, then you’ll be treated with the same.

To get into the habit of par�cipa�ng.

To become accustomed to trus�ng the judgment, at �mes blindly, of those patch holders who will someday be his or her brothers and sisters.

Levels of Commitment When someone earns their patch, it does not mean that he or she has reached the ul�mate goal and from that point they can kick back and coast. Moving from guest to proba�on to Patchholder is not climbing from the bo�om to the top, but rather more like climbing a constantly ascending slope, and in �me becoming a stronger and more commi�ed brother or sister. A person’s proba�onary rocker and later their patch are merely presented in recogni�on of what they have demonstrated along the way. In this fashion, the more senior the Patchholder is in the club and the more they experience, the more of a brother or sister they should be to all.

The list could go on but the point here is to demonstrate that proba�onary period has definite objec�ves and that a person will go nowhere in the club if he/she is not aware of this and does not apply themselves to those ends. It’s not possible to make a checklist of what is expected from a person in all cases.

There isn’t any formula for success, but the key is ATTITUDE AND RESPECT. Everything else can be learned in �me, but a person’s a�tude comes from the heart.

Purpose of Proba�on / Prospec�ng Proba�on is not an ini�a�on, as you would find in a fraternity. It is instead a period of �me that is sustained un�l the person, in every sense, conducts themselves with the respect that is mandated to be a Patchholder. It’s a �me in which: The a�tude is condi�oned so that he/she displays a sense of responsibility and respect toward the patch holders of the club, without which they will not develop a sense of respect for the group.

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CLUB ORGANISATION Below is just an example of basic du�es and responsibili�es of one MC club. Each club and even chapters within the same club will have differences.

Impeachment A writ of impeachment against any officer may be submi�ed by any ac�ve member at a regular mee�ng. This writ must be signed by at least three Ac�ve Members of the chapter and must list the charges as the basis for the writ.

All Ac�ve Members in the chapter must be informed of the writ prior to any impeachment vote. In order to allow the officer in ques�on an opportunity to prepare a statement concerning the charges against them, a special shall be scheduled for ac�on on the writ no less than three, no more than seven , days following the submission of the writ. Prospects are prohibited from a�ending this mee�ng, unless required to give tes�mony to support the writ or to support the officer in ques�on as a witness. Impeachment requires a 2/3 majority vote of all Ac�ve Members in the chapter. Any disciplinary ac�on besides the impeachment will be decided upon by the remaining officers within 7 days of the impeachment vote.

Principal Officers – Execu�ve Commi�ee There shall be five vo�ng officers for each chapter; President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms. These officers make up the execu�ng commi�ee. The Road Captain shall serve on the Execu�ve Commi�ee as a non-vo�ng member, except while serving as an alternate.

Eligibility Any Ac�ve Member may run for office.

Nomina�ons are not required to run for any principal office. Any Ac�ve Member may become a candidate by simply sta�ng their inten�on to do so at the October or November monthly mee�ng. A member may not run for more than one office at a �me.

Du�es and Authority

Elec�ons Elec�ons of principal officers shall be held at the December monthly mee�ng. In order to allow for an orderly transi�on of administra�ons, the newly elected slate shall assume office at the Annual Mee�ng. All principal officers shall be elected by a plurality vote. A member may not hold more than one office at a �me.

President The President is the CHAIRMAN of the Execu�ve Commi�ee and the Chief Execu�ve Officer of the club chapter. All ma�ers concerning rela�ons between the club and any outside person or organiza�on should be routed to the President for appropriate ac�on. The President or his delegate shall assume the Chair at all chapter mee�ngs. He is responsible for controlling the mee�ng and keeping order.

If necessary, the Chair may u�lize the services of the Sergeant-at-Arms to aid in keeping order.

The Chair may not make or second any mo�on, and may only vote on ques�ons where their vote would affect the outcome, as in making or breaking a �e vote, or on ballot ques�ons.

Term of Office All principal officers shall be elected for a term of one year.

Special Elec�on In the event that the current elected officer is no longer able to perform their du�es, a special elec�on for that posi�on shall be held to fill that posi�on at the next monthly mee�ng.

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CLUB ORGANISATION Vice-President The Vice-President shall coordinate all commi�ees and supervise plans for all club events. The Vice-President shall act as an intermediary between the President and the Members and Prospects. All ques�ons or comments concerning any club business not specifically related to the du�es of the other officers should be brought to directly to his a�en�on. Addi�onally, the Vice- President is the Second-in-Command to the President, and shall assume all responsibili�es and du�es of the President in their absence.

Sergeant-at-Arms The Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for ensuring that the Bylaws and Standing Rules of the club are not violated. He is responsible to insure that the orders of the Execu�ve Commi�ee are carried out in an expedi�ous manner. He is responsible for policing and keeping order at all club events, except as noted under the Du�es of the Chairman. He may conscript members to aid in keeping order on their own authority. He has the responsibility to the club to report any unseemly behaviour of incident to the Execu�ve Commi�ee. He is responsible for securing any patches or colours from any member who re�res, resigns, or is expelled.

The SAA is responsible for the safety and security of the club, as well as the protec�on and defence of its members and prospects.

He shall keep and maintain a record of all data per�nent to the safety and security of the club and its members and prospects. Upon becoming aware of any real or perceived threat to the club, its Members, Prospects, or events, he shall immediately no�fy the Execu�ve Commi�ee of that informa�on.

Secretary The Secretary is responsible for making and keeping all club/chapter records. Membership List, Chapter Bylaws, Rules of Order, Standing Rules, Records of all commi�ee appointments, all wri�en reports, copies of all correspondence between the club and any outside person or organiza�on, Mee�ng Minutes. He is responsible for calling roll at the mee�ngs.

The Secretary must no�fy Ac�ve Members of special or emergency mee�ngs, and must no�fy all the members of any appointments or elec�ons in their absence.

Road Captain The Road Captain is responsible for all club runs. He shall research, plan, and organize all runs. During actual �me on the road or at intermediate stops during a run, he shall act as the ranking club officer, deferring only to the President or Vice-President if either of them is present, and only then for ma�ers involving persons outside the club. He shall supply the Secretary with any informa�on required to no�fy outside agencies of impending club runs in a �mely manner.

Treasurer The Treasurer keeps all the funds of the club chapter. All un-issued Club Colours and Patches, as well as a record of colours, patches, or reproduc�ons thereof issued to members.

He may disburse funds to pay expenses as prescribed in the Standing Rules. The Treasurer must keep an accurate record of all income and expenses. He is required to report the fiscal status of the club at each regular mee�ng for the informa�on of the members. He must submit a wri�en annual report to the Execu�ve Commi�ee at the Annual Mee�ng.

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CLUB ORGANISATION What is expected of a MC Prospect or RC Member

the club.

RC: Mee�ng new people is one of the things a RC is about. Answer ques�ons as you are able.

If you don’t know the answer to a ques�on, refer the ques�oner to someone you think might know, such as one of the officers of your club.

Don’t give out personal informa�on unless you know that the person being asked about wants it given out; that’s only common sense.

MC: As a Prospect, strive to conduct yourself as a responsible Patchholder at all �mes.

RC: As a RC member, strive to conduct yourself in a responsible manner so as to not give your club a bad name. Whether you are wearing your patch or not, common courtesy and respect for ANY individual you make contact with will always leave a good impression of you, your club and motorcyclists in general.

MC: Never give out any informa�on about the club itself to outsiders. This includes, but is not limited to, where the club is based, how many members are in the club, etc.

RC: RCs aren’t normally out to hide anything.

They are just a riding club and as such, really don’t have much in the way of club business. If you know of sensi�ve private ma�ers concerning the RC then it is expected that you would use good judgement in not sharing it with others who are not involved.

MC: Always display a posi�ve a�tude.

RC: Always display a posi�ve a�tude.

MC: Par�cipate as much as you think is acceptable; then par�cipate more.

RC: Par�cipate as much as you are comfortable with. You joined to ride and meet others with the same interest, but the more you par�cipate the more you will get to know others and enjoy the experience. You will only get out of it that you put into it.

MC: While in public places, always conduct yourself with your associa�on with the club in mind. Remember that what you do, people will remember; good or bad.

RC: While in public places, always conduct yourself with your associa�on with your club in mind. Remember that what you do, people will remember; good or bad. The public percep�on of anyone who rides a bike should be considered and a good a�tude is always the kind of percep�on we want to present, club or no club.

MC: If you see a Patchholder of your group that you have not met, take the ini�a�ve to introduce yourself as.. “Prospect (your name).”

RC: It’s always good to introduce yourself to fellow club members.

MC: At all gatherings, make it a point to circulate when you have the �me to do so and greet every Patchholder who is there.

RC: It’s always good to meet new people.

MC: Never let a Patchholder walk off alone in an unsecured area. If he/she is going out to their car, bike, or even just out to get some fresh air, go with them. Watch their back at all �mes.

RC: Never let someone go off alone without someone keeping an eye on them, especially in this day and �me.

MC: Don’t get overly friendly with someone that is not a regular acquaintance of the club.

If someone outside the club has ques�ons, refer them to a Patchholder. Never give out a Patchholder’s name, phone number, address, or any personal informa�on to anyone outside 11

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CLUB ORGANISATION MC: Remember who you are 24 hours a day.

Your associa�on doesn’t go on and off with your colors.

RC: You should always conduct yourself responsibly when dealing with other people, including e-mails and on the internet. RCs do not have colors - the patch is a purchased patch that shows you are a part of a riding club whose purpose is to get together to ride motorcycles and enjoy the companionship of others with a similar interest.

MC: Always show respect to a Patchholder of another club. Even though they are with another club, they earned their patch.

RC: Show respect for other people, club or not.

It’s the polite thing to do.

MC: Never call a Patchholder of another club “brother”. He’s not your brother.

RC: Never call a member of another club “brother”. If he is a friend and you two consider each other brothers, wait for him to address you as such in public.

MC: Out of respect, if two or more Patchholders are having a private conversa�on, don’t approach them within earshot, especially if they are talking with a Patchholder of another club. If you feel that you need to interrupt, put yourself in a place of visibility and wait to be acknowledged.

RC: It’s only common courtesy not to interrupt a conversa�on or evesdrop.

MC: Remember, your patch is earned, it is not given to you.

RC: RCS don’t earn their patches. The patch has no meaning except that it indicates you belong to a club that you signed up for and associate with.

MC: Never bring a personal friend or a stranger into the presence of Patchholders without asking permission to do so first.

RC: It’s great to introduce new people to the group; just make sure you don’t interrupt a conversa�on when doing so.

MC: NEVER use the term “Outlaw Club” when speaking to a member of another club.

RC: NEVER use the term “Outlaw Club” or any of the other names they are known by when speaking to strangers (you never know when one of them might be a member of an MC, be a support member or know members of an MC).

MC: At an open func�on, never turn your back to a Patchholder of another club. This is not so much for safety reasons, but as a show of respect.

RC: It’s always polite to face the individual or group you are talking to.

MC: Never lie to a member of another club.

If you are in a situa�on where you are asked about the club or its membership, it is acceptable to say “That seems like club business and I really can’t talk about it”. If this doesn’t put the subject to rest, offer to put them in touch with a Patchholder for them to speak with.

RC: Never lie to anyone. Either answer the ques�on or refer the ques�oner to someone who can.

MC: Always show respect and courtesy to Patchholders of other clubs. Don’t come across like you want to be best friends. Be professional in such encounters; keep it short, then move on.

RC: Always show respect and courtesy to everyone, club or not.

12 - Motorcycle Club Guidelines -

CLUB ORGANISATION MC: Never be quick to walk up to a Patchholder of another club in a public se�ng, even if you know them well and the clubs are on friendly terms. If you want to greet them, walk up slowly and wait for them to indicate that they want such a public display to take place. They may be on some club business and may not want to give the general public the impression that the clubs are on such friendly terms. If they look like they are going to ignore you accept it and keep your distance, the best approach is always to wait for them to come to you and let everyone else see that.

RC: Use common courtesy and common sense.

MC: Learn what different parts of our patch represent and what the different color combina�on of yours and other clubs represent.

RC: A RC patch should never be referred to as colors. RCs should NEVER wear any kind of loca�on banner with their patch and NEVER wear any kind of support patch for any other MC. RC patches are usually bought – not earned.

13 - Motorcycle Club Guidelines -

NOTES

14 - Motorcycle Club Guidelines -

NOTES

15 - Motorcycle Club Guidelines -

This guide has been compiled and contributed to by various brothers in leadership of Motorcycle Clubs and Rider Clubs, past and present. This guide is here to help you prevent costly mistakes, and to save face among other things.

In NO WAY is this set in stone, but it is accepted by many Clubs where the Brotherhood is deaply se�led by Honour & Respect.

Use it or ignore it at you own risk.