Keep Mouth Shut.....
Club
business is Club
Business and should not be discussed with outsiders or in an unsecure
environment. Phone calls, emails, or any other form of communication must be
guarded as there is always the possibility of someone listening or snooping for
information. If it is necessary to discuss something pertaining to the club or
club members then it should be done in a secure location where big ears and
electronic listening devices cannot penetrate.
In today’s electronic environment, it is very easy for LEOs
to eavesdrop on conversations that are not in a secure location.
Wear Colors all the time.....
This is an old rule that was meant to show the clubs presence
in the area. But it has since been amended to Club Functions. Wearing The
Colors all the time was leading to harassment by the LEOs and made easy targets
of members not in a large force.
No mingling with others.....
Members interacting with other clubs used to be normal
during times of peaceful coexistence. But with today’s competition for
territory and the bounty within has made it undesirable to associate with
others due to the possibility of someone changing loyalties or maybe be done
terminal harm by the other club.
No Women.....
No female members in an OMC’s have always been the standard.
There are Female clubs in which the reverse is practiced.
Only Ride Harleys.....
This is a bit of a farce, as back in the 50’s & 60’s a
lot of bikers rode English Bikes, due to the cost of a Harley. Now many members
ride Victory Motorcycles, partly due to the cost of Harley and the Quality of
the motorcycle. There is still a large number of diehard old school riders who
will never change.
All meetings are Compulsory.....
Regular club meetings are mandatory & absence is not
taken lightly. A good reason is required to keep the member in good standing.
At one time there was scheduled runs, some to other chapters, some to other
clubs parties. Field days of games where clubs competed against each other were
a regular function. Most of these were designated as mandatory attendance in
order to show strength and enough power available if something went wrong
during the outing.
Obey.....
If you are a patch holder then you must obey any command
issued by an officer. If you are a prospect then you must obey any command by
any member. Failure to do so could have dire consequences.
Fines & Dues.....
Monthly Dues must be paid, & being in arrears is not beneficial
to your good standing with the club. Fines are also levied for not performing
any duties assigned to you. There was also run fees & other things which
varied with different clubs.
Nothing Positive.....
Back in the earlier days of the War against the
Establishment, when the main objective was to gross out the citizens with negative
symbols & actions, the bikers were unkempt, dirty looking and as rude as
possible in public. Now, the attitude has changed somewhat as the image of an
OMC must not instill distrust or fear into the normal citizen. But this is not
to say that out of the public eye business is not dealt with in a serious
manner.
No Self Harm.....
As time progressed, bikers indulged in various types of party
favors. Some use alcohol, while others used various styles of drugs. Used to be
the norm for bikers to be wasted all the time, but too many went over the high
side or OD’d, accidental or otherwise till it eventually came to a halt.
Certain clubs restricted drug use, while others tolerated it within reason. If
it became evident that you were doing yourself harm with you extracurricular
activities then they are supposed to step in to help you get strait. That’s
what brotherhood is about isn’t it?
Miscellaneous
rules & regulations that should be self explanatory.
- During riding season, members will ride to meetings, unless injured or have a bike that was recently broken.
- Members will have colors on during meetings.
- Members must be sober & strait during meetings.
- Members missing meetings without an authorized excuse will be fined.
- Missing a designated number of meetings in a row is grounds for expulsion from the club.
- No member will purposely destroy club property.
This is a very short list of Rules & Regulations for the
average OMC. Most clubs have a very extensive list that must be adhered to if
you want to become a member or stay a member. If you desire to join this
lifestyle by choosing one of the many OMCs, then you would be advised to learn
the rules of the club that you are considering. Sometimes you have only one
choice to make unless you want to move to a different area.
Remember Always…..
Give Respect to Get Respect……
Respect is not always given lightly, so be someone who
deserves the respect that you expect.
Hang in there....
J D Redneck
Hang in there....
J D Redneck
