(4.0)
We are an RC not MC, abide by our words and we can not be treated unjust. Show respect at all times to our fellow riders & enthusiasts.
The intent of this section is to give you an overview of the structure and philosophy of the traditional motorcycle club (MC). This does not necessarily express the feelings or priorities of any particular club, as all motorcycle clubs differ on some points. Regardless of the basic philosophy of this group, it is important that you understand the perspectives of other clubs that you may be associating with from time to time.
If motorcycles influence your lifestyle, then you are part of the motorcycle community. Of all the types of organizations found within that community, the traditional motorcycle club stands apart and ranks highest in stature.
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 badge. They realize that a club's "Colours" are closely guarded and the membership process is long and difficult. Other factors notwithstanding, they respect badgeholders for what they have accomplished by being able to earn and keep the badge they wear. This is respect born out of recognition of dedication 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 activities that the group might undertake. It stands to reason that cultivating a relationship 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 citizens in every way... "Good neighbours" so to 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.
The general public does not draw a distinction 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 identity is either confused or ignored and the heat comes down on all clubs. The general public does not make the distinction between a MC and an RC (Riding Club), therefore EVERYONE needs to be aware that no matter whether they are in an MC and RC or an Independent rider, their actions reflect on all in the motorcycle community. The MC clubs tend to police themselves to avoid such incidents.
A badgeholder will not discuss any club business whether it's about membership numbers, club goings on, or any member's personal information with anyone outside of the club. They understand that they are a badgeholder 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 badge is more than getting together for good times. It also means getting together for the other times, too. It constitutes a lot of work. It's committing 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 receive. All of this may seem very idealistic, 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 practice.
Always be aware of the "Golden Rule" of conduct while travelling in club circles: If you give respect, you'll get respect. If you act with disrespect, then you'll be treated with the same.
When someone earns their badge, it does not mean that he or she has reached the ultimate goal and from that point they can kick back and coast. Moving from guest to probation to badgeholder is not climbing from the bottom to the top, but rather more like climbing a constantly ascending slope, and in time becoming a stronger and more committed brother or sister. A person's probationary rocker and later their badge are merely presented in recognition of what they have demonstrated along the way. In this fashion, the more senior the badgeholder is in the club and the more they experience, the more of a brother or sister they should be to all.
Probation is not an initiation, as you would find in a fraternity. It is instead a period of time that is sustained until the person, in every sense, conducts themselves with the respect that is mandated to be a badgeholder. It's a time in which:
The attitude is conditioned so that he/she displays a sense of responsibility and respect toward the badge holders of the club, without which they will not develop a sense of respect for the group.
He/she is educated in basic MC protocol and etiquette.
He/she is given time to develop the habits that are basic to good security and good communications.
To get into the habit of participating.
To become accustomed to trusting the judgment, at times blindly, of those badge holders who will someday be his or her brothers and sisters.
The list could go on but the point here is to demonstrate that probationary period has definite objectives 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 time, but a person's attitude comes from the heart.
The Patched/Badged Member
(5.5)
A patched member must again as duty attend and show commitment to other patched members and all times respect others within the club. A patched member must when showing commitment do so as to not cause or offer any form of ill respect to the club or its members. It is their responsibility to keep up with all new rules & regulations as they are added and or amended.
A patched member must show full respect to fellow members by the wearing of the patch at every club meeting and event or events supported or attended by NorfolkBikersUK. Prior arrangements maybe made by the patched wearer not to wear the patch or an executive member may ask you to remove or not wear the patch for any numerous of reasons. If you are asked to not wear the club patch a reason will be given.
Each Patchholder, must as part of their duties attend all club meetings unless reasonable reason or reasons are given to an executive member with as much notice as possible. It is not acceptable for a patched member to not attend without any kind of reasonable excuse.
Any member not attending club meetings without reasonable excuse shall be liable to a verbal warning, if that member does not show or attend the club meeting at the next required time, that person shall be again liable to a second verbal warning.
After two verbal warnings, a third will not be given, and that person or persons will then be asked to leave the club, at that point they will no longer be able to ride with any patched member of NorfolkBikersUK or attend any form of club meet or meeting.
A verbal warning can be given, even if the patched member does not attend and can be witnessed by at least three of the executive committee, however, should this not be possible for three members of the committee to attend then it shall be that one executive committee member plus the President will hear and carry out the verbal warning.
If any member does not show at anytime within eight weeks of any clubs official meetings, it shall be deemed as if they do not want to be part of the club and the members patch can be/shall be removed or suspended as deemed by the executive committee.
A patched member's commitment is that of attendance of any meeting or meetings, and any or all rideouts. A patched member who has not attended any of the previous, within a period of eight weeks, without reasonable excuse shall be liable of forfeiture of their patch without verbal warning or any other form of warning or warnings.
A patched member must not fall behind on or with any club dues by more than two months without prior consent. If the failure to provide club dues with more than two months has occurred then the patched member will be deemed to not wish to continue to support the club and the membership and or patch be suspended or revoked.