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Motorcycle Club – Maryland Chapter 3
| 26 January 2010 SITE LAST UPDATED |
RED KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE CLUB
MARYLAND CHAPTER 3
STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES
DRAFT AS OF 21 January 2010 for Second Reading
Created and adopted May of 2003
Revised and adopted February 2008
Revised and adopted ? 2010
MISSION STATEMENT
ARTICLE I: NAME, COLORS, UNIFORMS, AND CREST
Section 1: Name
Section 2: Colors
Section 3: Uniforms
Section 4: Address
Section 5: Motto
ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Age, Status, and References
Section 2: Chapter Officers, Committees, and Membership Classifications
ARTICLE III: DUES
ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS
ARTICLE V: VOTING
Section 1: Eligibility
Section 2: Terms
Section 3: Topics for Vote
ARTICLE VI: CHAPTER OFFICERS
Section 1: President
Section 2: Vice President
Section 3: Secretary
Section 4: Treasurer
Section 5: Chapter Appointees
ARTICLE VII: DAILY BUSINESS
ARTICLE VIII: RULES OF CONDUCT
ARTCILE IX: DISCRIMINATION
ARTICLE X: COMPLIANCE
ARTICLE XI: SOG CHANGES
RATIFICATION
APPENDIX A
MISSION STATEMENT:
This chapter (Maryland 3) was formed in an effort to support the Red Knights International Motorcycle
Club and to provide a fraternal and social club, which promotes motorcycling, motorcycle education,
motorcycle safety, and proper methods of operation while continuing the tradition of brotherhood that
exists within the fire service.
ARTICLE I – NAME, COLORS, UNIFORMS, CREST AND EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO NAME AND MARK
Section 1 – Name
The chapter’s name will be:
The Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, Maryland 3.
In this and other documents the abbreviation MD3 may be used.
Section 2 – Colors
MD3 will use the Red Maltese Cross with gold border, in compliance with the International By-Laws.
2a- Colors are to be worn on the back of black leather vests.
2b- Rockers – A top rocker showing membership status may be worn. Authorized Top Rockers include:
Red Knights, Charter Member, Active Member, Fire Fighter, Associate Member, Social Member, Life
Member, or Junior Member.
2c- Colors and Rockers are to be purchased from the Chapter Quartermaster and are to be paid for by
each individual member.
2d- It is understood, that even though the individual member pays for his/her colors, they are to be worn
only by members in good standing of MD3. If said member resigns or fails to meet membership criteria
and is dropped from the membership rolls, said member agrees that colors are no longer to be worn.
2e- MD3 colors only are to be displayed on the backs of vests.
2e1-Placement of colors, cresting and exclusive rights to name and mark will be in compliant with
International By-Laws.
2f- Pins and patches may be worn only on the front of vests and jackets in compliance with the
International By-Laws. All marking, pins, patches, etc. on any article of clothing are to be in good taste and
consistent with the image of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club Inc.
Section 3 – Uniforms
3a-The official shirt color for MD3 will be white.
3a1-These white uniform shirts are to be worn under a MD3 vest or jacket. The member may apply his/her
company patches to it for use in MD3.
3b-Pants-For everyday events or rides, jeans or comfortable riding attire will be the standard. For formal
events i.e. parades or funeral type special events, dark blue or black slacks will be the required uniform
pants. These could also be the uniform pants from the individual member’s home fire company
Section 4-Address
4a-The address for MD3 will be:
The Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, Maryland Chapter 3
P.O. Box 119
Bishopville, MD 21813
Section 5 – Motto
5a-The Motto for MD3 will be “Loyal To Our Duty”
ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – Age, Status and References
1a-Membership in MD3 requires the minimum age of 18 years.
1b-Prior to acceptance as a member of MD3, the President or designate will contact the applicants home
fire company Chief if applicable and obtain a referenced of good standing. This may be verbal or written.
Section 2 – Chapter Officers, Committees and Membership Classifications
2a- Chapter Officers will include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and one appointed Senior
Road Captain
2b- Chapter Appointees to include but not limited to, Quartermaster, Road Captains, Honor Guard, Public
Relations Officer, Sergeant At Arms, Historian, etc.
2c- Chapter Executive Board will include – Chapter Officers and Senior Road Captains
2c1 - Removal or Suspension of a Member – The Chapter Executive Board may remove or suspend a
member from the chapter or officer from office for just cause. Notice must be sent to the International
Executive board within 30 days, who may endorse or reject the suspension or removal per International
By-Laws section 3:28A
2d- Membership classifications:
2d1 - Contributing Member – to be considered a contributing member of MD3 a member must participate in
a minimum of 4 monthly membership meetings and 2 MD3 events in a calendar year.
2d2 - Casual Members – a person who meets the requirements of membership IAW Article V, Section 5 of
the International Bylaws, however does not meet the requirements of a Contributing Member.
ARTICLE III – DUES
3a- MD3 has set the yearly membership dues at $25.00 for all members. Dues may be adjusted from time to
time in conjunction with any changes to the Red Knights International annual dues.
3b- MD3 yearly dues are to be in by the January meeting each year. Anyone not paying by the January
meeting will be dropped from the roster.
3c-These dues are not retroactive or refundable!
3d-Dues from new members are to be paid at the first meeting following their membership approval and
must be paid prior to any membership related participation or the wearing of club colors.
ARTICLE IV – MEETINGS
4a-Meetings will be held at least once monthly and at the discretion of the President. Additional/Special
meetings may be called if the President or chapter officers have business of a time restrictive matter.
4b-SOG changes may be made at any meeting after they have been presented at the previous month’s
meeting in the form a motion by a Contributing Member only. Only Contributing Members have a right to
vote on SOG changes, modifications, or acceptance.
ARTICLE V – VOTING
Section 1 – Eligibility
1a-Any Contributing Member with dues paid will be eligible to vote and hold office, with the exceptions
expressed in the International By-Laws.
1b-Each Chapter Officer casts one vote; in the event of a tie, the President casts the deciding vote.
1c – Only Contributing Members are eligible to vote on Officers and SOG updates or changes.
1d- Only Contributing Members will have the right to cast an absentee ballot.
1d1- Qualified Absentee Ballot: A qualifying Contributing Member ballot must:
1d1a- Submit his/her vote to the chapter officers and Parliamentarian via email or mail prior to vote count.
The email can only come from the Contributing Members email of record on the club roster. An email
confirmation is required.
1e-Nominations for the upcoming years Officers will be made during November’s regularly scheduled
membership meeting. Elections will be held during the December’s membership meeting.
Section 2 - Terms
2a- The officers for the Chapter will be elected annually at the December membership meeting.
Section 3 – Topics for Vote
3a-Topics for discussion and motions for votes may be brought to the membership by anyone currently
holding a membership in MD3.
ARTICLE VI – CHAPTER OFFICERS (SEE APPENDIX A- DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES)
Section 1 – President
1a-The President shall be the chief officer of this chapter and shall be subject to the control of the
International, supervise and conduct the business and activities of the chapter.
Section 2 – Vice President
2a- The Vice-President shall perform all duties and exercise all powers of the President when the President
is absent or otherwise unable to act.
Section 3 – Secretary
3a-The Secretary shall keep minutes of the meetings, keep an accurate membership listing and be
custodian of the chapter records. He/she shall give all notices required by the, SOG’s, the articles and by-
laws. In accordance with the International By-Laws the same person may simultaneously fill the office of
Secretary and Treasurer.
Section 4 – Treasurer
4a-The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of all funds of the chapter. He/She will maintain records
of transactions and will render reports at the chapter meetings. In accordance with the International By-
Laws the same person may simultaneously fill the office of Treasurer and Secretary.
Section 5 - Chapter Appointees
5a Sergeant At Arms
5b Senior Road Captain(s) and Road Captains
The Senior Road Captains and/or Road Captain(s) shall be responsible for the activities and safety of the
chapter while traveling as a group or during an event.
5b1- Senior Road Captain: The designation of Senior Road Captain may be granted to a member that is in
good standing, served as a Road Captain for three or more years, and has at least 5 years motorcycle
riding experience. The Senior Road Captain will be the Senior Safety Officer for events.
5b2 – Road Captain: A member may be appointed as Road Captain given they are in good standing, have
been a member of MD3 for one year, and have consistently demonstrated safe riding during all club
activities.
5c Quartermaster
5d Public Information Officer
5e Parliamentarian
5f Honor Guard
5g Webmaster
The Web Master will maintain, update, and make appropriate changes to the MD3 website.
ARTICLE VII – DAILY BUSINESS
Daily business shall be defined as details necessary for the chapter officers to comply with the
communication needs of the International, the chapter and its members. This shall include the activities of
the chapter such as fundraisers and group rides as well as making small purchases for the chapter’s
needs, but not to exceed $100.00. Expenses above $100.00 require approval at a chapter meeting.
ARTICLE VIII – RULES OF CONDUCT
Section 1: Members shall conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit upon themselves,
their departments, and the Red Knights.
Section 2: Members will obey all traffic laws at all times.
Section 3: Members shall keep their motorcycles in good safe operation condition at all times, also
when riding on the road, all motorcycles will be street legal.
Section 4: Members should go out of their way to assist the motorcycling public and shall endeavor at
all times to improve the image of motorcyclists.
Section 5: When on club runs, each member shall be under the direction of the “ROAD CAPTAIN” and
his/her assistant regarding formation, traffic control and routes of travel, etc..
Section 6: Each member shall be allowed to wear the club uniform whenever he or she is riding or at
other times, but shall not do anything to discredit it. No abusive alcoholic beverages, while riding
motorcycle, and wearing any Red Knights clothing, or apparel, that will identify that person as a Member of
the Red Knights will be tolerated.
Section 7: It is requested that all Red Knight insignias shall be removed from any motorcycle,
automobile, helmet, clothing, etc., prior to the sale of same to a non-member.
Section 8: Upon conflict between Rules and Regulations, the Chapter member having a question may
submit it in writing to the President for consideration by the Chapter Executive Board. The ruling of the
Chapter Executive Board shall be binding for all concerned parties.
Section 9: Any member wishing to grieve, complain, seek an interpretation, etc., from International,
may communicate directly with International using the chain of command only. The member may meet
with the Chapter’s Executive Board; deliver his or her complaint, to the Chapter Executive Board. If it
cannot be resolved within the Chapter, The President will convey the same to the State President. If the
situation is not resolved at this level, the State President will convey to the Regional Representative, a
member of the International Executive Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IX – DISCRIMINATION
MD3 is in compliance with International By-Laws
ARTICLE X – COMPLIANCE
Wherever applicable and noted previous, MD3 complies with International By-Laws on topics not noted or
in situations not covered by the MD3 SOG’s, the By-Laws of the International will rule.
ARTICLE XI – SOG CHANGES
Changes of these SOG’s must comply with article 4b.
RATIFICATION
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE CHAPTER EXECUTIVE BOARD AND MEMBERSHIP ON THE 7th, OF
February, 2008
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TREASURER
QUARTERMASTER
ROAD CAPTAIN