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| Published October 2000 |
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| » PREFACE
An important and defining document, this CODE OF CONDUCT outlines obligations of members and directors, riding rules and the disciplinary process. It is the product of dialogue and debate among the members and was proudly adopted at our Quarterly General Meeting (QGM) on 11 June 2000. It is not meant to cover all specific circumstances. Rather, it serves to articulate the essence of behavior expected of all Mad Dogs --- behavior in terms of public image, safety, and, most importantly, brotherhood. Common sense and logic rule; concern and respect for fellow members and the Club prevail.
» OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
DUES AND CONSUMABLES: Members are expected to pay dues and consumables on or before the Annual General Meeting (AGM) generally held the first Saturday of December. Any member unable to meet this deadline for financial reasons should explain this in writing to the Board of Directors (BOD) for consideration. Members who fail to meet the payment schedule and do not notify the BOD of special financial circumstances within 30 days after the AGM, subject themselves to possible dismissal and return of colors to the Club. Reapplication for membership is subject to BOD approval under terms the BOD deems appropriate to the circumstances.
ATTENDANCE: Members are expected to support the Club, the Clubhouse and official Club activities. Attendance at QGM and the AGM are mandatory as well as certain rides. In the event a member cannot attend a mandatory activity or ride, written, advance notice must be submitted. Failure to submit written apologies will result in a P1,000 fine.
BEHAVIOR: Members should insure their behavior is at all times in keeping with the privilege of belonging to the most prestigious motorcycle club in the Philippines. Actions deemed by the BOD to have a negative impact on the Club will be grounds for sanctions.
COLORS: Colors should be worn with pride and treated with respect. Members are encouraged to wear colors whenever on the road as it increases awareness of the Club; however, colors are mandatory for all official rides and functions. Failure to wear colors for official rides and functions will result in a fine of P200.
» OBLIGATIONS OF DIRECTORS
Obligations of members are also applicable to Directors, Committee Chairmen, Sgts.-at-Arms and other appointed officials. It is expected these elected and appointed office holders will lead by example and perform their duties in a fair, unbiased and responsive manner. Any misuse of authority will be investigated by the BOD and could result in appropriate disciplinary action.
» RULES OF THE ROAD
1. Members should ride in a friendly and courteous manner, showing respect for other road users and refraining from altercations whenever possible.
2. Members are expected to offer assistance to fellow bikers in distress.
3. It is the responsibility of members to insure their capacity to ride is not impaired by alcohol or other influences. In the interest of the welfare of the rider and the Group, the Ride Committee Chairman or his appointed representative is empowered to ban a member from joining a ride if he feels that member's capacity to ride safely has been impaired.
4. On group rides, bikes must be roadworthy, gassed up and ready to ride. Riders should assemble for a briefing by the Ride Committee Chairman or his representative at least five minutes before take off time at which time ride details will be given including route map, contact numbers, scheduled stops, etc. It is understood the Ride Committee Chairman will provide ample information on the ride at least one week prior to departure. Further, Ride Committee Chairman in consultation with a mechanic will have the final say on bikes joining rides if roadworthiness is in question.
5. On group rides, members should maintain position and avoid overtaking other bikes whenever possible. If necessary to overtake another bike, the passing bike must get acknowledgment from the bike being passed.
6. Riders should not overtake the lead bike. If the lead bike is accidentally passed in traffic, the erring bike should slow down and allow the lead bike to pass and then safely rejoin the pack.
7. Members should be familiar with MDMC riding formations and hand signals. The Ride Committee will issue an appropriate leaflet containing this information.
8. Recognizing different levels of riding ability and capacity of bikes, members should ride within their comfort zone. Lead bike and sweeper will endeavor to set a pace appropriate to traffic and road conditions.
9. Group riding is to be enjoyed by all and is not a race. Members should stay together as a group to improve visibility, safety and enjoyment. Members should adopt the "buddy" system by keeping a close watch on bike directly in front and the bike directly in back, watching for mechanical problems, rider fatigue, etc.
10. Left and right rear view mirrors are mandatory to insure safety, particularly in group riding situations. A biker cannot join a ride with at least one rear view mirror and will have 30 days from the infraction to install a second mirror.
11. In event of an accident, riders should stop as quickly and safely as possible and await instructions from the Ride Committee Chairman or his delegate. All situations differ so common sense should be used by the first members at the scene; i.e., direct traffic, assist the fallen rider, clear the fallen bike, etc.
12. Guest riders are welcome but should be briefed by the Ride Committee Chairman and introduced to the President, sweeper and Sgts.-at-Arms. They should be positioned at the back of the pack.
13. Philippine Law requires helmets and the Club encourages members to wear them, but it is up to each member to choose to wear or not to wear a helmet. However, helmets are required on the expressway in recognition of our efforts to obtain the right for motorcyclists to use expressways.
» DISCIPLINARY PROCESS
Problems between members are best sorted out directly or through an intermediary. It is understood all efforts to resolve any conflicts at this level will have been exerted prior to lodging a formal complaint.
The Process
1. Any member in good standing has the right to file a formal complaint to the BOD concerning the actions of a fellow member. Complaints will not be handled in a confidential manner to insure fairness and transparency of the process.
2. The BOD will evaluate the complaint and initiate an appropriate investigation. This will include an opportunity for all parties to explain their side.
3. Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be presented to the BOD and a meeting will be scheduled to include the BOD and all interested parties. The purpose of this meeting is to give each concerned party ample opportunity to present his side of the issue to the BOD and in the presence of others involved in the issue.
4. The BOD will consider all findings from the investigation and the review meeting and determine a resolution of the case along with appropriate sanctions, if applicable.
5. It is given that all members accept the authority of the BOD to resolve issues and that the BOD will do so in a fair and balanced manner maintaining as paramount the best interests of the Club and its members. Therefore, all decisions and sanctions emanating from the Disciplinary Process are deemed appropriate, immediately effective and unappealable.
The Offences
These can range from minor to serious and are simply a matter of common sense. Minor offences might include leaving colors unattended, missing an important Club function without advance apologies, etc. Serious offences include criminal involvement, carrying an unregistered gun, unprovoked acts of physical violence, etc. It is not possible to list all types of offences here; however, the premise is an inappropriate act by a member can bring disgrace and discredit to the entire Club and its members and will be appropriately dealt with. Common sense is the rule. Watch out for yourself; watch out for your brothers; refrain from behavior which would damage the reputation of or bring harm to either.
The Sanctions
These can range from verbal warnings, fines, reversion to probationary status, suspension and even expulsion from the Club. However, it is given that the BOD will exercise extreme prudence to insure sanctions are appropriate to committed offences.
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