Revised DRAFT (1/1/2010) Central Florida Rydaz Club Constitution and By-Laws.
The Central Florida Rydaz A.C. is a car & motorcycle club, dedicated primarily to the cause of the Juggalo Family. However singular this may seem, the Membership of The Central Florida Rydaz A.C. is exclusive to its members and their concerns. This organization is, and will always be, closely aligned with the concepts and guidelines of the Lake County Juggalo Family. Each chapter of The Central Florida Rydaz A.C. will conduct itself in such a manner as to remain a chartered club within the CFR. As such, The Central Florida Rydaz A.C. will maintain a Board Of Directors, who will meet, at a minimum, once a month. The Board will be composed of the Club Officers from the founding Lake County Chapter and one elected Board Member from each Chartered Chapter, in good standing, separate and distinct from the role of the Club Officers, whose purpose it will be to maintain the original premise on which The Central Florida Rydaz A.C. was founded. A vacated position on the Board of Directors will be filled at the next regular club meeting through an election of the affected Chapter’s general membership. This Constitution, being dedicated to the origins on which Central Florida Rydaz A.C., must be followed by all Chapters and Charters (Brotherhood of Kings, Doja Souljaz and any future chapters in or out of state).
The Central Florida Rydaz A.C. is a car/motorcycle club and a non-profit organization. All officers appointed by the President with a confidence vote from patch-holders in good standing is required. PRESIDENT The President shall be the General Executive Head of the chapter. The President shall preside at all meetings of the club, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee. He shall be the co-signer with the Treasurer or Vice President of All notes, checks, deeds, leases, mortgages, and other legal documents given on behalf of the chapter and shall be bonded. This will be paid for by the club. He shall also appoint all Committee Chairmen. He shall have the power to call meetings of the Board of Directors and shall make a report of the work of the Chapter Officers and Board of Directors at each monthly meeting of the Club. The executive duties of the president are as follows: 1. To preside over meetings of both the Executive Board and the club as a whole. 2. To judge items not covered in the constitution or in the rules regulations. 3. Directorship gives the president authority to judge items not in the constitution. 4. To act as the personal representative of the club in the area of public relations; as a liaison between the CFRAC and local-law enforcement agencies; and as a connecting link between the CFRAC and other related Clubs or crews 5. To represent the club in any club business contacts and to supervise major economic transactions. 6. To assist CFRAC officers in the interpretation of their club responsibilities, and to promote club life among members in general. VICE-PRESIDENT At the request of the President, or in the event of his absence or disability, the Vice President may perform the duties and possess and exercise the powers of the President; and to the extent authorized by law, the Vice President shall have such other powers as the entire Board may determine, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the entire Board. The Vice President may continue to perform the duties of the President until such time as the entire Board declares a vacancy and then serves as replacement to the President. SECRETARY The Secretary shall have charge of such books, documents, and papers as the entire Board may determine and shall have the custody of the Chapter Seal. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the chapter and the board, and shall keep the minutes of all meetings. He shall keep a record, containing names, alphabetically arranged, of all the members of the Club, showing their places of residence, and such book shall be open for inspection as prescribed by law. He shall collect all yearly dues from membership and turn the same over to the treasurer upon demand, taking a receipt therefore. He shall give adequate notice to all members in advance of the monthly meeting or any special meeting of the chapter, and shall make a full report of the membership status of the chapter at each monthly meeting. At the request of the President, or as otherwise provided herein, he shall give adequate notice of all meetings of the Board. He shall also be bonded, paid for by the Club. The executive duties of the secretary are as follows: 1. To record and safeguard the minutes of the club meetings. 2. To maintain the Club Constitution, recording any additions, deletions, or modifications. 3. To handle any club correspondence. TREASURER The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds and property of the chapter, subject to such regulations as may be imposed by the entire Board, in such sum and with such sureties as the entire Board may require. He shall receive all chapter funds, depositing the same in the name of the chapter in such bank or trust company as may be designated by the entire Board, and keep accurate record of all receipts and disbursements. When necessary or proper, he may co-sign with the President on behalf of the chapter, checks, notes, and other obligations, given on behalf of the chapter. He shall not make any disbursement of chapter funds, other than chapter administrative expenses in excess of one hundred dollars ($100.00) without prior approval of the entire Board. He shall enter regularly, on the books of the chapter to be kept by him for the purpose, full and accurate account of all monies and obligations received and paid or incurred by him for or on account of the chapter, and shall exhibit such books at all reasonable times to any board member on application. He shall make a full report of the financial status of the chapter at each monthly meeting and upon request, at any meeting of the Board. He shall, in general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer, subject to the control of the Board. He shall also be bonded, which is to be paid for by the Club. The executive duties of the treasurer are as follows: 1. To monitor and record the club's income and expenditures. 2. To collect the dues and fines owing by members. EXECUTIVE BOARD The Club officers shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. They shall also be known as the Executive Board of the chapter. The chapter shall also have a Board of Representatives from each chapter. There will also be two appointed officers, the Quartermaster and the Sergeant at Arms The board holds scheduled meetings at least every two weeks. Emergency meetings can be called if a situation arises that demands immediate attention. The executive board is responsible for: 1. The monitoring of conflicts within the club. 2. The application of disciplinary procedures. 3. The evaluation of prospects and their progress. 4. The presentation of summarized assessments of the overall club situation to the membership (court).
QUARTERMASTER. The Quarter Master will be appointed by the President. His appointment or removal must be approved by the Executive Board. He will preside over the sales and purchases of all chapter and merchandise for the disbursement to the membership. He will maintain a log of sales and purchases to be available upon request of the board. He should be bonded, which will be paid for by the chapter. ROAD CAPTAIN The executive duties of the road captain are as follows: 1. To plan the travel routes and organize the basic itinerary of the club prior to going on a 'run' (tour). 2. To lead the club in formation while riding on tour. 3. To enforce club rules and procedures for group riding. 4. Designate a maintenance supervisor for all club vehicles. SERGEANT AT ARMS The Sergeant at Arms will be appointed by the President. His appointment or removal must be approved by the Executive Board. The Sergeant at Arms will maintain order at chapter meetings and will ensure that no unauthorized individuals enter the meeting place. He will maintain a sign-in sheet for chapter meetings, which in turn, at the end of each meeting, will be given to the President for census purposes. The executive duties of the sergeant at arms are as follows: 1. To maintain order at club meetings in particular, and club activities in general. 2. To ensure that members adhere to club rulings, policies, and expected models of conduct when dealing with other members or outsiders. 3. To defend club members, property, or territory from outside threats. COURT Court will consist of all patch holders that are eligible to vote. ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD NON OFFICER MEMBERS If the President does not have a solid candidate for a position, or wishes to hold a vote between more than one choice, the position will go to a table vote to determine who recieves the officer position. Officers of the club serve a twelve-month term of office, annual elections are held at the last regular meeting of the year, in December. 1. In order to be eligible for office, a patch holder has to have been an active member in good standing for a minimum of one year. 2. Patch holders who aspire towards a particular position will campaign informally for one month prior to the elections. 3. Electioneering is conducted on an interpersonal face to face basis. 4. Hopeful candidate will approach a member, inform them what he is willing to stand for office if nominated, ask for member's opinion of his qualifications, and solicit the member's support. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEETINGS 1. One organized meeting per month. 2. Majority rules. 3. If a vote is taken at a meeting and a member is not there, his vote is void. (unless a proxy vote is given to a senior officer who may relay the vote to the board) 4. Meetings will be closed except for prospective members and anyone there on business. 5. All meetings will be run on a parliamentary basis. Members will be evicted for unruly conduct. 6. General membership regular meetings of local chapters shall be held on the Sunday of the last week of each month at 1930 hours (7:30pm) unless prior notification is advertised to the membership. There shall be at least 10 days prior written notice of any change in the date, time, or location. Board meetings shall be held immediately prior to the general membership meetings. All board meetings shall start at 1800 hours on the date and location of the general membership meetings. Board members must notify the Captains for excused absences prior to the Board of Directors meeting.
7. If the club calls a ride/meeting, all members will attend. If a member is working, sick, bike/car not running, he will be excused as long as absences are not excessive
8. Members must have colors with him when attending meetings.
9. Members must be of sound mine (sober) when attending meetings. 10. If a member attends a meeting and is under the influence, he will be FINED. 11. There will be absolutely no booze or drugs consumed during meetings. 12. During a meeting there will be no talking among members until they get the floor through the president. A sergeant-at-arms, if not present, will be appointed and anyone not abiding by the above will be evicted. 13. Miss three (3) meetings in a row and you're out of the Club. 14. Anyone missing meetings without approval gets fined $50.00 except for guys in hospital or jail or out of town for a period of time, including prospects. 15. Members must attend meetings to leave the Club and turn in his colors and everything that has the name Central Florida Rydaz on it (T-shirts, wrist bands, mugs, decals, etc.). 16. If a member is thrown out of the club or quits without attending meetings, he loses his colors and anything else that says Central Florida Rydaz on it. Also may qualify for disiplinary actions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Membership qualifications/ Prospects 1. Prospects must be at least 18 years old. 2. Prospects must legally own and operate a motorcycle, car, or other motorized vehicle or plan to purchase one within six months of application. (or approved time by The Board) 3. Prospects must have no affiliation with any other auto club, (with the exception of inactive membership in manufacturer sponsored associations, e.g. Harley Owners Group, Royal Star Assoc., Honda Riders.), or any gang/crew affiliation 4. Prospects must show a sincere interest in the club. 5. Prospects should be a Juggalo or down with the Clown (may be waived by vote, however this IS a Juggalo club). 6. Prospect must be sponsored by one member who has known him at least one year (may also be waived by vote). 7. Sponsor is responsible for prospect. 8. Sponsor can pull a prospect's patch/rockers at his discretion. 9. Prospects must attend all meetings and club functions. 10. Prospects must do anything another member tells him to do, that a member has done or would be willing to do himself. 11. Prospect will stand behind club and members. 12. (Minimum) Three-month trial period under the sponsorship and guidance of a Member in which a prospective member attends runs, meetings and cookouts. The prospective member must ride with the club at least 6 times. 13. Prospect must drive his car / ride his bike to meeting at time of being voted into club. 14. Prospect must pay that day $125.00 for his colors before receiving them. $100.00 is for the patch and $25.00 is for first month dues. This amount is not refundable. 15. Prospect members must be voted in. Two 'no' votes equal a rejection. One 'no' vote must be explained to the board. 16. Prospective member's prospecting period is at the discretion of sponsor and the club. (minimum three months) Directorship shall decide when vote is necessary. 17. Every patch holder on the board must vote for prospect to make center patch. Vote must be unanimous. 18. No prospect will be voted for center-patch with outstanding loan. 19. Only the sponsor or an officer may hand out a patch to a prospect. This will be done at a meeting with only patch holders present.
20. The Central Florida Rydaz A.C. and all affiliated chapters, charters and sister Clubs are open to male Rydaz only and wives who are legally married to a Ryda. Long term girlfriends could be an exception and still be accepted by the Brothers and Club as a whole, however even with long term relationship status, absolutely no Club business is to be discussed.
a) Legally married wives of full member Rydaz are accepted as a part of the CFRAC in all aspects excluding Executive details and voting priviliges. This does not mean their opinions or input are not considered, only that the final vote will come down to the Board.
b) Ryda Wives as well as children are considered part of the Family, and as such are welcome at any public event such as Car Shows, Cookouts, Rides or any other events. Wives are still expected to represent the Club in a positive light and not to down the Club in any way.
c) The CFRAC has an ordained Minister/Chaplain on staff and can conduct official ceremonies if needed for a wedding.
REGULAR MEMBERS
All Regular members must be men who are active and/or accepting in the Juggalo and Underground lifestyle, as the Club patch/vehicle decal represents the Juggalo Family. Persons coming from other non-psychopathic underground scenes (Suburban Noize, Strange Music, 7th Seal, etc.) are still welcome to membership, however must understand that the club logo cannot be altered and may represent the Hatchetman as the Hatchetman has represented the earlier incarnations of the Club since the beginning. The Members vehicle must display the Club Decal, applied by a Senior Member (excepting, however, that persons who otherwise qualify as Regular members, but do not own a vehicle, may become members if they have plans to own a vehicle and do in fact acquire ownership rights in a vehicle within six (6) months, or time determined by the Board.) Each member must be properly licensed to drive. Any Regular member who because of an injury or medical or physical condition is unable to continue riding a motorcycle or operating a car, may retain his/her membership as a Regular member.
HONORARY MEMBERS
Honorary members must be persons who have substantially contributed to the promotion of The Central Florida Rydaz A.C. and to the purposes for which the Club is organized. Honorary membership in any given chapter may not exceed more than ten percent (10%) of the previous year's membership of Regular, Associate and Life members.
LIFE MEMBERS (L.C. Family)
Life members are restricted to the Lake County Juggalo Family, and must be brought from Club to Family status after dedicated service to the Club and after acceptance by The Board.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Associate members are persons who ride and attend functions, and may even contribute to the Club, but have not served as a Prospect, and does not hold a Club patch. CLUB RULES AND REGULATIONS The rules of the club will be strictly enforced. If anyone breaks them, executive board will deal them with. If these rules and regulations are broken, it could mean either immediate dismissal or suspension, whatever the executive board sees fit. Breaking any of the following Rules will be reason for immediately kick-out from club: 1. Failure to pay his dues according to the section dealing with the paying of dues. 2. Anyone caught messing around with a brothers wife will result in an Automatic kick-out from club, and likely a well deserved ass kicking. 3. If any brother gets hooked on any drug that is dangerous to the club he will be helped first. Then he will be dealt by the executive board. 4. Members MUST represent in a positive light the Club colors, no public disturbances or conflict with LEO while showing colors (May be automatic kick-out). 5. If you're doing any criminal activity, you don't do it as a club member, you don't wear your colors, you don't wear your club T-shirts (Automatic kick-out from club). 6. There will be no stealing among members. Anyone caught will get an ass kicking and be kicked out of the club (Automatic kick-out from club). 7. If a patch holder or prospect throws his colors or quits, colors are pulled (Automatic kick-out from club). 8. Members cannot belong to any other clubs or gangs. 9. If a group or individual attacks any member, the whole club shall stand behind him and fight if necessary. If, however, the member is drunk and aggressive and purposely starts an argument, the rest of the members will escort him away, or step between before trouble starts. 10. No member will disgrace the club by being unwilling to help out your brothers. 11. No member will destroy club property purposely. 12. No member will take the attitude that he doesn't have to help other members and other members don't have to help him 13. No member will go against anything the club has voted for and passed. 14. No member will get together on their own and plan something for themselves on club rides. It will be brought up to the whole club and the whole club will participate in anything that is decided upon. 15. The club will always stay together on rides, runs, parties, field meets etc. and will not fraternize with club's rival clubs. The only way a member will be permitted to leave the main group will be to notify the president or whoever is in charge. When the time comes that the majority feels it is time to leave, we will all leave together. Anyone staying behind for a good reason will do so at his own risk and can expect no help. 16. Members will have good attendance. Members must have a good reason for not attending meetings or rides, such as working, sickness, no transportation, etc. (The above rules will be put forward to applicants. If they cannot abide by these rules and are not in favor of them, they will be denied membership to the club.) GENERAL CLUB RULES If anyone breaks general rules, executive board will deal with them and/or voted by the court. 1. Caught in the act of treason or breaking the code of silence against the Club will not be tolerated. 2. Giving false information (lying) to the Leadership or Club is not accepted 3. If you don't help out the Club in its activities and you use the Club solely for your benefit, you will be warned. No second chance. 4. Members must help any other member in time of need, and will always help the other Chapters, no matter what the situation is. If one engages in conflict with anyone outside the Family, the whole Club shall be behind him 5. Any Ryda losing privilege of wearing colors will also lose privilege of voting and ruling over prospects. 6. Vehicle Decals (non-motorcycles) must represent both the Club Colors and a Hatchetman as directed by the board. Any changes must be approved by the board. 7. The Club may consist of many races and Chapters; therefore, Respect is due for the Club and families of members 8. Prosecutions resulting from crime or theft must not be associated with the Family 9. If you get busted and or go to jail, notify an officer or member so he can arrange for your bail. 10. Where we go on our rides will be voted upon by the entire membership. 11. Each patch holder/prospect is required to maintain a valid motor vehicle license if he is driving with the club. 12. The addiction or influencing another member to use hard drugs will never be acceptable 13. All disputes and arguments between members shall be brought to the Captain of the Chapter or the Executive Board for settlement, if it can’t be worked out. 14. All Members shall acknowledge the leadership and by-laws handed down to them. Insubordination will not be tolerated within the Club. 15. Confirmation vote is required for all new patch-holders at their 12-month point. Unanimous vote from all good standing members is required. 16. Absolutely no talking about Club business to persons outside the Club. 17. If you are told you are too drunk to drive, you will turn over your keys to a brother. Your safety is in the best interest of your club and brothers 18. If the Road Captain or an Officer determines you unsafe or not of sound mind for a run or event, your grounded. no excuses 19. During funeral runs, no one on a motorcycle will pack a passenger, patch must be seen. 20. Charity events are mandatory. 21. All Club vehicles will be returned with all fluids full and in good condition. Maintenance will be done under the supervision of the maintenance supervisor; a patch holder designated by the Road Captain. 22. Any club vehicle decals (non-motorcycles) should be applied by senior patch holders only. 23. Prospect will watch all vehicles and provide security when members are at Club functions, in bars, and anywhere the Sergant at Arms deems necessary. 24. There will be a Club event/run once a month. DUES/LOANS 1. Annual dues are paid by each member once per year.
2. Renewal dues are due by the end of January each year. The Secretary will begin to collect renewal dues in November and tabulate such at the end of each monthly meeting and turn over these monies to the Treasurer at that time.
3. A reduction in annual chapter dues may be decided upon by the majority vote of the entire Board prior to any payment being made by the membership for the pending year. 4. All loans or debts will be secured by collateral. Members will agree upon payment. Two patch holders must be present in any personal loan transaction. RESPECT 1. Respect is to be shown to all club members, officers, members' vehicles, wives/girlfriends, house, job, etc. In other words, if it's not yours, 'Don't Mess with it. 2. Respect your colors at all time. These colors represent your family and friends. 3. No stealing from members. 4. No fighting among each other is allowed, any punches to be thrown will be done by the Sgt At Arms. COLORS 1. Chapter captains get colors from club president in area where a new member is voted in. 2. When a member leaves club, member turns over colors to president or chapter captain. 3. Respect your colors; don't let anyone take them from you except the president of the chapter. 4.The club colors are rented and the rental fee is retained by the club. When the member leaves the chapter his/her colors will be relinquished. If a member leaving the chapter/club refuses to give up his/her colors, legal action will be taken by the club to obtain said colors 5. "Loose patches" are allowed on front of jacket if approved by leadership. Should the Board decide a patch is offencive or distracting it will be removed. 6. Nothing will be worn on the back of your jacket except club colors. 7. Colors must be worn at all times when ryding or at Club functions. Only one of your brothers or your wife can babysit your colors. Colors are not required to be worn to and from employment if not allowed by employer. If patch is lost or stolen, patch holder will be judged by court. 8. The only way a member of the Central Florida Rydaz can retire and keep his patch is if local officers authorize him. Minimum time for retirement is 5 years. RYDA WIVES / GIRLFRIENDS 1. Don't fuck around with a brother's wife. (Probably an Ass Kicking and kick-out from club). 2. Property patches will be brought up before all patch holders for input. Majority vote from all eligible patch holders is required. 3. Members are responsible for their wives or girlfriends. 4. Only members current girlfriend is allowed at functions unless invited and approved by club 5. Members must state who his girlfriend is. 6. Members may not discuss club business with their girlfriends, they want this trust they should marry you. 7. No wives/girlfriends allowed at meetings. 8. Girlfriends are allowed unescorted at clubhouse only by prior arrangement by their Ryda. 9. Property patch is worn optional on an Wife/Girlfriend. So if you see a chick you better ask before you leap. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPLAINTS/DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Any complaints on or against any member(s) or guest attending any chapter function, must be brought before the Board in writing. Complaints may range from misuse of office to any violation of the rules and regulations or a violation of The Central Florida Rydaz By-Laws. Complaints will be handled as outlined below:
a. A written complaint must be filed with the entire Board of the chapter. The person lodging the complaint must appear personally before the board to lodge their complaint verbally.
b. Upon receiving the complaint, the Board shall make the necessary inquiries into the allegations.
c. The accused will be served with written notice of the complaint lodged against him/her by certified mail, or in person.
d. After the necessary inquiries have been made, the results will be brought before the Board within thirty days for action.
e. The accused shall be given the opportunity to express their defense of the allegations before any action is taken. The accused also has the right to present the allegations and their defense to the general membership for input. The membership will then be presented the opportunity to vote on any action taken.
f. The type of disciplinary action taken shall depend upon the offense and results of the inquiry. A member may be dismissed from the chapter for cause, suspended from any/all events for a specified period of time, may receive a written reprimand or notice, or any other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the Board and/or the general membership.
g. The member being disciplined shall be notified by written notice of the final decision made by the Board and/or the general membership.
h. The member then has the right to appeal any and all decisions to the Board as prescribed by the Central Florida Rydaz. AMENDMENTS TO CLUB BY-LAWS The By-Laws of the club or chapters may be amended after written notice to the membership of the proposed amendment. A vote on the amendment(s) shall be held at the next general membership meeting. A majority of the general membership is required for the passing of the proposed amendment(s). Any and all changes to the Chapter By-Laws shall not be in conflict with those of the Club By-Laws.
constitution approved and put into effect 01/01/10 |