GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SILVERBACKS RIDING CLUB from here on known as the SilverBacks, in Jacksonville, FL is the Headquarters for the SilverBacks Riding Club and all Chapters and Membership will take direction from said Headquarters and will comply with the Constitution of this organization. Any information about the SilverBacks Riding Club and the operation of it's Constitution should be directed to the Founder and President at this address: admin@silverbacksrc.com
2. The Club Logo of the SilverBacks and the names “SilverBacks” and “SilverBacks Riding Club” are not to be reproduced for sale by ANY member or outside entity “Profit or Non Profit” for any reason without the written and notarized permission of the SilverBacks President or Vice President. The Logo and the name “SilverBacks Riding Club” may be reproduced for Letterhead, Newsletters and other similar items as it relates to the club. All Graphics used on the Web Site may be used by the Chapter Web Sites with permission from the SilverBacks President. Chapter Web Sites will need to be approved before they are listed on the Main Site and all updates involving the Main Web Site will need to be directed to the Webmaster of the Main Site at this address: clutch@silverbacksrc.com
3. The SilverBacks Club Logo is not and should not be referred to as “Colors”. No three-piece patches are permitted in the SilverBacks. No member of the SilverBacks shall ever add the letters MC or wear the designation 1% on any article of clothing while representing the SilverBacks. No MC or 1% Support patches or any kind of MC support insignias, such as hats, Tshirts, stickers on helmets or bikes, or representations of any kind, will be displayed by members of the SilverBacks while wearing the SilverBacks Logo, participating in SilverBacks events, or representing the SilverBacks in any way. No Rockers/Chapter Location Bars – “CLBS” that identify a City, State, or Territory or anything giving the appearance of a rocker will be worn with the SilverBacks logo. The SilverBacks is a neutral, family oriented, riding club and cannot show preference to any one club over another. Other patches that present the SilverBacks in a bad light will also not be worn. If there is any doubt, contact the Vice President for clarification @ 8ball@silverbacksrc.com
4. The SilverBacks club logo is the property of the SilverBacks. Once a member has become eligible for and purchases a club logo, the logo remains the property of the SilverBacks. If membership in the SilverBacks is terminated, for any reason, the former member must return the logo to the Sergeant At Arms of the SilverBacks.
SAFETY
1. The SilverBacks Riding Club considers safety to be the most important feature of any ride. Given the nature of the club’s free structure and that membership in the SilverBacks is voluntary and free; at no time does the SilverBacks accept responsibility and will be held harmless for any rider’s actions or lack of action before, during or after a ride. Safety information whether riding in a group or alone can be located at this site: http://silverbacksrc.com/roadrules.htm
Each individual rider is 100% responsible and holds the SilverBacks harmless for:
a. Safely operating their motorcycle and/or vehicle in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and Local laws.
b. Making sure that they and their motorcycle, accessories and parts are un-impaired, and are currently functioning safely, parts intact and secure without causing debris to the road for fellow riders.
c. Making sure that they can perform and maneuver safely in the riding environment that they are in. Should they be not 100% sure of their ability in the current ride, they must remove themselves from the situation and the group. At all times, each rider must ride within their capabilities or drop behind the group.
d. Section (a) – (c) above and thus, ultimately, their own safety, actions and/or lack of actions.
It is the duty of every rider to make sure the environment is safe for themselves, their passengers, as well as for other riders. In doing so, every ride will be as safe as possible.
2. The SilverBacks Riding Club does not condone drinking and other substances and riding. Anyone participating in a SilverBacks ride or event who consumes alcoholic beverages or any other substance that may impair their ability to operate a motorcycle or any other motor vehicle does so without the consent of the SilverBacks and holds the SilverBacks harmless of any claims or damages to any members or non-members. Everyone that participates in a SilverBacks ride or event must follow the laws regarding driving under the influence set forth by the State(s) within which that ride or event will take place.
3. The SilverBacks requires all members to follow and observe all State and Local Laws while participating in a SilverBacks Event. The SilverBacks does not condone any illegal activities or practices while riding in or holding an event or ride including but not limited to parading and road blocking. Whenever possible, event and ride organizers will coordinate with their local law enforcement or department of transportation for their assistance in road blocking for large processions. If law enforcement assistance is not available, large groups must be split into smaller groups that will be manageable without blocking any intersection, streets or drives. Any violation of this article will be reviewed by the Officers and could lead to dismissal from the SilverBacks.
4. Any Officer recognized by this Constitution for the SilverBacks may dismiss anyone participating in a SilverBacks ride or event if they are endangering the safety of ride participants. Ultimately it is the individual’s responsibility to maintain themselves in a safe and lawful manner.
MEMBERSHIP
1. The SilverBacks is a free, no obligation, and voluntary club. There are no dues. Membership in the SilverBacks is open to anyone with an interest in group riding regardless of race, creed or sex. Operators of motorcycles must have a valid Motorcycle endorsement on their license. Members must be either a Rider or Passenger on a street legal Motorcycle. Spouses or significant others, if they ride with their husband, wife or significant other as a passenger are eligible to join as well.
2. The SilverBacks is a “Family Oriented Club” and does not require attendance to meetings or rides. However, lack of communications and participation in a 90 day period may lead to revocation of Membership at the discretion of the Chapter 1st Officer/President, only after attempts to contact Member through e-mail, telephone attempts or US mail are not responded to or the attempts fail due to incorrect information. The SilverBacks is NOT an Internet Club for Motorcycle enthusiasts.
3. Upon Submittal of the Membership application, the Chapter 1st Officer/Vice President shall contact the individual as soon as possible, within a week preferably.
4. The 1st Officer/President may remove Membership from any individual that does not comply with the Constitution of the SilverBacks or acts in a manner that is deceitful or does not reflect the SilverBacks in a good light. The First Officer may also turn problems within the Chapter over to the President for more direction on the problem with the intent to make a final decision that’s acceptable for the SilverBacks and the Membership of that Chapter.
5. The President or Vice President can at any time revoke or refuse membership to any person for the good of the SilverBacks as a whole.
6. The SilverBacks consists of two types of membership, Casual Riders and SilverBacks.
a. Casual Rider is open to anyone. It consists of those individuals that choose to only participate on an occasional basis.
b. SilverBack membership consists of those that participate on a more regular basis. SilverBacks are considered to be the more loyal and trusted members.
7. To become a Casual Rider, an individual must fill out an application located at: http://silverbacksrc.com/sbapp/index.php?sid=35474&lang=en
8. Requirements for SilverBack membership:
a. Be a Casual rider for a minimum of 90 days.
b. Must know the history of how the SilverBacks came to be.
c. Must know and be able to recite the road hand signals.
d. Read, know, and be able to answer questions correctly regarding MC/RC protocol.
e. Read and understand the Constitution.
f. Ensure a waiver has been signed.
g. Receive 100% approval of all current SilverBacks.
j. The Officers have the final vote as to whether a Casual Rider becomes a SilverBack.
***Note: there are exceptions as stated in the Constitution. All requests for Hardship, please notify the appropriate Officer.***
OFFICERS
1. The SilverBacks will consist of President, Vice President, Events Director and Sergeant at Arms. The terms of service of these Officers is unlimited and at the discretion of the President. If one of the Positions becomes available, a new Officer will be voted in by the remaining Officers. The Officers have the right to vote a new Officer and to remove one, with the exception of the President and Vice President, when it becomes necessary to maintain the SilverBacks to its fullest capabilities. No couples shall simultaneously hold Officer positions in the SilverBacks, with the exception of the President and Vice President.
2. The President will oversee all activities within The SilverBacks Riding Club and all activities involving the Club. The President will also maintain the Main Web Site and will oversee all Officers and Members within the SilverBacks. The President will also oversee all rides and events throughout the SilverBacks. The President will coordinate with All Officers who are setting up a rally or event for their Chapter to assure that the event has met the guidelines set forth for any SilverBacks event. The President can be contacted at this address: clutch@silverbacksrc.com
3. The Vice President will assist the President in overseeing all activities within the SilverBacks Riding Club. The Vice President shall maintain the appointment of all First Officers after approval from the President. All Officers resigning positions shall inform the Vice President and assist in finding a replacement. The Vice President shall oversee all Officers within the SilverBacks. The Vice President will approve all opening and closing of any Chapters in the SilverBacks, after final approval from the President. The Vice-President can be contacted at this address: 8ball@silverbacksrc.com.
4. The Events Director will oversee, locate, and post on the main website all Charitable Events for the SilverBacks to participate. The Events Director will keep the President notified of all upcoming events. The Events Director can be contacted at this address: popie@silverbacksrc.com
5. The Sergeant of Arms will oversee and is responsible for ensuring that the Constitution and standing rules of the club are not violated. He is responsible to insure that the orders of the Officers are carried out in an expeditious manner. He is responsible for policing and keeping order at all club events. He may conscript members to aid in keeping order on their own authority. He has the responsibility to the club to report any unseemly behavior of incident to the President. The SAA is responsible for the safety and security of the club, as well as the protection and defense of its members. He shall keep and maintain a record of all data pertinent to the safety and security of the club and it’s members and Officers. Upon becoming aware of any real or perceived threat to the club, its Members, Officers, or events, he shall immediately notify the President of that information.
6. First Officers are those that have applied for a Chapter and are in charge of the same. First Officers must be 21 years of age or older. First Officers are required to purchase a large SilverBacks Riding Club patch. They are also required to wear the logo as long as they are the First Officer of the Chapter or are an Officer within the SilverBacks. First Officers will use their own discretion as to their term of office. When leaving office, they may suggest candidates to the President and Vice President for appointment or an election may be held within the Chapter with the approval of the President.
The President will approve all First Officers. First Officers may be removed by the other Officers with approval of the President, for conduct that shows the SilverBacks in a bad light, or any other reason deemed in the best interest of the Club. Officers that resign their positions for any reason shall notify the President and/or the Vice President.
All Officers who resign from their positions for other than hardship reasons will have a 6 month waiting period before they can be considered for another Officer position in the SilverBacks. Hardship reasons consist of personal illness or that of a direct family member, death of a direct family member, relocation, temporary financial hardship or extreme time constraints placed on a member by employment, education or family. Officers that have resigned due to hardship will be able to regain an Officers position based on the Chapter’s need and with the President’s approval.
All Officers that resign due to conflict of interest; or who have been negatively reviewed; or Officers that have been removed from their position for failing to follow the Club Constitution will not be allowed to hold an Officers position in the SilverBacks again.
7. Officers and Chapter 1st and 2nd Officers are the only positions that will be recognized by the SilverBacks and have access to Officer’s only material.
8. Other Officers may become necessary as the Club grows and will be established by the Officers and duties described in this Constitution.
9. The President or Vice President can overrule any decision made by any Officer in the SilverBacks Riding Club.
CONFLICTS
1. Any member has the right to address the SilverBacks for any grievance, but the Chain of Command should be followed in this order:
a. First Officer
b. Sergeant At Arms
c. Vice President
d. President
2. A grievance may be presented to the SilverBacks in either e-mail or letter form. All pertinent information must accompany the grievance. All grievances sent to the SilverBacks for a review will be kept confidential and will not be released to the Public or the General membership of the SilverBacks. The substance of the grievance will only be shared with the principals involved and Officers. Any information and/or issues to be reviewed by the SilverBacks need to be sent to the SilverBacks at this address: admin@silverbacksrc.com.
3. Decisions of the SilverBacks are final, subject to veto by the President of the SilverBacks.