By-Laws
ARTICLE ONE:
PURPOSE
The Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association (CSA) was established for Motorcycle Enthusiasts to share experiences with a
trusted group of brother and sisters. The association attempts to maintain balance between loyalty to the association with the
expectations and responsibilities imposed on us by life, family, and job. The CSA strives to enhance our members' lives through
the sharing of our great Southern Heritage and build lasting and fulfilling relationships with other members. We enjoy riding back
roads, visiting historical sites, and points of interest such events as rallies, drag races, and swap meets and have as much fun as
possible in the process. Our association also likes to show its support to its community and other organizations by organizing
and attending benefits, charities and fund raisers. By doing this, we hope to be able to help people in need while enjoying riding
our motorcycles in the process. To be invited into this family is not only a great honor and privilege, but it is also a great
responsibility to preserve and protect our association, our state and traditions.
ARTICLE TWO:
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
All members (both male and female) will pay a $100.00 membership fee (which covers the cost of the patches, the website
upkeep, postage for mailing the patches to the new member, the CSA anniversary and Christmas party, and any other cost that
the association might incur.) After the probationary period is complete, and your local chapter has voted you in as a full member,
then you will receive your patch. Dues are $20.00 per month there after. These funds provide operating capital for the
organization. As a motorcycle operator, you must have sufficient motorcycle riding skills so as not to be a danger to yourself or
others on the road. A motorcycle safety course is recommended but not required. Your bike will be inspected by the Road
Captain (RC) before every ride and must be in a completely legal operating state to ride with our association. Our riding style
and attitude will also be monitored by the RC, and if the RC feels you are potentially dangerous to the group, you may be asked
to sit the ride out. If you become intoxicated or otherwise unable to continue the ride safely, you may be asked to trailer your bike
and ride in the chase vehicle. If a chase vehicle is not available, the RC may otherwise secure your bike and arrange for your
transportation home. You must be a person of proper character and demeanor befitting a CSA member. We do not tolerate rude
and obnoxious behavior. If you use foul language, you may be asked to stop. If you do not, you may be required to leave the
group. Fighting, bullying or intimidating other members or other people in our presence is not acceptable behavior. Violation of
any of these basic requirements will be considered grounds for the chapter to revoke your membership by a two thirds majority
vote.
ARTICLE THREE:
CONDITIONS OF THE PROCEDURES FOR MEMBERSHIP
EQUAL MEMBERSHIP STATUS FOR DRIVERS AND RIDERS
All members, regardless if they drive their own bike or ride with a spouse, are equal in status. Both men an woman wear patches,
vote, and hold office in our association. This association is a couple’s oriented organization.
A Prospect must:
Attend at least three (3) group meetings / functions, all Mandatory Runs, and all Major Events during their time as a Prospect.
Conduct themselves in a civil and honorable manner and show respect to all of the association's members.
Not discuss private club business with others outside the association.
Strive to prove to all members that you are worthy of the honor of full membership, and demonstrate your value to the association.
VOTING A PROSPECT INTO FULL MEMBER STATUS
After all requirements listed above have been successfully achieved and the Prospect has served at least 90 days, at the next
formal Chapter Meeting, a vote will occur. Any negative votes must be explained to the membership. Three negative votes
require a determination by the Association's appointed officers to either extend their time as a Prospect, or dismiss the Prospect.
Full membership only requires the simple majority vote of the sponsoring chapter, and is dependent on the Prospect fulfilling the
above listed requirements. Upon reaching full member status, the member will pay the membership fee of $100.00 and they will
receive their full set of colors. If the Chapter officers have a prospective mew member that they have known for quite some time,
then the mew member can be brought into the association as a full member rather than a prospect. This is a decision made by
the chapter officers and they take full responsibility for the new member's actions if they choose to bypass the prospect process.
FULL MEMBER STATUS
A Full Member is a brother or sister that has proven the ability and earned the right to be within the trusted inner circle and
receive such privileges and benefits that may be implied or enjoyed by the other full members.
Full members must:
Make a serious effort to attend all meeting / events / functions and be highly dedicated to the association.
Help our other members in any way possible, whenever possible.
Be a diplomat, and show appropriate respect to other Clubs.
Be a mentor to Prospects by showing them the way of the Association.
Be the shining example for other motorcycle riders to aspire.
Not discuss private club business with others outside the association.
MILITARY EXEMPTION
In the event that the association has a member who is called out of state or out of the country on active military duty, that member
will remain in good standing and maintain full member status. Any monthly fees will be waived until such time as the member
returns home from their service duties. At that time they will be required to resume payment of their monthly fees.
ARTICLE FOUR:
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION'S COLORS
Our Association's COLORS (this implies all the patches issued by the association for members to wear)
The Association’s colors will NEVER be worn in a manner that will dishonor the Association. Colors will be purchased by the
prospect upon completion of his/her probationary period and at such time as the prospect is voted into full membership. Upon
being voted into membership, the prospect / new member will be authorized to wear the colors. The colors remain the property of
the Association, and if a member either willingly or by the vote of the Association is removed from membership, the colors will be
given back to the Association. If for some reason a member leaves the Association before two years is up, the member (upon
returning their colors) will receive half of their original initiation fee (cost of patches) back. If they refuse to return their colors,
then is will be the responsibility of the chapter officers, who voted this member in, to pay the Association half of the member's
initiation fee.
Retirement Exception - If a member has successfully completed two or more years of membership, and has requested to retire
from active duty with the Association, the chapter may vote and approve such retirement and the member will be allowed to keep
their colors as a souvenir of their membership. They may only be worn to funerals and special state sponsored events. The
patch must be modified by adding the service dates from enlistment to retirement. Re-enlistment will require a new initiation fee
and new patches will be issued at that time. The Association colors will be sewn onto the back of a black leather/black denim vest
at the member's expense. Members will be allowed to decorate the front of their vest as they like, as long as it is tasteful, and
dose not condone illegal or illicit activity, racial hatred or anything judged inappropriate by the majority of the member’s chapter.
Colors are mandatory for wear during official group rides and events.
REASONS FOR REVOKING THE ASSOCIATION'S COLORS
Failure to meet any of the above requirements.
Discrediting the Association in a manner that is majority voted as significant.
Missing two or more months of functions / meetings without significant cause.
Failure to pay your monthly dues in a timely manner (within ninety days).
Allowing the wearing of the Association's Colors by non-members.
PROCESS FOR REVOCATION OF ASSOCIATION COLORS
A special meeting by the chapter membership will be held, with the accused member and his accuser in attendance. At that time,
a determination will be made by the Association's membership on revoking the member's rights and membership. If three
members disagree, then the Association's appointed officers must determine the appropriate course of action. If so voted, the
member's colors will be returned to the Association.
ARTICLE FIVE:
TATTOOS
Full patch holders may obtain tattoos with likenesses of the Association's Colors on their persons. However, upon separation of
the member, their tattoo(s) will be altered to specify the dates of membership or at a minimum the date of separation.
ARTICLE SIX:
PROPERTY OF THE ASSOCIATION
PROPERTY RIGHTS
The Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association retains all rights to ownership of physical, intellectual, and financial property
acquired through the normal course of business. Such rights also extend to artwork, source code, and other electronic
information paid for, or donated to, the Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association. Any physical or intellectual property paid for
using the Association's funds shall become the sole property of the Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association, without recourse
by the creator. Original creators of intellectual property may use their creations in portfolios and other resume-like products, but
cannot use said creations in any other manner.
ARTICLE SEVEN:
OPERATION AND VOTING PROCEDURES
CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS
To ensure continuity of operations, the Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association shall establish a means of redundant record
keeping. All financial and clerical records associated with conducting business shall be on record with both the Secretary and the
Treasure. These records shall include, but not be limited to, account numbers, passwords, contact information with all
companies whom business is conducted, artwork, source code and any other such information used or owned by the
Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association to conduct its business operation. Documents, records, artwork, source code and all
other records shall be provided in electronic form to both the Treasurer and Secretary electronically (by email) and updated
monthly except when no change is made during that period. In the event that no change has been made to any reportable item
covered in this section of the Bylaws, the Secretary and Treasurer shall both enter a “no changes made” entry into the
unchanged item's record for that month sot that appropriate audit trails are maintained. To avoid loss of property or access to
same, both the Treasurer and Secretary shall be on record as alternates to any primary authority of all financial, physical,
Internet, business or other type of account used by the Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association or its representatives.
ELECTION TIME LIMITS:
Voting for Elected officers shall not exceed ninety days. On or before the first Saturday of the month (which due to extreme
distances between members, will take place by email) following the vacancy of an Elected Office, the President shall announce
the vacancy, and open the floor for members' nominations to the Office. The membership shall have thirty days to file
nominations for the Office being filled. The President shall close the floor to additional nominations at the end of thirty days, but
no later than the second Saturday of the second month following the announcement of the vacancy. The President shall present
the list of nominees to all members electronically (by email) no later than forty-eight hours after the floor is closed to further
nominations. All current members shall ten have thirty days to review the nominees. A vote for the replacement officer shall be
held at the first Saturday of the third month following the vacancy (but not exceeding a total of ninety days). All of the above time
limits are to be considered maximum limits. The floor may be closed early through unanimous consent of all current members.
Current members shall be those members in good standing and without any dues in arrears. Elected Officers positions are for a
term of one year. Elections will be held at the first meeting of the new year. After said elections there will be a two week turnover
period for the newly elected officers to assume the responsibilities of their newly elected office.
FILLING AN ELECTED OFFICE IN THE EVENT OF AN EARLY VACANCY:
In the event that the Office of President is vacated, the Vice-President shall become President, shall appoint an acting Vice-
President, and announce to all current members his advancement, and his appointment to the office of Acting Vice-President.
The temporary appointment shall not exceed ninety days as allowed elsewhere in these Bylaws under Election Time Limits. The
member elected to the office of Vice-President shall serve out the remainder of the term of Office of his/her predecessor, at which
time the Office will stand open for election as provided for in the Bylaws. In the event that any other Elected Office is vacated, the
President, after consulting with all other Elected Officer, shall appoint an acting replacement for a time not to exceed ninety days
as provided for elsewhere in these Bylaws under Election Time Limits. The member elected to the Office shall serve out the
remainder of the term of Office of his/her predecessor, at which time the Office will stand open for election as provided for in
these Bylaws. Elections for replacement officers will use the same guidelines as provided for under the routine election of
Officers in these Bylaws.
INVOLUNTARY REMOVAL FROM OFFICE OF ELECTED OFFICERS:
The President may be involuntarily removed from office (not his/her membership) after a formal motion is made by the members
at an official meeting (or through means of email for those members who would have to travel extremely long distances to attend)
and requires a two-thirds supporting vote of all current Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association members, along with a detailed
explanation as to why you feel that this officer is not capable of performing his/her duties. The Vice-President may be
involuntarily removed from office after a formal motion is made by the members at an official meeting (or through means of email
for those members who would have to travel extremely long distances to attend) and requires a two -thirds supporting vote of all
current Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association members along with a detailed explanation as to why you feel that this officer is
not capable of performing his/her duties. Other elected officers may be involuntarily removed from office after a formal motion is
made before the members, at an official meeting (or through means of email for those members who would have to travel
extremely long distances to attend) and requires a simple majority of all current Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association
members along with a detailed explanation as to why you feel that this person is not capable of performing his/her duties. In all
cases, “current members” shall include all members in good standing and who have no dues in arrears. A voting period of no
more than ninety days, or three official meetings (either in person or through email, whichever is shortest) shall be granted for
the membership to vote on a Proposal for Removal from Office of an Elected Officer. If at the end of that allowed time, the
required member of votes has not been obtained, the Motion shall fail. Upon passage of a Proposal for Removal from Office of
an Elected Officer, the Elected Office shall be considered vacated effective immediately, and the process described in these
Bylaws under Filling an elected Office in the Event of an Early Vacancy shall begin.
ARTICLE EIGHT:
CHAPTER OFFICES
A brief description of officer's responsibilities follows:
PRESIDENT: The President shall be chosen by election (which can be done by email due to the distance between chapters and
members). The President shall have general executive charge, management, and control of the properties, business and
operations of the Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association, with all such powers as may be reasonable incident to such
responsibilities; shall have the authority to agree upon and execute all leases, contracts, evidences of indebtedness, and other
obligations in the name of the Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association, and duties as may be designated in these Bylaws and
as constrained by the powers granted to the Treasurer within these Bylaws.
VICE-PRESIDENT: The Vice-President shall have such powers and duties as may be assigned to such officer by these Bylaws
including the performance of the duties of the President upon the death, absence, or resignation of the President, or upon the
President's inability to perform the duties of such office. Any action taken by the Vice-President in the performance of the duties
of the President shall be conclusive evidence of the absence or inability to act by the President at the time such action as taken.
Any actions taken by the Vice-President, when acting under the Presidential Authority as authorized by these Bylaws, shall be
constrained in the same manner as the President. As the President and Vice-President wield executive power over the
Association's business, they cannot sponsor Prospects.
SECRETARY: The Secretary maintains any meeting's minutes and is the focal point of communications.
TREASURER: The Treasurer is responsible for the accounting of the Association's funds, and will give a financial statement at
meetings or upon request of a member. They will also submit a monthly report of the current status to the President and in an
effort to keep them informed of any changes.
SERGEANT AT ARMS: The Sergeant at Arms maintains order, and is in charge of collecting colors from any members who may
become “members not in good standing” for the various reasons listed in the aforesaid Bylaws. The Sergeant at Arms cannot
sponsor Prospects.
APPOINTED POSITIONS:
The following positions are appointed
by the President and Vice-President in concurrence:
ENFORCER: The Enforcer aids the Association's Officers in maintaining general order and settles disagreements. The Enforcer
cannot sponsor Prospects.
ROAD CAPTAINS: The Road Captains ensure safety; organize the Association's runs; and run herd on the pack.
LIEUTENANTS: The Lieutenants are members appointed by the President and Vice-President to serve in special positions of
significantly greater responsibility than that of regular members.
ARTICLE NINE:
MEMBERSHIP FEES
INITIATION FEE AND MONTHLY DUES
Membership Initiation fee is $100.00 (which covers the cost of the patches, the website upkeep, postage for mailing the patches
to the new member, the CSA anniversary and Christmas Party, and any other cost that the Association might incur), and is
payable when a Prospect has completed their probationary period, and the requirements thereof and is voted into full
membership status. This will include the cost of the member's patches. The member is responsible for purchasing an
appropriate vest and having their patches sewn onto that vest. There are monthly dues of $20.00 per member. The purpose of
this monthly fee is to pay the necessary expenses of the Association. In the event the Association ceases to exist, then all funds
still in the Treasury after the DISBANDING PARTY will either be given to a need charity, voted on by the majority membership, or
distributed evenly to the remaining membership.
ARTICLE TEN:
MEETINGS AND MANDATORY EVENTS
This is a Motorcycle Association and our primary mission is to Ride and Have Fun! All Full Members are required to make the
Mandatory Run and must strive for maximum participation in all events. Lack of participation will be dealt with on an individual
basis.
The Mandatory Run is listed below and other runs and events are listed below:
CHRISTMAS PARTY AND RALLY
ANNIVERSARY PARTY AND RALLY
Every member will make it a point to attend either the Anniversary Party or the Annual Christmas Party. These are the only
Mandatory events and we expect you to make at least one of them each year if not both. It may be the only opportunity you have
to meet some members, and for them to meet you.
MAJOR RUNS
The Association will make every effort to have a major run or event every month when weather permits. The members need to
make an effort to rid into every area of Tennessee that has members residing in it to make these events as accessible as
possible by every member. They are not mandatory, but are strongly encouraged. Local chapters will have planned events as
well, and we ask that the local chapters try to plan their rides so not to conflict with a state ride that is within 200 miles of our
location, so members can attend these state run rides and events. It would be most acceptable and encouraged for a chapter to
act as host and guide for the state run event if it falls within their immediate area.
ARTICLE ELEVEN:
FUNERALS
CSA FUNERALS
It is a sad day when we have to bury one of our brothers or sisters. We hope each member will feel it is their personal obligation
to these fallen comrades to attend their funeral and sign their guest book. Retired and Active members alike are requested to
attend these funerals and wear their colors to honor our friends.
PROTOCOL BASIC 100
1. Motorcycle club patch-holders are people too. They have good days and bad days; they have jobs, families, and normal
everyday problems and concerns just like anyone else. There are those who no matter what you say or do, it will not be right with
them. Just like with any group, you will find both good and bad.
2. Protocol and Respect are primary rules when dealing with a motorcycle club patch holder. If you are FORMALLY
introduced to an MC patch holder, make sure either the person doing the introduction (or you) know what association you belong
to and if you are an officer, what position you hold. Under no circumstances do you interrupt to correct a mistake while that
person is introducing you or while they are talking. Wait until the introduction is done and politely introduce yourself correctly, i.
e., Joe Rider, Confederate Sons Association, (officers position if one is held), Anytown.
3. Greet them as you would anyone else and wait until the offer is made to shake hands. DO NOT interrupt; wait for them to
recognize you. DO NOT be offended or make a big deal if they do not offer to shake your hand. Many times they want to get to
know about you and your club a little better before they will offer to shake you hand.
4. Never, Ever, Lie. You can refuse to answer a question in a polite manner by saying something like, “That seems like
association business, and I would like to refer that to one of our officers in order to get better information for you.” Be prepared
to answer questions about what your association is about. Such as:
a)”We are the Confederate Sons Motorcycle Association and not a motorcycle club and have no intention of ever trying to
become a motorcycle club.”
b) Our patch is bought by the member.
c) We pay small annual dues to benefit the CSA.
d) All makes and models are welcome in the CSA.
e) We are a non-territorial association and wear nothing signifying territory.
f) We are a neutral association and do not wear any MC support patches.
g) Do NOT brag about how large the membership is.
h) Do not volunteer association information. If the question is asked about the local chapter, answer it if you can. If they
start asking questions about the number of members, or the chain of the organization refer them to one of the association
Officers.
5. Most clubs realize that the CSA is like a riding club, for the most part. When approached, be aware that most patch
holders will want to deal with the local representatives.
6. If anyone knows a patch-holder, don’t let him throw the patch-holders name/nickname/club’s name around like you’re a
great buddy of theirs (even if you are). Many clubs consider that as a major disrespect to the whole club.
7. Watch where you are when speaking about them, and never say anything about them in public because you never know
when that woman, man, or kid in regular clothes standing near you might be one of them, or a “support member”. Patch holders
do not always wear their colors. By the time the story gets back to the top club in your area, it will have changed many times over
and could be blown up way out of proportion.
8. Anything said about them between members is our business ONLY. If comments, even those said in a joking manner were
to get out, problems could start. Discussion outside the privacy of the CSA can start rumors, which could cause a lot of problems
for not only the chapter, but also for other chapters in and out of our state.
9. If for some reason you have to say something while in public about a MC, take the person you are talking to aside, alone,
and say ONLY what you need to say to get your meaning across. Say as little as possible so anyone else can’t overhear it and
misunderstand what you’re talking about.
10. Watch where you wear your patch and it’s just common sense to stay in numbers when wearing the patch. Some MC’s
can be very territorial and don’t see any difference between a riding club and a motorcycle club, good or bad. If you are unsure
of the areas or places normally frequented by MC’s, find out from your club officers. If you are planning on traveling and are
concerned about what the situation may be in regard to the relationship with the local MC’s in the areas you’ll be traveling
through or staying in, talk to your local officer and ask if they can find something out by contacting the officers in the areas you
will be in.
11. “SHOW THEM RESPECT.” That’s A #1 with them! (and worth repeating)
12. IF you already know a patch-holder, or get to know one in the future, don’t just walk up to them and interrupt when they
are with other members. Wait till they acknowledge you first and NEVER touch them or put your arm around them like a buddy.
Don’t put you hand out to shake theirs; wait for them to extend their hand first. If for some reason you’re not acknowledged at all,
then just keep walking. If you need to talk to an officer of a MC, the proper way is to go through the Sgt at Arms or one of the
patch-holders.
13. You have to decide whether or not you want to show respect by going to any of their functions or if you want to avoid all
of them together. If you choose to show respect and go, you can do this in a way that may make you feel more at ease by going
to one of their “supports” functions instead of the top club’s function. But if you go, then you will also have to go to their rival club’
s functions or you will be telling everyone that you are not the “neutral” club you said you were.
14. No CLBs (Chapter Location Bars), any territory rockers, or anything giving the appearance of a rocker should be worn
with the association patch. No state flags, state logos, no diamonds (front and back), the cube shape or rockers to be worn on
the back of your jacket. That could be taken as 1% MC. Diamond shapes may be worn in some areas and not in others. It is
best to check with an officer in your area to make sure what is ok in your area.
15. If someone from a MC requests that you remove your vest/patch, don’t argue. The best reply is, “No Problem” and
politely takes it off and let your CSA officer know what MC it was so they can deal with any potential problems. You normally will
only get asked once.
16. If an establishment has a sign indicating “No Colors”, even though your patch is not considered “colors”, the vest should
be removed out of respect to the other clubs and the policy of the establishment. While we may just be an association, it’s only
respectful to honor house rules.
17. Do not wear your patch into a MC clubhouse unless you have asked if it’s ok to do so or have been invited for a “sit
down” with the officers of the MC, or been invited as a CSA Member, to attend a function there.
18. In regard to women who are with a MC club, but not in the club, Old Lady is not a negative or derogatory term, it’s just a
slang term commonly used. “Property Of” patches are their way of showing support for their man and the club he is in.
19. A patch holder may not, and many times will not, acknowledge your wife or girlfriend, especially upon a first meeting.
20. DO NOT touch or sit on a patch holder’s bike unless invited to do so. Do not expect the invitation.
21. A prospect can usually be identified by the back patch they are wearing. There are many different ways MC’s identify
prospects. They can have rockers without the main patch. They can actually have a patch that say, “Prospect.” Some do not
wear any patch, because all the patch holders know who the prospects are. You want to treat a prospect or even someone you
suspect is a prospect the same way you would treat a patch-holder.
22. Have absolutely no doubt that a MC is serious and many have been known to physically educate a person who shows
disrespect or displays a bad attitude.
23. Be aware of the behavior and attitude of the other CSA members who are with you (Especially if anyone has been
drinking) at events. If necessary, try to take action to avoid problems before they happen.
24. Be aware that problems created in one part of the country by a CSA member or issues with the CSA in one area have
the potential to affect CSA members in other areas and states.
25. The term Brother or Bro has a special meaning to a patch-holder. Do not call a patch holder Brother or Bro. Their
brothers are fellow patch-holders and those that have earned that term.
26. Don’t ever touch any part of another club member’s colors, which includes the vest or jacket it’s sewn on. That is
considered serious disrespect, which could cause them to aggressively educate the uniformed.
Remember this is only Basic Protocol.
The “Golden Rule” of conduct that you should bear in mind while traveling in club circles:
“SHOW THEM RESPECT”
If you give respect, you will get respect. If you act like an asshole, you will be treated like an asshole.