SOTS By-Laws

BY-LAWS

Mission Statement
* Our sole mission is to promote “Old School Values.”
* To live by the Ways of the Traditional Biker.
* Loyalty, commitment and family will come first.
* The “Sons of the South” represent values of brotherhood and camaraderie.
* The loyalty of “Brotherhood” is the greatest strength of our club and “Loyalty” always comes first.
* To recognize the deep level of personal commitment and self-discipline.
* “Give Respect and Get Respect” is what we are about.
* The goal is to be respected and admired by the general public rather than feared (give back to the community).
* We will always conduct ourselves publicly in a highly professional manner.
* We are serious riders of the open road.
* We do not wear our “Colors” as a fashion statement. “It’s Our Way of Life.”
* We do not judge other clubs for any decisions they make.
* Our club is open to riders of every age, ethnicity and gender over 21.
* All makes and models are welcomed.
* We do not discriminate on what you ride “It’s How You Ride”
* We make no claim to territory therefore our bottom rocker says “MOMENTO MORI”
* Sons of the South are an independent club and not affiliated or sponsored by any other club.

CODE OF CONDUCT
* All full Members must show a Code of Conduct when out in public or at Club events.
* Members must understand they are a Patch Holder 24 hours a day whether or not they are wearing their colors.
* Any actions performed by members in public reflect the whole Club.
* While in public places, always conduct yourself with your association.
* Never let a Patch Holder walk off alone in an unsecured area. Watch their Back!
* Never call a Patch Holder of another club “Brother.” Their Brothers are their fellow Patch Holders.
* A Patch Holder will not discuss and “Private” Club business (whether it’s about membership numbers,

Club outgoings or any personal information) with anyone outside the Club.
* Always show respect to a Patch Holder of another club. Even though they are with another Club, they earned their patch.
* Never touch the colors of another Patch Holder. This is a sign of disrespect.
* Colors are not to be worn into any establishment with the intention of starting trouble.
* Fighting is forbidden for any Club member while wearing Club Colors except in the case of an emergency.
* Never Lie, Steal, Cheat or Snitch.
* Mean what you say and say what you mean. Your word is your bond.
* No significant others at “Private” club meetings.
* Harassment of your “Brother’s” significant other will not be tolerated!
* Members are responsible for their significant other!
* If you are told you are too drunk to drive you WILL turn over your keys to a Brother and you and your bike will be taken care of.

ETIQUETTE
* At all gatherings, make it a point to circulate when you have the time to greet every Patch Holder that is there.
* Members must greet a Patch Holder from another club by Name, Rank and Club Name.
* Associates must greet another Patch Holder by Name, Associate and Club Name.
* If you want to greet a Patch Holder of another Club in a public setting, wait till they acknowledge you.
* Don’t get overly friendly with someone that is not a regular acquaintance of the Club.
* If an outside Club has questions refer them to an Officer or Patch Holder.
* At an open function never turn your back to a Patch Holder of another Club. This is a form of disrespect.
* Never bring a personal friend or stranger into the presence of another Patch Holder’s Club without permission to do so first.

PROBATIONARY PERIODS
* Probationary periods will be assessed for violation of By-Laws.
* Any member may be on probation from the Club due to inappropriate behavior. This can include:
(1) Wild and unsafe riding habits.
(2) Extremely rude and offensive or insulting behavior toward fellow members or others while involved in Club

activities or wearing the Club’s patch.

   (3) The initiation of physical confrontation while involved in Club activities or wearing you colors.
   (4) Desecration of Club Colors.
   (5) Desecration of other Clubs
* Length of Probation periods will be determined by the Club Officers based on infraction.

REVOCATION OF OFFICERS
* Allegations of Officer misconduct shall be brought before the other officers.
* The remaining Officers shall investigate the incident(s) and provide a hearing for the accused Officer.
* A special meeting called by the Officers will be held with the accused Officer and the accuser present.
* At that time a determination will be made by the non-accused Officers on revoking the Officer’s position or

placing the officer on probation.

REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP
* Allegations of membership misconduct shall be brought before the Officers.
* The Officers shall investigate the incident(s) and provide a hearing for the accused Member.
* A special meeting by the Officers will be held with the accused Member and the accuser.
* At that time a determination will be made by the Officers on revoking the Member’s Colors.
* Officers will decide what punishment to assess for Associates. No colors while on probation or expulsion, etc…
* If so voted, the Member’s Club Colors will be returned to the Club and membership terminated.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
* You must have your own motorcycle and show an ability to ride!
* This club will have long initiations and many team building exercises to foster trust and confidence between Members.
* Our “Colors” are closely guarded and the membership is long and difficult.
* Membership is not just given to anyone. OUR COLORS ARE EARNED!
* Agree with the Club’s By-Laws.
* Be in good standing in terms of conduct.
* He has decided to make a personal and financial commitment towards becoming a Full Member.
* Keep dues current.
* Attend all meetings, events and functions and be highly-dedicated to the Club.
* Strive to prove to all Members that you are worthy of the honor of Full Membership and demonstrate your value to the Club.
* Cannot be a member of any other motorcycle club other than the “Sons Of The South.”
* Be a diplomat and show appropriate respect to other Clubs.
* Must commit themselves to a “Way of Life” in which they can be of help to their brothers and their Community.

INVITE STATUS
* Invite status is a person who has been invited to find out more about the club and ride with us.
* Invite status is achieved through contacting a full member and displaying a strong desire to find out more about the Club.
* This is a pre-probationary Period for the individual to get to know the club and what it is about.
* Invite status gives the individual the permission to go on rides and attend club functions.
* An invite is someone who wants to eventually become a member and must have a Full Member sponsor.
* This process may take some time to develop the Trust required to graduate to Associate status.

PURPOSE OF PROBATION/ASSOCIATES
* It is a time which the attitude is conditioned so he displays a sense of responsibility and respect.
* He is educated in basic MC protocol and etiquette.
* Given time to develop the habits that are basic to good security and good communications.
* To get into participating in meetings, rides and events.
* To become accustomed to trusting the judgment (at times blindly) of members that will someday be his brothers.
* Strive to conduct yourself as a responsible Patch Holder at all times.
* Understand the deep level of personal commitment and self discipline that one has demonstrated and sustained in order to wear our colors.

SPONSORSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
* Full members can recommend and sponsor an approved invite into Associate status.
* This is a responsibility not to be taken lightly as the Full member is the “Mentor” of the associate through the entire Associate period.
* The quality of the club is entirely dependent on the type of people we bring in.
* A sponsor who brings in a candidate that is clearly inappropriate runs the risk of losing the ability to sponsor in the future.

GRADUATING FROM INVITE STATUS TO ASSOCIATE STATUS
* The Associates Sponsor will initiate this process by notifying the Officers that they feel the Invite is ready to become an Associate.
* This meeting will be arranged by the Officers, Sponsor and Invite.
* Pending favorable results of the meeting, the Invite will move to Associate status.
* No stealing away members from other clubs.

ASSOCIATE STATUS
* An Associate is someone who has succeeded as an Invite for some period of time.
* He has decided to make a personal and financial commitment towards becoming a Full Member.
* The period of Associate status will be challenging and things will be asked and expected to prove worthiness to Full membership.
* The Sponsor of the Associate can pull their patch at anytime (screw up and you are done).

ASSOCIATE REQUIREMENTS
* Associate will be required to abide by the Club’s By-Laws.
* Pay monthly dues.
* Attend all club meetings, functions, all mandatory runs, and all major events during their time of Associate.
* Perform tasks requested of club members. No request shall be humiliating or illegal.
* Not discuss private club business with others outside the club.
* Strive to prove to all members that you are worthy of the honor of full membership and demonstrate your value to the club.
* An associate will be responsible to perform certain duties during club events.

VOTING AND ASSOCIATE INTO FULL MEMBER STATUS
* After all requirements listed above have been successfully achieved the Sponsor will make a motion and present a case for

the Associate at the next formal Club meeting and a vote will occur.
* Only Full Patched Members can vote.
* Negative votes require a determination by the Club’s Officers to either extend time as an Associate or dismiss the Associate.
* The Associate and Sponsor must be in attendance at this meeting.

FULL MEMBER STATUS
* A Full Member is someone that has become a “BROTHER” and has proven the ability and earned the right to be within the

“Trusted Inner Circle.”
* As such privileges and benefits may be reaped.

FULL MEMBERS MUST
* Attend all meetings, events, functions and be highly dedicated to the Club.
* Keep dues current.
* Help out other Members in any way possible, whenever possible.
* Be a diplomat and show appropriate respect to other clubs.
* Be a mentor and Associates and Invites while showing them the way of the Club.
* Ride hard and be an example for other motorcycle riders.

SYMBOLISM OF OUR CUTS
* “Sons Of The South” symbolizes where we are from.
* “White Thread” symbolizes neutrality.
* “Brown Background” symbolizes stability and reliability.
* “Skull” symbolizes death and mortality.
* “Skeleton Wings” symbolizes mortal freedom.
* “Momento Mori” means remember that you are mortal.
* “09” is the year we were formed.

CLUB COLORS
* The Club’s Colors always remain property of the Sons Of The South, not the member, and only Full Members are allowed

to wear the Club’s Colors.
* A Member must closely guard their colors. If a member allows his colors to fall into the hand of an outsider it is an act of

disgrace and may result in loss of membership in the club or another form of punishment.
* Only one of your Brothers or Significant Other can baby sit your cuts.
* Club Colors may only be worn by Full Members who have earned the right to wear them successfully completing a

prospecting period.
* Minimum of 10 years to retire with honors and colors.

PATCH ETIQUETTE
* Only our 1 piece cut can be worn on the back of the vest.
* No miscellaneous patches and or pins will be allowed on the front or back of the vest.
* No member shall wear the 1% on his vest, jacket or any other article of clothing while representing the Club.
* Patches of other clubs will not be worn on the club vest.
* No patches that show support for other clubs or political affiliation shall be permitted.
* “In Memory Of” patches are only allowed on left front of the vest under the “Sons Of The South” patch.
* Only wear your colors while riding.
* No colors are to be worn in a cage, except during funerals and loading or unloading your bike from a truck.

PATCH LOCATIONS
* The 1 piece cut is to be worn on the back of a black leather vest.
* On the upper left breast, the nametag “Sons Of The South” will be placed.
* On the right upper breast, Full Members will wear their “Name.”
* Below your name tag, your “Status” tag will be placed.
* “In Memory Of” patches are only allowed on left front of the vest under the “Sons Of The South” patch.

DUES
* The Treasurer shall be responsible for holding the Club’s funds.
* Dues are collected at the Member’s meeting every month.
* Dues are “Non-Refundable!”
* Dues are to be used only for the Club’s expenses.
* Expenses will include:
   (1) Purchasing of patches
   (2) Club gatherings
   (3) Apparel
   (4) Food on selected rides/events
* Full Members and Associates will pay yearly dues of $50.00.
* Full Members and Associates will pay monthly dues of $20.00 (11 per year).

MEETINGS
* Officer meetings are held by special session.
* Club Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month.
* The President may call special meetings at any time by informing the Secretary to notify all Members.

ORDER OF BUSINESS
* Rules of Order shall be used as a guide for governing the proceedings of this club.
* The order of business shall be:
   (1) Call meeting to order
   (2) Roll Call
   (3) Introduction of New Associates (If any)
   (4) Reading of minutes from previous meeting
   (5) Treasurer’s Report
   (6) Report from Officers
   (7) Old / Unfinished Business
   (8) New Business
   (9) Dues and Fines
   (10) Road Captains Report
   (11) Open Discussion
   (12) Motion to Adjourn

PROTOCOL
* Members and Associates are encouraged to attend meetings on their motorcycles whenever possible.

(exceptions include bad weather, items necessary for meeting no able to be carried on bike, attending

   the meeting directly after going to work in a cage)
* Members and Associates must wear their colors to meetings.
* If any member misses a mandatory meeting, they will be fined $15.00 (must have good reason).
* Any member violating a rule on the following list of offenses will be fined as noted:
   (1) Not wearing colors at meetings - $25
   (2) Showing up late to any event with a previously set time - $5
   (3) Talking out of turn or interrupting recognized speaker - $5
   (4) Striking another member out of anger - $100
* During the meeting there will be no talking among members until they get the floor through the President.
* Members will be evicted for unruly conduct.
* The only reasons a Member or Associate may be excused from a meeting are:
   (1) In Hospital.
   (2) Job related.
   (3) In Jail.
   (4) Out of Town.
* Miss three meetings in a row and you are out!

OFFICER PURPOSE
* The purpose for Club Officers are:
(1) Represent the organization in the best possible manner.
(2) Maintain order within the club.

DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT
* The president’s responsibilities are for the oversight and leadership of the entire Club.
* Preside over Club meetings, functions and activities as applicable.
* See the enforcement of the objectives and purpose of the Club.
* Coordinate, direct, and manage the business functions and activities of the Club; to ensure continuity and

success of the Club and the Club’s objectives.
* To assist all the other Officers of the Club in performing their duties.
* Has the ability to make a wide-range of decisions regarding the general well-being of the Club and may

appoint Members to special positions as the need arises.
* Shall represent the Club in all business matters and Club functions with other Clubs.
* To vote at Club meeting only when one vote is necessary to break a tie.
* Shall inform the Vice-President when the President is unable to preside over any club meeting, function or activity.

DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
* Are to perform duties of the President in case of absence or inability to participate on the part of the President.
* Coordinate, plan and ensure proper arrangements are made for all Club-sponsored activities or functions.
* As necessary performs duties which may be assigned by the President.
* To act as Club liaison with other organizations for the purpose of planning and or participating in area events.
* To perform such duties as may be assigned or required.

DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY
* Maintains the meeting’s minutes and is the focal point of communications.
* Shall give and serve all notices to members of the club.
* Shall keep membership records in alphabetical order.
* Notify active members of special meetings.
* To assist the Treasurer in ordering, picking up, distributing and collecting Club items.
* To inform all members if change of meeting date(s).
* To perform such duties as may be assigned or required.

DUTIES OF THE TREASURER
* Responsible for the Club funds and will give financial information at meetings.
* Receive record and report all monies or property donated to, paid to, or owned by the Club.
* Keep an account of all receipts and dispersements, so that a statement of the financial condition of the

Club is available upon request by the officers or general membership.
* Provide club patches when requested.
* Prepare a financial report for the Officers to be shared at all meetings.
* Collect membership dues from all Members.
* Make payments from Club funds as may be necessary and customary expenses of the Club.
* To recommend changes of investment strategies to the Club.
* To perform such duties as may be assigned or required.

DUTIES OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS
* Maintains order and ensures the tenants of the By-Laws are kept.
* To defend Members and Member’s property from outside threats.
* To perform such duties as may be assigned or required.

DUTIES OF THE ROAD CAPTAIN
* Ensure safety, organize club runs, and run head of the pack.
* Has the right to terminate a members participation in a given ride or event for the club’s safety or image.
* To perform such duties as may be assigned or required.

RIDING PROTOCOL
* The club will obey all state and local laws.
* Members should always be in a staggered formation when riding in a group.
* Wild and unsafe riding habits are not allowed.
* The following universal hand signals will be used. All signals will be given by the left hand except road obstructions.
   (1) Left Turn – left arm straight out and then dropped pointing left.
   (2) Right Turn – left arm should be straight out and then bent up.
   (3) Single File – left arm straight up, moving front to back in a straight line.
   (4) Speed up or Traffics Clear- left arm straight up and moving in a circle.
   (5) Stop or Slow Down – Left arm pointing in a downward angle with hand flat.
   (6) Something on the Road – Point with either foot on the side of obstruction.
   (7) Police officer – Pat the top of head with left hand.
   (8) The use of working directional signals may be used in place of hands.
* Changing Lanes – The tail boss in the back will be the one to signal to change lanes. This will prevent the

pack from being separated from cages.
* On funeral rides no passenger patches must be seen. This means no passengers. (so respect the dead)
* If a road captain or officer deems your bike unsafe to ride your bike is grounded.

RIDING FORMATION
* Road Captain
* President
* Vice-President
* Secretary
* Treasurer
* Sergeant at Arms
* Full Members
* Associates
* Trail Boss

RIDING ETIQUETTE
* Bikes are always parked together.
* Members must use their judgment when on club rides to limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.
* Someone that has marginal riding skills will be relegated to the back of the pack until they are capable or

   without the risk of “bumping pegs” with other riders.
* Any member that wishes to conduct and plan a ride may do so with the following requirements:
   (1) Inform an Officer to ensure the event does not conflict with other club activities.
   (2) Contact the Road Captain to see if he is able and willing to attend to act as a ride leader.
   (3) Ensure a minimum of 5 members (including 1 Officer) will attend the ride/ event. Any ride organized that

does not have the required Members will not be considered a sanctioned ride / event.