When the Board discussed conflicts between members we wondered why there was not a Code of Conduct that every member would consent to when they joined the Club or when they renewed their membership. We drafted a Code of Conduct and we are sending it out to all of our members to review and let us know if changes need to be made. Below is a draft Code of Conduct for your review:

Keith Menasco – President

ATV & CAMPING CODE OF CONDUCT

Purpose

Our club promotes safe, responsible, and respectful ATV/UTV riding and camping. All members and guests represent the club and the off-road community. By participating in club rides or camping events, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

■ Safety First

  • Follow all federal, state, and local laws governing ATV/UTV use.
  • Never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medications.
  • Ride at safe speeds appropriate for terrain and trail conditions.
  • Wear appropriate safety gear and maintain your vehicle in safe mechanical condition.
  • Carry adequate water, food, tools, and emergency supplies.

■ Trail Etiquette

  • Ride leader holds their left hand up, using fingers to represent the number of riders behind them.  Five fingers indicate five or more riders, four fingers mean four, and so on, while a closed fist signals the last rider (provided by the tail gunner).
  • Stay on designated roads and trails only.
  • Yield to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
  • Pull off the trail and shut off engines when encountering horses.
  • Maintain safe spacing between vehicles.
  • Avoid reckless riding or unsafe behavior.

■ Protect the Environment

  • Pack It In – Pack It Out. Remove all trash.
  • Do not damage trees, plants, or natural features.
  • Respect wildlife and never harass animals.
  • Follow fire restrictions and fully extinguish campfires.

■ Camping Courtesy

  • Keep campsites clean and organized.
  • Respect the space, property, and privacy of other campers.
  • Store food and dispose of waste properly.

■ Respect Others

  • Treat fellow riders, campers, and other trail users with courtesy and sportsmanship.
  • Offer assistance to riders or campers in distress.
  • Remember that your actions reflect on the entire club.

■ Responsibility & Enforcement

  • Members are responsible for their conduct and that of their guests.
  • Follow directions from ride leaders and club officers.
  • Violations may result in warnings, suspension from events, or termination of membership.

7 Comments

  1. It’s a shame the board deems it necessary as this is all just plain common senset.

  2. For most of us that true and it’s the way we live our lives. There are always a few that live and think a little different then most and for those the code of conduct was adopted.
    Terry
    BOD

  3. A couple suggestions:
    Safety First: Could you insert “ride with in your own capabilities”.

    Trail Ediqutte: vehicles traveling on a up ward trail would generly have the right of way when approaching a down hill vehicle. The down hill vehicle shhould attempt to move to a safe place on the sholder of the trail to all allow the up hill vehicle passage.

    Responsability and inforcement:
    Who are the club officers? Does this refer to the board or ride /camping organizer or only to a actual club officer, Presidernt, VP, Treasurer, and Secretary.
    This could cause some confusinon if “officer” not present.
    Suggestion; Responsable party

    other than that, Good Idea Tom

  4. Here are a few thoughts on Radio etiquette.
    The radio is mainly a safety and coordination tool between the ride leader and tail gunner.
    Have fun but keep conversation positive, and brief.
    Tech your radio before the ride, not on the trail.
    Avoid any conversation/speech that could be construed as damaging to the club’s reputation.

  5. Thoughts: Avoid reckless riding or unsafe behavior seems a little soft. “There shall be no reckless riding or unsafe behavior” seems a little stronger.
    All other points are appropriate. IMO we are a little soft on the primary reason for this. “Follow directions from ride leaders” is appropriate., Club officers doesn’t seem so appropriate unless we have another bullet point with explanation. “Treat fellow riders, campers and others etc” is appropriate, but under Responsibility & Enforcement there needs something in “Follow directiions” area or another bullet point that insubordination or similar words “will not be tolerated”.

    1. I am good with everything

  6. Looks good

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