Road Captains

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Adult Release Form - Chapter Event Release Form

Minor Release Form - Chapter Event Release Form

Minor Risk Acknowledgement Form - Must be completed with Minor Chapter Event Release Form

Ride Information Form

ROAD CAPTAIN INFORMATION

The following describes the responsibilities, basic qualifications, and retention of status for Road Captains (RCs) of the South Sound Harley Owner Group (SSHOG) Chapter 5385. 

- RCs are responsible for the organizational details, e.g., route, stops, meals, etc., and safe execution of sanctioned SSHOG RC rides/events.
- RCs are not responsible for the organizational details of rides or events planned/promoted by individual members of SSHOG and/or the Ladies of Harley (LOH).
- RC’s are available to offer advice and assist with rides and events planned/promoted by individual members and/or LOH, but the final organizational details are not the RCs responsibility.
- RCs should wear clothing with the chapter insignia and shoulder cords during sanctioned rides.
- RCs need to carry release forms in case someone joins in on the ride and a release form is needed.
- RCs need to carry and be familiar/understand the process for completing injury report forms and insure they are turned in for forwarding to National HOG. Optional: cell phone and camera.

- The RC assigned to lead a ride is responsible for all the organizational details of the ride. If s/he cannot lead the ride, s/he must contact another RC and/or Head RC as soon as possible to ensure another RC is available to lead the ride.
- RCs assigned to a ride will provide a safety briefing to the participating RCs before conducting the group safety briefing.
- The RC conducting the group safety briefing should provide information on such items as lane selection, gas stops, road construction and other items of interest along the route.
- RCs will ensure a safety briefing is completed before each sanctioned ride.
- RCs will ensure ride attendance sheets and waiver forms are complete, signed and delivered to the chapter Secretary.
- At least two RCs should support a sanctioned ride in the lead and sweep positions. If only one RC is available, s/he will select an experienced rider to ride the sweep position.

- RCs will provide guidance to new riders to address observed unsafe riding practices. Note: These discussions will always take place in a discreet manner by at least two RCs.
- To promote on-going education, the RCs should have a post-ride discussion on situations observed and suggestions to correct future occurrences.

- The candidate will have been a member of the SSHOG for a minimum of six months.
- Demonstrated safe riding practices during group rides as observed by the RCs. Note: The Head RC may, based on the candidates past experience and on a case-by-case basis, waive this requirement.
- The candidate will have successfully completed an Experienced Riders Course (ERC) within the past two years.
- The candidate will be on probationary status for a minimum of three months and must attend at least three consecutive monthly RC meetings.
- During the probationary period, the candidate will be issued a blue shoulder cord and training materials.
- The candidate will be assigned a training RC during his/her probationary period. The training RC is responsible for developing all aspects of the candidate’s knowledge in group riding and the responsibilities associated with leading a group ride.
- The candidate will assist on group rides as instructed by the Head RC and/or the RCs assigned to the ride.
- During the last month of probation, the candidate will demonstrate his/her ability to lead a ride while under the supervision of the RCs.
- After the candidate has completed the above requirements, RCs will conduct a majority vote on accepting the candidate.
- If accepted, the candidate will be awarded his/her RC rocker and yellow shoulder cord at the next General Chapter meeting.

In order to retain status and participate in rides as an RC, an RC must meet the following requirements (exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by a majority vote of the RCs):
- A RC must participate in a minimum of two chapter rides a month.
- A RC cannot miss more than three unexcused RC meetings in a 12-month period (if a RC cannot attend or could not attend a meeting, s/he must call or email the Head RC).
- A RC must have completed the ERC or equivalent within the past five years.
- A RC must demonstrate consistent safe group riding skills.

04/2011 - Reviewed by JT Hasley, Region 1 National HOG Manager, and approved by Julio Valdenegro, NWHD, Chapter Sponsor.

So, what's with the shoulder ropes? Your Road Captains are easily identifiable by the shoulder ropes they wear. Orange ropes signify a Senior Road Captain. Yellow ropes signify Road Captains. Blue ropes signify Road Captains in Training. Interested in becoming a Road Captain or just want to see what's happening? The Road Captains meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm at Hawk's Prairie.