The Knights of the Third Wheel Constitution
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. NAME OF ORGANIZATION
2. OBJECTIVES
3. PATCHES (COLORS)
4. WEARING OF COLORS
5. DRESS CODE
6. MEMBERSHIP OF THE KNIGHTS
7. MEMBERSHIP FEES
8. OBLIGATION OF MEMBERS
9. DISCIPLINING A MEMBER
10. DISCIPLINE PROCESS
11. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
12. COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
13. MEETINGS
14. AGM COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
15. TERMS OF OFFICE
16. AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION
17. RULES OF ORDER
18. HONORARY/LIFE TIME MEMBERSHIP
19. ROAD RULES
20. RULES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA/WHATSAPP GROUPS
21. LINE OF COMMUNICATION
Knights of the Third Wheel
Format of constitution shall be as follows:
1 NAME OF ORGANIZATION
The organization shall be known as The Knights of the Third Wheel. It will be abbreviated as The Knights or Knights3W.
2 OBJECTIVES OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
The objectives of the club will be to promote safe triking in the Eastern Cape and improve the image of triking while maintaining the
brotherhood with all other bikers.
3 PATCHES (“COLOURS”)
* A cloth badge to be worn on the back of the member’s cuts, as well as a shoulder patch on the front left.
* These Patches will be known as club colours.
Ownership:
* Patches (Colours) remains the property of the Knights of the Third Wheel Trike Club, and must be returned if a member resigns from the
Club.
Rights:
* The Knights of the Third Wheel, name and emblems are copyrighted, trademarked material and cannot be reproduced by any individual
or member without written permission from the Committee of the Knights of the Third Wheel.
* It is disrespectful to leave your colours unattended or left lying on the ground.
4 WEARING OF COLORS
Members shall wear their colours when participating in all club functions or any other biking event.
Colours shall be worn in an approved fashion.
* Sewn on a black leather or blue denim cut in the proper arrangement.
* Black T-Shirts with the colours on the back (optional) for long and short sleeves.
* Long and short sleeve T-Shirts will have the Knights of the Third Wheel on the right sleeve and Port Elizabeth on the left sleeve.
* Ride patches/pins or other decoration may be worn on the cut or jacket, but not within the arrangement of the colours.
5 DRESS CODE WHEN WEARING YOUR CLUB COLORS IS;
* Long or three quarter black, leather or blue denim pants.
* Black long or short sleeve T-shirts or Vests.
* Boots, tekkies or shoes.
* Short pants and sandals are only allowed with your Club T-Shirt.
* Colours are never to be worn by non-members.
* Colours should be handled with respect.
* Wearing of the colours is a privilege.
6 MEMBERSHIP OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
* Application for membership is open to any trike owner with a minimum engine capacity of 600cc. The Committee will assess and decide
when the applicant own a lower capacity engine.
* Membership of this club reserved right of the committee to accept or reject any application and to terminate such membership after a
free and fair hearing by the committee.
6.1 Full Patch Members
* All members wearing a full patch are regarded as Full Patch Members.
* All full Patched members have voting rights. Those younger than 18, may cast their vote through their parents/guardian.
* Key-holders should own a Trike.
* It is the responsibility of all Key-holders to ensure their trikes and themselves are registered and lisenced in accordance with the
traffic laws of South Africa. The Club, Knights of the Third Wheel will not take responsibility thereof.
* Each Key-holder may appoint a permanent pillion on their application subject to 6 months’ prospect period.
* The Pillion will also be regarded a Full Patch Member but is exempted from the monthly sub fees.
6.2 Requirements for Membership in Good Standing
* A member in good standing must be a fully patched member.
* All club members will be required to comply with the Constitution of the Knights of the Third Wheel.
6.3 New Members
* A prospect period of 6 (six) months is compulsory.
* An individual who desires membership in the Knights of the Third Wheel shall have a member in good standing as a sponsor.
* The sponsor has to have a personal knowledge of the prospect candidate.
* The Sponsoring member shall introduce the prospect to the club.
* Club members should take this opportunity to get to know the candidate.
* An individual who desires membership but does not have a sponsor and is not known by the members, must familiarize him/herself
with the members by attending club events and activities.
* He/she should make his/her intentions known to the Committee and the Club members.
* When and if the Committee feels that the candidate is ready to become a prospective member, they will assign one of the committee
members or any club member in good standing as the sponsor.
* The candidate will be invited to a general meeting and be introduced to the membership as a new prospective member.
* Upon acceptance as a prospective member, a completed membership application with all information will be submitted to The Scribe
of the Knights of the Third Wheel, along with the prescribed joining fee which includes the Patch; Shoulder Patch and name.
6.4 DURATION OF MEMBERSHIP
* Knights of the Third Wheel membership will continue as long as a person maintains membership and remains in good standing.
* Knights of the Third Wheel members are expressly prohibited from commencing or being a member of any motorcycle club other
than the Knights of the Third Wheel.
* Members will ensure that The Scribe of the club has their current address, telephone number, email address and notify The Scribe of
any changes.
6.5 RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP
* The membership of any member of the Knights of the Third Wheel will terminate after the member has submitted a written
resignation to the committee.
* In the case of a key holder resining, the pillion’s membership will also be terminated.
* The First Knight will respond in writing to said request.
* They must remove the Club Patch from their biking gear and hand it back, in accordance to Clause 3 of the Constitution, to
The First Knight or The Knight @ Arms.
* In accordance with the rules and regulations of the Eastern Cape Presidents Council such resigned member must ride Black Patch and
cannot join any other club before the period of six (6) months.
7 MEMBERSHIP FEES OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
7.1 Membership fees will be determined by the committee on an annual basis.
* Monthly Club Fees are payable by the Key-holders only. The fee is payable monthly before the last day of each month or annually
before the end of June for the next year.
* All dues will be made payable to the Knights of the Third Wheel’s Standard Bank account and are subject to change on decision by
the Committee of the Knights of the Third Wheel.
7.2 The purpose of the Club Fees
* Financial aspects for the Annual Birthday Bash.
* Charity and donations, Gift Baskets when a member undergoes serious surgical procedures or being hospitalized with an illness.
* Financial support for Knights member’s funerals.
* Expenses for the Annual year end function.
8 OBLIGATIONS OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
The obligations of the members of the Knights of the Third Wheel will be as follows:
* To stay true to the Constitution of the Knights of the Third wheel.
* To promote a good spirit and fellowship amongst all trikers/bikers.
* To respect the safety and property of all fellow trikers/bikers and the general public.
* To abide by the National South African and Municipal by-laws.
* Maintain an acceptable standard of behaviour in accordance with the Constitution of the Knights of the Third Wheel.
* To support all fellow members in the triking/biking community.
* To hold true to the terms- EVERYONE GETS HOME – NO ONE LEFT BEHIND.
* All members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner so as to bring honour and respect to the club at all times.
* Any actions, by a member, deemed detrimental to the Club, shall be cause for review under the Disciplinary Procedures and could result
in discipline up to or including suspension or expulsion from membership in the Knights of the Third Wheel.
* Common sense is the rule. Watch out for yourself, watch out for your brothers and sisters.
* Refrain from behavior which would damage the reputation of the entire club or bring harm to either.
* At no time shall any member of the Knights of the Third Wheel, knowingly take part in out-law activities of the so called “1%” or
“out-law” – organizations or members of such organizations. Such actions shall be deemed grounds for immediate suspension and
possible revocation of membership.
9 DISCIPLINING OF A MEMBER OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
In the unlikely event of it becoming necessary to discipline a Knight of the Third Wheel, the matter will be handled accordingly;
9.1 Internal Club matters by the current Committee.
9.2 External – outside the Club of the Knights of the Third Wheel, a selected committee of two (2) members of
the Knights of the Third Wheel committee and two (2) members of the Eastern Cape Presidents Council committee.
10 PROCESS OF DISCIPLINING OF A MEMBER OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
Offences can range from minor to serious and are simply a matter of common sense.
10.1 Minor offences might include;
* Leaving colours unattended.
* Missing an important Club function without advance apologies.
* Gossiping about or bad mouthing co-members.
* Disrespecting co-members, the Committee or other members of other Club.
* Not dressed according to the Dress Code.
* Forward, posting or sharing internal matters on other groups or social media.
10.2 Serious offences include:
* Criminal involvement.
* Carrying an unregistered fire arm.
* Unprovoked acts of physical violence.
* Inappropriate act by a member can bring disgrace and discredit to the entire club and its members and will be appropriately dealt
with.
10.3 Reporting:
* In the case of actions by a member that are deemed detrimental to the Club, such actions should be reported to The Knight @ Arms
along with all evidence to substantiate the allegations.
* The Knight @ Arms will attempt to resolve the matter, if not, The Knight @ Arms will report to the Committee who will investigate the
matter and make a decision on a disciplinary hearing, Suspension or Termination of Membership.
10.4 Action:
* All disciplinary matters will be handled in a closed meeting by the Committee.
* In the event that a member is accused of actions detrimental to the Knights of the Third Wheel or any serious misconduct, a special
meeting may be called.
* At that time of the special meeting, all evidence regarding the matter shall be presented, and the individual in question will be given
an opportunity to explain his/her actions.
* Following this presentation of evidence, the accused member will be asked to leave the room and a vote will be taken to decide guilt
or innocence and any sanctions that should be taken.
* A majority vote of committee members present is required to initiate a suspension or revocation of membership.
* The member/s will then be called back and The First Knight will inform the member of the verdict and any penalty imposed.
10.5 Sanctions:
Sanctions for repeated offenses, misconduct or actions detrimental to the Knights of the Third Wheel will range from verbal warning
or reprimand, up to or including revocation of membership as determined by the Committee.
11 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP OF A KNIGHT OF THE THIRD WHEEL
The Knights of the Third Wheel committee reserves the option to terminate any individual’s membership if found guilty of any criminal act
or otherwise bringing triking/biking into disrepute subject to a free and fair hearing.
12 COMMITTEE STRUCTURE OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
The Knights of the Third Wheel shall consist of the following committee members:
* The First Knight
* The Second Knight
* The Scribe
* The Knight @ Arms
* The Coin Collector
* The Knight of Events
* The Road Knight
13 MEETINGS OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL.
The First Knight have the right to call a meeting/urgent meeting at any time.
Knights meetings shall be held as follows:
13.1 Committee Meetings: Once every month.
13.2 General Meetings – All Club Members:
First meeting second week in March of each year.
Second Meeting second week in June of each year.
13.3 The Annual General Meeting is held in August of each year.
14 AGM AND ELECTION OF THE COMMITTEE
14.1 The First and Second Knights Hold office until they:
* Resign
* Be voted out by a Vote of no confidence or
* Pass on.
14.2 The Knights of the Third Wheel will have re-elections of the Committee, once every 4 years, at an AGM in August.
14.3 The AGM shall be attended by a minimum of 50%+1 of all current members of the Knights to meet quorum.
* If a member cannot attend, they must appoint a proxy in writing for voice and voting purposes.
14.4 The remainder of the existing committee shall each submit a final report for term of office.
14.5 Knights Members will forward nominate suitable candidates electronically.
* Nominees must agree in writing that they make themselves available for the position that they are nominated for.
* On the AGM members will vote by ballot.
* The First and Second Knight will uphold the right to choose the new committee from the counted votes.
14.6 The new committee members shall immediately take up office once the elections are complete.
14.7 Honorary and life members may hold office and vote.
15 TERMS OF OFFICE FOR THE COMMITTEE OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
15.1 The First and Second Knight can hold office, as stated in clause 14.1, until they;
* Resign
* Be voted out by a Vote of no confidence or
* Pass on.
15.2 The Coin Collector, The Knight @ Arms, The Scribe, The Knight of Events and The Road Knight will hold office for 4 (four) years from
their appointment.
15.3 There is no limit to the number of times a committee member may hold office.
15.4 Any committee member, may be relieved of office by calling an emergency meeting, which shall be attended and chaired by the First
and/or The Second Knight as well as a minimum 50+1 of all members of the Knights of the Third Wheel.
16 AMMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
The constitution may only be amended and adopted at an AGM or special general meeting and may only be adopted by a 50%+1 vote of
members present.
17 RULES OF ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
17.1 The AGM will be held at a suitable venue in August of each year.
17.2 All other meetings shall be held at a venue as advised from time to time and shall commence at a suitable time.
17.3 The First or Second Knight will chair the meeting.
17.4 The First Knight will be notified before the commencement of the meeting, of any matters that need to be discussed.
17.5 Each matter to be discussed shall be called by The First Knight
17.6 The following agenda shall be adopted:
* Welcome by The First Knight
* Attendance register
* Devotion
* Reports by The Second Knight, The Scribe, The Coin Collector and The Knight @ Arms.
* Matters arising from last meeting.
* Points of Discussion:
* Review on Past Events
* Upcoming events
* General discussions
* Close of meeting by The First Knight
17.7 No disrespect to any Knight will be tolerated at any time.
18 HONORARY/LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
The First and Second Knight are the only two who will confer Honorary/lifetime membership on any person.
19 ROAD RULES
* When meeting for a ride or an event of any sort, no more than 10 minutes will elapse before continuing on the run.
* If you do not notify The Road Knight of possibly delay, you will be required to catch up or make your own way to the destination.
* The Club will not jeopardize safety or time schedules for members not being prepared to depart on time or whatever extra time has
been allowed.
* Club Colors will be worn at all times when riding to and from any biking event.
* NO EXCEPTION!!!! There will be neither stunt riding nor horse playing at any time during organized rides.
* When a rider pulls over for any reason, the designated sweeper, will pull over and notify The Road Knight while he stays with the
individual.
* The rest of the formation will pull over at the next exit or in a safe place big enough for the group.
* If several traffic lights are between riders while riding through towns or cities, due to stop lights or traffic, the group will pull over in a
safe area and wait for the rest.
* Otherwise, the group will keep a slow enough pace so as to let the rest of the group catch up, and then the group will continue normal
speed.
* When changing lanes in a group, the sweeper should change lanes first to ensure the lane is clear and safe for the rest of the riders.
20 RULES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA, CHAT GROUPS AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE THIRD WHEEL WHATSAPP GROUPS
The admin person, The First Knight, reserve the right to remove any member who misbehave on the Chat Groups of
the Knights of the Third Wheel or Face Book page, without warning or explanation.
Access is a privilege, not a right.
Breach of the following will result in permanent removal from Knights of the Third Wheel’s Social FB page or Chat Group and will result in a
disciplinary action.
* Constitution.
* Discussing club matters.
* Verbal or text attacks to co-members.
* Forward and/or sharing private conversation.
* Gossiping about co-members or other biking clubs.
* Slandering other clubs and bringing Knights of the Third Wheel into disrepute.
21 LINE OF COMMUNICATION: ANY COMPLAINTS OR ISSUES
ENSURE YOU HAVE ADEQUATE AND CONCRETE EVIDENCE
Email, WhatsApp or Voice Call:
The Knight of Arms:
Process: * Report/Feedback on Committee meetings.
If he cannot resolve the matter, he will inform the Committee to intervene.
Complaints: * Complaints about:
* Dress Code as per our Constitution.
* Rides, Venues (location, Service etc.)
* Co-Members miss-behavior,
* Any Dis-Respect to members or the Club.
Gossiping; and Bad mouthing:
* Amongst members about fellow members.
* About the committee of our Club.
* Outside about our Club.
* Outside about the members of our Club.
Verbal Attacks (Voice or Text notes)
* By members to fellow members.
* WhatsApp Groups or Social Media; personally to Club members.
* WhatsApp Groups or Social Media; About our Club.
The First Knight:
Process: – He will report to the Committee.
Positive, constructive suggestions or Proposals Regarding:
* Socials.
* Breakfast runs.
* Functions.
* Charities.
* Prospective members.
The Second Knight:
Positive, constructive suggestions or Proposals:
Process: – Will inform The First Knight and report to the Committee.
Regarding:
* Socials.
* Breakfast runs.
* Functions.
* Charities.
* Prospective members.
The Coin Collector:
Process: – Will report to the Committee.
Enquiries: * Personal Subs issues.
* Financial help to fellow members.
* Financial Statements.
* Donations received.
The Scribe:
Process: – Will report to the Committee.
Regarding: * Official Documentation.
* Minutes.
* Agendas.
* Update of personal Information.
The Knight of Events:
Process: – Will report to the Committee.
Regarding: * Suggestions for venues.
* RSVP’s.
* Offer services for duties.
The Road Knight:
Process: – Will report to the Committee.
Regarding:
* Possible Breakfast venues.
* Riding Order.
* Suggestions for Trips.
* Routes.