HonorBound Motorcycle Ministries Operations Manual
Organizational Structure
Local Church & Multi-Church Chapters
Basic Protocol for Colors / Back Patches
A few suggested guidelines in dealing with your patch and other motorcycle club colors/patches. Back patches may be known as “rags,” “colors,” “cut,” or “vest.” There are some basic guidelines to follow when dealing with other motorcycle clubs. It’s always better to error on the side of caution than overstep boundaries. We are to be available for the Lord Jesus to minister through us and we need to earn this ability with the people we meet, before they will really take the time to listen to what we have to say. As Christians, we may be the only Bible people see. The biker culture have specific protocols regarding patches and earning their respect requires us to follow their protocols.
Let’s continue with our good example.
1. Remember, first and foremost. HBMM is a motorcycle ministry and not a club. If a dominant club in your area asks you to take off your patch, do not resist or take a stand for the sake of the patch. As a ministry, we are here to serve. Comply. Remove your vest and put it in your saddle bags.
2. Do not wear colors when traveling in an enclosed vehicle; i.e. car, truck, plane, etc. (not even a convertible). Colors are to be worn when on your motorcycle or at an event as an identity. When you get ready to enter your car, take your colors off, then fold and place them in the back seat, trunk, or even on the front seat next to you. If you are traveling with several others, it is suggested you place them on your lap as you would a coat or jacket. T-shirts or denim shirts with silk-screened or imprinted colors are not considered the same as colors. These items are soft wear, and are not the same as rags, cut, patch, vest, or colors that identify you as the member of an organization. Soft wear can be worn in an enclosed vehicle.
3. Do not lay your colors down, or place them on the back of a chair when at an event with other clubs, groups, ministries, or other riding organizations. It is too easy for another club to gain possession for your colors that way. These colors are yours, and they should have the same value as your country’s flag. You need to watch and keep track of your rags at all times. Treat your patch with respect at all times. You worked hard for it, why should another person gain it without the same work. Do not take your vest, rags, colors, patch off and lay it on the ground or hang it on your windshield. This too is disrespectful.
4. Do not allow other persons to wear your vest, rags, colors, or patch. Not even your children, spouse, or close friends. Again, these colors are to be treated with respect and to be kept in your possession at all times.
5. DO NOT TOUCH OR TAKE PHOTOS OF OTHER CLUBS’ VESTS, COLORS, RAGS, OR PATCH WITHOUT FIRST ASKING PERMISSION TO DO SO.
6. Do not walk or run up to a club patch holder from behind and “pat on the back,” grab, hug, or otherwise touch without first announcing your presence. This allows the patch holder to let down his guard and welcome you properly. Some people are a bit high strung and need some warning.
7. No territorial rockers are allowed (city, state, etc.) on the back of the vest. You may indentify your church or chapter with a custom patch worn on the front of the vest.
Note: If patches are turned in, this will include soft colors and any other HBMM materials
Always show respect to other bikers…
…especially when wearing your patch
