Of course, a diary or other documentation showing
continuous rude behavior at a number of rides and notations of verbal counseling
or written counseling would be a great defense if a protest were to be
filed.
Since rides have the privilege of making extra
reasonable rules, a sheet or even a signed rider statement (like the usual
liability disclaimer) would be a useful tool. If an RM DQ'd a rider for
unsportsmanlike conduct (defined in the statement signed probably by listing
specific banned behaviors, with "including but not limited to" and the rider
agreeing that the RM (or his/her assigned proxy (steward) was the sole judge)
even if the P & G committee decided that there was some sort of due process
required or whatever, the offender could not claim that they "did not
know". It is my experience that most folk do not protest, if they have
received clear warning.
The RM may even want to include that they (the RM)
realize that the rider may never come to another one of their rides, and that is
OK with them. At least that worked on my kids when they threatened to
withdraw their love because of a punishment for a rule
infraction.*
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower
Road Victor, MT 59875
(406) 642-9640
*Yes, I am implying that some of the incidents we
are discussing sound like we are dealing with people who act like spoiled 5 yr.
olds.
