| Author | Message | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1001 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.248.137.191  Rating: N/A |
Hello fellow bus nuts! Just came back from the bussin rally and wanted to say the fellowship was the best ever! Saw a few guys I used to chat with from the boards and some locals and glad to say some of the stagnant air has been cleared up! Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and all appear to be looking forward to the next rally! With that said, does anyone know what or where I could find the rules, regulations, by-laws concerning FMCA and your own rally? I know they provide insurance IF you have a sponsored club that is a chaptered or something like that. I have been told a lot of different things but would really like to see it in writing. I have searched the FMCA web site but can't seem to find what I am looking for! After checking with a club president, he couldn't offer much information because he simply didn't know! Reason is, there are talks in the air for yet another rally and possibly in the state of Florida or Georgia! If anyone knows what, where or how to find the information, I would appreciate it and will gladly pass it on to those that are asking for it! | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 822 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.32.95.26 Rating: N/A |
Ace, you have to be a chapter with officers for any sanctioned Fmca rally it was 20 to form a chapter but I think that has changed call FMCA 1-800-543-3622 or chapters@fmca.com. You have 7 officers,a board of directors of 6,then you have a national director and a Alt director with elections plus you write your clubs by-laws and FMCA approves or disapproves good luck on this venture | ||
| Tim Brandt (Timb)
Registered Member Username: Timb Post Number: 478 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 74.244.14.221  Rating: N/A |
Ace, Keepus posted if something is going to happen in GA | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1002 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.248.137.191 Rating: N/A |
yes I know all about the club and what is required. What I am looking for is, where if there is anything, that shows in writing the requirements that are needed and what exactly FMCA says that must be followed! In other words, I don't think I can just be a single FMCA member and hold a rally on my own. I would need insurance for one thing and I believe FMCA would honor or cover this IF there were an approved chapter or club already in existence with the appropiate officers in place. I know there has to be something that FMCA prints out such as guidelines etc. but I just can't seem to find anything! Yes I know there are rallies held without their support but not really wanting to take that chance! | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 823 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.32.95.26 Rating: N/A |
Form your own chapter with your friends that is the way Busn'Usa did for insurance call the 800 number I gave you give your FMCA members number and they will send you the whole bible for a fee. And if that is a problem pm me your address and I will send you mine (Message edited by luvrbus on January 03, 2010) | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1003 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.248.137.191 Rating: N/A |
ok I appreciate it! I just wonder why, when I asked a president of a club, he said he didn't know anything about any of it! You would think that if that club was hosting a rally, or any rally, HE would know something! Thanks... I will call FMCA to get it straight from them! | ||
| Roderick W. Chandler (Rod)
Registered Member Username: Rod Post Number: 45 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 173.184.52.227 Rating: N/A |
Just goes to show that to be President of anything you don't really have to know beans about it. | ||
| Jack Campbell (Blue_goose)
Registered Member Username: Blue_goose Post Number: 137 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 71.101.168.79  Rating: N/A |
Ace, you have been invited to join the Southeast Bus Nuts. If you haven't allready joined now is the time. We are always looking for someone to put on a rally. All of the clubs need new blood, because the old like mine is all wore out from working. And remember that a President dosn't have to know anything. Most of us were talked into doing it because no one else would take the job. Jack | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1189 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 74.4.48.228  Rating: N/A |
Ace, A FMCA chapter, such as the SE BusNuts or SE Cruisers can hold as many rallies as they want each year. The FMCA liability policy covers the rally as long as it is an official rally hosted by a FMCA chapter. It does have to be a FMCA chapter, not just a FMCA member. Jack | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1004 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 206.53.147.136 Rating: N/A |
Jack I am already a member of the club but thanks anyway! Jack Conrad... Wow thanks for clearing this up! I thought all along it was just you and your rally since the club really has no say in what's what and all monies were paid directly to you! I would have thought that if the club, any club was hosting an event that we would send our registration and monies to them to dispurse as they saw fit! I figured since you took care of everything that it was jacks rally and FMCA was covering you somehow! After reading the club's bylaws, it states that this isn't the correct way to do it and since we are looking at a rally elsewhere, didn't want to get caught doing something shaky! It also states that there must be a financial statement back to club officers within 2 weeks! Again it mentions a club! I guess I was or still am just a little confused! I plan on calling FMCA later today to get the facts just so our group won't go down the wrong path! Thanks... Ace | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 619 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 64.40.215.165  Rating: N/A |
What is the reasoning for the insurance, give me some valid scenarios. | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 824 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.32.95.26 Rating: N/A |
Thats the way you do it Ace if you want credit in a store ask the owner not the clerk LOL. Now finding someone to answer your questions at FMCA that is going to be your next task. Most that know me know that the Fmca is not on my favorite list but have I been a member for years.FWIW Ace when we change treasures in our club the FMCA does a aduit before we can change good luck (Message edited by luvrbus on January 04, 2010) | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 825 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.32.95.26 Rating: N/A |
Paul the insurance is mostly for the owners of the campground or others (like me) where you have the rally. I had to do it at Breaux Bridge it case some of you guys had a litle to much and fell in the pool or off a golf cart LOL. It is not a good idea having these rallies without insurance with all the sue happy people in the world today | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 1777 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.68.134.5  Rating: N/A |
Ace, these chapters are completely full of volunteers, there's no "machine" other than folks sharing common interests and getting together. A small collection of interested/elected members at the national level act as a board of directors setting the big direction for the handful of paid employees to keep the parent organization functioning. Many of us are foggy on the details as to how being an FMCA chapter protects us, much like most of us are foggy on our car insurance. In both cases, by way of our "membership fees" we get some sort of coverage? and we take the thing for a drive. There is nothing wrong with how Bussin is operated. The hosting chapter(s) has designated the rally as one of theirs, by way of their communication outlets, newsletter/internet/whatever. Jack volunteers to act as a representative for the hosting chapter, since someone has to step up and volunteer to make arrangements, no matter what rally takes place. FMCA is not particularly prescriptive in how this is all supposed to happen, and for good reason. Across the continent, everyone does things a little differently. The more "rules", the more they'll get broken, or folks just won't participate at all. Participation is a growing problem for every RV organization, the younger set aren't interested in even what little formalities there are. I'm sure that either/both of those chapters would be thrilled to have you host a rally or combined rally for them. I'd suggest the last thing FMCA needs is more little chapters. happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1005 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 206.53.157.254 Rating: N/A |
Well as you have stated, this is a sue me world and I for one don't want to take that chance! That's why we want to follow the proper procedures! I mean that is why we join organizations in the first place isn't it? If we didn't need them, why join in the first place? Ace | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 826 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.32.95.26 Rating: N/A |
BW fwiw Fmca encourges small chapters they had a write up not long ago in the rag about it. good luck | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 1778 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.66.16.241 Rating: N/A |
That may be why I haven't been asked to stand for election? happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 949 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 173.78.39.41 Rating: N/A |
Ace - POG would be glad to sponsor you ;-) Hey it was a joke - LOL Nice to see you around - sorry I missed you @ B2010 | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 829 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.32.95.26 Rating: N/A |
Niles if POG was the sponsor no one could afford the rally fee.100 bucks to use their BB | ||
| J.C.B. (Eagle)
Registered Member Username: Eagle Post Number: 154 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 166.204.132.74  Rating: N/A |
Ace give FMCA a call and ask for Chapter services I believe it will be Dianna Mitts that will handle this. To be covered by FMCA's liability insurance the rally must be sponsored by a Chapter in good standing with FMCA. To form a new Chapter you need 20 coaches that belong to FMCA or that will join FMCA in order to be charted by FMCA. You can go to FMCA's web page and sign in and click on Members and then click on Documents. You will have a lot of information about Chapters and FMCA. I was involved with FMCA quiet extensive until about 2006 and started a few Chapters for them. It is really enjoyable to see total stranger meet and become great friends after starting a Chapter. Ace If I can be of any help contact me at Barnetts at Peoplepc dot Com | ||
| Bryce Gaston (Busted_knuckle)
Registered Member Username: Busted_knuckle Post Number: 293 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 98.66.32.136 Rating: N/A |
FWIW; I stayed Sat night at Jack & Paula's and Sunday AM before I left I saw Jack finishing up his reports, and getting his bank deposit together for Monday AM! (looked like Jack had as much or more paper work to do than I do!) So it's not just Jack having a rally, but Jack taking the responsibility of seeing too it that it ALL gets done, and done right! | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1007 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.248.6.169 Rating: N/A |
OK I finally got to talk to someone that knows or at least it sounded like they knew! Regarding the comment made about FMCA encouraging small chapters, that may have been but is soon to change if it hasn't already. It appears that they have already started somewhere in the mid west to go in a specific district and combine smaller chapters in larger ones to help growth. I was also told that they (FMCA) is all about growth at the current time more than ever and trying to make every event as large as it can be ever since membership has been or was on a decline! As for rallies in general? It appears that the proper protocol to hold a rally and to have a blanket liability coverage, there must be a chapter that is recognized by FMCA in good standing, which means up to date on all the forms, listing officers in charge, etc., that will host the rally. Once that chapter files for a rally and is approved by FMCA, the rally can go on. All monies being sent in with registration for rally fees, electric and any misc., "must" be sent directly to the chapter treasurer which by the way should have some book keeping skills. All receipts are to be paid out by the same treasurer and a financial report made within 2 weeks or as close to, and distributed to ALL chapter members within the hosting chapter via web site, email, meeting, or newsletter! It was also stated that anytime officers are changed for any reason, especially the treasurer, there "must" be an audit by FMCA. There's more but this is the basic guideline regarding hosting, insurance, and FMCA chapters! Since we were looking at doing a rally I have been enlightened on the proper way to go about doing it the safest and correct way and would suggest anyone thinking of doing the same to look into the same. Almost every venue that we have looked at has asked for a liability policy and to buy one outright would be VERY costly! You can't be too safe in this day and age so it appears that having the FMCA behind you is the way to go IF it done according to he rules! Ace | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 950 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 173.78.39.41 Rating: N/A |
Call Herndon and Assoc. in Lakeland 863-688-5495 - They've placed some hard to find insurance - If it's just liability Ins for a day before through the day after a weekend Rally (5 days) it shouldn't be that much - Has to be easier than starting a new Chapter etc. and all the paper work - For example a Million dollar Liability Policy from them for a year is about $1200 - Your biggest cost is going to be a minimum commision for writing it - HTH | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1009 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 206.53.147.144 Rating: N/A |
Niles, that's pretty steep and even knowing John Herndon doesn't help! We used to bowl on a league together! As I said the rally we are referring to is just in the 1st stages and one of those is making sure we don't cross the line legalaity wise! Too much at stake for a good time! Ace | ||
| J.C.B. (Eagle)
Registered Member Username: Eagle Post Number: 155 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 166.214.12.252 Rating: N/A |
Ace you can contact FMCA and ask for information about starting a Chapter and they will do a mailing up to a certain number of FMCA members in the area that you want to have the rally. You will have to provide the Zip codes and a letter and agenda of the rally information. If you want to form a Chapter at the Rally fine if you don't so be it. This way you are covered by FMCA's liability insurance. | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 831 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.32.95.26 Rating: N/A |
Ace, home owners insurance are different from state to state but several years back I had a non-FMCA rally at a place 65 miles from my home and my home owners insurance co covered it. Check that you may have coverage as long as you are the host | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1010 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 206.53.157.202 Rating: N/A |
Yes I would agree that homeowners is an option IF we were to do a private rally but were looking at doing a larger rally with corporate sponsorships and all through FMCA! So far after speaking and meeting with several people, we still have a green light! As of right now, the talks are in or near the area of Daytona but as you know that could change quickly! Next is deciding on the best time of year! Too hot at times, too cold at others! Too many bikes at times and too many college kids at others, so you see, it is a hard decision but I'm sure the people in the planning will come up with the best solution for most as you can't satisfy everyone! It could possibly be held in conjuction with many other attractions going on but that just makes for a more congested drive and stay, etc.. This isn't something that will be done on a wing and prayer! It will be done mostly from years past learning and the people at FMCA seem very excited of our venture and have been very enthusiastic and encouraging! Ace Forgot to mention that with the upcoming SEA rally held in Brookesville Fl., the people from FMCA have invited our group in to help in planning and to discuss our plans further! (Message edited by ace on January 07, 2010) | ||
| Brian Elfert (Belfert)
Registered Member Username: Belfert Post Number: 85 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 209.98.146.235 Rating: N/A |
Deleted. (Message edited by belfert on January 15, 2010) | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1196 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 74.4.48.228 Rating: N/A |
Just to let everyone know, there was a miscommunication between The Turner Center, Ace and us. It appears the new girl at The Turner Center was playing us against each other in an attempt to get deposits for the rally dates for the next 2 bussin' rallies. Jack (Message edited by JackConrad on January 15, 2010) | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1321 Registered: 7-1997 Posted From: 24.239.15.161  Rating: |
Ace, Why not hold your rally in Canada without insurance. Canadians are too polite to ever sue anyone. Ooo, ooo, better idea, why don't we have two rallies at the same time; one in Niagara Falls, N.Y. and one in Niagara Falls, Ontario. On a pre-arranged day, we can all stand at the rails and wave to one another. We could market it as North America's largest ever rally!!!! Ian www.busnut.com | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 756 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.153.91  Rating: N/A |
IAN !!!! You are sounding like me and chessie now. LOL Gomer |
