The South Fork Regulators were established in 2002 with the mission of preserving our western heritage and to celebrate the spirit and legends of the American frontier from 1865 through 1900. To that end, the Regulators will participate in events and activities supporting efforts in education, entertainment and enjoyment of our Old West traditons.
The following guidelines are established to maintain our focus on meeting the goals of our established mission in a safe and historically accurate way.
Membership
South Fork Regulators don't have to be members of the National Rifle Association (NRA), Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), National Congress of Old West Shootists (NCOWS), Old West Living Hisotry Foundation (OWLHF), Audrain County Historical Society, etc. Membership in these organizations is certainly encouraged as they are local/national organizations with similar missions as ours.
Membership into the South Fork Regulators may be obtained by expressing interest in the organization and completing an application. The application will be reviewed by the Membership Posse. The applicant will be required to attend at least one Regulator event prior to any membership determination. During this event, the applicant will be interviewed by the Membership Posse and evaluated on their participation at the event. The Membership Posse will render a decision as to the applicant's membership status after the conclusion of the event.
South Fork Regulators must also agree to "Live by the Code." This simple precept has its roots in the pioneers and cowboys of the late 1800s. It has been revived recently and we want to use it to maintain our values and beliefs. The Code of the West includes:
1. Respect yourself and others.
2. Accept responsibility for your life.
3. Be positive and cheerful
4. Be a person of your word.
5. Go the distance.
6. Be fair in all your dealings.
7. Be a good friend and neighbor.
Voting members of the Regulators must be at least 18 years of age and must demonstrate through their daily activities that they "live by the code."
Membership into the South Fork Regulators costs an initiation fee of $60. This will purchase a numbered membership badge and copies of these guidelines, a Regulator listing, Regulator decal, annual events calendar, group promotional materials, etc. Annual dues are $20.
Membership in the South Fork Regulators and the privilege of using the organization's assets may be terminated if that member has failed to live up to the standards and commitments of being a South Fork Regulator. The explusion of any member will be confirmed after serious consideration and a 4/5 vote of the Membership Posse.
Written notice of a Regulator meeting shall be sent out via regular or electronic mail to each member at the member's last known address at least ten (10) days before the meeting date/time. Notification shall include time, place and purpose of such meeting.
Special meetings can be called upon request of not less than twenty (20%) of the voting members. The call for a special meeting shall specify the purpose of the meeting; no other business can be transacted.
At a meeting of the South Fork Regulators, eight (8) members shall constitute a quorum.
South Fork Regulators Membership Information
"Bringing History to Life!"
Posses
The South Fork Regulators will establish posses to maintain key aspects of the organization. Voting members can volunteer to serv e on a posse that best suits their talents and desires.
Membership Posse: This posse will review all membership applications, interview all applicants and make the decision on an applicant's membership status. This posse generates and mails all new member packets and maintains updated contact information on all Regulators. See also Membership section.
Event Planning Posse: This posse focuses on efforts in marketing the South Fork Regulators and establishing the annual event calendar. This posse compiles and communicates all event information to the members. See also Event Planning section.
Historical Posse: This posse focuses on preserving all Regulator activities through photographic and written records. This posse wil also maintain the South Fork Regulator website.
Gunfight Posse: This posse focuses efforts on the development, safety, choreography, and rehearsal or all gunfight scenarios. This posse will maintain the listing of available scenarios and schedule rehearsals, as needed. This posse is primarily responsible for safety training and providing a designated Safety Officer for each scheduled Regulator event.
Costuming & Accoutrements
Preserving an accurate portrayal of our western heritage includes providing the public with authentic clothing and accoutrements. The South Fork Regulators will encourage all members to maintain at least one historically accurate outfit from the period 1865 through 1890. This will include hat, clothing, footwear, leather, weapons and accessories. Each Regulator should maintain an outfit that accurately depicts the alias or persona they are portraying.
Originals and reproductions of firearms manufactured during the late 1800s, including Colts, Winchesters, Remingtons, Smith & Wessons, Marlins, Sharps, and Henrys are allowed, so long as they are in safe operating condition. All double-barreled shotguns should have exposed hammers.
Members are highly encouraged to share costuming and accoutrements to meet these standards. The Cowboy Spirit dictates that Regulators take care of each other. The major concern is not creating a financial burden on any members to meet these guidelines. We are more interested in the fellowship of like-minded people who want to share in activities and events about our western heritage.
Event Planning
The South Fork Regulators will meet within the last quarter of each calendar year to determine which events/activities the group will participate in during the upcoming year. Mailings, e-mail or phone contacts will be initiated to gain feedback from all members before finalizing any plans. The Event Planning Posse will make the final decision regarding participation in any event based upon the event's support of our mission, feasibility of event, and the availability of required resources.
Events/Activities must support the Regulators' mission of supporting efforts in education, entertainment and enjoyment of our Old West traditions. Past participation in events such as the Audrain County Historical Society's Walk Back in Time, Boone County Historical Society's Heritage Festival, and the Farber FunFest are examples.
Other activities may include participation in either SASS or NCOWS monthly or annual shooting events. Many Regulators are also members of SASS/NCOWS clubs that have such events. Participation in these events will also be given consideration when planning any other event participation.
Finally, the South Fork Regulators will schedule at least one social event each year. This may come around the holidays or coincide with a birthday, anniversary, etc. These may include formal nights out with spouses in period attire or participation in an event such as the Trader's Jubilee in MacGregor, Iowa.
Once all the events/activities are scheduled, the Event Planning Posse will publish and distribute the annual calendar to all Regulators.
