Highlights of our constitution are summarised below. For the complete, binding text, please download the full PDF.
THE MEANING OF OUR COLOURS
We proudly wear our colours, clearly understanding the SMOG purpose and image and what our colours represent. The SMOG colours combine three distinct parts: the top rocker, the patch and logo and the bottom rocker.
TOP ROCKER
The top rocker contains the name SMOG MOTORCYCLE OWNERS GROUP, describing our heritage, our combined and shared interests, and our emphasis on flexibility.
PATCH & LOGO
The patch and logo part, located in the centre of the colours, combines several elements that hold significant meaning to what SMOG represents. The CHAIN represents the unbreakable bond of brotherhood, which stands true in the relationships between SMOG members.
BOTTOM ROCKER
The bottom rocker contains the land of our birth. SMOG does not have named chapters and extends group membership across South Africa.
SMOG COLOURS
Smog membership is represented by someone wearing the colours. A Smog Member is an individual who has been awarded the right to wear the colours, regardless of whether they ride their motorcycle every day, once a week, or even once a year.
CHARITY & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Supporting charitable causes is a cornerstone of SMOG's mission. The group takes pride in its philanthropy, consistently engaging in initiatives that benefit the wider community.
SMOG ETIQUETTE
Simply put, SMOG etiquette is how we conduct ourselves, behave, and talk to each other; it is the common courtesy we show others. The basic idea behind establishing the SMOG rules of etiquette is to remind everyone, "DO NOT BE AN ASSHOLE".
BE RESPECTFUL
We value mutual respect. We treat everyone the way we want to be treated.
BE A SMOG RIDER
We value commitment; as such, we ride when we say we ride, no matter what! If a ride is set to depart at a designated time, the rider must be 100% ready to ride at that time.
ALCOHOL AND ANGER
Don't ride pissed or pissed off. Alcohol and aggression are not good partners for motorcycles.
SHARE BUT DON'T BE AN ASS ABOUT IT
SMOG operates as one unit when we ride, with all its members and guests sharing the experience. If you want to share the experience, you must be prepared to share some of the costs.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The SMOG organisational structure comprises two functions, primary and secondary officers and two authority types, group officials and road officials. Primary officers are executive committee members elected for a three-year term by members in good standing at a SMOG Annual General Meeting.
PRIMARY OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
The SMOG president is ultimately responsible for the well-being of SMOG and is, as such, ultimately accountable for the actions of SMOG, its executive, and its members.
HONORARY PRESIDENT
The title of Honorary President honours an individual's past service or contributions, whether financial, organisational, or social, acknowledging their role as a former leader, founding member, or long-time supporter.
VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice President serves as the President's primary support and often acts as a second-incommand, ready to step in whenever the President is unavailable.
TREASURER
The Treasurer plays a crucial role in the group's financial health and accountability, ensuring that funds are managed responsibly, transparently, and effectively to support the group's goals and activities.
SERGEANT AT ARMS
The Sergeant at Arms is a key figure who upholds the group's integrity, discipline, and security, ensuring its values are respected, and members can safely enjoy their shared passion for motorcycling.
HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN
The Head Road Captain is a Motorcycle Safety Institute (MSI) Certified Road Captain responsible for planning, organising, and leading rides, ensuring safety and coordination among members on the road.
SECONDARY OFFICERS
SECRETARY
The Secretary is an essential organiser and communicator, ensuring that the group's administrative needs are met, records are accurate, and members stay informed and connected.
CHARITY OFFICER
The Charity Officer, who reports directly to the Treasurer, plays a key role in fostering the group's community engagement and social responsibility, helping to create a lasting positive impact through organised charitable work and strong community relationships.
ROAD CAPTAINS (RC)
Road Captains are Motorcycle Safety Institute (MSI) Certified Road Captains reporting directly to the Head Road Captain.
MARSHALS
The Marshal in a motorcycle club is responsible for coordinating and ensuring the safety, organisation, and smooth execution of rides as instructed by the Head Road Captain.
DIRT ROAD CAPTAIN
The Dirt Road Captain is a specialised Road Captain responsible for the activities of the Head Road Captain.
TRAINING OFFICER
The Training Officer is responsible for organising and conducting training sessions that focus on riding techniques, safety protocols, and group riding etiquette.
THE CODE OF CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
All members are responsible for knowing and understanding the SMOG constitution & bylaws with full proficiency. Members must likewise know, understand, and abide by the SMOG Members Code of Conduct.
GENERAL CONDUCT
Primary Responsibilities of a SMOG Member A Member is always a representative of SMOG and is an ambassador for SMOG. Whether they are on Group time or off, they will conduct themselves in a way that praces SMOG in a positive light.
CONDUCT WITHIN THE GROUP
Conduct with members Brotherhood A Member's loyalty to another Member is indivisible from his loyalty to SMOG. A Member loves another Member as his brother or sister.
SMOG BYLAWS
The By-Laws set out the formal rules that govern SMOG as a non-profit, non-political common-law association. They cover definitions, membership and fees, disciplinary procedures, the appointment, roles and election of officers, meetings and voting, finances and indemnity, and the processes for amending the constitution or dissolving the group. The complete, binding text is in the downloadable PDF.