The South Fork Regulators were established in 2002 with the mission of preserving our western heritage and to celebrate the spirits and legends of the American frontier from 1865 to 1900. To that end, the Regulators will participate in events and activities supporting efforts in education, entertainment and enjoyment of our Old West traditions.
Membership
The following guidelines are established to maintain our focus on meeting the goals of our established mission in a safe and historically accurate way.
South Fork Regulators do not 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 History Foundation (OWLHF), Audrain County Historical Society, etc. Membership in these organizations in certainly encouraged as they are local/national organizations with similar missions as ours.
South Fork Regulators do not 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 History Foundation (OWLHF), Audrain County Historical Society, etc. Membership in these organizations in 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 on 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 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 1800's. 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 expulsion 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 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.
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 expulsion 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 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.
Posses
The South Fork Regulators will establish posses to maintain key aspects of the organization. Voting members can volunteer to serve 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 will 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.
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 will 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 contracts will be initiated to gain feedback from all members before finalizing nay 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.
Event/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 event/activities are scheduled, the Event Planning Posse will publish and distribute the annual calendar to all Regulators.
Event/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 event/activities are scheduled, the Event Planning Posse will publish and distribute the annual calendar to all Regulators.
Safety Rules
1. You must abide by all local, state, and federal laws or ordinances that concern firearms or weapons.
2. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will live ammunition be permitted on your person or on location during a living history event where we fire at each other. Only blank ammunition may be used in the performance area. Blanks can kill. Regulators will treat all firearms with the respect that one would if it were loaded with live projectile ammunition. No lead projectile may be discharged from a firearm in the performance area. Keep live rounds on the firing range for participation in monthly shoots. Do not carry live rounds and blanks in the same ammunition box. All blanks have to be approved by the Regulators Safety Officer (SO). Wadding is not permitted if it maintains a solid integrity upon exiting the gun barrel. This includes, but is not limited to wax, glue, grease, staples, or felt.
3. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances before or during a living history function or while wearing firearms is forbidden.
4. The Regulators will appoint a Safety Officer at each event to insure all procedures are adhered to prior to any living history function. He/she is responsible for the exact observances of all safety requirements and will give the safety briefing for all those participating in a performance. This safety briefing will include, at a minimum, the following:
* Ban on live ammunition at a performance.
* No alcoholic beverages before or during a performance.
* Loading and unloading procedures.
* Safety Perimeter for performance.
* Maintaining control on firearms at all times.
* Maintaining safe muzzle direction and distance.
* “Medic” call for actual emergencies.
* Eye/ear protection recommended.
The Safety Officer is a safety ambassador, not a police officer. It is the responsibility of each Regulator to abide by the safety regulations whether or not the Safety Officer is present.
5. The Safety Officer or senior ranking Regulator must contact the applicable law enforcement agency that is in jurisdiction where you will be discharging firearms. The agency or officer in charge should be advised as to the who, what, when, where and why’s of the living history function. They will inform you if there are any restrictive ordinances or permits required.
6. The Safety Officer shall require any participant to demonstrate prior knowledge, if any, of the safe handling of a firearm. Conversely, Regulators are expected to consult the Safety Officer if there are any doubts or questions in the proper handling of weapons.
7. Upon arrival at an event, every Regulator wearing a firearm must check-in with the Safety Officer. All firearms must be empty and remain in holsters at all times except during the performance, practice or preparation. Firearms as a part of any static display shall be inspected by the Safety Officer and remain unloaded, and not be used for any other demonstration, scenario or blank firing.
8. (2007 Amendment)All blank ammunition, loaded black powder cylinders and gunpowder must be controlled by the Safety Officer at all times. Firearms must only be loaded/unloaded in the following manner just prior to/after a performance:
* A loading table will be established and manned by one Regulator, not necessarily the Safety Officer. This table will be used to observe the loading of any/all weapons used by a Regulator during a single performance. Only one Regulator may load at a time and must properly display a cleared weapon(s) prior to any one weapon being loaded. Once cleared weapons have been established, the Regulator may commence loading any/all weapons he/she is required to use during the scenario. The Safety Officer will then issue the required blank ammunition for that particular performance to the Regulator. Special safety must be used to ensure all single action pistols are loaded with five rounds only and the hammer resting on an empty chamber. Lever action rifles and shotguns are loaded with the action closed and no round chambered. Double barrel shotguns are loaded and hammers are in the uncocked position. Once that is completed, the Regulator may secure their arms and place them in their holsters or hold their level action rifles/shotguns. At no time should a Regulator leave their loaded weapon unattended. Should that happen, the Regulator must immediately take the firearm to the unloading area and properly clear the weapon.
* After a single performance, each Regulator must clear all weapons. An unloading table will be established and manned by a Regulator, not necessarily the Safety Officer. Only one Regulator may unload and clear their weapons at a time. Each Regulator will unload their weapons and demonstrate empty chambers and open action to the person manning the unloading table. Only after demonstrating this may a Regulator remove his/her weapons from the unloading table, placing single action pistols in their holsters and staging his/her rifles/shotguns with actions open into the Regulator gun rack.
* Any unused blank ammunition must be unloaded and immediately turned into the Safety Officer. Blank ammunition/black powder charges my also be safely and courteously discharged after each performance. Weapons discharging should not take place in a manner that is likely to disrupt or disturb another nearby living history program or livestock unaccustomed to gunfire. A warning must be given prior to discharging any remaining blank ammunition, i.e., “Fire in the Hole.”
* Any blank rounds or weapons dropped on the ground during a single performance are considered “dead” and must be left on the ground until the performance has concluded. Any bores coming into contact with the ground will also constitute a “dead” weapon and must be left on the ground until the performance has concluded. At that point, the Regulator may retrieve their weapon and take it to the unloading table for proper clearance. Any loose blank ammunition secured must be immediately turned into the Safety Officer.
9. All dummy bullets in cartridge belts must have the powder removed and the primers discharged or removed prior to any event. No dummy bullets will be loaded into any weapon that will be also loaded with a blank round. No blank round will be loaded into any weapon whose barrel has not been first inspected for and cleared of debris or other obstructions.
10. Minors (15 years and under) are not permitted to carry or discharge a firearm. The only exception will be replica non-firing firearms used during a living history event. These must be treated as real firearms and must never leave the lashed holster.
11. A safety perimeter must be defined both in front and behind the sets or performing area. A device (tape, rope, fence, etc.) must be in place to separate the show area from the spectators. When possible, safety officers should be placed in strategic locations to protect the safety perimeter from being crossed by unaware spectators or small children.
12. No Regulator shall allow a non-member (spectator) to handle any firearm used or expected to be used in any demonstration or scenario. Regulators may display such a weapon only while holding and maintaining firm control of said weapon. Regulators must immediately summon the Safety Officer or senior Regulator present before consenting to a search or surrender control of any weapon to a law enforcement officer or event coordinator. The Safety Officer or senior Regulator present has the responsibility to ascertain the competency of the person making the request and should summon additional supervision if there is a legal or safety question. Regulators should implicitly explain that this is for their safety as well as ours. No Regulator shall physically resist an illegal seizure of a weapon by a law enforcement officer.
13. No Regulator shall point a firearm in the direction of a spectator or non-member. No Regulator shall fire directly at an opponent or animal. When firing blanks from any weapon a safe firing distance must be maintained for spectators and fellow re-enactors. It is recommended that when you are firing a shotgun, you maintain a safety distance of 30 feet. When firing a handgun or carbine it is recommended you maintain a 10 foot safe firing distance.
14. No Regulator may lay down a weapon and leave it unattended.
15. Any weapon to be discharged in an enclosed space must be in conjunction with proper safety precautions, including but not limited to hearing and fire protection.
16. Members shall use the lightest load of blank ammunition consistent with the needs of the scenario. To test blank ammunition for a safe firing distance, a white paper plate distance and splatter test should be performed by the Armorer. If the blank ammunition tested fails, don’t use it. 5 – in – 1 blanks or appropriate cartridge blanks are recommended.
17. Regulators may carry a firearm onto property of any public or private school only with the express written permission of the principal officer or school board and must have on his/her person a copy of the permission slip at all times.
18. If a member is injured and requires immediate emergency medical attention, he should use the safe-word “Medic” to signal his situation to other re-enactors. This word is never to be used under any other circumstance other than to summon help and to immediately halt a scenario that could further endanger or impede aid to the injured.
19. At the conclusion of any scenario, the word “Resurrect” shall be used to announce to all ‘dead’ participants that the performance has concluded and they can resume activities including recovering spent casings, clothing and other accoutrements.
20. Any spectator or non-member who becomes a hazard to the Regulators, other spectators or themselves should be reported to the senior Regulator present. This spectator will then be reported to the event coordinator or law enforcement personnel present.
2. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will live ammunition be permitted on your person or on location during a living history event where we fire at each other. Only blank ammunition may be used in the performance area. Blanks can kill. Regulators will treat all firearms with the respect that one would if it were loaded with live projectile ammunition. No lead projectile may be discharged from a firearm in the performance area. Keep live rounds on the firing range for participation in monthly shoots. Do not carry live rounds and blanks in the same ammunition box. All blanks have to be approved by the Regulators Safety Officer (SO). Wadding is not permitted if it maintains a solid integrity upon exiting the gun barrel. This includes, but is not limited to wax, glue, grease, staples, or felt.
3. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances before or during a living history function or while wearing firearms is forbidden.
4. The Regulators will appoint a Safety Officer at each event to insure all procedures are adhered to prior to any living history function. He/she is responsible for the exact observances of all safety requirements and will give the safety briefing for all those participating in a performance. This safety briefing will include, at a minimum, the following:
* Ban on live ammunition at a performance.
* No alcoholic beverages before or during a performance.
* Loading and unloading procedures.
* Safety Perimeter for performance.
* Maintaining control on firearms at all times.
* Maintaining safe muzzle direction and distance.
* “Medic” call for actual emergencies.
* Eye/ear protection recommended.
The Safety Officer is a safety ambassador, not a police officer. It is the responsibility of each Regulator to abide by the safety regulations whether or not the Safety Officer is present.
5. The Safety Officer or senior ranking Regulator must contact the applicable law enforcement agency that is in jurisdiction where you will be discharging firearms. The agency or officer in charge should be advised as to the who, what, when, where and why’s of the living history function. They will inform you if there are any restrictive ordinances or permits required.
6. The Safety Officer shall require any participant to demonstrate prior knowledge, if any, of the safe handling of a firearm. Conversely, Regulators are expected to consult the Safety Officer if there are any doubts or questions in the proper handling of weapons.
7. Upon arrival at an event, every Regulator wearing a firearm must check-in with the Safety Officer. All firearms must be empty and remain in holsters at all times except during the performance, practice or preparation. Firearms as a part of any static display shall be inspected by the Safety Officer and remain unloaded, and not be used for any other demonstration, scenario or blank firing.
8. (2007 Amendment)All blank ammunition, loaded black powder cylinders and gunpowder must be controlled by the Safety Officer at all times. Firearms must only be loaded/unloaded in the following manner just prior to/after a performance:
* A loading table will be established and manned by one Regulator, not necessarily the Safety Officer. This table will be used to observe the loading of any/all weapons used by a Regulator during a single performance. Only one Regulator may load at a time and must properly display a cleared weapon(s) prior to any one weapon being loaded. Once cleared weapons have been established, the Regulator may commence loading any/all weapons he/she is required to use during the scenario. The Safety Officer will then issue the required blank ammunition for that particular performance to the Regulator. Special safety must be used to ensure all single action pistols are loaded with five rounds only and the hammer resting on an empty chamber. Lever action rifles and shotguns are loaded with the action closed and no round chambered. Double barrel shotguns are loaded and hammers are in the uncocked position. Once that is completed, the Regulator may secure their arms and place them in their holsters or hold their level action rifles/shotguns. At no time should a Regulator leave their loaded weapon unattended. Should that happen, the Regulator must immediately take the firearm to the unloading area and properly clear the weapon.
* After a single performance, each Regulator must clear all weapons. An unloading table will be established and manned by a Regulator, not necessarily the Safety Officer. Only one Regulator may unload and clear their weapons at a time. Each Regulator will unload their weapons and demonstrate empty chambers and open action to the person manning the unloading table. Only after demonstrating this may a Regulator remove his/her weapons from the unloading table, placing single action pistols in their holsters and staging his/her rifles/shotguns with actions open into the Regulator gun rack.
* Any unused blank ammunition must be unloaded and immediately turned into the Safety Officer. Blank ammunition/black powder charges my also be safely and courteously discharged after each performance. Weapons discharging should not take place in a manner that is likely to disrupt or disturb another nearby living history program or livestock unaccustomed to gunfire. A warning must be given prior to discharging any remaining blank ammunition, i.e., “Fire in the Hole.”
* Any blank rounds or weapons dropped on the ground during a single performance are considered “dead” and must be left on the ground until the performance has concluded. Any bores coming into contact with the ground will also constitute a “dead” weapon and must be left on the ground until the performance has concluded. At that point, the Regulator may retrieve their weapon and take it to the unloading table for proper clearance. Any loose blank ammunition secured must be immediately turned into the Safety Officer.
9. All dummy bullets in cartridge belts must have the powder removed and the primers discharged or removed prior to any event. No dummy bullets will be loaded into any weapon that will be also loaded with a blank round. No blank round will be loaded into any weapon whose barrel has not been first inspected for and cleared of debris or other obstructions.
10. Minors (15 years and under) are not permitted to carry or discharge a firearm. The only exception will be replica non-firing firearms used during a living history event. These must be treated as real firearms and must never leave the lashed holster.
11. A safety perimeter must be defined both in front and behind the sets or performing area. A device (tape, rope, fence, etc.) must be in place to separate the show area from the spectators. When possible, safety officers should be placed in strategic locations to protect the safety perimeter from being crossed by unaware spectators or small children.
12. No Regulator shall allow a non-member (spectator) to handle any firearm used or expected to be used in any demonstration or scenario. Regulators may display such a weapon only while holding and maintaining firm control of said weapon. Regulators must immediately summon the Safety Officer or senior Regulator present before consenting to a search or surrender control of any weapon to a law enforcement officer or event coordinator. The Safety Officer or senior Regulator present has the responsibility to ascertain the competency of the person making the request and should summon additional supervision if there is a legal or safety question. Regulators should implicitly explain that this is for their safety as well as ours. No Regulator shall physically resist an illegal seizure of a weapon by a law enforcement officer.
13. No Regulator shall point a firearm in the direction of a spectator or non-member. No Regulator shall fire directly at an opponent or animal. When firing blanks from any weapon a safe firing distance must be maintained for spectators and fellow re-enactors. It is recommended that when you are firing a shotgun, you maintain a safety distance of 30 feet. When firing a handgun or carbine it is recommended you maintain a 10 foot safe firing distance.
14. No Regulator may lay down a weapon and leave it unattended.
15. Any weapon to be discharged in an enclosed space must be in conjunction with proper safety precautions, including but not limited to hearing and fire protection.
16. Members shall use the lightest load of blank ammunition consistent with the needs of the scenario. To test blank ammunition for a safe firing distance, a white paper plate distance and splatter test should be performed by the Armorer. If the blank ammunition tested fails, don’t use it. 5 – in – 1 blanks or appropriate cartridge blanks are recommended.
17. Regulators may carry a firearm onto property of any public or private school only with the express written permission of the principal officer or school board and must have on his/her person a copy of the permission slip at all times.
18. If a member is injured and requires immediate emergency medical attention, he should use the safe-word “Medic” to signal his situation to other re-enactors. This word is never to be used under any other circumstance other than to summon help and to immediately halt a scenario that could further endanger or impede aid to the injured.
19. At the conclusion of any scenario, the word “Resurrect” shall be used to announce to all ‘dead’ participants that the performance has concluded and they can resume activities including recovering spent casings, clothing and other accoutrements.
20. Any spectator or non-member who becomes a hazard to the Regulators, other spectators or themselves should be reported to the senior Regulator present. This spectator will then be reported to the event coordinator or law enforcement personnel present.